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So Thirsty
A woman must learn to take life by the throat after a night out leads to irrevocable changes in this juicy, thrilling novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Such Sharp Teeth and Black Sheep.
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.
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.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2024
About the author
Rachel Harrison
7 books3,482 followersRachel Harrison is the author of The Return, nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her short fiction has appeared in Guernica and Electric Lit. She lives in New York with her husband and their cat/overlord.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,370 reviews
September 23, 2024
I could’ve read 100 more pages of this book. Such a blast, and once again Rachel Harrison finds a way to speak directly to my soul. LOVED.
November 7, 2024
Another feminist-themed, paranormal thriller comes from Rachel Harrison: this time, she takes us into the irresistible charm of a bloodthirsty vampire's mysterious, dark universe.
The story revolves around two best friends who are polar opposites but have proved their loyalty to each other for years, despite tragic events that changed the course of their lives and the paths they've chosen. Sloane Parker, who lost control of her life at a young age, takes her wake-up call in a different way by choosing the safe side: a mediocre executive job at a food company and a mediocre husband who keeps cheating on her. Each day she looks at her reflection in the mirror, she realizes something slowly dies inside of her.
Her best friend, Naomi, chose the wild life path, working with the band where her longtime on-and-off lover is the lead singer, traveling around the world, attending parties, doing drugs, and socializing with different carefree people like her. She seems happy with her unpredictable life path, even though she's leashed to her lover financially, which is not a big win.
When Sloane's husband, Joel, arranges a retreat - a weekend getaway for her that she may spend with her best friend Naomi, who will meet her flying from Germany, instead of being thankful, she gets more dreadful. Especially her 36th birthday does not give her enough excitement, and the probable secret agenda of her husband to drag her out of their house rattles her.
But at least she will meet her best friend, whom she hasn't seen for a long time, and she can enjoy pleasant time in the facilities of the retreat. But what she doesn’t know is Naomi’s plans to push her to live a little wild, which results in finding themselves in an ancient mansion with a group of European people who have wild tastes for celebration.
When Sloane decides to leave the place, her meeting with a mysterious, charismatic stranger named Henry, who might be the first person she can confess her life struggles to, turns into something more intimate. But when she starts questioning the real owner of the mansion, things get out of control, something dangerous gets unleashed, which turns their night into a nightmare.
After that eventful night, nothing will stay the same for them. Is it a curse, or is it a life vest to a person who is drowning? What if this change might be a new beginning for their lives if they handle their thirst appropriately? Could they manage to do that?
Overall, this is an entertaining, dark, bleak, fast-paced page-turner and another great paranormal thriller from the author who never disappoints us! I highly recommend it to genre lovers and devoted fans of Rachel Harrison.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this unputdownable horror novel’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
The story revolves around two best friends who are polar opposites but have proved their loyalty to each other for years, despite tragic events that changed the course of their lives and the paths they've chosen. Sloane Parker, who lost control of her life at a young age, takes her wake-up call in a different way by choosing the safe side: a mediocre executive job at a food company and a mediocre husband who keeps cheating on her. Each day she looks at her reflection in the mirror, she realizes something slowly dies inside of her.
Her best friend, Naomi, chose the wild life path, working with the band where her longtime on-and-off lover is the lead singer, traveling around the world, attending parties, doing drugs, and socializing with different carefree people like her. She seems happy with her unpredictable life path, even though she's leashed to her lover financially, which is not a big win.
When Sloane's husband, Joel, arranges a retreat - a weekend getaway for her that she may spend with her best friend Naomi, who will meet her flying from Germany, instead of being thankful, she gets more dreadful. Especially her 36th birthday does not give her enough excitement, and the probable secret agenda of her husband to drag her out of their house rattles her.
But at least she will meet her best friend, whom she hasn't seen for a long time, and she can enjoy pleasant time in the facilities of the retreat. But what she doesn’t know is Naomi’s plans to push her to live a little wild, which results in finding themselves in an ancient mansion with a group of European people who have wild tastes for celebration.
When Sloane decides to leave the place, her meeting with a mysterious, charismatic stranger named Henry, who might be the first person she can confess her life struggles to, turns into something more intimate. But when she starts questioning the real owner of the mansion, things get out of control, something dangerous gets unleashed, which turns their night into a nightmare.
After that eventful night, nothing will stay the same for them. Is it a curse, or is it a life vest to a person who is drowning? What if this change might be a new beginning for their lives if they handle their thirst appropriately? Could they manage to do that?
Overall, this is an entertaining, dark, bleak, fast-paced page-turner and another great paranormal thriller from the author who never disappoints us! I highly recommend it to genre lovers and devoted fans of Rachel Harrison.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this unputdownable horror novel’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 6, 2024
**3.5-stars heavily rounded up**
I feel so bad. My head hurts. I have many mixed feelings on So Thirsty. I love Rachel Harrison, and her quirky Cozy Horror style, but this wasn't great for me.
Unfortunately, I was mainly bored. It took me close to a month to finish. I just felt no sense of urgency, or compulsion to pick it up again once I had set it down.
This is the 6th-book I have read of Harrison's, most of which I have adored, but this one is down there on the list. If not the bottom, it is close.
However, even Harrison's slowest story for me is better than many others, so there's that.
In this story we follow Sloane, who at the start of the tale is gifted a Girls Trip from her husband for her birthday. She, along with her best friend, Naomi, will be staying in a cozy rental cottage for the weekend.
Sloane wasn't looking forward to her birthday, but reconnecting with Naomi, somewhere away from home does sound like a relief. Sloane and her husband have been having some issues and it's been weighing heavily on her.
Naomi lives a completely different lifestyle, traveling the world with her rock star boyfriend, and she's always good for a distraction.
Once there though, Sloane still doesn't feel into it. Naomi literally has to drag the smiles out of her. It's a struggle and their relationship seems to be feeling the strain.
The second night there, Naomi has something a little irregular in the cards for them. A house party with an attractive group of mysterious strangers.
That's the night that will change their lives forever.
Generally with Rachel Harrison's books, I become attached and invested in the main character. Usually, I find them highly relatable and more often than not, feel like they think, or see the world, very similarly to me.
But I just couldn't connect with Sloane. I didn't care for her, she felt like a rain cloud. Sadly, I couldn't stand Naomi either. I found them both insufferable. Sloane seemed like such a Debbie Downer and Naomi was a selfish, self-centered twat the majority of the time.
