Oh Dear, what did I just read ? I truly wanted to love this book , especially when referenced that fans of Daisy Jones would love this as I am a HUGE fan . I am also a sucker for beautiful covers and Cabins in the woods so this was a shoo in right ??

Well the shoe didn't fit and I feel like I have been conned , like when you are craving your favorite dish from your cherished little restaurant you love only to finish the meal and be left totally unsatisfied .

In my opinion this is a toxic YA Thriller , that is lacking in the suspense department.

"As I slink away, I decide perhaps I'm a serial killer after all"

Only One Survives is told through one narrative by Vienna Taylor whos has a talent for music and plays the drums like a rock star! The story bounces through multiple time lines with newspaper articles and podcast interviews etc.

The story starts off with an exciting snow storm and a crash in the woods for the up and coming all female band the "Bittersweet" . There is a car crash and a quick little scene at the cabin leaving a few dead, but then the story does ALOT of character building in the past between the main character Vienna and her BFF Madison Pierce .

I felt this story had a lot of potential but the toxic past and the present moments that the author spent a lot of time trying to create wasn't orchestrated well enough , it was too quick and no build up , it felt like there was no anticipation or climax. I also really wish the story centered more time at the cabin instead of the past and present narrative.

I did like the different formats between the timelines but at times, I did find myself having to reread as the writing was like a big bowl of Jambalaya throwing everything in there hoping I'll at least like a bite of something .

For me this story really lacked in the suspense thriller , the writing was just ok for me and the ending was no surprise and uneventful or believable , however I really do think others will LOVE this book ( honestly I do)

If you are fan of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and IT Girl then this is a read for you !!

Thank you Netgalley , Harlequin Trade Publishing and Hannah Mary McKinnon for this digital ARC.

Respectfully Another Read by Angie

Wow, wow, wow.

I couldn’t put this book down. Its engaging from the first page and I greedily needed to know the whole story, about Emvee and The Bittersweet. I was just along for the ride and every twist and turn seemed to catch me by surprise, one after the other.

I couldn't tell you where we were headed but I was eager to get there, and I wasn’t disappointed. There was always a creepy foreboding vibe up until the very end and it really does show you just don’t know what’s going on in someone’s head. No matter how they portray themselves sometimes if someone tells themselves a lie for long enough, they start to believe it themselves.

This story shows the ugly brutal side of fame and just how far someone is willing to go to get everything they ever wanted. A surprising thriller with murder, mystery and rock and roll, weaved together for an amazing read. Def recommend if you’re a fan of layered characters. The comparisons between growing up rich vs poor and how even the most toxic of relationship or ideas can be explained away because of love.

To say that I'm absolutely obsessed with this book would be an understatement. If you are a fan of thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat the ENTIRE time, this is the book for you. This review will be as spoiler free as possible, even though that will certainly be difficult.

Only One Survives follows our main character Vienna, who is a talented drummer in the Bittersweet (a band she started with her best friend Madison). After a car accident leaves one of their band mates dead and another on the brink of death. With no choices other than to take shelter in a cabin during a blizzard, one by one the other band mates die and then Madison disappears.

When I say this story has TWISTS, it has TWISTS! I was not expecting anything that happened in this book, and I could not put it down. I finished reading it last night and still throughout this entire morning I've been replaying moments in my head from the story. I highly recommend anyone to read this book, as it will truly take you on a wild wide.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing & Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title on Goodreads. I'll also be posting a review to my Tiktok this week, as I'd love to share it with more readers!

Oh snap, this was a FIRECRACKER of a book... 💣

When tragedy strikes the up-and-coming band, the Bittersweet, Vienna's world is turned upside down. Her best friend and co-founding band mate Madison is missing and potentially on the run. As the details of their fateful accident start to unravel, so do the characters motives, and confessions.

Fans of Frieda McFadden, take note. Yes, I'm comparing this novel lovingly to the works of Queen Frieda. This book grabs your attention and runs with it from page one. Alternating between two timelines, I found I was engaged the entire way through, zero dull chapters or slumps. Hannah's writing is simply captivating. I highly highly recommend this novel. It is certainly in the running for my favorite novel of the year!

