🔥 M U S T R E A D M O N D A Y review 🔥 featuring “Hello, Juliet” by Samantha M Bailey!

MY RATING: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5

10 years ago “Hello, Juliet” was THE hottest teen drama television series … and one of the most notorious. The 4 stars of the show soon become like family and brave the trials and tribulations of Hollywood and hyped up stardom together. But Hollywood can be cutthroat and it doesn’t take much for reputations to get ruined and the glasshouse to come crashing down. When a sudden tragedy happens and puts a quick end to the show, the cast are torn apart leaving in its wake a whirlwind of nasty rumours and insinuations.

Now a decade later, the cast has been summoned all together to shoot a secret reunion special. But when one of the cast mates is found dead in a dressing room, it becomes obvious that no one is safe and they are all targets. A decades worth of secrets, jealousy, sabotage, betrayal and toxic relationships starts to bubble up to the surface once again! Who’s next??

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The twists had me SPIRALLING out of control and I gobbled up all the juicy drama! I love books that follow the highs and lows of Hollywood and how toxic the spotlight can be! Turn that into a thriller and it’s a 5 star for me!!!

Thank you kindly to @sbaileybooks @amazonpublishing @netgalley for my #gifted advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on April 29, 2025!

Yet again Samantha M. Bailey has knocked it out of the park with her newest novel, Hello, Juliet. To be frank, though, I wasn’t all that surprised. After all, Ms. Bailey has always been one of my favorites. This time around, however, the subtle clues managed to evade my eyes until I closed the cover and reevaluated all that I’d learned. Thanks to a complex plot and alternating dual timelines, the truth was unguessable in the extreme. From the first sinister chapter to the happily-ever-after conclusion, all I could do was hold on tight as this suspense-laden tale took on a life of its own. I mean, it had me so enthralled that I 100% couldn’t put it down and so I raced through the pages in only a matter of hours.

As for the characters, their tangled relationships and realistic interactions meant that I had genuine feelings for each of them in turn. From a few I was rooting for from the very start to others who I looked upon with downright suspicion, they all felt undeniably real as both their real life personas and their TV show characters took center stage. It was Ivy, however, who grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. Sensitive yet resilient, she came alive on the page with an authenticity that makes me hope that she’ll make a reprisal in one of Ms. Bailey’s future novels. After all, she kept me invested like few characters have in a stunning tale of gripping intrigue and unbridled deception.

All in all, I was utterly blown away by this psychological thriller. With a riveting mixed media format, tons of twists and turns, and a deliciously unhinged climax that had me flying through the pages, I was utterly floored. It even had a storyline that could rival The OC complete with a definite Laguna Beach vibe. I also can’t forget to mention the jaw-dropping twists or rising unease. Needless to say, I’m not surprised at all that my colleagues and friends at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this one for ages. Quite possibly Ms. Bailey’s best book so far, it was bingeable, sharp, and an out-and-out masterclass in suspense that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Rating of 5 stars.

That you to Samantha M. Bailey, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.

This was one wild ride. Hello, Juliet is a young adult tv series with Ivy as our main character/movie star. Ivy did not have an easy time as a rising star or after it all ended. I kept going back and forth on who was trying to destroy her yet again. Girl couldn’t get a break! I really liked getting a feel for Ivy’s life from the start of the show to after it ended. I was wrong, yet again, about who was trying to destroy her. This book would make a great movie! Hint!

Not sure if this is geared to be a young adult novel or not but if it isn’t I would definitely recommend it to be. What a great easy read that keeps you not wanting to put the story down. And a huge twist that will blow you away.
A story of a group of young adults who easily become friends while working on the same movie set. A fatal accident changes everything. 5 years later a chance to reconnect turns deadly. A story of love and betrayal and ultimately who you can trust and who you can’t.
If you want a good easy read I recommend trying this one. And a Canadian author if that makes you more intrigued

A wonderfully written thriller about how fame can make you or break you. I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the flashbacks and media releases. As the reader, you really want to know all the secrets between all the characters. I had a feeling about the twist, but not to the extent that had unfolded. Highly recommend the read!!

*Thank you partner @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the #gifted e-galley in exchange for an honest review.*

4.5 stars

Everyone at The Pulse loves Samantha Bailey and were so excited to get an early look at her newest. Well I hadn’t read her yet I hoped on the train and so glad I did, I see all there is to love!