I did enjoy the Horror concepts and how a lot of the action played out, I just wish it would have been with a different cast of characters.
The 4-stars are for the vampire bits and the scenes involving body horror and dangerous circumstances. I actually feel like I am being quite generous as I now sit here reflecting upon this reading experience.
Nevertheless, you can't fault Harrison's writing style, or her ability to create nuanced characters, whether or not I personally enjoy them. I know so many Readers have loved this one, so I feel like a lot of it will depend on how much you're able to connect with Sloane and Naomi's story.
I will say the first half did work more for me than the second. Around the halfway point, it started to drag, even though, one would think because of the timeline of events, the second half should have been more exciting.
I think perhaps I was just over Sloane and Naomi by then.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Regardless of how salty I sound, I do absolutely adore this author and am looking forward to reading whatever she chooses to deliver us next!
I feel so bad. My head hurts. I have many mixed feelings on So Thirsty. I love Rachel Harrison, and her quirky Cozy Horror style, but this wasn't great for me.
Unfortunately, I was mainly bored. It took me close to a month to finish. I just felt no sense of urgency, or compulsion to pick it up again once I had set it down.
This is the 6th-book I have read of Harrison's, most of which I have adored, but this one is down there on the list. If not the bottom, it is close.
However, even Harrison's slowest story for me is better than many others, so there's that.
In this story we follow Sloane, who at the start of the tale is gifted a Girls Trip from her husband for her birthday. She, along with her best friend, Naomi, will be staying in a cozy rental cottage for the weekend.
Sloane wasn't looking forward to her birthday, but reconnecting with Naomi, somewhere away from home does sound like a relief. Sloane and her husband have been having some issues and it's been weighing heavily on her.
Naomi lives a completely different lifestyle, traveling the world with her rock star boyfriend, and she's always good for a distraction.
Once there though, Sloane still doesn't feel into it. Naomi literally has to drag the smiles out of her. It's a struggle and their relationship seems to be feeling the strain.
The second night there, Naomi has something a little irregular in the cards for them. A house party with an attractive group of mysterious strangers.
That's the night that will change their lives forever.
Generally with Rachel Harrison's books, I become attached and invested in the main character. Usually, I find them highly relatable and more often than not, feel like they think, or see the world, very similarly to me.
But I just couldn't connect with Sloane. I didn't care for her, she felt like a rain cloud. Sadly, I couldn't stand Naomi either. I found them both insufferable. Sloane seemed like such a Debbie Downer and Naomi was a selfish, self-centered twat the majority of the time.
I did enjoy the Horror concepts and how a lot of the action played out, I just wish it would have been with a different cast of characters.
The 4-stars are for the vampire bits and the scenes involving body horror and dangerous circumstances. I actually feel like I am being quite generous as I now sit here reflecting upon this reading experience.
Nevertheless, you can't fault Harrison's writing style, or her ability to create nuanced characters, whether or not I personally enjoy them. I know so many Readers have loved this one, so I feel like a lot of it will depend on how much you're able to connect with Sloane and Naomi's story.
I will say the first half did work more for me than the second. Around the halfway point, it started to drag, even though, one would think because of the timeline of events, the second half should have been more exciting.
I think perhaps I was just over Sloane and Naomi by then.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Regardless of how salty I sound, I do absolutely adore this author and am looking forward to reading whatever she chooses to deliver us next!
August 24, 2024
I found a book that’s just in time for the Fall/Halloween season! This book delivered on every aspect- it was fun, fast-paced, and it was a bit creepy 🧛🏻♀️ This was my second read by Rachel Harrison, but moving forward I know she will be a go-to author for me.
In this story we have our main character Sloane, who is not looking forward to her 36th birthday. She is starting to notice lines in her forehead that were never there before, crows feet around her eyes, and just not feeling very attractive like she used to. Although her husband doesn’t make her feel very desirable, so there’s that. One thing her husband does do for her however, is plan a surprise weekend getaway for Sloane and her best friend Naomi. Sloane isn’t too pleased about this situation, as she doesn’t like surprises.
Upon meeting Naomi for the weekend at the cottage, Sloane is not sure of the plans Naomi has in store for them. After meeting a handsome man at a bar they were at, Naomi decides they should go back to his place for a party the next night. At this party, things start to get out of control and Sloane and Naomi will never be the same again. Both women learn what it’s like to live for themselves once again, and to be desired. They also learn that nothing can tear apart their friendship. They will be friends forever…
I had fun with this book and did not want it to end. I loved Sloane’s character and resonated with her on feelings of getting older, past mistakes, and friendships. I highly recommend reading this book, because after you have finished reading it- you will be thirsty. Very thirsty for more from this author 🍷
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date is: September 10, 2024.
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Horror
In this story we have our main character Sloane, who is not looking forward to her 36th birthday. She is starting to notice lines in her forehead that were never there before, crows feet around her eyes, and just not feeling very attractive like she used to. Although her husband doesn’t make her feel very desirable, so there’s that. One thing her husband does do for her however, is plan a surprise weekend getaway for Sloane and her best friend Naomi. Sloane isn’t too pleased about this situation, as she doesn’t like surprises.
Upon meeting Naomi for the weekend at the cottage, Sloane is not sure of the plans Naomi has in store for them. After meeting a handsome man at a bar they were at, Naomi decides they should go back to his place for a party the next night. At this party, things start to get out of control and Sloane and Naomi will never be the same again. Both women learn what it’s like to live for themselves once again, and to be desired. They also learn that nothing can tear apart their friendship. They will be friends forever…
I had fun with this book and did not want it to end. I loved Sloane’s character and resonated with her on feelings of getting older, past mistakes, and friendships. I highly recommend reading this book, because after you have finished reading it- you will be thirsty. Very thirsty for more from this author 🍷
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date is: September 10, 2024.
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Horror
September 2, 2024
So Thirsty is my second book from Rachel Harrison and she’s quickly becoming an author that im keeping my eye on for any future releases. i went into this book thinking it’d be just a fun vampire time and while it was that, it was also so much more. the topics of love, friendship, identity and mortality were touched on in a really great way throughout this book. i loved it.
”how do we know the difference between a curse and a cure?”
