I love a book with multiple timelines. For this one, we are introduced to Nicole in California in 2010 before we alternate to her life with her sister Cassie in London 1986 as their lives are entwined with a popular boy band.

As much as I liked the premise, the story ultimately did not meet up to my expectations. I didn't mind it until about halfway through when I realized every character sucks and Nicole was just infuriating, though Cassie eventually earned an equal spot alongside her. (Honorable mention: scumbag Michael.)

There was way too much tell, not enough show. I felt that the 1986 timeline could and should have been a lot more fleshed out, especially considering not much happened in the 2010 timeline, other than Nicole dragging out the reveal and not doing anything except whining about the horrible thing she did in the past but refusing to share information that could help stop her life from imploding.

But my biggest complaint is the constant use of jaw spasms. Not even exaggerating when I say someone's jaw spasmed in every chapter, and if I'm mistaken then it was definitely used more than once in the next chapter to make up for the lack of it in the one prior. I hope to never see that phrase again.

The second biggest complaint is, what the hell was that cartoon villain ending?

As a huge fan of Sandie Jones’ previous books, I was excited to be approved by NetGalley to read this before publishing date.

This book has two timelines. It starts with Nicole, a mother and wife living in California. A writer comes to her house asking if she will talk about the downfall of a famous rock band from the 1980s and her connection to the band’s singer Ben. Nicole refuses to engage, and tells the writer to leave. A short time later, Nicole’s daughter goes missing from school, and she is told that her “Aunt” signed her out.

The second timeline goes back to the 1980’s. Nicole is a bartender/singer and has a younger sister named Cassie who still lives at home with their parents. Cassie starts hanging around a wild group of kids and her and her girlfriend Amelia start following around Michael and Ben, who are members of the rock band Secret Oktoberfest. When Nicole comes around, Ben falls for her and her sister Cassie is not happy, she feels she has a chance to be in a relationship with him. Jealousy and anger rears it’s head . Now the past has come back to haunt Nicole and her husband Brad (who had no clue about the story of her relationship with the band member).

BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of I Would Die For You, by Sandie Jonesl, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.

I would’ve probably really enjoyed this book back in my Tiger Beat, Teen Beat, and Seventeen magazine days. But they are about 42 years in the rearview mirror now.

I guess that makes me and not the story derivative? Or maybe I’m just old and crotchety and picky and don’t like character interactions that don’t make sense.

At least it was a quick and easy read.

DESCRIPTION
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese's Book Club Pick The Other Woman and The Guilt Trip comes an electrifying next novel.

California, 2011: Nicole Forbes lives a quiet life in the small seaside town of Coronado with her husband and daughter. She is not expecting a writer to knock on her door asking for her personal insight into the downfall of the biggest British band of the 1980s—unveiling the threads of a life she left behind years ago. The same day, her daughter goes missing and the school claims her aunt picked her up . . . but she doesn’t have an aunt. Convinced of a link between the two, Nicole is forced to revisit long-abandoned memories from her past to protect everything she now holds dear.

London, 1986: Sixteen-year-old Cassie is obsessed with Secret Oktober, the hottest band of the moment. Harboring an intense crush on the leading man, Ben Edwards, she will do anything she can to capture his attention among the throngs of groupies at the band’s scandalous backstage parties. But when Ben discovers her older sister Nicole singing at a local bar one night, he can’t help but feel drawn to her, setting in motion a collision course that could tear their family apart.

Infused with the sounds of the 80s, this thrilling novel from the inimitable Sandie Jones explores the chaos that the frenzy of fandom can provoke.

I Would Die For You is a captivating psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With its intricate plot, clever twists, and well-developed characters, the book expertly explores the complexities of relationships and trust. Jones' writing is both suspenseful and engaging, making it impossible to put down. If you're a fan of thrilling suspense with emotional depth, this book is a must-read!

Nicole came to America, from England, to escape her past. Her sister, Cassie, being the major part of that move. She now is married to a wonderful man, and has a daughter. Everything is going well with her life, until it isn't. Her daughter goes missing, and her husband is blaming her due to her fight for the seals. Nicole is blaming her husband, but which is right? When someone comes knocking at the door asking about her past, Nicole knows that it is her past catching up. This story had a few twists and turns. Told from 1980's England, and present time, many things come to light and shows how twisted Cassie, her sister, really was. The ending, ugh! Another great book! Thanks to Ms. Jones, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

This was my fourth book by Sandie Jones but I really like her writing style. The sibling relationship between Nicole and Cassie was interesting. I also liked that this book focused on how past decisions can affect your future. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

This was a very unsatisfying who-done-it. The timeline bounces from 2010 to 1986, and it's the story about Nicole, her sister Cassie, and a British boy band that has skyrocketed to fame in the 80s. In the present(ish), we follow Nicole, who lives in Southern California with her husband and her daughter. Her daughter does not come back from an after school activity and is presumed kidnapped, but she arrives the next day fresh as a daisy, after hanging out with her aunt.