The actors of the hit show Hello, Juliet are coming together for the first time in years for a reunion. Perfect timing for the show’s former star, Ivy, who hasn’t been able to get back on her feet since it all came crashing down. She could really use the good publicity, and the cash. The only problem? When she arrives on set she finds one of her former costars dead.

Secrets, twists, and turns, oh my! This book had so many secrets and twists I had no idea where the next one was going to come from and I loved it. Although I had a general inkling as to who was pulling the strings I didn’t see the whole picture until it hit me square in the face.

If you’re looking for a book to keep you captivated from page one until the end I recommend adding this to your TBR. The pace was perfectly set, the back and forth of the dual timeline flowed well, the characters were all intriguing in their own way, and there’s secrets galore.

This was my first by the author but it definitely won’t be my last!

Read if you love:
🤫 Secrets
🎥 Dark side of Hollywood
🕰️ Dual timeline

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!

I'm a die hard Samantha Bailey fan , but I was left feeling underwhelmed by this one! I found the twist fairly predictable from early on and unfortunately I just didn't enjoy the characters and the relationships between the characters.

Samantha dazzles with HELLO, JULIET!

A scandalous, twisty, and wickedly delicious Hollywood murder mystery, HELLO, JULIET, stands out with its engrossing dual timelines brimming with secrets. The author brilliantly explores the dark side of fame, a shocking jaw-dropping twist, and a protagonist you will root for. Bailey is at the top of her game—her fourth novel is her best yet! Move this one to the top of your spring and summer reading list.

About...

Ivy Westcott chose to be an actress because she wanted to be extraordinary. However, if she had known that landing the coveted lead role of Juliet Jones would turn her into a meme, she would have run as far as she could. Her journey to stardom was difficult, filled with sacrifices and betrayals that shaped her into who she is today.

Hello, Juliet was the teen drama she starred in almost a decade ago (2014) and later with a tag, #PoisonIvy, when all imploded. This tag, a cruel reminder of her fall from grace, is a constant presence in her life, haunting her every step. Everyone blames her for the tragic end of one of the most explosively popular shows ever to air on television. Everyone betrayed her, even her best friend and costar, Lauren.

The entire show and its relationships collapse when a cast member dies before the finale airs.

There is a recent docuseries about all the celebrities who never bounced back about her public crash from grace with tabloid reporters, gossip bloggers, professors of pop culture, and even the teen boy who stocks at the market where she has worked as a cashier for the last three years.

To capitalize on the fame the show once had, Mack (producer) reaches out for a top-secret reunion of the surviving cast. At age 32, Ivy needs the money for her mom (her manager) as she has a cleaning job and needs surgery for her back, so she agrees. This money will save them.

She and her mom left LA years ago, but she will show up at the Sunrise Studios. Like the sinister secrets of the high school students Juliet, Skylar, Hudson, and Logan onscreen, never knowing who the hero and villain behind the scenes were. Just like her character, she never knew which of her castmates she could fully trust.

(2024) When Ivy arrives at the top-secret location, she finds her co-star, DEAD.

Let the games begin...

My thoughts...

Electrifying! HELLO, JULIET is on my Top Books of 2025! An impressive, sizzling psychological whodunit thriller from page one to the jaw-dropping twisty ending you will not see coming! Absolutely, unputdownable.

The author's expert storytelling skills are on full display as she cleverly takes readers on a wild ride, in complete control, leaving readers in awe of all the pieces and how they connect, leaving you shocked—gobsmacked!

From past (2014) to present (2024), we hear from Ivy, a young girl caught up as the 'It Girl' in Hollywood— and is now in the middle of a MURDER mystery. Full of mystery, glamour, suspense, scandal, jealousy, action, drama, intrigue, and mind-blowing twists.

Ivy, our protagonist, is a highly relatable character. She never sought fame but yearned for validation and acceptance. She wanted to prove to her mom and herself that she was good enough. Talented enough for her to have sacrificed her entire life to help her fulfill her dream. But that dream became a nightmare, and her best friends became her worst enemies.

There is drama onstage and off from Mack, Caleb, Jesse, and Lauren. The author shines with short snappy chapters with cliffhanger endings, very cool Actor breakdowns, interspersed with social media excerpts, scenes, clips, juicy teen drama, Hollywood gossip, trending topics, commentary, news media, podcasts, and more. Where real life off-screen drama is more exciting than on-screen. You may think Beverly Hills, 90210; Pretty Little Liars, or one of your favorite soaps.

