I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and as a huge fan of Rachel Harrison's books, this did not disappoint! She is the queen of horror--if she writes it, I'll read it. Although I've read her other novels and I knew this was going to be great, she somehow still blows me away every time. This was so faced-paced, the characters were well developed, and the plot had me hooked and unable to put down from the very beginning. I loved the thematic elements around female friendships and the changes (on a personal and social level) that come with aging. Harrison is able to weave in topics around depression and strained relationships in a way that adds so much to the story but still allows for an overall light(er)-hearted feel.

So Thirsty centers around two friends who after a wild night out, must come to terms with their new lives as vampires--each handling the transition very differently. I really liked that this story focused around the characters transitioning into their new vampire life, as many vampire novels begin after this has already happened--it was a great way to spin a fresh take on a familiar topic. Harrison also seamlessly incorporates some of the struggles that an individual might be faced with after a dramatic life event, which is a feeling I think a lot of people can relate to. With such an atmospheric, gothic feel, So Thirsty is a must read for anyone looking for a spooky read.

Thank you so much to the Berkley and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 bloody stars!🩸⭐️

Rachel Harrison has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and this book just makes me love her more!

Yes, So Thirsty is vampire novel, but it’s also a story about a woman figuring out what it means to live and love. It’s about lifelong friendships and having a second coming-of-age in your late thirties. It’s gruesome and bloody and heartwarming and heartbreaking.

My only issue is that I wanted MORE. I don’t think this author does sequels, but I would 100% sign up for a part two of this tale. This book might not be for every longtime reader of vampire fiction, but it worked for me!

Full review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6211337314

A little preview to spooky season, So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison, brings a delightful new twist to the term friends forever.

Reluctant to go on this birthday trip, Sloane reconnects with her best friend Naomi as their lives take a turn neither expected. The women bond together as they decide to take a bite out of life.

Click here to check out the book today.

Sloane and Naomi are taking a girls trip but they go to a party that turns out to be wilder than either of them expected. It takes a turn and changes their lives literally forever.

While this is a vampire story, it is a story of friendship at heart. While Sloane and Naomi have their differences and can argue, they are best friends and that shows through the entire story. I loved all the characters introduced and how there were “good” and “not so good” vampires. It was a little creepy but it was more romantic. I feel like there was so much more this book could have had in it, such as all the vampires’ histories, but there’s only so much you can fit in so many pages.

“Maybe the world makes you callous. The longer you live, the less you care. I wonder if that’s a good thing, or if it’s tragic. I wonder if it’s possible to ever know for sure.”

So Thirsty comes out 9/10.

Fun and feminist, this is part BFF road trip and part new vampire frenzy. The characters are thinly drawn and a bit stereotypical, and I felt zero attraction between the main love interests, but the action and overall idea are solid. The different types of "vampires" are interesting, but to avoid spoilers, I won't go into them.

I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy lighter vampire stories (although there is violence and gore) rather than those who prefer dark, brooding/philosophical, and historically situated vampire tales.

After Black Sheep and now So Thirsty, I am a certifiable Rachel Harrison fan.

Sloane and Naomi have a complicated, deep best friendship. Their bond has lasted across time and distance—even as suburban monotony, marital resentment, and aging-related sorrows drain Sloane, and Noami gallivants around Europe working for her boyfriend's band, with an unabashedly cool style and devil-may-care attitude. It's the kind of friendship where you know each other intimately, maybe even better than you know yourself. The kind of friendship you'd kill for.

Naomi decides to do Sloane a favor by shaking up her birthday. A wild and vampy time ensues. If you're anything like me, you might find part of yourself wishing you were one of them. Even though I was bummed to say goodbye to these characters, the ending hit me in the feelings in the most exhilarating way. Ugh, who wouldn't want a friendship like that? It's so good! Lots of immaculate "good for her" vibes.

**3 out of 5 stars**

*An Entertaining but Familiar Paranormal Tale*

Rachel Harrison's *So Thirsty* is a fast-paced, entertaining read that blends elements of horror and paranormal romance with themes of female friendship and self-discovery. However, while the novel has its engaging moments, it ultimately feels somewhat familiar and doesn't quite break new ground in the genre.

The story centers on Sloane Parker, a woman stuck in a stagnant marriage and an uninspiring life, who embarks on a weekend getaway with her longtime best friend, Naomi. The two women, who have taken very different paths in life, are hoping to reconnect, but their retreat takes a dark and unexpected turn when they get involved in a party with some mysterious strangers. What begins as a night out spirals into a life-altering event as the women find themselves entangled in a world of vampires and the supernatural.

Harrison excels at exploring the dynamics of female friendship, particularly how relationships evolve over time. Sloane and Naomi's contrasting lifestyles—one rooted in stability and the other in chaos—create a compelling tension that drives much of the narrative. However, the characters themselves sometimes feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals, and their struggles, while relatable, are portrayed in ways that can feel predictable.