An aunt that has been dead for almost 25 years?

Or is she?

Everyone in this book was annoying and underdeveloped. In twisty murdery stories you need to be rooting for at least one person, and not one in the bunch. Thank you St. Maritn's Press and Netgalley for the ARC for my honest review.

This just did not connect with me. I DNF this one sadly. I will try more by this author but not sure her writing style is for me

“I Would Die for You” is my first experience with Sandie Jones, and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. The book follows Nicole, a woman who has settled into a quiet life in California after moving from London. Happily married with one daughter, her world is turned upside down when a mysterious woman named Zoe knocks on her door. Zoe is asking about a “Ben Edwards” and accusing Nicole of having a role in the breakup of a rock band called Secret Oktober. This visit shakes her, but her day gets worse when Hannah (Nicole’s daughter), is taken from school by a stranger claiming to be her aunt. Hannah apparently doesn’t have an aunt. What a mystery.

The story alternates between Nicole’s past and present, slowly unraveling her complicated history. We learn that Nicole left behind her younger sister, Cassie, who lived with their sick mother and overly strict father. Cassie was a major fan of Secret Oktober and would skip school to hang around the groupies chasing after the band. Cassie had an unhealthy obsession with Ben, which made me wonder if Nicole’s secret was stealing her sister’s identity because why would Nicole date a man her sister was in love with? (Spoiler: I was wrong.)

The book is part mystery, part thriller, exploring how Nicole, Cassie, and the band’s pasts intertwine and how their lives were changed forever by their shared secrets. However, the book just didn’t keep me intrigued. While I appreciate the author’s attempt to combine suspense and mystery, this book wasn’t for me. I found myself switching to the audiobook to finish it. The twists didn’t feel as surprising as I had hoped, and the characters didn’t quite resonate with me.
Overall, I’d rate I Would Die for You a 2.5 out of 5. While the premise had potential, I just didn’t connect with the story as I had hoped. That said, I still want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Another Thriller option for fans of unhinged suspense in 𝑰 𝑾𝑶𝑼𝑳𝑫 𝑫𝑰𝑬 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 out March 25th from @stmartinspress & @macmillan.audio.

I have come to expect a more popcorn level thrill from Jones and this one met my expectations.

This story involves a boy and a band with 2 sisters, the chaos fanaticism can bring, and how far you are willing to go to protect the ones you love.

I thought this was a fun, lighter suspense. It did tackle some deeper themes of fandom and fame, but overall, it was an entertaining read. It is one where suspension of likelihood must be employed, but I also feel like that can be fun in fiction. This really felt like a great option for a TV movie.

Thank you, publishers for sharing these formats with me via @netgalley though you can get them now wherever you get books!

Another windy twisty tail from Jones. I always love the suspense and the of the characters motivations and pass. I really enjoyed the back and forth from the groupie days to present day. It was such a wonderful contrast each other. The tension ramped up higher and higher throughout the book which made the ending so satisfying.

This author is an automatic read for me. And the street continues! I've already recommended it to some fellow Thriller readers.

This was an interesting sorry but I didn’t feel a lot of suspense and “thrill” along the way. The ending left me a little cold as well. It was well written however.

I WOULD DIE FOR YOU – by Sandie Jones - Rerelease

‘Nicole Forbes lives a quiet life in the small seaside town of Coronado with her husband and daughter. She is not expecting a writer to knock on her door asking for her personal insight into the downfall of the biggest British band of the 1980s―unveiling the threads of a life she left behind years ago. The same day, her daughter goes missing and the school claims her aunt picked her up . . . but she doesn’t have an aunt.’

That was some twisted Sh*t! I am honestly left with a puzzled look on my face and a question or two.

The story is told by way of two alternating timelines—California, 2011, and London,1986, which may be where some of my confusion stems from. There are a LOT of secrets that our main protagonist hints at, which makes keeping up with the drama a little difficult.

If you are expecting likable characters in this book—a strong side to root for, a friendly foe or two, you will be very disappointed.

I will say, I did not see that ending coming!

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press)for providing me with an eBook of I WOULD DIE FOR YOU at the request of an honest review.

What a thriller, what a story, what a page turner, couldn’t put it down!

Dual timelines- 2010, Northern California. Nicole, husband Ben and daughter Hannah. 1986, London, younger Nicole, younger sister. Cassie, and 80’s heartthrob rock band Secret Oktober.

The story begins in California, Nicole and her family are living a ‘perfect’ , peaceful life. One day a stranger knocks on her door with questions for Nicole about the demise of Secret Oktober. Nicole denies knowing anything and shuts the door to the stranger. Later that day, Hannah goes missing for a short time, having been picked up from school by her aunt- but neither Nicole or Ben have any siblings- or do they???