HELLO, JULIET is not just a thrilling read, it's an exquisite psychological whodunit thriller that serves as a cautionary tale. It explores the price of fame and exposes Hollywood's dark side and underbelly. The author cleverly showcases the public's obsession with celebrities, commentary, and the dangers of media. It's a story that will make you think twice about the allure of fame.

Prime for the big or small screen. Binge-worthy and movie-worthy! Ivy is tenacious and determined to find justice and clear her name, as the cast's facades and dark, chilling secrets are unraveled and revealed.

I am a huge fan of Samantha M. Bailey. I have read her three previous books and have featured her twice on my #AuthorElevatorSeries. I have loved every book, but HELLO, JULIET is my favorite. I can't wait to see who narrates the audiobook—I am sure it will be a blast. I cannot wait to see what the author has for us next.

Interview...

Stay tuned for my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Elevator QA behind the scenes ride with Samantha and HELLO, JULIET (pub day, April 29). I can't wait to share more insights about this thrilling book!

Recs...

HELLO, JULIET is for fans of the author and those who enjoy a well-crafted brilliant murder mystery whodunit thriller, pop culture, and the entertainment business.

Also for fans of Rachel Kapelk-Dale, T. Greenwood (Tammy), Joshilyn Jackson, Lisa Unger, Lisa Jewell, Heather Gudenkauf, Alex Finlay, Alice Feeney, Seraphina Nova Glass, Kimberly Belle, Liv Constantine, B.A. Paris, Ruth Ware, Robyn Harding, Wendy Walker, Susan Walter, Christina McDonald, and Mary Kubica. (all favorites)

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy for my honest thoughts.

My Reviews:
A FRIEND IN THE DARK
WATCH OUT FOR HER
QA Interview - Watch Out for Her
WOMAN ON THE EDGE
QA Interview - Woman on the Edge


blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
April 2025 Must-Read Books
April Featured #AuthorElevatorSeries QA
Top Books of 2025

The book was so good. The twists were amazing, i never saw the last one coming it is definfinty one of yhe best stories would recommend.....

Thank you to Samantha Bailey and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!

Former actress Ivy left Hollywood behind years ago when a scandal turned her world upside down. In doing so, she lost touch with her friends - her cast mates from the hit TV show “Hello Julia”. When the cast is having a reunion, Ivy has a chance to see her former cast mates and attempt to find it who turned them all against her.

This book was so much fun! Part thriller, part “documentary”, at times, due to its mixed media format, it reminded of an episode “E True Hollywood Story”. Alternating between different types of media and multiple timelines, the story of what happened to Julia was wilder than anything on the teen drama she had been a part of! Combined with its fast pace, I was on the edge of my seat with this one.

This book has been very popular at the Pulse and having read it myself, I can see why!

”Hello Juliet” releases April 29, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

This book pulled me in from the first page and never let up! A decade after being branded #PoisonIvy, Ivy Westcott is desperate for a fresh start—until a reunion episode of Hello, Juliet dredges up old betrayals and turns deadly. The mix of media adds to the suspense, making every twist even more gripping. With layered characters, a dark Hollywood setting, and secrets lurking behind every smile, this thriller is a must-read for anyone who loves a juicy, edge-of-your-seat mystery!

Hello, Juliet takes place in LA, when a has been actress, Ivy, is called back to do a reunion show of her famous series that was canceled 10 years ago.

Filled with secrets, lies and action, this story flew by. I loved the mixed media, with snippets of press releases, social media threads and news stories taking place in both the past and present.

It's highly dramatic, in perfect soap opera fashion.

The book kicks off with this great quote

"There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about."
-Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

This is my 3rd book by this author, and I will always be ready to read her next one.

Child actor Ivy is struggling in her early 20’s to land an acting job. She meets Lauren, a very successful actress, at an audition and surprisingly wins the lead role over Lauren. 10 years after the show aired, Ivy is called to tape a reunion show which should be interesting because Ivy has not talked with the rest of the cast since something happened . We don’t know what that is but through a dual timeline story we dive into the world of filming and the impacts it can have on friendships.

Thank you, for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.

Ivy is a newbie actress who shot to stardom by landing the leading role in Hello, Juliet, a teen drama, thriller TV show. 10 years later, after a distratrous and very public exit, a new reunion show is set to be filmed, bringing all the stars back together. So when Ivy shows up to the studio, she is surprised to see no one there yet. And then she finds the body of her former best friend and co-star.
After the cops start to investigate, which at first looks like a suicuide but is deemed a murder, Ivy and her mother, Elizabeth, go into hiding. Afraid that whoever committed the murder is after all the stars.

