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

I seriously almost passed out when I got this ARC. I am the hugest fan of Rachel’s work. So Thirsty, to me, is a triumph. Once again, the main character is just so relatable, and I’ve come to enjoy the humor that Rachel uses in all of her writing. The story was great, the characters amazing, the book was just perfect.

This book will be out in September. (I’ll be highly anticipating buying the hard copy of this). Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book. Congrats Rachel! It’s another banger.

After absolutely loving Rachel Harrison’s book “Black Sheep” last year, I was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this one! It absolutely lived up to my expectations.

Harrison is so good at handling themes like Depression in the face of aging, the feeling of having no clue where your life is going, etc. Her books are just so readable. I feel like I’m sitting down with a delicious dessert or a savory snack I haven’t enjoyed in forever. The odd thing is, she doesn’t write in my usual genre, which is straight up bleak and violent horror. Her stuff is a bit more on the light side and closer to women’s fiction. However, much like “Black Sheep,” once the horror kicks in it does go pretty hard in some scenes.

Let’s get this out of the way: I had a tough time with the MC’s best friend, Naomi. I personally would’ve told her to fuck off and worry about her own life. She came across as too impulsive and self-serving for my taste. Plus, given what we learn about Sloane’s backstory I was like, “Naomi is pressuring her WHY, exactly???” And then she just got worse from there. Lol. What a bad bestie. But, she isn’t mine. She’s Sloane’s. And Sloane loves her.

This actually ends up being the biggest strength of the story. Harrison writes a friendship in a way that is funny, frustrating and heartwarming all at once. In other words, it’s endlessly believable. And the love between Naomi and Sloane is the real heart of the book.

It’s no secret that this is also about vampires, and Harrison’s take is a bit unique in some ways. Many of the characteristics she has given her bloodsuckers may not be what you’re expecting. But still, a few of the characters do have that old world, classic charm. Plus, the actual exploits of the MC after the “thirst” becomes an issue are quite wild and interesting and make the vampire angle seem a lot more conflicting. One of the reasons I really like Sloane is because she’s relatable, and she has a conscience.

This novel is a lot more romantic than what I typically tend to read, (not my thing!), and there’s also a bit of spice. (Also not my thing.) Despite all of that, the violence and drama and the dynamic between Sloane and Naomi, while frustrating at times, really drew me in. I was also won over by the other characters that Harrison created for this world, as there was a lot more to them than I initially thought.

“So Thirsty” gradually revealed itself to have a little bit of a “Near Dark” flavor in the best way, but with a feminist twist. Harrison managed to win me over again. I especially loved the ending, and the imagery and the set pieces involved.

Since I also enjoyed “Black Sheep” so much and I want my sister to read this one I will likely buy a physical copy of both in September when “So Thirsty” releases and then I’ll have both for my physical library!

TW: Depression, Body shaming, Substance abuse, Animal death (off screen), Sexism

Rachel Harrison has done it again, I don't think I've read a book by her that I don't love. This book was no exception.

Harrison has a way with words that meets magic with comedy! WIll def be recommending this to purchase at the library!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

You know it's a good book when I already want a sequel. The characters were interesting and compelling, the setting was bleak and realistic, and it had a great mix of humor and gore. Loved it!

“So Thirsty” by Rachel Harrison masterfully blends horror and social commentary to create a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. The story follows Sloane as she grapples with the consequences of prioritizing others’ desires over her own, delving into themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the search for meaning in a tumultuous world.

Sloane emerges as a deeply relatable character, confronting societal expectations and the fear of losing relevance, a struggle that resonates with many women. Through Sloane’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth, readers witness her internal battles, moments of clarity, and familiar self-doubt. Harrison expertly portrays Sloane’s evolution, exploring the intricacies of identity, desires, and the unwavering pursuit of authenticity, even when it comes with a taste for something… unexpected.

Overall, “So Thirsty” delivers a compelling and unfiltered depiction of a woman’s transformation, interweaving horror elements with profound insights into the human experience. Harrison’s narrative is a blend of frustration and reward, offering readers a vivid and impactful exploration of self-discovery set against the backdrop of a mysterious and thrilling tale.
100% recommended!

Bloody fun and big on friendship. A really delightful romp with both spine-chilling horror moments as well as heart warming scenes of the unique intimacy of female friendships.

Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for the eARC of So Thirsty by @rachelharrisonghost in exchange for an honest review!

I will read anything Rachel Harrison writes! This was very Thelma and Louise with a vampire theme. This ended up being a lot darker and deeper than Harrison’s previous novels. Would recommend to anyone interested in the paranormal.

Thank you for the chance to read this one early! This book was not what I was expecting at all! Although I normally love vampire books and crazy stories this one didn’t do it for me. It was very repetitive and nothing huge happened in the plot. I didn’t really like any of the characters and it all was just kind of meh to me.

Going into So Thirsty, I was expecting a lighthearted, Paranormal romance, but this book ended up being a lot darker and deeper than that. I found myself instantly drawn in, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my reading experience. 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for the eARC of So Thirsty by @rachelharrisonghost in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Birthdays can be very polarizing day and Sloane is not excited for another year older. As she drives off to her birthday weekend with her bestie, Naomi, she has a sinking pit in the bottom of her stomach. A beautiful winter retreat at a luxury cottage at a resort in the Finger Lakes sounds like a dream but under the pristine image of it all, a quiet unease lurks through the pages. So Thirsty is a delightfully delectable read that takes an absolutely wild and horrifying twist after the girls have a night out with some new friends. Rachel Harrison’s writing is absolutely enchanting, drawing the reader into this tale in an immersive, spellbinding experience. Just like Sloane, I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book and I simply could not put it down!