Then to the 80’s, where Cassie is infatuated with Ben from the band and will do anything to party with him. But who really has a thing for Ben- Cassie or Nicole? Add to their story their dying mom and a father who is left to raise two daughters and the events of the 80’s just keep coming!
I definitely enjoyed the 80’s timeline more. The characters and events were more developed, and I felt invested in what happened.

This is my first novel by Sandie Jones, but I will be checking out her others for sure!

Thanks to NetGalley and St, Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this advanced copy. This review is my own opinion.

Wow,
2 sisters told in a dual time line.
Nicole present day hiding who she really is and starts her life over in America, when she gets a knock on the door from a girl who is asking questions about the murder if the the famous singer in secret October, Nicole freaks out and then her daughter goes missing.

Cassandra a 16 year old girl in 1986, obsessed with the lead singer of Secret October, with an imagination and a ver bad grasp on reality will change both girls forever.

Love it! Thanks NetGalley for the advance copy

This was just ok. I wasn't a huge fan of the 80's flashbacks. The way the groupies were was annoying but I'm sure that was true for that time period. I liked the present day with Nicole and wanted more chapters with her. Also, Cassie is mental and a pyscho.

I just finished I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones, and here's my take on it:

Set against the backdrop of California in 2011, the story follows Nicole Forbes, who lives a quiet life in the seaside town of Coronado with her husband and daughter. Her world is upended when a writer arrives at her door, seeking her insights into the demise of one of the biggest British bands of the 1980s—bringing back memories of a life she thought she’d left behind. The same day, her daughter goes missing, and the school reports that her "aunt" picked her up, but Nicole has no aunt. Believing the two events are connected, Nicole must confront her past to protect her family.

In London, 1986, the story shifts to 16-year-old Cassie, who is obsessed with the hottest band of the time, Secret Oktober. She’s determined to get the attention of Ben Edwards, the band’s charismatic lead singer. But when Ben notices Cassie’s older sister, Nicole, singing at a local bar, an unexpected connection forms, setting off a chain of events that threatens to tear their family apart.

Infused with the energy and music of the 80s, I Would Die for You explores the chaos of fandom, obsession, and the tangled connections that can follow.

While the book started strong, drawing me in right away, I found myself struggling with the pacing as the story progressed. The dual timeline concept worked well, and I enjoyed the nostalgic 80s music and band dynamics, but the present-day timeline felt somewhat underwhelming.

The narrative became bogged down with too many unnecessary twists that, rather than adding intrigue, only served to drag the story out. It felt more like a family drama than the gripping mystery or thriller I was expecting. It took quite a while for me to feel the connection between the two timelines, and while the characters were well-developed, I found it hard to connect with any of them on a deeper level. None of them were particularly likable, which made it harder to become fully invested in their journeys.

Overall, I Would Die for You had potential but ultimately fell short of its promise. The nostalgic 80s elements and the intriguing premise couldn't quite compensate for the lackluster execution in the present-day plot.

This book started out strong, getting me intrigued right away. I liked the dual timeline. It made a lot of sense for this story and it's been a while since I've read one of those. However, I quickly began to have some issues with this.

While I really enjoyed where the story was going for the most part, all of the characters were stupid and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot at their thoughts. They made so many emotional leaps that just don't make sense.

Early on, future Nicole called Ben the love of her life, but I literally never saw any evidence to show it. We saw the beginning of their relationship and the end, but never saw the middle and therefore had no proof of them being in love.

Most of the reveals at the end ended up being predictable and not exciting while others were too outrageous.

I actually got this one both as an ebook and audiobook on NetGalley, so thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Macmillan Audio for the ARCs!

The audiobook narrator did a great job with this book and was believable as the MC.

This is so good and weird I can hardly stand it. I loved the weird twists. I love our protagonist and her pathetic sister. That is how teens are sometimes. It was all so much fun.

Sandie Jones’ latest thriller, I Would Die For You, is a blend of mystery, suspense, and 80s nostalgia. The novel’s dual-timeline structure invites readers into two distinct worlds: present-day California and 1986 London, each echoing with the pulse of an iconic era. The vivid details of the 80s music scene create a rich, nostalgic backdrop that enhances the mystery. The alternating narratives keep the suspense alive, as clues from the past gradually illuminate the mysteries of the present.

I Would Die For You is a page-turner that will especially appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate a good dose of rock ’n’ roll nostalgia. The ending feels more like an invitation to a sequel than a complete conclusion, Sandie Jones proves once again that she has a knack for crafting twisty, emotionally charged narratives. I would recommend reading I Would Die For You.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of I Would Die For You. #NetGalley #SadieJones #IWouldDieForYou