Sloane and Naomi are two women who have been best friends all their lives— they’re polar opposites but somehow have managed to truly understand and lean on eachother through everything. until one night where they get invited to a party of sorts, only to find out the other group are actually vampires. this leads to a situation where Sloane and Rowan get turned, leaving them to deal with their newfound unquenchable thirst. i loved the vampire side characters and the romance between Sloane and Henry. the bits of horror added were a nice touch too. i just loved seeing the characters learn to fully embrace themselves and have a new perspective on life and the things they want out of it without having to settle.. this was a pleasant surprise!
⇢ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc, all opinions are my own.
”how do we know the difference between a curse and a cure?”
Sloane and Naomi are two women who have been best friends all their lives— they’re polar opposites but somehow have managed to truly understand and lean on eachother through everything. until one night where they get invited to a party of sorts, only to find out the other group are actually vampires. this leads to a situation where Sloane and Rowan get turned, leaving them to deal with their newfound unquenchable thirst. i loved the vampire side characters and the romance between Sloane and Henry. the bits of horror added were a nice touch too. i just loved seeing the characters learn to fully embrace themselves and have a new perspective on life and the things they want out of it without having to settle.. this was a pleasant surprise!
⇢ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc, all opinions are my own.
September 10, 2024
I am always thirsty for Rachel Harrison's books! So Thirsty did not disappoint! Believe me when I say, you will want to sink your teeth into this bloody good book! This is a great book to add to your fall, spooky season reading!
Sloane Parker is not looking forward to her birthday this year, another trip around the sun just reminds her that she is getting older. When her husband surprises her with a weekend away with her best friend, Naomi, she looks forward to spending time with her spunky, live life to the fullest best friend!
Slone wants wine tastings; Naomi wants fun but neither envisioned their weekend would be so bloody life changing. An invitation to a party at a local home changed everything for both Sloane and Naomi.
I found So Thirsty to be a fun, entertaining, and enjoyable book. I enjoyed the characters and their plight. This book focuses on friendship, life changing events, growth, decisions, living, and taking chances.
Rachel Harrison has delivered yet again!
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Sloane Parker is not looking forward to her birthday this year, another trip around the sun just reminds her that she is getting older. When her husband surprises her with a weekend away with her best friend, Naomi, she looks forward to spending time with her spunky, live life to the fullest best friend!
Slone wants wine tastings; Naomi wants fun but neither envisioned their weekend would be so bloody life changing. An invitation to a party at a local home changed everything for both Sloane and Naomi.
I found So Thirsty to be a fun, entertaining, and enjoyable book. I enjoyed the characters and their plight. This book focuses on friendship, life changing events, growth, decisions, living, and taking chances.
Rachel Harrison has delivered yet again!
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
September 14, 2024
“She’s not just my best friend. She’s my youth.”
Ugh it literally pains me to write this review. First things first, I love Rachel Harrison. She is one of my absolute favorite horror authors. I also absolutely love vampires and “good for her” type stories. I was THRILLED to find out Rachel wrote a vampire novel but this was…so, so bad. This book had me annoyed/angry the entire time I was reading but I stuck it out because I have never been let down by this author before.
HOWEVER there was so much that bothered me, for starters:
Our two main characters Naomi and Sloane are best friends for some reason even though they bicker and bring out the worst in each-other the entire book. They are mid thirties but act like high school/freshman year college students at best. I figured we would see some character growth as the story progressed to make it worth it but no. There’s no growth. They just get more annoying but now they get to drink blood. That’s it.
Sloane is constantly referencing her age like she’s a nursing home resident reminiscing about her youth.
“I was maybe pretty when I was younger.” Girl you are 36 not 96 calm TF down 🤣🤣🤣
The insta-love was so strong and unbelievable here I could not get behind it and this isn’t even a trope that bothers me. It just literally made zero sense here.
It was boring. This added nothing to the vampire mythos. It was mainly a book about toxic friends who have no idea they are toxic and I guess neither did the author cause she definitely tried to make their friendship seem like a good thing that needed to be preserved.
Anyways, I still love Rachel as an author and will buy everything she writes in the future. I will just pretend Blade shows up at some point in the future and gives Naomi and Sloane the endings they clearly needed (especially Naomi omg.)
Ugh it literally pains me to write this review. First things first, I love Rachel Harrison. She is one of my absolute favorite horror authors. I also absolutely love vampires and “good for her” type stories. I was THRILLED to find out Rachel wrote a vampire novel but this was…so, so bad. This book had me annoyed/angry the entire time I was reading but I stuck it out because I have never been let down by this author before.
HOWEVER there was so much that bothered me, for starters:
Our two main characters Naomi and Sloane are best friends for some reason even though they bicker and bring out the worst in each-other the entire book. They are mid thirties but act like high school/freshman year college students at best. I figured we would see some character growth as the story progressed to make it worth it but no. There’s no growth. They just get more annoying but now they get to drink blood. That’s it.
Sloane is constantly referencing her age like she’s a nursing home resident reminiscing about her youth.
“I was maybe pretty when I was younger.” Girl you are 36 not 96 calm TF down 🤣🤣🤣
The insta-love was so strong and unbelievable here I could not get behind it and this isn’t even a trope that bothers me. It just literally made zero sense here.
It was boring. This added nothing to the vampire mythos. It was mainly a book about toxic friends who have no idea they are toxic and I guess neither did the author cause she definitely tried to make their friendship seem like a good thing that needed to be preserved.
Anyways, I still love Rachel as an author and will buy everything she writes in the future. I will just pretend Blade shows up at some point in the future and gives Naomi and Sloane the endings they clearly needed (especially Naomi omg.)
September 10, 2024
Rachel Harrison's writing had me absolutely hooked from the moment I cracked open this book. As I delved into the world she crafted, I found myself instantly drawn in by her storytelling prowess, her vibrant characters, and her ability to weave intricate plots that kept me turning pages late into the night.
First up, we've got Sloane Parker, your typical gal feeling stuck with her life. She's dreading her birthday like nobody's business, and her hubby's surprise getaway seems like just the ticket to shake things up. But little does she know, this weekend is about to get way more lit than she ever imagined, thanks to her BFF Naomi.
Naomi is the definition of trouble with a capital T, and I am living for it! She's all about living life to the max, and she's determined to drag Sloane along for the ride. From wild nights out to run-ins with mysterious strangers, this getaway takes a turn for the supernatural, and I am here for every spooky moment!
But it's not just about the thrills—this book has major heart too. Sloane and Naomi's friendship? Total goals! They've got each other's backs through thick and thin, and watching them navigate the craziness together is like a warm hug for the soul. And don't even get me started on the hilarious moments, like trying to do makeup without a mirror.
And let's talk about Rachel Harrison's take on vampires. It's like nothing I've ever seen before—equal parts chilling and captivating. The way she weaves the supernatural elements into the story is seriously impressive, and I couldn't get enough of it!
"So Thirsty" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good vampire tale with a side of friendship goals. Rachel Harrison totally nails it, and I can't wait to read more of her works!
First up, we've got Sloane Parker, your typical gal feeling stuck with her life. She's dreading her birthday like nobody's business, and her hubby's surprise getaway seems like just the ticket to shake things up. But little does she know, this weekend is about to get way more lit than she ever imagined, thanks to her BFF Naomi.
Naomi is the definition of trouble with a capital T, and I am living for it! She's all about living life to the max, and she's determined to drag Sloane along for the ride. From wild nights out to run-ins with mysterious strangers, this getaway takes a turn for the supernatural, and I am here for every spooky moment!
But it's not just about the thrills—this book has major heart too. Sloane and Naomi's friendship? Total goals! They've got each other's backs through thick and thin, and watching them navigate the craziness together is like a warm hug for the soul. And don't even get me started on the hilarious moments, like trying to do makeup without a mirror.
And let's talk about Rachel Harrison's take on vampires. It's like nothing I've ever seen before—equal parts chilling and captivating. The way she weaves the supernatural elements into the story is seriously impressive, and I couldn't get enough of it!
"So Thirsty" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good vampire tale with a side of friendship goals. Rachel Harrison totally nails it, and I can't wait to read more of her works!
July 20, 2024
3 stars!
(started the last weekend in May, set it down for over a month, and picked it back up to finish)
Full review for my Patreon on Monday but here are some reading notes:
Themes:
Female friendships that evolve over time
Opposites attract/female friendship highlights women who chose very different paths in life
Infidelity/Staying in a loveless marriage/settling (kind of the main thrust of the book, hence the title)
Traveling/Retreat w/ a bestie
Toxic relationships
Vampires
Paranormal Romance
Identity
Consequences
..
Summing this one up in my own words, based on my reading experience, I would say that So Thirsty is in line with Harrison's other friendship-centered books like Cackle and The Return. The main character/narrator Sloane is unhappy with her marriage/life choices and goes on this retreat with her lifelong best friend, Naomi, who lives her life more independently and unhinged. The two women struggle to make sense of each other as they navigate traveling and making decisions--it seems like the gap between them is wider than it has been before so it's causing tension. To complicate things further, Naomi insists on going to a house party with some strangers--eager to step out of her comfort zone, Sloane acquiesces. This leads to a pretty significant, life-altering event.
I was entertained, that's why I finished. And I'm thankful for the Epilogue, but I honestly wanted more from this one. Recommending to Rachel Harrison fans, fans of horror centered around the female experience, and paranormal romance/Twilight fans (this one will satisfy)
(started the last weekend in May, set it down for over a month, and picked it back up to finish)
Full review for my Patreon on Monday but here are some reading notes:
Themes:
Female friendships that evolve over time
Opposites attract/female friendship highlights women who chose very different paths in life
Infidelity/Staying in a loveless marriage/settling (kind of the main thrust of the book, hence the title)
Traveling/Retreat w/ a bestie
Toxic relationships
Vampires
Paranormal Romance
Identity
Consequences
..
Summing this one up in my own words, based on my reading experience, I would say that So Thirsty is in line with Harrison's other friendship-centered books like Cackle and The Return. The main character/narrator Sloane is unhappy with her marriage/life choices and goes on this retreat with her lifelong best friend, Naomi, who lives her life more independently and unhinged. The two women struggle to make sense of each other as they navigate traveling and making decisions--it seems like the gap between them is wider than it has been before so it's causing tension. To complicate things further, Naomi insists on going to a house party with some strangers--eager to step out of her comfort zone, Sloane acquiesces. This leads to a pretty significant, life-altering event.
I was entertained, that's why I finished. And I'm thankful for the Epilogue, but I honestly wanted more from this one. Recommending to Rachel Harrison fans, fans of horror centered around the female experience, and paranormal romance/Twilight fans (this one will satisfy)
August 19, 2024
i just don’t think this author is for me, like this book was fine but for some reason i just expected more from it. how many times is the author going to write about female friendships like we get it! i’ve only read two books by her but both focus on the same thing? it seems like it’s the same but just with different paranormal creatures. at least start making these girls sapphic or something idk!
June 23, 2024
Full of Harrison’s signature wit, this was a glorious look at the bonds of a forever friendship and choosing yourself, and was a bloody fun read!
September 14, 2024
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison was my first read from her, and honestly, I’m at a loss for how to rate it! I didn’t enjoy it at all. It felt boring, with nothing exciting or comforting to hold onto throughout the story. I know a lot of people are loving it, and that makes me feel a bit bad for giving it 2 stars, but I have to be honest—it just wasn’t for me. 😕
There wasn’t a single moment that hooked me, and the plot felt so flat that I struggled to find anything to enjoy. What was supposed to be a thrilling, juicy novel didn’t live up to any of that hype. I won’t be picking up more from this author anytime soon, that’s for sure. If I had to sum up my experience, it would be a total disappointment. 😬 I wouldn’t recommend this one, but hey, maybe others have different tastes. 🤷♀️
✧ Female friendship 👯♀️
✧ Surprise getaway 🌄
✧ Troubled marriage 💔
✧ Paranormal romance 🧛♂️
✧ Bad decisions night 🥂
✧ Vampires 🩸
✧ Wild child friend x responsible friend 🌪️
✧ Midlife crisis 🎂
I guess it just wasn’t my cup of tea!
There wasn’t a single moment that hooked me, and the plot felt so flat that I struggled to find anything to enjoy. What was supposed to be a thrilling, juicy novel didn’t live up to any of that hype. I won’t be picking up more from this author anytime soon, that’s for sure. If I had to sum up my experience, it would be a total disappointment. 😬 I wouldn’t recommend this one, but hey, maybe others have different tastes. 🤷♀️
✧ Female friendship 👯♀️
✧ Surprise getaway 🌄
✧ Troubled marriage 💔
✧ Paranormal romance 🧛♂️
✧ Bad decisions night 🥂
✧ Vampires 🩸
✧ Wild child friend x responsible friend 🌪️
✧ Midlife crisis 🎂
I guess it just wasn’t my cup of tea!