Review is posted on Goodreads and will be on Instagram ahead of the publication date!

This book was delicious!! It felt very “Thelma and Louise” with a vampiric edge. Fast-paced, entertaining, dark - very bingeable. I read 80% of the books in one sitting because it’s hard to look away. That’s how compelling it is. Fans of paranormal thrillers or fans of Rachel Harrison will enjoy So Thirsty.

I will pick up anything Rachel Harrison writes. Its hard to create originality with well known paranormal folklore but she pulls it off here and in her other books as well. Her narrating main characters are always super relatable and have enough depth to keep that relatability from becoming superficial. She is also masterful with pacing the story moves and the drama keeps you guessing.

I drank this one up! So Thirsty follows Sloane, who feels stuck in her monotonous marriage with her husband Joel. When Joel forces her into a weekend getaway with her world-traveling friend Naomi, all hell breaks loose.

This one felt like a totally different book than what I was expecting, having read The Return earlier this year. I loved it. Just enough gruesomeness with a bit of thrill and romance. I honestly wished it was longer!

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, dark, humorous, romantic read, definitely pick this one up. Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the e-ARC!

It’s Sloane Parker’s birthday and she’s not looking forward to it. However her husband has surprised her with a weekend getaway with her wild friend Naomi and, while they are away, Naomi convinces Sloane to throw off her usual caution and have a crazy night out with a mysterious stranger. That night takes a turn which changes Sloane and Naomi forever.

See, this is why we can’t do fun things. Not that it actually sounded like fun. But you know what I mean. Poor Sloane. The book was pretty much what I expected….it’s not impossible to do new stuff with vampires, but it’s not easy, either.

I am so grateful to Berkley Pub & NetGalley for the this ARC. I finished it in one day because I could not put it down. Another banger from Rachel Harrison. I don’t often have strong reactions to books. In fact it’s downright rare. This book was great: pacing, story development, themes, humor, everything just fit together so well. Pub date is September 10, 2024 so mark your calendar now!

So Thirsty tells the story of Sloane Parker who is NOT looking forward to her birthday or aging. She feels uncertain. Uncertain in life uncertain in love. Sloane’s husband surprises her with a birthday weekend getaway, not with him, but with her best friend, the electric, Naomi. The two have been best friends for over 20 years. They’ve seen each other at every stage of life.

When the two arrive at the getaway cottage, it’s obvious they both have different ideas of what the weekend has in store for them. Naomi just wants Sloane to cut loose and live a little, so she sets up a night out with an eclectic group she just met. The night takes a horrific turn that changes them forever…

Wow I could not have devoured this faster! This has got to be by far my favorite book Harrison has written thus far. The dynamic between Sloane and Naomi is the epitome of girlhood, first love, and family. No one writes female connection and friendship quite like Harrison. I guarantee if you’ve read one of her books you’ve seen your own friendships reflected back to you.

In addition to the picture perfect view of female solidarity, Harrison also gives us a view of the unfair beauty standards set against aging women. The cosmetics and measures we take to feel value, and still feel incredibly negative about our outward appearance. Her commentary on women being their own worst enemy is painted beautifully. It is an exploration into autonomy, what it means to have it or not have it. I could not recommend this book more!

So Thirsty is out September 9th 2024! Preorder your copy today (I’ve had mine preordered since December of last year)

Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review! 🤍

The book kicks off with a captivating premise: two best friends experience an unforgettable night that turns them into vampires—a classic fantasy that’s intriguing right off the bat. However, despite the promising start, the narrative struggles with uneven pacing and a crowded field of similar vampire tales, which dilutes its impact. As the story progresses towards its conclusion, it feels as if it loses direction, culminating in a hurried and somewhat disjointed final chapter. Character development seems incomplete, and key themes like the importance of chosen family are not resolved in a gratifying way. Overall, this book garners a three-star rating from me, primarily for its initial allure but also as a reflection of its struggles to stand out in a genre that feels increasingly crowded.

Rachel Harrison has done it again with this one. So Thirsty is her best yet. Harrison’s releases are always my most-anticipated.

Rachel Harrison has such a special way of writing strong female friendship narratives in her books and this might just take the cake for me.
‘So Thirsty’ is everything I never knew I needed in a campy, modern day, fantastical and grotesque vampire story. We follow best friends Sloan and Naomi (who are giving MAJOR ‘Jennifer’s Body’ friendship vibes) as they embark on a girls trip away for Sloans 30-something birthday. With Naomi questioning her long term relationship and Sloan tired of her cheating husband, they’re optimistic for a weekend of excitement. And excitement do they get… when a mysterious dark broody man invites them to his home for an evening soirée.
The night quickly escalates to weird and horrific events. I won’t say more because letting this story unravel was beyond fun in the moment!
To be so for real I never left my twilight era, and reading this more grown up and spooky vampire book brought back so many nostalgic feelings for me and more.
* Thank you Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review