Sandie Jones delivers an emotionally charged thriller in *I Would Die For You*, intertwining past secrets with present dilemmas and the fragile bond of family.

The story follows Nicole Forbes, who has escaped her tumultuous past for a quiet life in a small Californian seaside town. Her world is turned upside down when a writer arrives, probing into her connection to the downfall of a legendary British band. Things take a darker turn when her daughter goes missing, forcing Nicole to confront her haunting past to uncover the truth.

Jones skillfully builds suspense, weaving Nicole’s backstory with her desperate fight to protect her family. The novel explores themes of fame, betrayal, and the heavy cost of secrets, with a gripping pace that keeps readers engaged. Nicole is a relatable protagonist, wrestling with guilt and fear while showcasing a fierce maternal instinct.

Though some twists may feel predictable, the emotional depth and urgency of Nicole’s journey make these flaws easy to overlook. *I Would Die For You* is a thrilling read that lingers long after the final chapter, reminding us that the past has a way of catching up with us.

This was a slower read for me compared to the authors other novels. It goes back and forth from 1986 and 2010. I was not overwhelmed with the story but it was a nice read and I thank St Martins Press for the early copy. Be sure to read the authors note, as it tells how and why she chose this to write about. Very interesting.

Circling between California in 201 and London 1986, the story flows between the past and present life of Nicole. Living in Colorado, the story starts by showcasing the idyllic life of Nicole and her family. Everything seems perfect until two things happen: someone from her past arrives at her door and then Nicole's daughter Hannah goes missing.

Weaving between the past and the present, Nicole has to share parts of her life she's kept hidden to help her find the answer to what's happening in the present. Can she figure out what is happening and why things are coming up now? Or will her life as she knows it fall apart at the seams?

I really need to check if author's have been recommended by Reese Witherspoon, because we have very different takes on books. I love a band story, I grew up on VH1 but this one didn't have likable characters and there wasn't really any one to root for, even in a fun go with the villain kind of way.

Nicole Forbes — LaJolla seal protector, living with her husband Brad who works at the nearby naval base, has a surprise visit from a smirking reporter/author who wants to know about what happened 25 years ago when Nicole’s involvement with British rock star blew up (a tidbit she never shared with Brad). On the same day, Nicole’s 8 year old daughter Hannah isn’t on the returning school bus — an “aunt” supposedly picked her up. Except, in this version of Nicole’s life, neither she or Brad have a sister.

Two timelines — 2010 and London 1986: the version of her life when twenty something aspiring singer Nicole does have a teenaged sister, Cassie, who’s obsessed with pop star boy band Secret Oktober. Cassie does the obsessed groupie stalking of the band’s lead singer and relinquishing her body and common sense to the entire band scene; Nicole actually meets the primary guy under different circumstances when he visits the club where she sings part time. But even with both sisters whitewashing their experiences, the three guys in Secret Oktober, Ben, Michael, and Lukas, are absolute predators regarding women.

Nicole’s current life is turned upside down by mysterious women suddenly appearing with knowledge of her hidden past. Her marriage is put to the test when Brad learns Nicole was a suspect in the death of one of the band members. But he’s also been meeting with a woman that he failed to ask Nicole about. Brad and Nicole do not have much respect for each other — immediately distrusting each other instead of working together even when their daughter is in danger. Who took Hannah? What does this have to do with the band that rivaled Duran Duran in the 80s? Oh, yeah — who really did kill the guy?

The pop star obsession part with rival sisters is fascinating, but the present day drama is frustrating. I wish Nicole and Brad had been better developed and just talked more to each other. But their faults lead to a longer time for the story to unfold. The action all seems to take place in the last 15% of the book. And then the ending: abrupt and confusing. I reread it multiple times, but maybe the characters are in the know, but not me. For that cliffhanger, the undeveloped relationship between Nicole and Brad, and the uneven pacing, I can only give this book 3 stars. There was so much potential to give the reader a clearer narrative, but it didn’t happen.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO No eye colors are mentioned.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO No plants or flowers are included.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5, psychological thriller)

My first ARC!!! 🥹😭
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!
Pub date: March 25th, 2025

Listen. I was hooked!! Whenever I read books about a dreamy leading man in a rock band falling in love with a “regular normal girl” I am living out a teenage fantasy thinking Joe Jonas would see me and instantly fall in love with me LOL. 😂🤭

Told in two timelines. 1986 England & 2010 California. I enjoyed the jumping back and forth between the decades to keep the pacing fast and intriguing. The characters were well developed and I got so mad at some of the stupid decisions that they made.

1986 England: Nicole’s sixteen year old sister, Cassie is the biggest fan girl of the hottest British rock band, Secret Oktober. Cassie has an intense overly obsessive crush on the lead singer, Ben Edwards and would do anything to capture his attention. When Ben sees Nicole singing in a local bar one night he can’t help but notice her. Their whirlwind relationship sets in motion the destruction of their family and ultimately their lives.

2010 California: Nicole lives a quiet life with her husband and daughter. When her daughter goes missing after school one day Nicole calls the school for information, they tell her that her daughter’s aunt picked her up. The only problem is that her daughter doesn’t have an aunt.

I thought that the author’s notes at the end of the book were really cool. She said that she used to follow the rock group Duran Duran around and that gave her a little bit of inspiration for this book (minus all of the crazy things that happen!)🤘🏽🎸

I WOULD DIE FOR YOU by Sandie Jones was a bit of a disappointment for me, but it might be the ideal read for another reader.

It’s 2010, and Nicole Forbes is focused on saving the beach with her husband Brad and 8 year old daughter Hannah. When a woman named Zoe comes to her door, it forces her to confront what happened back in London with the band Secret Oktober back in 1986.

This dual timeline takes the reader back to 1986 where teenage Cassie is obsessed with Ben Edwards from Secret Oktober, and she and her friend Amelia become immersed with the band.

I had a problem with the characterizations. Everyone had such a superficial lens on them, including Cassie, and I wanted to know more than the superficial. Especially when Cassie is dealing with a mental disorder, I thought the author could have done more than just paint her in an unfavorable light. The problem bled into other characters as well, with many not formed as multi-dimensional as I think they deserved to be. I didn’t “get” Nicole and Brad’s marriage. And who was Hank? He was mentioned several times, but I didn’t understand who he was.

Thankfully, the mystery didn’t have twist after twist, which I appreciated. I liked that the reader could see how plot points were building.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

I am a huge fan of Sandie Jones ! Love all of her books ! And this one did not disappoint ! The main character, Nicole, has the perfect life. She left behind a troubled past and fled to the US, leaving it all behind her. Married the man of her dreams, beautiful daughter, well respected in the community. Until there is a knock at the door and suddenly her past is right in her face She tries to ignore it. She tries to avoid it. But her daughter goes missing. And one thing after another goes wrong as her past comes back to haunt her. And it is shocking ! Great from beginning to end. Lots of twists.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "I Would Die For You" and all opinions expressed are my own. The ending - WHAT!?!? I don't understand it. I did finish the book but I didn't like it.

I had no idea where this book was headed but it was fun that way! There are a lot of characters so sometimes I got a little confused but overall a fun thriller! The fictional boyband was fun to read about and I love things set in London.

Thank you Minotaur Books for the gifted digital ARC.

I unfortunately decided to DNF this one at 33%. I was having a hard time connecting with the story, and the plot didn't move along as quickly as I like it to when reading a thriller. I was also insanely frustrated with one particular character but I won't say too much so I don't spoil for future readers.

Nevertheless I will absolutely pick up the next Jones novel without hesitation!

Unfortunately this one felt disjointed for me for the majority of the book. And while I am all for being unsure and on the edge of my seat during a thrilling read…this one took it a bit too far for me in feeling more confusing than anything. The time jumps and various POVs were a lot, and I don’t feel we really got any sort of full explanation. The ending was very abrupt, without a clear conclusion.

Overall, I would not discourage the read if you’re a fan of the author or the sound of the synopsis. But it isn’t one I’ll add to my list of regular recs.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

I would Die for You alternates between London in 1986 and Coronado, California in 2010. The dual timeline keeps the story well paced and interesting. There is some suspense and mystery, but not a ton of jaw dropping twists. However, the unlikeable characters and ode to an 80's band with star-struck fans keeps this entertaining. The ending leaves on a cliffhanger so if you like things tied up nicely with a bow at the end, this may not be the one for you. Read if you like 80's bands, dual timelines, and family drama.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I started this one but couldn't get into it. I am sure others would enjoy it but it just wasn't for me.

Thank you Netgalley & St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy.

A stellar “who did what to whom, when, and how” where the spins keep coming and you’re on the edge of your seat even after the very last sentence. The Acknowledgments are great, too!

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am sorry to say that I DNF'd this one around the 50% mark.
Having liked The Guilt Trip, I was excited to read this one and was intrigued by the premise, but I found the characters too unlikable to be invested in the story, a big turning point was when something comes to light between our married main characters and I felt like they both had personality 180s from what we'd learned of their 20+ year relationship so far.
I know the groupie story from the 80s is really going to draw other readers in, unfortunately this one just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this one early in exchange for a review.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A pop star is killed and two sisters are caught up in the drama surrounding his death.

I have read and enjoyed each book this author has written and this was no exception. I liked the dual timelines and the fullness of the characters. this was a fast thrilling ride that I completely enjoyed. There are enough twist and tuns to make the reader wonder as well as guess how it will all turn out. The book left me thinking as o finished the last words, this is something I enjoy in a book.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advance e-copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

This wasn't the book for me.

**Thanks Saint Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley for the arc!

Came for the 80s nostalgia. Stayed for the twisty psychological suspense.

The past and present timeliness are intertwined so well, and the unraveling of the mystery left me satisfied. It was fast-paced and full of flawed and damaged characters, some of which you'll root for and some you'll be afraid of.

A great read for thriller lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.