When I first started reading, I loved the relationship that Ivy had with her mother. So many stories, the mother and the daughter don't get along, the mother is dead, or in jail. Everyone on the show loved Elizabeth, too.

This book is full of things I didn't see coming at all. You don't know who Ivy should trust from one chapter to the next. It is a wild ride!

Two evenings. I finished Hello, Juliet in two evenings, hardly coming up for air.
I've been a fan of @sbaileybooks Sam Bailey's since her debut (Woman On The Edge), but Hello, Juliet shot up the ranks to my new favourite of hers.
Thank you to @thrillerbookreadsthepulse for my eARC for review!
Ivy Westcott, Lauren Malloy, Jesse Rafferty, and Caleb Hill are the new stars of the teen soapy drama series, Hello, Juliet.
Hand-picked by series creator Mack Foster, the sensational publicity of the cast begins before the show has even aired.
Ivy, in particular as the title character, is panned by fans from the get-go.
Why did Hello, Juliet only last one season, yet became a coveted cult classic?
The story is told in dual-timelines, opening with a return to the LA studio for a cast reunion, back to the heyday of the show itself.
Immediately I was drawn in by the 90210/The OC/One Tree Hill feel of it all. And the twists and secrets are a tight weave indeed.
Recommended!
For release on April 29.

Title: Hello, Juliet
Author: Samantha M. Bailey
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 303

Story is told from the POV in two timelines Present Day and Then-ten years ago featuring the TV show “Hello, Juliet”, Story features the cast members ~ Caleb Hill, Lauren Mallory, Jesse Rafferty, Ivy and show’s creator Mark Foster. Ivy’s mother was also a big support of the show. Cast members and crew loved her and the treats she would bake for them.

The story reveals what happened between the characters on the show then as well as in their real life.

Story starts when a ten year reunion episode is planned for the hit TV show “Hello Juliet”.
Ivy Westcott played the lead role of Juliet Jones is riding in an Uber when the driver recognizes her. It seems she was featured in a recent ‘tell all show entitled “Rock Bottom Celebs Who Never Bounced Back!”
Yes~ ten years ago Ivy Westcott fled LA just as her acting career was a hit. It seems a cast mates from “Hello, Juliet‘ as someone turned her closest friends against her. Now the whole world knows her as Poison Ivy.

Now a decade later, Ivy is horrified when a celebrity exposé thrusts the Hello, Juliet cast back into the limelight, dredging up the old scandals she hoped to escape. Desperate for a fresh start and some financial stability for her mother and manager, Ivy does agree to participate in a top-secret reunion episode.

Ivy’s poised for a comeback, but past betrayals become a present danger when she and the man who once broke her heart find their co-star dead.

I read a lot of thrillers and know to be suspicious of everyone and also know that typically the one who is the least likely is the one whodunit.
So yes I guessed correctly but I had no clue why!
However it was still a GREAT read!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 29, 2025.

Yes! All the stars. This was such a propulsive thriller that I didn’t want to stop reading. When I did (because ya know, work) I couldn’t wait to get home so I could pick it back up. Bailey really brings the reader into Ivy’s world which any fan of teen dramas will know well. I loved the core characters and seeing how their relationships grew during the months of filming. I had no idea where the ending was headed and absolutely loved it. I highly recommend it!

I am a huge fan of Samantha Bailey. This thriller did not disappoint. It starts off right away with Juliet heading to a top-secret reunion from a show she did as a teen and she finds one of her former co-starts dead in her dressing room.

The story spirals from there and in the best. It held me captive until the very end

OMG what did I just read?! This book was SOOO good and utterly addicting, I couldn’t put it down! I absolutely loved the dual timelines with chapters mixed in of podcasts/social media posts/tabloid articles. The characters were so well written, especially Ivy as she was someone I found to be ver relatable and someone who had to overcome quite a bit. I couldn’t wait to find out the twist and I did NOT see it coming. It was well executed and left no questions for the reader. Five stars for this one and I plan on adding more of this author’s books to my shelf!!!

Hello, Juliet comes out April 29th!

Really good. Held my attention and kept me guessing what was going on. Enjoyed the characters and the plot. Flew through this book in 2 Days. Definitely recommend for a good quick mystery! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC