The premise of this book sounded so interesting so I was excited to be approved! Olivia and her husband, Park, have been trying to have a child but Olivia has had several miscarriages. One day they get a knock on the door that links Park's DNA to a murder, it may not be his DNA directly, but that of a child he had. The thing is they have no children together. Olivia learns that Park donated his sperm while attending graduate school and now has 28 children (OMG). Who is the child committing these crimes? Wow, this was a wild story! Each chapter has a different point of view from the characters and one is from murderer himself. IT'S ONE OF US had me on the edge of seat. I have never read anything quite like this book, so for me it gets all 5 stars. Brilliant in every way!! I would highly recommend IT'S ONE OF US and I will be telling all my friends about it.

TW: Infertility/Miscarriage
Thank you to HTP and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC

Thank you to NetGalley, MIRA, and J.T. Ellison for the advanced copy of It's One of Us in exchange for my honest review.

My rating is somewhere between 3-3.5 stars for this one.

I'm digging this new era of DNA websites exposing family secrets with chaos ensuing. If done properly, it's incredibly entertaining to me. In Ellison's case, I felt it was executed very well and I was thoroughly entertained.

While the synopsis of this book does mention infertility struggles, there's a very prevalent part of the story that I felt wholly unprepared for and I would strongly suggest the publisher try to add some sort of content warning. I know some people view triggers and content warnings spoilers, so I will not address it in my NetGalley review, but it will be talked about in my Goodreads review.

There were a lot of twists and turns in this one that I enjoyed, a couple that I could have done without, and the ending was just... not it for me. Ultimately I really enjoy Ellison's books so I will happily continue reading everything she writes!

It's One of Us will be on US bookshelves February 21!

Oooooh! Twisty! I really enjoyed this one (though I imagine a finished copy in the real world and not an uncorrected proof would be more enjoyable haha) The characters were lively, but their names could have been a little more varied. I liked reading through different viewpoints because it seemed that every character was so fully formed. Except for the murderer. I could have done without their narrations. That and the final twist at the end were the disappointing parts. Other than that, I simply could not stop reading. An excellent and thrilling read.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

I just finished J.T. Ellison's IT'S ONE OF US while lounging with 2 sleeping dogs on me and this serene setting utterly contrasts the turmoil of the last few pages that I read!

This is a domestic suspense/thriller that kept me so engaged and staying up way too late turning pages.

Olivia is a woman who just cannot stay pregnant, despite all the efforts she goes through. It is devastating and happening again, when police come to her door with even more horrifying news that her husband, Park has a DNA connection to a recent murder. Unbeknownst to Olivia, Park donated sperm years ago and has a son who is implicated in this crime. Apparently, he has been the donor to a large group of children, some of who are connecting online.

As the investigation continues, Olivia is forced to process her grief, once again, and also to consider a new future; is her husband really who he seems?

This is a very good mystery story with layers of sensitive issues dealing with infertility. To calm anxious readers about this, Olivia's story is rooted in the author's experiences, and felt extremely raw and real. It is not an tool used by someone who doesn't get it, but rather a glimpse into a very real and heartbreaking perspective. That said, if this is a tender time of relating too closely, you may want to evaluate if it is the right moment to pick this up.

The mystery itself was taut with steady tension even inside the character development. I thought it was done very well. I didn't particularly care for one aspect of the plot, but that's being picky and I can't say what it is to avoid spoilers! There were so many directions this could have taken and it wasn't until the last few chapters that I gasped in realization! I was so sure about that red herring...

I want to thank Mira Books, Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. It was a fantastic domestic thriller with a sensitive subject that helped me gain insight. This title will be available on February 21st and should absolutely be on your TBR Wishlist!

And now I love fireflies even more.💞

I know that I can always count on J.T. Ellison for a suspenseful tale! IT'S ONE OF US did not disappoint. Olivia Bender's life is ruled by fertility treatments. She and her husband, Park, have gone through multiple rounds of IUI/IVF, but even when Olivia gets pregnant, she cannot seem to keep the babies. She feels like a complete failure and is convinced she's letting Park down by depriving him of what he wants most. Then the police show up at their door with some shocking news: DNA in a murder investigation has been traced back to Park... well, Park's son. Ummm, what? Reluctantly, Park reveals he donated sperm years ago. We soon learn that the clinic was lax in its policies, and no one is exactly sure how many children Park has. Olivia feels betrayed and devastated--and as the secrets continue to be revealed, they must face that fact that one of Park's "children" is out there doing unspeakable things.

Oh boy, this is a juicy one! First, you have to go in and read IT'S ONE OF US with a little bit of a suspension of disbelief, or at least, willingness to go on a wild ride. Not to say the things that happen, couldn't, it's just that, wow, things get a bit crazy!

That's not to say that this book doesn't have some real moments. It does. Because J.T. Ellison writes about infertility and miscarriage (and here's pointing out a big trigger warning for both of those elements) with amazing honesty. She shows the toll it takes on Olivia and how hard it can be on a marriage. You need to read her author's note to understand how she write about this so realistically (and then want to send her about a million hugs like I did). As someone who spent nearly five years trying to have children, this book hit me hard in the feels. Olivia made some crazy choices, but wow, her thoughts about trying to be a mom, how hard it was to see others as parents, and oh my goodness, her insight into losing her babies--that was all so well-done and real. Amazing writing, truly, and it all really added to and fit into the story.

US also delves into sperm donors and how everything can go awry, which is sometimes a touchy subject for me. I am never a huge fan when authors take this route, as it really makes the general public seem to think this is the case for all kids who come into the world this way. However, the scenario in this book is so insane and over-the-top that hopefully people will read it like that.

As for the characters other than Olivia... oh boy! Park is a piece of work, folks. The murder case being investigated is a local woman, who drowned. Park just happens to have a history of being around missing or drowned women. He seems to be a compulsive liar! (But is he a murderer??!!) He has a twin (fraternal) brother whose presence adds a whole bunch of a drama. (There's so much drama here--but in a good way!)

Luckily we hear from other characters too, but I won't go into much detail as I don't want to give away any spoilers. But all the POVs are interesting and give a broad range of insight into what is going down. Because oh yeah, it's going down! There is a tangled web being woven here, folks. Get ready.

Overall, this is a dark and twisty thriller that offers all sorts of insight into family and biological ties, as well as marriage, motherhood, and infertility. It gets a little wild at the end, but it's a fun ride.

What a wild and emotional ride!
Olivia and Park have been trying to have a baby, Olivia has suffered many miscarriages and she’s feeling heartbroken. One morning they hear a knock at the door and to their shock it’s the police and they have questions for Park. It seems his DNA was linked to a woman who was found murdered. The catch it’s not his DNA but his sons! Olivia knows this must be a mistake they don’t have any children and she would know if her husband had a son. Park soon reveals that while he was attending graduate school he was a sperm donor; and it turns out his sperm was used countless times, and he now has a large number of children, and it appears that one of them is a serial killer! We soon are introduced to a few of his children, but how is this connected to the woman who are being murdered and why? Olivia and Park find their lives being turned upside down and it’s soon revealed that there are many secrets in this marriage! I truly enjoyed this layered story. I found myself getting emotional at times with Olivia and what she was going through with the loss of children, I have lost and I know it takes a toll emotionally and physically! Thank you for the author for sharing her personal story as well. I truly enjoyed this twisted story!

This book!!!! 5 enormous stars! Wow, J.T. Ellison is an automatic must read author for me and her latest novel It’s One of Us is the perfect example of why!! This novel starts off with a lighten fast speed and keeps that pace until the end! The characters and storyline are completely and utterly CONSUMING! I thought about this novel when I wasn’t reading, and when I was reading it I found myself coming up with lots and lots of conspiracy theories (which I am not too proud to say were all wrong)! I have read most, if not all, of J.T. Ellison’s book and It’s One of Us is officially my top favorite from her! This will make a perfect book club selection—soooooo much to discuss and unpack from this gem! I truly cannot recommend this must read to EVERYONE!

It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison is a deliciously twisty novel from one of my favorite authors. But it also had an emotional undercurrent that I genuinely connected with (note to readers—do not skip the author not at the end!!) The protagonist is struggling with IFV to conceive when the police accuse her husband of being the father of a murderer... Except they don't have any children. I love stories involving DNA mysteries!!! This book is an absolute must read!!!!.

4.5 stars for this one! J.T Ellison has never let me down. I always enjoy the writing style and the well placed plot twists.

Be warned going into this one that there is heavy talk of infertility, IVF and pregnancy loss. It is a major plot point and is discussed frequently throughout the entire book. Be mindful if that is a trigger for you.

This was a really great thriller with twists and turns and a whole cast of shady characters. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives, telling the story from different angles. It was a really quick read for me. It was exciting and had me questioning things and I stayed up far too late reading to see what was going to happen. I love when I can't put a book down! Highly recommend for all of my thriller lovers!

Olivia and Park Bender have been going through fertility treatments for years. They have suffered miscarriage after miscarriage and they both desperately long for a child. One day, two police officers show up on their doorstep and claim that Park is the father of a murderer. Park’s past is full of secrets, but so is Olivia’s. What follows is a domestic thriller that is full of twists and turns. You’ll be up late into the night reading this one!

As someone who also experienced infertility and IVF treatments, I am always curious to see how infertility is portrayed in books. Ellison, writing from her own experience, nailed every emotion that the IVF process entails. I appreciated the raw look at infertility and Ellison sharing her own journey at the end of the book.

I loved all the twists and surprises. I was in a reading slump before reading this one, and it immediately snapped me out of it. I was up until 2 in the morning finishing “It’s One Of Us.”

Wow, just wow. It’s One of Us kept me on the edge of my seat. It took me a couple of days to read, but left me thinking about it every time I put it down. Definitely a book I will continue to think about for quite some time. Would highly recommend.

