I’m torn with this book. It was twisty and entertaining, and I love the cover and sapphic romance. But I kind of wish it was a contemporary novel that explored the dynamic between the 3 characters even more than having the focus on the thriller aspect that competes with it.

The narration for all three narrators was great!

I have to start this review off with a wow. Like WOW wow. This was not what I was expecting at all. This book was a wild ride all along. It is a sapphic thriller retelling of the Picture of Dorian Gray, so if you haven’t read that, I highly recommend at least watching a video summary of it, so this book will make a whole lot more sense.

I was not expecting so many of the plot twists, and the whole story kept getting more and more intense as the book went on. I enjoyed the plot, although the lifeguard bit scared me because I am a lifeguard… No spoilers though!!

I personally enjoyed this book, and it was very good at building suspense, but I am not the biggest thriller person (I was on the edge of my seat the whole time though). I think I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Wilder Girls, or enjoys thrillers with a side of romance. 

It also inspired me to try my hand at photography which is really cool, and I love how I learned a bunch of stuff about cameras that I would have never known.

Thank you so much for granting my request. I do look forward to picking this book up soon, but this audio arc was hard to listen to based on the quality. I guess the format has to change some with the netgalley audio arc format. Unfortunately I was not able to listen to this due to the presented format. I do however plan to pick up the ebook or audiobook from a retailer to read soon.

This is the love story of Mick and Veronica, two girls who fall in love as the world burns around them. The third wheel in this relationship is Nico, a tortured artist willing to do anything for his art. When these three come together it is explosive and dangerous. Lives are ruined and people die. This is no low stakes mayhem; it is deadly serious.

For such a potentially exciting story it wasn't as engaging as I was hoping. The uneven pacing meant it was unable to maintain much tension, but there was some level of suspense that kept me listening to see what kind of trouble they would get up to next. A lot of it made me cringe in second-hand embarrassment at how easily the girls were manipulated and how brutally they manipulated each other. Teenagers can be angsty and full of drama, but the over the top overreactions to every little thing became tiring and repetitive. This is one of those stories where everything could have been cleared up and danger avoided if only they would just talk to each other and tell the truth. It was inherently frustrating to watch the unnecessary conflict generated by the keeping of secrets. In the end their toxic relationship was not sexy and left me cold. Mick constantly says “no” and Veronica constantly pushes things anyway. The lack of consent and respect for boundaries was uncomfortable and unpleasant. The central relationship did not work for me, the ridiculously bad behaviour despite being very aware of the consequences, the unrealistic artistic stunts, and a plot that veered between whiny, boring dialogue and intense but improbable action all combined into a read that was just okay. I didn’t love it; I didn’t hate it; I just have no strong feelings about it.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was very good. My attention sometimes wandered during the slower sections and when I tuned back in, I couldn’t always distinguish which of the girls was narrating the story. The audiobook narrators where great but they were not very distinctive. The story is fairly straight forward and so worked well in audio. I think that I would have been apathetic about this book regardless of format.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing an audiobook copy via NetGalley for review

Mick, a beautiful but self-conscious teenage girl who's an avid swimmer with a phobia of having her picture taken, falls in love with Victoria, another teenager who--plot twist--wants to be a professional photographer. Victoria secretly snaps a candid shot of Mick and posts it on social media, and of course the post goes viral. As the photo takes on a life of its own, Mick finds herself changing, more willing to take risks and transform herself into the mysterious, captivating woman in the photo. But her life comes crashing down around her as people start dying and her family and friends take issue with her newfound fame.

Some markets billed this book as a sapphic retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, but that's not really an accurate description. At first, I was expecting there to be dark fantasy or horror elements, like the photo morphing or changing into someone else, and was confused when it felt more like a straightforward thriller. It's fairer to say that it was inspired by Oscar Wilde's book, but it's really a very different story. The two main characters, Mick and Victoria, were quite interesting, and I found myself cheering on them and their relationship. The way Mick's mother treats her seems almost impossibly cruel, but unfortunately, working with kids and teens, I've seen it happen enough times to find it believable. However, it might have been easier to understand if we knew more about why Mick is so paranoid about having her photo taken, and why her mother is so bent on having her do a photo shoot when she knows her daughter's fear. Perhaps flashbacks to her mother forcing her to model at a young age and somehow traumatizing her would have made it clearer. I also wasn't that fond of the villain: he's creepy from the outset and only becomes creepier and more sinister by the end, for no good reason other than he's twisted. A little more insight into his past might have made him more believable or made it more surprising when his evil plan is exposed. I didn't expect the ending, but it fell a little flat for me, though I appreciated the last line of the book.

Still, it was an enjoyable, seat-of-the-pants read with some great dialogue and conflict. I was fortunate to listen to a Netgalley audiobook ARC prior to launch, expertly narrated by Frankie Corzo, Bailey Carr, and Stephen Dexter. The narrators breathed life into the characters and held my interest as I drove to/from work each day. Thank you to Wendy Heard and MacMillan for the opportunity to listen to and review this book!

She’s Too Pretty To Burn by Wendy Heard is an edgy YA psychological thriller with LGBTQ+ romantic elements that starts as a slow burn and spontaneously ignites into a full-blown blaze. This story is beautiful, but dark. All three main characters are unreliable narrators who turn their passions and dreams into the most important thing in their life, without thinking about the consequences of what it would do to their friends. This kind of narrow focus makes their toxic lives bubble over, causing rippled effects between their relationships with each other. The pace picks up when the lies and secrets start to leak out, which builds the suspense into a fast and furious murderous ending (leaving it open for a possible sequel).

My rating is 5 out of 5 stars because... I love reading books about troubled mother and daughter relationships, books about best friends with trust issues, books that inspire and educate me in the art and photography world, and books that explore the mindset of the ordinary evil person (you might call them a psychotic killer). This book nailed all of that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to an advance copy of the audiobook version in exchange for an honest review. I must say I loved the narrator voices by Frankie Corzo, Bailey Carr, and Stephen Dexter. I could also see this novel developed into a kickass psychological thriller movie. Yes, yes, yes!

*I received an ARC via NetGalley from the publisher*

CW: Death/Murder, Parental Abuse

Don't let the comparisons to The Picture of Dorian Gray fool you, this is really not that similar and if you go into it thinking it is you'll probably be disappointed. I do see how it could be inspired by it, especially in the first half, but I think it was a mistake to communicate that to the reader.

Notes on the audiobook: I enjoyed the listening experience and thought the narrator did a good job. I wasn't wowed by it, but I wasn't disappointed in it by any means.

As for the story, I enjoyed the ride, but there are better mystery thrillers out there. The characters were unbelievable and not in a good way. Mick was pretty annoying which is fine except for the fact that we have 2 other characters fighting to the death over her for some reason. I had HUGE issues with her mother (as would anyone reading this I think), but they're spoilers so I won't say them here.

Veronica as a character was also pretty annoying, but in a slightly more believable "teenage" way. Their relationship however was a big what? They breached each others trust so many times in something like less than a week. After the first time I don't even know why Mick went back, it borderlines on emotionally abusive, and was definitely toxic. I get that they were attracted to each other, but come on. If this were meant to showcase that then that could be fine, but to me it read as if they were supposed to be just regular disagreements. The mystery and "villain" came out of nowhere and we're so convoluted and mustache twirling villain it was hard to read.

I did like how this book showcased photography and I thought the descriptions of Veronica's hobby were done well and I appreciated them. I also thought the atmosphere was sufficiently mysterious. That wasn't quite enough to save it, but this did read quickly so if you really want to give it a shot I won't stop you.

Marketing "She's Too Pretty to Burn" as a loose retelling of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" feels like a stretch even the with the 'loose' caveat. While I'm a huge Dorian Gray fan, I actually liked "She's Too Pretty to Burn" not falling in with the text like I expected (or if I'm brutal really at all). Veronica and Mic are fleshed out and I enjoyed their relationship as well as their two perspectives building the suspense for the murders and other nefarious happenings. Again though, I didn't really get the marketing for Dorian Gray. There was a stopping point early than the actual end that would have made sense to me but my criticism of continuing to go on depends partially on whether or not there's planned additional titles. As critical as I'm being, I also read the book over the course of a single day and couldn't put it down. If I were to tie in another work, rather than Dorian Gray, I think I might actually pull more from Carol Kepnes's "You" (as seen on Netflix too)--but that could also maybe stray into spoiler territory. While the title falls in the YA category, fans of the unreliable narrator and unsorted endings for writers like Gillian Flynn, Alice Feeney, Rory Powers, etc, will be more than satisfied with this twisted dark journey through the LA art scene. Narrators Frankie Corzo, Bailey Carr, and Stephen Dexter all captured their characters brought the darkness out even further with their performances.

This book had a slower start but at the halfway point it really began to pick up. The relationship between Mick and Veronica was very intense and a bit cringey at times, but I think it was perfect for this story. The way that Mick felt so helpless and dependent and loved by Veronica is how the whole book was set into motion. I think this book has a great portrayal of manipulation of those who have what others need and the lengths desperate people will go. When Nico's installs really started to become more grotesque, I was hooked right until the end. I would have liked to have his perspective sooner in the book, but I understand why it was kept until the very end. And the end itself was perfect, in my opinion! This makes me want to go pick up The Picture of Dorian Gray now to understand it's muse. Those looking for an intense romantic thriller or those interested in environmental art installations pushed to the limits, this book is for you.

I received an advanced audio copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for reviewing purposes. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

She's Too Pretty to Burn

This book is described as being inspired by "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and truly think that but unlikable teenage girls.

Wow, there was so much about this book that I was not expecting. The first half felt like a typical dramatic teenage LGBTQ+ romance, but the second half took quite the thrilling turn. I enjoyed the first half, it was sweet and angsty and all of the things you expect of a first love story. But that second half had me hooked. I literally could not stop listening because I HAD to know what was going to happen and I refused to pause until I was done.

The audio book was done really well. When one narrator is reading a book with multiple narrators I get nervous, but this book worked. I appreciate that the narrator changed her voice slightly depending on whether she was reading Veronica or Mick.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I was so bummed when I saw ARCs for She’s Too Pretty to Burn because I knew I had to many books on my To-Read list to add one more. But when I saw audiobook ARCs were available, I jumped to request one—and I’m SO glad I did.

Wendy Heard has done an amazing job of crafting a novel that will pull you along through every heart-pounding plot twist until that final fantastically creepy line.

She’s Too Pretty to Burn centers on Mick, Veronica and Nico. Mick is the daughter of an aging model who’s still desperate for a prime job. Mick wants nothing to do with her mother’s goals.
Veronica is a photographer in need of some inspiration of her own. Her best friend Nico is a protest performance artist.
Mick and Veronica fall hard and fast in love, but soon their relationship is strained. An arson, multiple murders, and somewhere...a stalker threatens those closest to them.
The novel itself is fantastic and edgy, and the audiobook performance does a fantastic job of capturing every nuance in this sexy, psychological thriller.

Fans of Courtney Summers will love Wendy Heard’s style. I highly recommend this novel, it’s one of my current favorites.

She’s Too Pretty to Burn is available now.

*I received an advanced audiobook copy of She’s Too Pretty to Burn from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Audio for providing me with an ALC of She's Too Pretty to Burn in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 rounded up!

Content Warnings: Animal Cruelty, Animal Death, Kidnapping, Emotional Abuse

Ten bucks says I would have loved this book even more if I would have read The Picture of Dorian Gray first. But, alas, here I am with very little knowledge of the classic & She's Too Pretty to Burn is still a solid read.

Personally, I am a sucker for the antagonist of She's Too Pretty to Burn & was not expecting that twist whatsoever. Listen, everything goes over my head, but still. I fell in love with this person when I thought they were good & loved them even more (but in a hate-y/love kinda way) when I discovered who they truly were & watched them, quite frankly, go off the hinges. A villain with a give-no-fricks attitude? YES PLEASE.

I loved the sapphic romance in She's Too Pretty to Burn, although it was by no means perfect. There were issues & a bit of dishonesty on both sides. But I do appreciate how everything -- kind of? -- worked out in the end for them.

She's Too Pretty to Burn is a fast-paced thriller that, although it does get a bit silly, is worth the read. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent listening to the audiobook!

Without going into spoiler territory, I strongly recommend the audiobook for this one. There are a couple of chapters at the end that I did not expect & it gave me chills that I doubt would have happened if I just read the book to myself.

What do you get when you mix a teenage romance, toxic relationships, arson, and drowning? The answer is a YA thriller with unexpected twists and surprising villains. Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray, this fast paced thriller has art, danger and an ending that will absolutely take your breath away. The narration adds an intriguing element that brings the drama to life. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook.

Such a good read. I was completely glued to the pages. I liked the triangle between Veronica, Mick, and Nico. There's so much passion that jumps from the pages.

The twists and surprises kept coming and kept it surprising. I highly recommend this.

"She's Too Pretty to Burn" is an edgy, shocking, and fast-paced YA thriller. Toxic relationships, murderous twists and turns, and hella smart writing take the reader on a wild ride. And I mean wild, so buckle your seatbelts. I had the pleasure of listening to the audio, and the production is outstanding. The narration captures Wendy Heard's clean and vibrant prose with nuance and emotion, painting a picture vivid enough for the listener to envision the story on screen. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing a copy of the audio for review purposes.

A binge worthy read, gripping from the first page. A Classic love triangle entwined within a murder mystery
This book has it all it gives you the drama, romance, suspense and murder!

Thanks NetGalley Publisher and Author for this audio book! Very much appreciated!

This is one of those YA novels that sucks you in and gets you invested in the main characters, only to be repeatedly let down by them and wanna whack them upside the head. She's too Pretty to Burn was a fast paced, though predictable, thriller that left you hanging left and right.

I also truly enjoyed the narrator.

This was a case of the "pretty cover and publisher's blurb made me read it." I can tell that this story was inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray....but it took reading a large portion of the book before the comparison was apparent. I've read the original Dorian Gray story and liked it, though perhaps if I hadn't I might have enjoyed this one a bit more.

This inspired by version fell a little flat for me personally. I didn't much care for the characters themselves. We have Mick, a pretty young swimmer/lifeguard who really dislikes having her picture taken and overreacts whenever a camera is even pointed in her direction. She meets Veronica at a party. Immediately there is an attraction, but Veronica is an artist, specifically a photographer who always has a camera nearby looking for her next great shot. Veronica's best friend Nico, is also an artist, who focuses on doing extreme pop-up "art" installations. After Mick is involved in a tragic accident and her mother kicks her out of the house she becomes immersed in the Nico/Veronica's risky and deadly art world.

I liked the contemporary young adult LGBT romance angle idea, but didn't really feel invested in Mick and Veronica's relationship....at times it seemed toxic. I did enjoy the narration and the author's writing...together it was seductive. The cover is gorgeous. Overall, despite being a bit underwhelmed I liked it, but didn't love it.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for an audiobook galley of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was super excited to dive into this sapphic YA thriller inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray. It starts out as a thrilling whirlwind teenage romance between photography-obsessed Veronica and swimmer Mick who has a phobia of being photographed. It then quickly turns into a psychological thriller as people around them start dying.

-What worked for me: SAPPHIC THRILLER! Also, I loved the sunny San Diego setting, the art scene, and the morally gray characters. The writing was fast-paced and easy to absorb. Did I mention sapphic thriller?! 😍

-What didn’t work for me: I was thrown off by the second half which felt like a very different, somewhat chaotic story. The relationship between Veronica and Mick felt a bit manipulative and toxic and I wasn’t sold on the depth of their connection which felt rushed. I’m hoping the final edit will have fleshed out this relationship and some other confusing aspects of the plot!

Despite not working for me as a whole, I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook and the mesmerizing writing had me staying up late into the night. It’s best to dive into this one without too much information and just enjoy the wild ride!

TW: death, violence, murder, toxic relationship, neglectful parent

Star Rating: 3.75

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an advance copy of this book for review purposes.

I need to start this review by saying, WTF did I just read?! This book is an absolute rollercoaster ride with messy gays to boot!

Before I get into the review, let me clarify that I have never read Dorian Gray nor did I know what it was about, so I didn’t go into this story with the comparison factor. I have some a lot of criticism regarding this being a retelling, but since I didn’t know it was one, I had zero issues. That being said, I’m glad that I was able to go into this story without any inclination of what was going to happen because this book is wild as hell.

Our two main POVs follow Mick and Veronica, who are utter trainwrecks if I’m being honest. Mick is a lonely and insecure teenage girl with a nightmare of a mother who will literally exploit her daughter for fame and a few bucks. Veronica is a charismatic, aspiring photographer but lately her art has been boring her. Things completely change when their worlds crash together.

If you’re looking for a cast of likable characters, you will be sorely disappointed. These characters are messy and at times, downright toxic. But I couldn’t help but get completely wrapped up in both Mick and Veronica. And wait til y’all meet Nico.

This is more of a slow-burn psychological thriller in that it’s not nonstop action, but this did not keep me from devouring this book. There were so many twists and turns, and I loved that at no point did I find the story formulaic or predictable.

I know this review is a bit on the vague side, but it’s because y’all really need to experience this wild ride for yourselves. It definitely is worth it.

Also, I do highly recommend the audiobook because Frankie Corzo and Bailey Carr do a brilliant job of immersing the reader in this story.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.