October 18, 2024
ARC just dropped!
This was... fine? I got the ARC but didn't read it in time for release and ended up buying the audiobook instead to get through the book as I went about my day. It's a quick listen (around 4 hours) if you do it at 2x. The narration was great. I was familiar with the narrator's work; her performance is always stellar. The story itself is good but not exactly what I expected of a horror novel about novels. Maybe I went into this with the wrong expectations, but this is more of a story of a woman discovering herself than it is about vampirism, with some gore and body horror sprinkled here and there.
Overall it's a good book, but if you're looking for something super dark and gory it may not be the book for you.
Thank you Netgally for the ARC.
September 16, 2024
4.5 stars
Rachel Harrison, I would read your shopping list
Rachel Harrison, I would read your shopping list
September 5, 2024
3.0 Stars
This is a cute novel that walks the line between contemporary fiction and something a little darker. I have read this author before so I wasn't surprised by this mix of genres.
I wish I had been more engaged in this story but struggled to invest in the plot. I think this is a hard genre to make fresh because there are already so many books like this one getting published.
I think Rachel Harrison’s books are most successful when she explores less familiar plots because this one really suffered from comparison.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a cute novel that walks the line between contemporary fiction and something a little darker. I have read this author before so I wasn't surprised by this mix of genres.
I wish I had been more engaged in this story but struggled to invest in the plot. I think this is a hard genre to make fresh because there are already so many books like this one getting published.
I think Rachel Harrison’s books are most successful when she explores less familiar plots because this one really suffered from comparison.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 27, 2024
im so sad this was a female friendship-centric book 🫠 other than the commentary on themes of being a woman and things changing as you get older, i was so bored except the parts with ms. alice & the semi-gory tongue scene towards the end. big sigh. another anticipated release BITES the dust
August 15, 2024
There is no plot in this book. Just a story and a day to day of what happens when two girls suddenly become vampires. I kept seeing this book thinking it would be great and it's not. Super easy and quick read, but no plot and anticlimactic.
Two girls go up north for one's birthday party. They meet a good looking stranger which in turn gets them invited to an orgy and then one way or another to save one characters life she has to be turned into a vampire so they both get turned. Rest of the story is just them traveling and drinking people.
No Spice. Very disappointed. I saw this book on giveaways multiple times, and it looked so cool :(
Two girls go up north for one's birthday party. They meet a good looking stranger which in turn gets them invited to an orgy and then one way or another to save one characters life she has to be turned into a vampire so they both get turned. Rest of the story is just them traveling and drinking people.
No Spice. Very disappointed. I saw this book on giveaways multiple times, and it looked so cool :(
October 6, 2024
“Aging isn't just about our bodies decaying while we're still inside them. It's about living with the accumulation of experiences. The heavy burden of the ugly ones, the longing for the beautiful.”
Meh, this was a mildly enjoyable brisk walk of a story. It doesn’t quench your thirst to read a whole book and feel like the author didn’t say much. It was quick, light-footed, and somewhat entertaining like watching the elf Legolas in Lord of the Rings mount a foe beast.
Special thanx and appreciation to Scott Neumann, my reading buddy on this one. I enjoyed your company more than the book. I’ve been like the Tasmanian Devil in a whirlwind trying to adjust to my first time on social media. Thank you for your patience and understanding through it all. You rock. I’d do a Buddy Read with you anytime my friend. Or ya know, rob a hospital blood bank if we were vampires and you were thirsty, so thirsty.
Meh, this was a mildly enjoyable brisk walk of a story. It doesn’t quench your thirst to read a whole book and feel like the author didn’t say much. It was quick, light-footed, and somewhat entertaining like watching the elf Legolas in Lord of the Rings mount a foe beast.
Special thanx and appreciation to Scott Neumann, my reading buddy on this one. I enjoyed your company more than the book. I’ve been like the Tasmanian Devil in a whirlwind trying to adjust to my first time on social media. Thank you for your patience and understanding through it all. You rock. I’d do a Buddy Read with you anytime my friend. Or ya know, rob a hospital blood bank if we were vampires and you were thirsty, so thirsty.
September 10, 2024
THIS WAS INCREDIBLE. 😭 Rachel Harrison is officially a fav author. Since the book is out tomorrow, updating below with my full review:
This was eerie, weirdly cozy, creepy, unhinged, hilarious, and everything in between, but most of all, PHENOMENAL. It was impossible to put down and so easy to read, I don't even know what it is about Harrison's writing but it's just so incredibly sharp and witty and flawless. .
The story follows Sloane, a 36 year old that leads a mundane life. She's married to an awful cheater of a husband, but chooses to stay because she fears what change would entail. She's comfortable with her life and is in a phase where she really does not want to take any risks. Her bestie, Naomi, is the total opposite and a complete free spirit. The cheater husband sets up a birthday vacation for the two (guess what he's up to while she's away...gross) and they end up at a remote winter cabin.
The two encounter a strange and weirdly hypnotic group of people who turn out to be (not a spoiler) VAMPIRES. It felt very Cullen family but more unhinged. As they go over to the pseudo-Cullens' place - Sloane in particular is drawn in by one of the vampires who is instantly also mystified by her. Turns out, these vampires have a ton of secrets and Sloane and Naomi quickly get tied up in their antics. They go on quite the journey (literal and metaphorical) and the fun truly never stops.
This was atmospheric (snowy winter vibes), hilarious, eerie, creepy (more heavy on the overt horror elements than Harrisons' others books) and strangely heartwarming. It's about friendship, self-discovery, change, ageing and different life stages. Touches on so many beautiful concepts without ever feeling cheesy. Loved it.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & Netgalley for the ARC! <3
This was eerie, weirdly cozy, creepy, unhinged, hilarious, and everything in between, but most of all, PHENOMENAL. It was impossible to put down and so easy to read, I don't even know what it is about Harrison's writing but it's just so incredibly sharp and witty and flawless. .
The story follows Sloane, a 36 year old that leads a mundane life. She's married to an awful cheater of a husband, but chooses to stay because she fears what change would entail. She's comfortable with her life and is in a phase where she really does not want to take any risks. Her bestie, Naomi, is the total opposite and a complete free spirit. The cheater husband sets up a birthday vacation for the two (guess what he's up to while she's away...gross) and they end up at a remote winter cabin.
The two encounter a strange and weirdly hypnotic group of people who turn out to be (not a spoiler) VAMPIRES. It felt very Cullen family but more unhinged. As they go over to the pseudo-Cullens' place - Sloane in particular is drawn in by one of the vampires who is instantly also mystified by her. Turns out, these vampires have a ton of secrets and Sloane and Naomi quickly get tied up in their antics. They go on quite the journey (literal and metaphorical) and the fun truly never stops.
This was atmospheric (snowy winter vibes), hilarious, eerie, creepy (more heavy on the overt horror elements than Harrisons' others books) and strangely heartwarming. It's about friendship, self-discovery, change, ageing and different life stages. Touches on so many beautiful concepts without ever feeling cheesy. Loved it.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & Netgalley for the ARC! <3
November 4, 2024
Sloane leads a not so fulfilling life with her deadbeat cheater of a husband when he gifts her for her birthday a weekend away (from him) with her childhood friend Naomi, who happens to be the exact opposite of her responsible and tedious self – a wildly impulsive party animal.
Of all the things they could have done during their getaway, they decide to join an orgy with a group of squatters in an ancient house and end up being turned into vampires, as you do on such occasions.
The husband is quickly disposed of, but there’s this new problem, that unquenchable thirst…
Naomi is trouble. But she’s the kind of trouble I need.
From what I’ve read from Harrison before, which is everything she ever wrote and I’d read her shopping lists if she published them, I knew pretty much exactly what I was in for from the beginning. And I find comfort in that kind of familiarity. I have said it before and will say it with every new one of her books; I would love to be friends with her characters, would like to go drinking and on vacations with them, get in trouble and fight with them and along them only to, in the end, accept each other exactly as we are, flaws and all. Her friendship stories warm my heart and she did it again with So Thirsty, which is the story of every Virgo/ Sagittarius friendship, being completely opposite but somehow completing each other.
I’m going through a kind of slump right now and my brain feels like it can’t handle stuff I usually read, and Harrison’s part chick lit part horror trope novels always are a welcome stroll out of my comfort zone, quick to read. Will be waiting for her next.
Of all the things they could have done during their getaway, they decide to join an orgy with a group of squatters in an ancient house and end up being turned into vampires, as you do on such occasions.
The husband is quickly disposed of, but there’s this new problem, that unquenchable thirst…
Naomi is trouble. But she’s the kind of trouble I need.
From what I’ve read from Harrison before, which is everything she ever wrote and I’d read her shopping lists if she published them, I knew pretty much exactly what I was in for from the beginning. And I find comfort in that kind of familiarity. I have said it before and will say it with every new one of her books; I would love to be friends with her characters, would like to go drinking and on vacations with them, get in trouble and fight with them and along them only to, in the end, accept each other exactly as we are, flaws and all. Her friendship stories warm my heart and she did it again with So Thirsty, which is the story of every Virgo/ Sagittarius friendship, being completely opposite but somehow completing each other.
I’m going through a kind of slump right now and my brain feels like it can’t handle stuff I usually read, and Harrison’s part chick lit part horror trope novels always are a welcome stroll out of my comfort zone, quick to read. Will be waiting for her next.
July 17, 2024
I love Rachel Harrison's books so much and when I heard about her latest novel, SO THIRSTY, I knew that I wanted to prioritize it as soon as possible. Rachel Harrison creates the perfect cocktail of horror, contemporary fiction, feminist-empowering stories I've read in recent years, and and SO THIRSTY is no exception!
The story is centered around Sloane Parker and her friend Naomi. Sloane is about to celebrate her birthday and when her husband Joel surprises her with a weekend getaway with her friend Naomi, Sloane feels a bit concerned that he didn't want to spend it with her. Regardless, Sloane is excited to catch up with her chaos addicted friend and the two spend a weekend away at a nice bed and breakfast while enjoying wine tastings and relaxation. When Naomi plans a night out with Sloane, the two meet a group of people at the bar and are invited to their house for a party, but it quickly takes an unexpected turn. Sloane and Naomi must come to terms with what their new normal will be whether they like it or not.
SO THIRSTY is unique because it's a story about people turning into vampires and coming to accept it. There's so many metaphorical messages within this center of conflict that ring true for different types of things going on within peoples' lives. I found the journey of these new vampires utterly intriguing and also very satirical that I couldn't put it down and finished within two sittings. The is the ultimate testament to a good novel! I did not looooove the ending, as I felt like it ended a bit too early, but overall this book is an amazing installment in Rachel Harrison's rolodex of supernatural modern-day horror reads. If you've read and enjoyed any of this author's previous works, you will hands-down love this one. Rachel Harrison has become an auto-read author for me, so make sure you put this one on your TBR!
The story is centered around Sloane Parker and her friend Naomi. Sloane is about to celebrate her birthday and when her husband Joel surprises her with a weekend getaway with her friend Naomi, Sloane feels a bit concerned that he didn't want to spend it with her. Regardless, Sloane is excited to catch up with her chaos addicted friend and the two spend a weekend away at a nice bed and breakfast while enjoying wine tastings and relaxation. When Naomi plans a night out with Sloane, the two meet a group of people at the bar and are invited to their house for a party, but it quickly takes an unexpected turn. Sloane and Naomi must come to terms with what their new normal will be whether they like it or not.
SO THIRSTY is unique because it's a story about people turning into vampires and coming to accept it. There's so many metaphorical messages within this center of conflict that ring true for different types of things going on within peoples' lives. I found the journey of these new vampires utterly intriguing and also very satirical that I couldn't put it down and finished within two sittings. The is the ultimate testament to a good novel! I did not looooove the ending, as I felt like it ended a bit too early, but overall this book is an amazing installment in Rachel Harrison's rolodex of supernatural modern-day horror reads. If you've read and enjoyed any of this author's previous works, you will hands-down love this one. Rachel Harrison has become an auto-read author for me, so make sure you put this one on your TBR!
September 29, 2024
Rachel Harrison is the only author who can successfully pull off a combination of horror and heart warming to create a unique read that is both entertaining and unforgettable. So Thirsty is a spine-tingling, creepy, fun, adventure-filled story centered around the power of female friendships. The story also deals with the dread women face when growing older as well as how we get too complacent in our lives out of fear of change.
