This was a fantastic Hollywood set mystery, with dramatic reveals and twists worthy of the screen. It starts off strong, and keeps the story moving with flashbacks to the relationships and complications between the young cast members of a teen drama a decade or so earlier. Did not see the ending coming.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.

This is just what I want a thriller to be - twisty, fun, and captivating. I liked the tie in to Ivy's former life and all of the secrets included. Easy to read, hard to put down.

I’ve read a few books about TV shows and this was my favorite. The way the vital info trickled in and kept me guessing made me want to not stop reading. Cliffhangers at the end of chapters when the book bounced back and forth from the present to the past kept me on my toes.

There are complex relationships and hidden secrets. I found Ivy relatable and resilient as she works to make a comeback.

I’ve read a few books by the author now and I’ve liked them all. This really kept me guessing and not wanting to put it down.

Kira Fixx was a great choice as narrator. She took the story and perfectly delivered the narration. She was part of the reason I finished this in a day.

This is a great choice for summer reading and a great choice for a buddy read. All that discussing of suspects and guessing the conclusion would heighten the experience.

Hello, Juliet by Samantha M. Bailey is a twisty thriller that shines a light on the dark side of fame and what some people will do to make it big!

Ten years ago Ivy Westcott was the lead in a popular TV show called Hello, Juliet. With her co-stars Lauren, Caleb, and Jesse, Ivy works hard to be recognized for her talent. But when a very public fallout happens, Ivy is labeled as #Poison Ivy from several internet tabloids and social media. Now out of the spotlight and living with her mom who is her manager, Ivy is struggling to get by. When she answers an email from the assistant of the director of Hello, Juliet, Ivy is shocked to learn of an upcoming reunion. Needing the cash that goes along with the reunion Ivy agrees. But when she gets to the studio and finds the body of one of her co-stars, Ivy finds herself in the middle of a homicide investigation. As Ivy tries to figure out what really happened, old co-star and ex-boyfriend Jesse reenters Ivy's life. As the tension increases and more secrets from the past come out, can Ivy find out what's really going on and who she can trust?

Whoa! I absolutely devoured this book!! At the beginning I was a little leery because it seemed like it was geared toward a more young adult audience, but the twists that were thrown in there had me fully invested. Ivy as a main character is real and relatable and I liked to see her somewhat grow up through the book. The story switches from the past when they were all on the show and the present 10 years later. Bailey's writing pulled me in and did not let go!! There are some heavy themes that are discussed including suicide, drug overdose, violence, and trolling online so just be aware. I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Samantha M. Bailey, and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC! Publication date is April 29th 2025.

I normally really enjoy this author's books, but this one was a miss for me. It was a slow burn for almost the entire book, and none of the characters were especially likeable. I did think including the social media posts provided a nice touch and added a bit of credibility to the story, and the twist at the end did help to redeem the book in my opinion. Thanks to the twiist, I feel that this is a solid 3 out of 5.

This book was so much more than I expected. I was hooked right from the beginning. I enjoyed Ivy so much. The plotting is fast paced. The hits keep coming. I never saw the ending coming. I definitely will read this author again.

Thank you NetGalley! This is my second novel by this author. I was intrigued by the premise of Hello, Juliet. I loved the back and forth between the past and present, as well as the mixed media. It really helped set the story, especially one set in Hollywood

I absolutely love Samantha’s books and she really can do no wrong. This was a bit of a different style for Samantha and she excelled at it! Ivy, our main character, agrees to come back for a long overdo reunion, with previous cast mates from the successful show and also book title, Hello, Juliet. After a scandal that ruined Ivy and forced her out of the spotlight, she’s hoping that a reunion can be a new start for her and maybe she can get some answers to why things went so horribly wrong, so many years before. Of course, it wouldn’t be a thriller if this is how the story happens. Instead of finding answers and solace, to move beyond the past, she finds a dead body instead. Now, she has to play detective to find out who the killer is before someone else is murdered.

Samantha always gives us unexpected twists in each of her books and just when you think you’ve predicted the ending, she shows you just how wrong you are.

What a great book! Hollywood glitz and glamour with plot twists that kept me guessing. I really enjoyed the pace and the characters. Shocks and surprises. Highly recommend.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Hello, Juliet is a fun popcorn thriller set in the world of Hollywood teen soaps.

I was hit with a strong sense of nostalgia for shows like the OC and Gossip Girl. The storyline had the twisty-turny, dark feel of Pretty Little Liars. I found Ivy hard to connect with at times, and some suspension of disbelief was required around the choices she makes. Overall though I had a good time with this read and flew through it.

I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks and mixed media which added an extra level of grit and glamour to the story. The writing style was engaging and easy, and the story was fast paced, making for an exciting and addicting read.

Thank you Thomas & Mercer for this complementary ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

Wow this novel is so crazy in the best way possible!!!!!!!!!! This book turns in a way at the plot twists that i didn't see coming and is shocking!!!!!!!!!! A bestseller for sure!!!!

Ivy Westcott was once a star on a hit television show, “Hello, Juliet”. When the show came to an abrupt halt, so did her career. Other than a few small parts, she never found success again. When an opportunity comes her way to reunite with her former co-stars, she accepts it. Not because she wants to see them again, her motivation is purely financial. Ivy’s mom is battling health issues and medical bills are pricy. This is an opportunity to help her mom get the care she needs.

Upon arriving on set, she discovers a coworker's lifeless body. Immediately, the authorities are called, and an investigation is under way. Who could have done this and why is Ivy a suspect?

Hello, Juliet is a fast paced novel jumping from past and present timelines through Ivy's perspective. The well-developed characters and captivating storyline make it easy to follow. I loved the abundance of red herrings that kept me guessing, and the twist at the end got me.
A few times I caught myself nodding my head and saying “yep, just figured it out” to be blindsided with a new revelation, throwing out theory after theory of mine!

The author's creative writing style incorporates script rehearsals, social media messages, and Ivy's narrative, keeping the story engaging. Highly recommend when looking for a quick and entertaining mystery thriller. This is the third novel I have read by Samantha M. Bailey and I have enjoyed them all. I love her unique plots and storytelling.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced copy to read and review.

Hello, Juliet was such a fast-paced and addictive thriller! I loved the mix of Hollywood glamour and dark secrets. The story follows Ivy, a former teen star who reunites with her old castmates, only for things to take a deadly turn. I enjoyed the dual timelines, bouncing between their days on set and the present reunion. The short chapters and media snippets kept the story moving quickly, and I was hooked the whole time. Everyone felt like a suspect, and the final reveal completely shocked me! Ivy was a really interesting character, and I liked how the story showed the dark side of fame. Some parts felt a little unrealistic, but overall, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. If you love thrillers with drama, betrayal, and a splash of nostalgia, this is a great read. I finished it in just a day!
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

As always with Samantha M. Bailey's books I felt invested right away especially as the danger and stakes intensified.

A former one show/season actress Ivy is down on her luck. She is no longer famous and is working at a super market and can't get any acting gigs. She gets a notice that it's time for a 10 year reunion and Ivy and her mom head down to LA for it.

What Ivy founds is that her best friend and co-star is dead and now she is in the middle of the investigation. The story is told with Ivy's rise to fame and her season as the newest star. I enjoyed the past with Ivy's experience with Hollywood and her relationship with her costars and producer.

The story is fast paced and kept me devouring it and wanting to know what happens.

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for a copy of the book.

Ivy Westcott thought she landed her dream role when she was picked to be the lead on the hottest writer/director's latest teen TV show. But the public thought her friend and costar (in the supporting role) deserved the lead, the paparazzi portrayed every moment of her life in the worst light possible, and even her budding romance with one of the male costars seemed to be doomed. Ten years after the show ended in disaster and Ivy retreated from the public eye, she is invited to join a reunion show. Desperate for the money being offered to participate, to fund much needed medical care for her mother, Ivy returns to the set of Hello, Juliet, only to find one of her former costars dead in Ivy's own dressing room. Worried she may be in danger herself or, worse yet, suspected of contributing to her former costar's death, Ivy is driven to figure out not only what is going on now, but who was behind all her misfortune during the series's run. This is a complex, tightly plotted psychological thriller that reveals the dark, seedy side of fame. Told from Ivy's perspective in the present and 10 years ago, the story is full of twists and surprises. A bit of a slow burn initially, once the story took off, it was really hard to put down!

Hello, Juliet grabbed me right from the start and didn’t let go until the last twist. And no, I wasn’t expecting that ending!
The story is told in dual timelines 2014 and 2024. The story revolves around a once mega hit TV show,Hello, Juliet and the past /present lives of the cast Ivy, Lauren, Jesse and Caleb. Friendships can be tricky, make them your costars and you get all the makings for some good drama.

With 10 years now gone by, and an opportunity to do a reunion show, Ivy jumps at the chance. She could really use the money. Instead, Ivy’s world is turned upside down when one of the cast mates is found dead.
This book really shows you the toxic side of Hollywood and the vultures that seek success and fame over everything.

So many plot twists are weaved within this storyline. I really didn’t know who to trust. I thought Samantha M. Bailey did a great job of leaving the reader on high alert, not knowing which way the story was going to turn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Add it to your list, if you like a twisty, who is the crazy one?… type of book!

This book publishes on April 29/2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced copy.

Once again, Bailey takes readers on a wild ride where teen Hollywood stars start turning dead years after the show crashed and burned. I loved the total nostalgia for CW-type shows where the drama and backstabbing runs high and the now adult show outcast must determine if she’s next to die.

Hello, plot twists galore. Ivy Westcott was once the up and coming star of 'Hello, Juliet' and part of a powerful acting foursome. They she became "Poison Ivy" and the acting opportunities dried up. Ten years later she is offered a lucrative reunion contract. Will her star once again be on the rise?

Why this one gets all the stars:
🌟The plot kept me on my toes and in the dark for almost the entire book. Is Ivy in danger? Will she overcome the negative social media and press?
🌟Bailey named the network in this story "the CB" and it immediately brings to mind the WB in our TV listing and its plethora of dramas aimed at the YA crowd.
🌟The narrative is peppered with social media, press releases, etc. in the Past (2014) story line. There is also a present timeline with a mystery to solve beginning in the early chapters.
🌟Our "Hello, Juliet" cast finds that the scripts seem to mimic real-life and vice versa. Is there manipulation on the part of the producer?
🌟My GR friend Norma added this to her HSB (Holy Shooty Balls) shelf. I totally agree with her. This is a gripping and engaging read. One of the best I have read from Samantha M. Bailey.

Thank you to Thomas Mercer and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Thomas&Mercer for the book #HelloJuliet by #SamanthMBailey. I absolutely loved this book filled with drama, secrets and revenge. Ivy has always dreamed of being an actress and she finally hits it big time with Hello, Juliet. Drama with her costars tears the show apart and Ivy is being called Poison Ivy. She leaves the acting business until a decade later she gets an email about a reunion. She needs the money so she agrees, but it turns into way more. Can she finally get the answers she has always wanted to know?