A big thank you to Hannah and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review of Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon. #OnlyOneSurvives #HannahMaryMcKinnon #NetGalley

I couldn’t get enough of this delicious thriller. A bit of a locked room (but not too much which was fine by me), dual timelines, unreliable narrator, mixed media, and centered around a band rising in fame this book had it all.

One thing I loved most about this book is that it didn’t end where I would’ve expected it to. So often books give a big reveal in the final pages and were left jaw dropped and asking but what happens next? Only One Survives answered that exact question and I freaking loved it.

The music aspect of this book was a bonus for me. I haven’t read a ton of books centered around a band and I liked the dynamics, details on the rise to fame, and the struggles.

Both Madison and Vienna were incredibly interesting, dynamic, and complex characters. I loved their depth, back stories, and family dynamics. I had no idea what I could believe and what I couldn’t and I was happy to enjoy the ride!

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved that it kept surprising me and that I didn’t really know where it was going. It was unique, fun, and superbly entertaining. I absolutely recommend!

Thank you to Thriller Book Lover Promotions and MIRA for the copy.

(Rounded up to a 3.5) This was my first time reading from this author, and I would pick up more work from her! This was a thriller I didn’t expect. The whole first half was excellent, working its way to a 5 star rating. I was surprised at the character development and loved reading about Vienna and Madison’s friendship and upbringing and how they formed their band. I also loved the mixed media blog posts and newspaper articles sprinkled in. It’s funny, because I enjoyed the past chapters more than the flash-forward chapters the day of the incident at the cabin. Part 2 fizzled out for me, and I feel like the story went on too long. The crime was tied up too quickly for me, and I didn’t enjoy reading about the aftermath as much. What happens in part 2 was very predictable to me, and I wish the entire book could have been as perfect as the first half.

The concept of this book drew me in immediately, described as "Daisy Jones & The Six" meets "Yellowjackets." I wouldn't quite go that far, but this is an enjoyable, twisty murder mystery with a dual timeline. I had mixed feelings about the dual timeline, but overall I think it works well for the story. I do think the book could have been maybe 20-40 pages shorter without sacrificing plot or suspense. The writing style is enjoyable and fast- paced. (Shockingly, for me, who never gets plot twists correct - I predicted the final twist!!) I would recommend this book for fans of thrillers by authors like Ruth Ware, Lucy Foley, and Mary Kubica. This book was hard to put down and I definitely was thinking about the plot and what might happen next when I wasn't reading it.

Also bonus points for a reference to a Bon Jovi B-side from 1995 that was only released on their 2004 box set! (I'm impressed.)

4 stars.

What a fun thriller! This was a murderous, scandalous girl group thriller that didn’t stop with the punches till the very end. Fame comes at a price, but can you handle it? This was a definite 5 stars from me!

Huge thanks to @thrillerbookloversthepulse & @netgalley & @hannahmarymckinnon for this ARC!! I am so incredibly grateful.

When the sign ups for this came out-I read the description & was very interested. Then I saw that this author is friends with Jennifer Hillier (an autobuy author for me. Jar of Hearts lives rent free in my brain) & Samantha Bailey (A Friend in the Dark…left me 😳😳), I knew I for sure needed to get on board with this one!

DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I have already added all of Hannah’s other books to my kindle wishlist.

This BOOK! I feel like even though I know what happened-I’d reread this just because I enjoyed the story so much.

I was very impressed with the depth of the characters in this book. The story. The Bittersweet. This book gave me Yellowjackets vibes more than once.

Overall, I’m gonna highly recommend this one because this is the kind of book that will get you out of a reading slump. Read it. Devoured it. Loved it.

💭 For some reason, it took me a couple chapters to really get into this, but once I did, I was HOOKED!! Enough so to make it a 5 star read!! The writing, the characters, dual timelines, the huge freaking twist! 🤯🤯🤯 Then the epilogue had me 🤯🤯 again! It was such a propulsive read, filled with toxic relationships, jealousy, backstabbing and mind blowing twists! I couldn’t read it fast enough to figure out how it was going to end! I loved the ending and how everything was revealed to the reader, I love a good tied up bow at the end of a book! I especially enjoyed the 80s and 90s songs and bands references! Highly recommend this one for all thriller lovers!!

The story seamlessly passes between the past and present, chronicling the rise and fall of the Bittersweet Band, founded by best friends Madison and Vienna. Tragedy strikes when their Tahoe SUV crashes in a middle of a snow storm, marking the beginning of a harrowing ordeal. The immediate aftermath is devastating, and the band becomes wrapped in a desperate bid for survival.
Who will make it out alive?
The band members responses to their dire circumstances give the narrative a raw, emotional depth. Each character's arc is meticulously crafted, allowing one to delve deep into their psyche, understanding their motivations, fears, and unyielding hope even in the face of impossible odds.

Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Pub: July 16, 2024


Original, unexpected and oh so addictive, Only One Survives is a must read!

I absolutely loved the book. @hannahmarymckinnon tricked me and kept me on my toes and I loved every minute of it.

A few spoiler free highlights:
🎵 Dual timelines - yes, please!
🎸 Canadian references 🇨🇦
🎵Fierce female characters - the ladies of the Bittersweet are smart and talented and BRING it whether they’re playing music or planning murders
🎸The ending 😮 That is all I will say. DM to discuss

✨QOTD: Do you have a favourite girl group? Read 👇 to learn about my personal connection to the story and kick a$$ girl groups.

Some of you know that my mum @onlyloveisreal.love was in one of the first all girls punk rock bands, The ‘B’ Girls, in the ‘70s and ‘80s in Toronto. They moved to NYC and were part of the whole 1980s punk rock scene at CBGBs, toured with The Clash, opened for Blondie…. and so much more. I grew up listening to their music, the music of that era and spending time several of the band members. Swipe ➡️ to see them in action!

The Bittersweet reminded me so much of the ‘B’ Girls, minus the murder, though it was a pretty wild time back then… This connection made the book come to life for me in a way I haven’t experienced before. Thank you Hannah for inspiring this trip down memory lane.

And Mums, I will not tell you who I pictured as each character… and hopefully I didn’t mess up any of the details 💕💕

Thank you @hannahmarymckinnon @_mira_books_ @htpbooks for the gifted arc and @thrillerbookloversthepulse for including me on the tour🖤

I could not read this book fast enough! It was so intense and kept me on the edge of my couch the entire time! I loved the authors writing style and how it kept me engaged the entirety of the story! I have not a read a plot like this before and would recommend to all my friends!

Only One Survives is a gripping, addictive thriller . I didn’t really care for the pop-rock group intro. The story is about a girl band, Bittersweet. On the way to an event, the Bittersweet's van careens off an icy mountain road during a blizzard—leaving one member dead and another severely injured. They seek shelter in a cabin to get to safety and seek out help. Honestly, the story line brought me back to Pretty Little Liars as this has a similar vibe to it, minus the pop-rock band. If you’re into twisty thrillers then give this one a shot!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher MIRA for an ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

This was my first read by this author. I’ve tend to find along new authors on NetGalley.
This book had lots of toxicity, with many twist and turns. The story is based on how far you would go to get what you want. There is also a friend/enemy relationship involved . Good read for those who like thrillers.

How far will you go for the price of fame? Are you willing to kill or die for it!
6 women set out on an adventure but a wintery crash ends in tragedy.
A story of friendship that goes thru so much but the music keeps them going. Until fame rears its ugly head.
A story full of twist and turns love and hate.
A good paced book that takes you from the past to the present but in an easy to follow manner.
A thriller that keeps you wanting to read more.
I can’t say too much without giving any spoilers.
If you like to read about friendships and music this book is definitely for you.
It started out a bit slow. But definitely speeds up to a good pace.
This is my first book from this author and I will definitely be looking for more of her books.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC

""𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆."
-𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒃"

Special thanks to @hannahmarymckinnon @thrillerbookloverspromotions @htpbooks @harlequinbooks @htp_hive & @netgalley for this #gifted eARC.

👉🏼 swipe for synopsis ➡️

MY REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my 1st Hannah Mary McKinnon book, and it CERTAINLY won't be my last.

👏🏼I👏🏼LOVED👏🏼THIS👏🏼BOOK!👏🏼

The story was very real life, and the TWISTS. My god, it's like it slapped me in the face and shook me awake cause I swore I had to reread it to believe it.

I mean, first off, who doesn't love music?! Then add some jealousy, plenty of lies, and an itch for fame & snow storm in a deserted mountain - you've got yourself a deadly equation.

Friends will do anything for each other, but when fame is involved - all gloves are off. Make sure you keep your eyes open, and your secrets to yourself.🤫

This is a must-read for 2024! Add this to your TBR NOW!!!!

PUB DATE:
Jul 16, 2024

QOTD ❓️⁉️❓️ Who is your favorite band/singer?

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#mysteryandthrills #thrillerbooklover #thrillerlover #booklover #bookcommunity #booklove #thrilleraddict #bookaddict #onlyonesurvives #hannahmarymckinnon #htpbooks #harlequinbooks #netgalley #musicsensation #leaddrummer
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Review of Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon

I have yet to be let down by any book by this author. She hits every single one out of the ballpark for me, and is absolutely an auto buy author. This one comes out in July and I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy via NetGalley. I couldn’t wait to read it because as I said, she’s one of my favorite authors. I loved this one. The setting was creepy and the writing sensational. I loved that the main characters were in a band and love that aspect of rock ‘n’ roll. But I’m a true thriller lover, and this book spoke to me in that regard as well. The twist and turns never stopped coming with this one.

Synopsis:

Becoming the star is easier when the rest of your band is dead…

All drummer Vienna Taylor ever wanted was to make music. If that came with fame, she’d take it—as long as her best friend, guitarist Madison Pierce, was sharing the spotlight and singing lead. And with their new all-female pop rock band gaining traction, soon everyone would hear their songs…

Except, on the way to an event, the Bittersweet’s van careened off an icy mountain road during a blizzard—leaving one member dead and another severely injured.

In order to survive the frigid night, the rest took shelter in a nearby abandoned cabin. But Vienna’s dreams devolved into a terrifying nightmare as, one by one, her fellow band members met a gruesome end…and Madison simply vanished in the night.

What really happened to the Bittersweet? Did Vienna’s closest friend finally decide to take center stage on her own terms?

She doesn’t want to believe it.

But guilty people run.

Book Review
Only One Survives
Hannah Mary McKinnon

Tropes
All girls Band
Past and present tense
Fame , dreams and drama
Toxic female friendships
Is it nature or nurture that breeds murderers?

Main Characters
Madison- spoiled rich kid who has an aptitude for music and a love to party, she loves attention
Vienna- wrong side of the tracks, escapes in her music, found her love of music from her grandmother


Thoughts
✅Like Daisy Jones and the Six but add the element of people dying/missing
✅Needs a spotify playlist
✅Love the refernce to hometown band “the Beaches”, Canadian locations
✅ Twist at the end
✅ An ending that makes you wonder “what if”

Overall
No spoilers so I am going to be vague… this book may be my favourite yet from this author. The dynamics of the friendship between Madison and Vienna easily captured my attention. I was so caught up in these complex characters and their shared experiences that I didnt see the obvious…. And that ending! Whoa.

Thanks to @mira @harlequintradepublishing and @netgalley for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to my partners, Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Mira Books, and NetGalley, and the author. I appreciate the gifted eARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 - From the start, we see the differences between Vienna and Madison and the lives they lead. While they do become best friends, it is evident that neither one ever truly sees how the other lives.

2. 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲 - It was interesting to see how Vienna and Madison were jealous of each other in different ways. It was a great example of the minutiae of relationships and how no one is ever truly 100% in tune with someone else.

3. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐯𝐞 - I mean, I don’t know how many times this question came to mind…up until the end. Does anyone ever truly know what they are capable of until the opportunity presents itself.

4. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐞 - We really get to see two sides to this with Vienna and Madison. Vienna just came from a place where she was pretty told she was never even wanted, and Madison comes from a place where she can have anything she truly wants - and yet, her parents are horrendous to her, too.

5. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 - Two points in this story surprised me. I didn’t see either of them coming, although I did know that something was afoot. It just never quite came to fruition in my mind until it was actually revealed - both times!