I loved both Sloane and Naomi! I could relate to both women. I also had a lot of fun getting to know the lady's new group of eccentric friends.
This is my 6th read by Harrison and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
I listened to the audiobook format which was narrated by the fantastic Brittany Pressley. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison was published on September 10 so it's available now. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
I loved both Sloane and Naomi! I could relate to both women. I also had a lot of fun getting to know the lady's new group of eccentric friends.
This is my 6th read by Harrison and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
I listened to the audiobook format which was narrated by the fantastic Brittany Pressley. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison was published on September 10 so it's available now. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
June 19, 2024
A unique entry into the vampire genre, Harrison delivers another thrilling feminist horror, sinking her fangs into the many complexities of friendship and the female experience, arguably the queen of creating female characters with so much depth and authenticity I feel slightly perverse and voyeuristic reading their inner most thoughts, she navigates her stories with sincerity and fearlessness laying bare the private thoughts of women everywhere in this deeply moving and at times cathartic read, true to Rachels style this has equal amounts of heart, humour and horror, a supernatural story about the power and importance of love and friendship
Thankyou @titanbooks for the eARC
Thankyou @titanbooks for the eARC
October 18, 2024
okay i really liked this book 👏🏼 a big high five to my girl Brittany Pressley on slaying another audiobook, as expected. her narration and the fun vampire vibes had me obsessed!
soooo, if you love vampires, you’ll enjoy this 🧛🏼🧛🏼🧛🏼 try it on audio version too.
i finished it in two listens and was thinking about it when i wasn’t listening. as a vampire lover (i watch THE VAMPIRE DIARIES every night before bed 365 days a year 😂😅🧛🏼) the plot of this book is low key my dream IRL 😆. so needless to say it was so fun to read about it coming to life. i’m going to keep that vague to avoid spoilers…
despite really liking it, i honestly toyed between 3.5-4 stars for this. the pacing was all over the place—the first 30% is quite a boring slow burn and the backhalf of the book felt random and rushed. also the ending happened WAY too quickly… i wanted a longer epilogue and to “see” it all play out vs leave it to the imagination. also, the MC’s were at times very annoying (especially Naomi) and the love story needed more development. also what Sloane did with her original love story was very unbelievable 😅😂
that said, i was looking for a quick, good audiobook with fall and vampire vibes and it hit the mark. it was definitely a right place / right time book and it got me in the fall + October spirit!
however this author is known for a bit more of her horror elements in thrillers and i didn’t feel any of that here. so if you’re familiar w her work, keep that in mind!
soooo, if you love vampires, you’ll enjoy this 🧛🏼🧛🏼🧛🏼 try it on audio version too.
i finished it in two listens and was thinking about it when i wasn’t listening. as a vampire lover (i watch THE VAMPIRE DIARIES every night before bed 365 days a year 😂😅🧛🏼) the plot of this book is low key my dream IRL 😆. so needless to say it was so fun to read about it coming to life. i’m going to keep that vague to avoid spoilers…
despite really liking it, i honestly toyed between 3.5-4 stars for this. the pacing was all over the place—the first 30% is quite a boring slow burn and the backhalf of the book felt random and rushed. also the ending happened WAY too quickly… i wanted a longer epilogue and to “see” it all play out vs leave it to the imagination. also, the MC’s were at times very annoying (especially Naomi) and the love story needed more development. also what Sloane did with her original love story was very unbelievable 😅😂
that said, i was looking for a quick, good audiobook with fall and vampire vibes and it hit the mark. it was definitely a right place / right time book and it got me in the fall + October spirit!
however this author is known for a bit more of her horror elements in thrillers and i didn’t feel any of that here. so if you’re familiar w her work, keep that in mind!
October 4, 2024
This is my least favorite of Rachel Harrison's books so far (minus The Return and Bad Dolls, which I haven't read yet), but I still had a good enough time. A very quick read. I can't lie, though. For how much I loved Black Sheep, this book is a let down for me. Mostly because I really disliked one of the two main characters (and I'm pretty sure we were meant to like her).
First of all, public service announcement to everybody, if your friends are not living a life that you think is really "living a life" keep your mouth shut and just be there for them. They didn't ask you for your shitty opinion of their enjoyment of staying in and eating and gentle vacations and not putting themselves in regular bodily harm for something that is not actually fucking fun. Anyway so I hated Naomi.
Our POV character, Sloane, isn't much better, first of all because she likes Naomi. And also because she is sort of pathetic, but only because she would rather be with a shitty man who cheats on her than be alone.
Anyway that all sounds super negative, but this book is very readable, and Harrison's take on vampires was fun and stressful to read. I just wish the characters this had been happening to were ones I cared about at all.
[3.5 stars]
First of all, public service announcement to everybody, if your friends are not living a life that you think is really "living a life" keep your mouth shut and just be there for them. They didn't ask you for your shitty opinion of their enjoyment of staying in and eating and gentle vacations and not putting themselves in regular bodily harm for something that is not actually fucking fun. Anyway so I hated Naomi.
Our POV character, Sloane, isn't much better, first of all because she likes Naomi. And also because she is sort of pathetic, but only because she would rather be with a shitty man who cheats on her than be alone.
Anyway that all sounds super negative, but this book is very readable, and Harrison's take on vampires was fun and stressful to read. I just wish the characters this had been happening to were ones I cared about at all.
[3.5 stars]
September 16, 2024
Hate hate hate hate this story!!!
This is truly terrible. Where is the plot? Where is it? Is the plot in the room with us? This is literally two girls, supposedly they are friends - doesn’t feel like it. They go to an orgy and become vampires. That sounds interesting but trust me, it’s not.
Then every sentence after that is Naomi attacking and killing people because of her thirst while Sloane yells at her for murdering people. That. Is. It.
This is truly terrible. Where is the plot? Where is it? Is the plot in the room with us? This is literally two girls, supposedly they are friends - doesn’t feel like it. They go to an orgy and become vampires. That sounds interesting but trust me, it’s not.
Then every sentence after that is Naomi attacking and killing people because of her thirst while Sloane yells at her for murdering people. That. Is. It.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was ridiculous, but the relationship between Sloane and Naomi was as real as Thelma and Louise. Come to think of it, almost feels like a it was inspired by the movie, vampire style 😂
October 6, 2024
Rachel Harrison is like emily henry for spooky girls, and I will not be explaining further
September 19, 2024
Started and finished in one day. Rachel Harrison’s writing style, insightful quotes, and unique paranormal stories has a way of making me ignore all my responsibilities.