I love this author and am always excited when she comes out with a next one. I enjoyed this one and I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early! It was a highly engrossing read and I think most people who enjoy thrillers will enjoy it as well. I enjoyed the characters and enjoyed the writing by JT Ellison. I'm already eager to see what the author writes next!

I guess JT Ellison just is not for me. I've struggled with her books before, but I'm always so intrigued by the premise that I feel compelled to pick the newest one up and try again. But her writing style just does not resonate with me, and I think I just need to accept that... I'm in the vast minority here but this one just wasn't a good fit for me.

I have eagerly awaiting this book. It did not disappoint! Jt Ellison is one of my favorite authors. I did not wxpect all the twists and turns in this novel. Iloved the way it was told theough many different characters. There were several timea that i had to stop and go "what??".

I will be withholding my review until Harper gives their Harper Collins union workers a fair contract. Thank you again for the copy.

Warning in book and review for infertility and miscarriage.

Olivia and Park have been trying to have a child together for years. They've done IUI and IVF. She can get pregnant, but she always miscarries. So when the police show up saying Park's son was a murder suspect, Olivia was in shock. It takes awhile, but Park finally admits that he donated sperm in college. Olivia already feels broken and disappointing. It kills her to find out that he has a biological child. In fact, he has a lot of them. Other lies Park told have started to come out and Olivia has no idea who he really is. But she has some secrets too.

The book is told by multiple people (not first person though). There are ones from the husband, the wife, the detectives, the murderer, the mother, etc. It took me a bit, but I was able to follow along pretty easily.

A big part of this book does talk about infertility and miscarriage. I find that it's hard for me to read, but I also want people to talk about it more. Private info from me. I have PCOS. I got pregnant on accident and had a daughter at 19. But my husband and I started trying when I was 24 or 25 and it wasn't happening. I tried pills. Went to a reproductive endocrinologist and found out that I have PCOS. My husband had a vasectomy reversal and while he had sperm, they weren't the best. So we skipped IUI and went right to IVF. The author mentions how painful this is. Both physically and mentally. I had a bad hyperstimulation. Instead of transplanting embryos, I went to the hospital. I can't remember for sure, but I think I had 19 mature eggs and a bunch of others that weren't good. It was too much. We had to freeze the embryos and try again. My embryos were perfect, as was my lining. It still didn't work. We couldn't afford to do it again. I did find myself pregnant multiple times, but I always miscarried early. It was devastating and I felt like my body couldn't do the simple thing it was supposed to do. We never used birth control, but gave up on trying once my daughter started high school. I was lucky enough to talk to a handful of women on a forum while trying to conceive. It helped me get through it all. If you're going through any type of infertility, I would highly recommend finding others to talk to.

That got long and it was barely a part of my whole story. I just really appreciated a book that had a big focus on it and how it changes your whole life. Sex seems like a chore and you have to have a schedule. I feel now like I lost a good part of my marriage to this.

I gave this book 4 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my earc.

Thank you to Park Row Books and JT Ellison for my copy of It’s One of Us! It was highly anticipated by one of my favorite writers. The book was about Olivia, a home designer who just wants to have a baby. She has tried IVF multiple times and thinks she hit rock bottom. Then the police show up and accuse her husband Park of being the father of a murder suspect. Olivia knows it’s a mistake…until she finds out it isn’t. Park has not been entirely truthful, and when his secrets combine with Olivia’s, will it hurt or help the murder investigation?

Thoughts: This book was so full of twists and I loved it. The DNA and sperm donor aspect was so interesting and unique. There was a huge trigger warning for infertility and pregnancy loss, which I knew going in, but there were some parts that were hard to read. The different chapters and perspectives made the story so interesting and we got lots of new and interesting information. I liked all the perspectives the same, which rarely happens for me so that was a lot of fun.

This is a thriller but has a lot more emotional depth to it than your average story. She is a great writer and the author’s note at the end was super personal and added a lot to the story for me. There were lots of twists and the ending was a lot of fun. 4.5 stars for this great and mysterious story!

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

A WOW read with a GREAT title!!

Another treatment, another month, another disappointment.

Olivia desperately wants a baby, but it always ends in a miscarriage.

When a dead body is found and DNA at the scene links the killer to her husband, Park, many questions get asked.

How can you have a child? 

Were you unfaithful? 

Did you know you had a child?

It turns out that Park donated sperm during his post-graduate days, and he has children all over the place.

We then meet Darby and find out her daughter is one of Park's children too and she belongs to a group like her mother that discusses the subject of sperm donation and how they all are siblings.

The children in the group worry now that one of their half siblings is the murderer and wonder if they are in danger if he is seeing all the messages being sent back and forth in the group.

All of this leads to lots of drama, secrets, surprises, and intense situations that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Another excellent read for fans of J. T. Ellison. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

I liked this one. I’m a fan of J T Ellisons books. I liked the back and forth between characters and was able to visualize the story well. The characters had alot of depth and enjoyed this thriller.