The vampire element adds a layer of intrigue, but it is also where the novel falls a bit short. The supernatural aspects of the story, including the introduction of a romantic subplot with a vampire, feel somewhat underdeveloped and rushed. The vampires themselves don’t bring anything particularly new to the lore, and the paranormal romance that unfolds is reminiscent of many others in the genre, lacking the depth that might have made it more impactful.

That said, *So Thirsty* is an enjoyable read, particularly for fans of Harrison's previous works or those who appreciate horror centered on the female experience. The novel's exploration of identity, change, and the consequences of our choices are thought-provoking, even if the execution doesn’t always live up to its potential.

In summary, *So Thirsty* is a solid, if not standout, addition to Rachel Harrison’s bibliography. It offers an entertaining escape with some interesting themes, but it may leave readers wishing for a bit more originality and depth. If you're a fan of paranormal romance and horror with a focus on female relationships, this book is worth a read, though it might not linger with you long after the final page.

A milestone birthday isn't always something to celebrate, something Sloane - the main character of Rachel Harrison's So Thirsty - knows first hand. She's getting older and she's already well aware her husband is window shopping for a new girlfriend if not a new wife. So when her less-than-dutiful husband tells her he's booked her a weekend birthday getaway with her best friend Naomi, she puts on a brave face and goes.

At the Waterfront Collective, a resort and spa that is NOT a cult, we meet Naomi, the publicist/manager of her boyfriend's megawatt rock band and general chaos agent. Naomi and Sloane have been best friends since they were kids and they are absolute foils - Sloane is somewhat resigned to a life of disappointment and Naomi takes what she wants, even if she's not always exactly honest with herself.

Naomi's proclivity to push Sloane after a night out at the only cool bar in town results in an a birthday surprise that turns out to be something of an Eyes Wide Shut house party complete with sex, intrigue, and, eventually, murder. From there, the book escalates rapidly and spirals out of control as vampirism enters the chat and Sloane's relaxing birthday spa weekend becomes a road trip against her will.

Without heading into spoiler territory, the vampires - true to legend, very Eastern European - were fun and engaging but they serve more as a plot device than anything else, and you feel it as a reader. They exist within their own setting and backstory, which is great, but that serves to completely derail the fun setup of the book - the secluded spa and resort. Because we spend almost no actual time at the Waterfront Collective, its creepy vibe, high potential for cult and/or vampire familiar reveals, and idyllic setting are underutilized.

Once we leave the confines of the Waterfront Collective, the love story that unfolds between felt unnecessary and like it was there purely to substantiate a continued relationship between Sloane, Naomi, and the group (it is, realistically, the only thing that stops them from being promptly killed). But that's okay! Because Harrison keeps us barreling ahead to an explosive finish. This is a book you'll blaze through.

I wouldn't be surprised if So Thirsty was pitched as Thelma and Louise meets vampires - the book is at its best when its investigating what it means to be a woman, female friendship, and what it truly means to know someone. Naomi is fun, easy to like, and then easy to hate. Sloane is self-righteous and anxious but ultimately you root for. They work together. The ending shows that friendship pays off. And we love to see it.

I love Rachel Harrison! I loved Such Sharp Teeth so was excited to read this one. I found it really sharp (no pun intended) and engaging. I flew through the book and was with the characters the whole way. I loved their friendship, their own internal evolutions and I guess there's a commentary on being yourself and standing up for what you need in this life. Loved it.

Loved this from start to finish. Saw this book and the cover got me and the fact I shared a first name with the author. The first couple chapters lay a lot of useless foundation but the rest of the book was so good. Read this in one sitting. Great story, Great for the spooky season!

Complex female friendships and Vampires???? Sold!
I know I shouldn't but I went into this book with such high expectations and thankfully I wasn't let down. The atmosphere, the characters, the bloodsuckers, Rachel Harrison did a phenomenal job with writing and threading together basic human problems and then adding the perfect amount of horror to spice it up. This book would have been a five star but the pacing in the second half felt a little off. But it was still so good, easily a new favorite.

complicated female friendships & sexy vampires - what's not to love.

thanks to berkley and netgalley for the arc!

I was completely sold by this book within the first 50 pages. Sloane is a very refreshing protagonist for a vampire tale, She's in her mid-30's, she's built a life that she's completely unsatisfied with, she's unfortunately aging and her upcoming birthday is only another reminder, the only person in her life who she loves is her wild best friend who she watches live her life enthusiastically from afar.

By the time the vampires hit the scene I was begging for her to be turned. She deserves a fun, hedonistic, savage vampire life! She was so fun to root for.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters throughout this story, especially her best friend, Naomi. They were a great complicated, layered duo. And I'm glad that their relationship maintained the heart of the story throughout the book.

I think the romance was a great addition to the story as well, even if at times it felt a little messy. I think that has to do with the pacing in the second half being a bit off for my taste. This was a 5 star first half of a book that I think struggled to find its momentum at the end. Some of the scenes towards the end were so rushed that it was hard to keep track of what was even going on.

But ultimately I enjoyed the arc Sloane and Naomi went on and I was happy with the direction it decided to go with in the end. This was perhaps one of the strongest first halves of a book i've read this year and it could have been a five star read if the ending was a bit tighter.

Sloane Parker is dreading her upcoming birthday and all the things that come with being another year older. Her and her best friend, Naomi, celebrate her birthday at a lavish cottage and run into some people who will end up changing the direction of their lives… forever.

I really enjoyed this book and for this review I’d like to hone in on that this isn’t just a horror book about vampires. It’s a commentary about women’s issues and it happens to have vampires in the book. I think many women, including myself, can sympathize with Sloane and her feelings and the problems she is facing as she ages.
The writing was phenomenal and there was so many good quotes I pulled from the book.

Had the book focused more so on vampires, their lore/background, and the romance of our main character I do think this could be a multiple book series and it would be well received.

For myself the book started off strong and I kept saying it was on the trajectory to be 5 stars but the bickering between the two MCs, lack of background on our vampire buddies. and the ending just made me slowly lose interest. Still highly enjoyed the book but I was left feeling like something was lacking. Hence my rating of 3.75 stars. But, and here’s the big but, I don’t believe it was set out to be some juicy vampire novel. It’s a commentary on issues women face but with some vampire action in the mix. And the book definitely delivers if you view it in that focus.

Characters: 4/5 stars
Plot: 3/5 stars
Writing: 5/5 stars
Overall: 3.75/5 stars

Harrison once again keeping me fed with an entertaining horror lite read about the complexities of female friendship, existential dread, and choosing yourself. I really enjoyed her take on a vampire story. I’m a bit iffy on the ending and didn’t love the unnecessary half-baked romance, but this was a fun read. I find Harrison’s writing so relatable as a woman growing older and all the insecurities and hesitancies that come with it. I also really enjoy how she writes about friendships evolving over time.

Catch me in the dream mall, thinking about this book constantly until her next one comes out. Such Sharp Teeth and Black Sheep still reign supreme as my absolute favorites, but this is a close third.

Rachel Harrison is back to tackle another monster- vampires- and she does it so well.

So Thirsty tells the tale of two opposite best friends just living their separate lives, then turns into a bloodbath, and it's amazing.

Harrison's pacing is top tier, as usual, like a spider weaving a web tighter and faster as the story goes on. She has a unique way of making the characters feel real through small details.

This is the quintessential spooky season read and deserves to be on everyone's spooky season TBR.

I read this in a day, and while this review is mostly glowing, I will say I didn't love the ending, but the epilogue makes up for it, so 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

**Many, many thanks to #NetGalley and #Berkley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review- my opinions are my own.**

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison is a sharp and darkly humorous exploration of obsession and identity. While it delivers some engaging and thought-provoking moments, the story’s pacing and character development may not fully resonate with every reader.

While the cover and the title didn't exactly, immediately, clue me in to a major part of this story, when it did happen, I was actually excited for the turn of events.

Rather than a run of the mill girls weekend gone wrong type of story, Sloane and Naomi find themselves in need of help from the most unlikely of sources. Thus the impetus for the rest of the novel, my first from Rachel Harrison.

More than the horrifying choice that Sloane must make, this story is about living. Its about control, of self and of others. Sloane is the type of person who holds herself to a very high standard, but also doesn't allow herself to fully live because she doesnt believe she deserves it. She's constantly hiding from a trauma in her youth and believes that if she just does everything right and doesn't make waves, she will be able to control the narrative of her life. On the other hand, her best friend lives life like she's running out of time. Naomi is chaos personified. Each facet of both women's personalities are heightened when they go through their night of horror, but that also forces at least Sloane to reexamine her life and her choices. What does she want? How does she want to live? Is letting go really that bad? Is holding it all in, being careful and oh so perfect, really keeping you safe?

Under the guise of a semi supernatural horror, Harrison asks hard questions of her characters, and in turn, her readers.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!

Rachel Harrison is simply one of my favorite modern horror authors. I have come to know Harrison's books to be full of wit but also the hard-hitting life moments that authors tend to avoid. This was no expectation.

Sloane Parker is dreading her birthday, she is in a loveless marriage with a cheating husband. When he sends her on a weekend getaway with her bestfriend Naomi, she is hesitant. 1. Sloane hates surpises. 2. She does not need another reminder that she is getting older.

While on this spur of the moment surprised three day getaway they meet Henry and from there the chaos ensues

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC!

Rachel has done it again! So Thirsty was everything I wanted it to be and more. I love how fleshed out our main characters are and I loved the vampire crew as well. Personally the crew reminded me of the vampires from What We Do In The Shadows, in all the best ways.

This was such a fun and interesting vampire book that I drank right up! Harrison’s books always leave me wanting more and more 🖤 can’t wait to see what she cooks up next!!

FAVORITE VAMPIRE BOOK OF THE YEAR!

This was SO GOOD! It was fast-paced, thrilling, different, spicy, and I DEVOURED IT. I loved the way @rachelharrisonsghost writes, she throws in whitty comments and the plots are always so spooky! Also, Henry is SO FINE. I kept envisioning him as Louis (Brad Pitt in Interview with a Vampire) add this to your spooky season tbr!!! It’s a must!