I’m so happy she wrote a vampire novel this time 😍 She creates stories that make the paranormal feel REAL. I think that if someone was turned into a vampire, this is pretty much how things would go afterwards.
It wouldn’t be sexy. It would be filled with blood banks, self-reflection, confusion, guilt, regret, and a major revision of moral codes.
I also LOVE the way she turns women into vampires or werewolves before evolving into stronger, confident, and more powerful people because of it.
I couldn’t stop listening all day. I had to know how the story was going to unfold.
However, I couldn’t give this one a full 5 stars because there were some aspects that I didn’t enjoy.
My main issue was that I hated the female main character’s husband and her best friend, and they were a big part of the story.
Her best friend was a shit friend, reckless, selfish, incredibly loud and obnoxious, and bull dozed over her the entire book.
Her husband had been cheating on her basically for their entire 14 year marriage, with no remorse. He even plans a “birthday getaway” for her just as a way to fuck some woman at their house behind her back. And I feel like there was no satisfying resolution or even some revenge there.
In the beginning, I felt like I was forcing myself to push through insufferable characters to get to the vampire stuff.
I also didn’t find the romance satisfying in this one the way that I did in Such Sharp Teeth. In that book, I was rooting for them the entire time. But for this story, it was a subplot and more along the lines of a crush or infatuation.
I wish there was a more compelling slow burn romance involved to make up for the two characters that annoyed me.
Anyways, it wasn’t perfect, but I still enjoyed it! Rachel Harrison is definitely an auto buy author for me.
I’m so happy she wrote a vampire novel this time 😍 She creates stories that make the paranormal feel REAL. I think that if someone was turned into a vampire, this is pretty much how things would go afterwards.
It wouldn’t be sexy. It would be filled with blood banks, self-reflection, confusion, guilt, regret, and a major revision of moral codes.
I also LOVE the way she turns women into vampires or werewolves before evolving into stronger, confident, and more powerful people because of it.
I couldn’t stop listening all day. I had to know how the story was going to unfold.
However, I couldn’t give this one a full 5 stars because there were some aspects that I didn’t enjoy.
My main issue was that I hated the female main character’s husband and her best friend, and they were a big part of the story.
Her best friend was a shit friend, reckless, selfish, incredibly loud and obnoxious, and bull dozed over her the entire book.
Her husband had been cheating on her basically for their entire 14 year marriage, with no remorse. He even plans a “birthday getaway” for her just as a way to fuck some woman at their house behind her back. And I feel like there was no satisfying resolution or even some revenge there.
In the beginning, I felt like I was forcing myself to push through insufferable characters to get to the vampire stuff.
I also didn’t find the romance satisfying in this one the way that I did in Such Sharp Teeth. In that book, I was rooting for them the entire time. But for this story, it was a subplot and more along the lines of a crush or infatuation.
I wish there was a more compelling slow burn romance involved to make up for the two characters that annoyed me.
Anyways, it wasn’t perfect, but I still enjoyed it! Rachel Harrison is definitely an auto buy author for me.
September 4, 2024
I am a huge fan of Rachel Harrison and probably always will be. As soon as I see she has a new book coming out it gets immediately added to my TBR list. No, I don't know what it's about but I'm reading it.
I consider Rachel Harrisons work as "cozy horror." That being said, Thirsty has all of the same elements that I have grown to love from Harrisons books. To my surprise though, Thirsty has some surprising new elements! We've got some spicey scenes and bloody violence in this one! The cozy aspect of this book is the warm, at home, full trust feelings you have with your best friend. Even when things change and there are challenges, you work it through and your bond deepens.
The book is about two best friends who face a new life together as new born vampires. They drop their old human problems, including the problematic men in their old lives and they move on to greater, grander adventures. Learning to be vampires in a modern world.
There is a love interest but I didn't feel like it was exciting. They talked a lot about "Do you feel that? That connection between us?" And as a reader.... no, no I do not. What is there between you two? Cuz I don't see it. It felt juvenile and bland. No seasoning on that chicken thigh. I'm not really complaining though bc I'm not a fan of reading romance anyways.
On to the good stuff- there was blood. There was carnage. There was fighting scenes. There was brutality! There was what vampires do best.... besides those sexy time scenes. Yummm. It's not toooo graphic nor detailed. I feel like Harrison was dipping her toes into some new waters and she was testing it out. I'm all for it.
I actually wouldn't mind reading a sequel to this to see more character development, how they change and adapt to their new lives and become more bad ass. And I might be a little nuts but I got some Romy and Michelle (from Romy and Michells Highschool Reunion) vibes, along with The Lost Boys vibe reading this during certain scenes. I'm crazy tho.
As always, I enjoyed the journey Harrison put us on. Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for accepting me for this ARC for an honest review.
I consider Rachel Harrisons work as "cozy horror." That being said, Thirsty has all of the same elements that I have grown to love from Harrisons books. To my surprise though, Thirsty has some surprising new elements! We've got some spicey scenes and bloody violence in this one! The cozy aspect of this book is the warm, at home, full trust feelings you have with your best friend. Even when things change and there are challenges, you work it through and your bond deepens.
The book is about two best friends who face a new life together as new born vampires. They drop their old human problems, including the problematic men in their old lives and they move on to greater, grander adventures. Learning to be vampires in a modern world.
There is a love interest but I didn't feel like it was exciting. They talked a lot about "Do you feel that? That connection between us?" And as a reader.... no, no I do not. What is there between you two? Cuz I don't see it. It felt juvenile and bland. No seasoning on that chicken thigh. I'm not really complaining though bc I'm not a fan of reading romance anyways.
On to the good stuff- there was blood. There was carnage. There was fighting scenes. There was brutality! There was what vampires do best.... besides those sexy time scenes. Yummm. It's not toooo graphic nor detailed. I feel like Harrison was dipping her toes into some new waters and she was testing it out. I'm all for it.
I actually wouldn't mind reading a sequel to this to see more character development, how they change and adapt to their new lives and become more bad ass. And I might be a little nuts but I got some Romy and Michelle (from Romy and Michells Highschool Reunion) vibes, along with The Lost Boys vibe reading this during certain scenes. I'm crazy tho.
As always, I enjoyed the journey Harrison put us on. Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for accepting me for this ARC for an honest review.
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