May I never be drawn into a cult! There is certainly something fascinating in reading the tale of someone else who falls victim to the insidiousness of cults, especially as I can see how effective the draws are! This is a wonderfully twisty and scary dark story of Beth, once a member of Elixir (brought in by Marissa) and a willing participant to the whims of the oh so charismatic Tate, leader of the popular business of Elixir. Jumping back and forth in time telling the story of how she was drawn in and how she got out and is trying to live a new life far away from the sunny shores of California. But of course it wouldn't be that easy and so it was a wild ride with Beth, trying to figure out about mysterious notes sent and possible people following, especially stressful as she is a new mother (which also ramps up the tension!). The two times weave together well for a crazy wild climax and it was really hard to put down until I got to the end (which has it's own oh no twist).

A crazy wild twisty read that sadly sounds totally plausible (and has kind of happened not too long ago) that I really enjoyed reading for its unputdownable story and I would definitely call it a winner!

I love a thriller with a cult storyline, and Be Mine by Lizzy Barber definitely didn't disappoint.
I honestly couldn't put it down, I read it in one sitting. I was drawn in immediately, and it didn't let go of me until the very end.

I loved Beth. She was a great main character. She was strong, determined, relatable, and complex.
Mia and Marissa were also interesting characters.
The storyline was compelling and intriguing. The twists were clever. I didn't see them coming at all.

This is the first book I've read from Lizzy, but it definitely won't be the last. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Thanks to Netgalley, Datura Books, and Lizzy Barber for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book wastes no time—it kicks off with a gripping start and immediately pulls you into the story. I was hooked from the very first chapter and stayed invested all the way through.

As someone who’s fascinated by cult-centered narratives, this one absolutely delivered. The tension, the mystery, and the eerie atmosphere all came together perfectly. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to keep turning the pages late into the night.

If you’re into dark, fast-paced thrillers with a cult twist, I highly recommend picking this one up. It did not disappoint!

I absolutely loved Be Mine by Lizzy Barber! This psychological thriller is a chilling, addictive dive into the seductive yet sinister world of a wellness cult, and it kept me gripped from start to finish. The story follows Beth, a new mother haunted by her past involvement with “Elixir,” a health and wellness group that promised salvation but turned into a nightmare. Ten years later, a mysterious letter with an infinity symbol signals that her past is closing in. ∞

The dual timeline—Beth’s present as a struggling mom and her past immersion in Elixir—is masterfully woven, building suspense with every chapter. The way Barber captures Beth’s initial enchantment with Elixir, from the grueling exercise classes to the manipulative therapy sessions, felt so real and unsettling. The dynamic between Beth, her friend Marissa, and the charismatic yet creepy leader Tate was a highlight—especially the shift when Marissa’s warnings about Elixir’s dark underbelly start to surface. The moment Beth realizes the true cost of her devotion to Tate and the group gave me chills! 🤯

The pacing is relentless, with short, intense chapters that made it impossible to stop reading. I loved how the book explored the psychological pull of cults, showing how Beth’s vulnerabilities as a new mother and her past heartbreak made her susceptible to Elixir’s allure. The final twist, revealing the full extent of the group’s hold on her, was a jaw-dropping shock that tied everything together perfectly. 🔍

This book started out a little slowly for me, but around the 40% mark, it became hard to put down! The alternating timelines were a bit confusing as well, especially later in the book where they didn’t always alternate, but kept the reader in the same timeline for several chapters. Still, the way that Barber showed how Elixir was so insidious was fantastic. The unexpected twists kept me thinking, “Just one more chapter” as it got later and later, and I ended up reading till 2 A!M, just to see how it all ended. To be honest, the end of Elizabeth’s story seemed a bit abrupt and out of character, but it was still satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

From the first page, this book pulled me into a tense, eerie spiral. This was a wild ride through the world of wellness cults, motherhood, and what happens when your past refuses to stay buried. Beth, the main character, thought she’d escaped the strange group she once called home. But ten years later, as she struggles with being a mom, a mysterious letter shows up—and suddenly the nightmare she fled comes crashing back.

What hit me the hardest was how powerfully the book shows loneliness. You see how wanting to belong can twist into something dangerous if it’s left ignored. And Beth is such a perfect unreliable narrator—she’s flawed, a little messy, but still real and raw. I loved that she wasn’t so unreliable that it got annoying, just enough to keep me guessing.

This story kept me on my toes. There were moments I thought I had it figured out, only for the next chapter to flip everything upside down. The big twist left my jaw on the floor, and the second, more minor twist? I did guess it, but it didn’t ruin the fun. And that last sentence—OMG. It’s one of those endings that leaves you staring at the ceiling wondering what it all means. I'll be busy ruminating about it for the next 3-5 business years, thanks.

If you’re into thrillers that explore identity, obsession, and the dark side of wellness culture, this book is a must-read. Just don’t plan on sleeping easy afterward.

Be Mine focuses on Beth, a new mother, an ex-cult member, who grows increasingly concerned after strange things keep happening.

This was my first thriller that focused on that cult aspect and I devoured it. As the inner workings of Elixir unfold, the creepier it gets. It was definitely interesting and eerie to see just how far Beth was pulled into the world of Elixr.

I’m a sucker for a dual timeline and the way this book handled it definitely added and extra “oomph” to the ending.

Speaking of endings…. WOW. There was a moment that I actually dropped my in surprise. It did seem the tiniest bit rushed, but the way everything pulled together was so good.

Thanks to NetGalley & publisher for this eBook.

Be Mine is a captivating novel that draws you into its emotional and mysterious world. The story beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, with characters that feel genuine and relatable. The pacing is steady, and the atmospheric writing kept me hooked from start to finish. A few plot twists were a bit predictable, but overall, it’s a heartfelt story with enough depth to leave a lasting impression.

This was quite a ride! It definitely kept my attention but strained credulity a bit. Overall an entertaining read, especially if you like reading about cults.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Be Mine is a compelling psychological thriller that blends cult horror, emotional realism, and postpartum vulnerability into a compelling dual-timeline narrative. Despite a somewhat rushed ending, the psychological depth, haunting memories, and twisty storytelling make it a gripping and emotionally resonant read.

Ten years ago, at a difficult time in her life, Beth got caught up with a wellness group called Elixir, led by the mysterious and charismatic Tate. But as she eventually discovered, Elixir had disturbingly cult-like elements.

When she decided to make a break from them, she knew that they would not let her go so easily. And now, as an exhausted new mother, when she receives something through the door featuring the familiar Infinity symbol, Beth realises that they have not closed that chapter, however badly she might want to...

A gripping read, this one will be enjoyed by thriller readers who enjoy the added bonus of charismatic leaders and cult-type themes thrown in. It easily gets 3.5 stars.

A deliciously twisty read that I just couldn't put down

Wow! What a read. This is my first book by Lizzy Barber, but it won't be my last. Gorgeously written, utterly sublime to read and the type of book that you really must read "just one more chapter" of. What more could you want from a book?

Be Mine is the story of Beth. After a turbulent time in her personal life, she decides to leave the UK to start afresh in San Francisco. Thankfully, she's been able to transfer through work, but because she's still doing the same job, being halfway around the world doesn't quite give Beth the break she wants.

Then she meets Marissa, who introduces her to the world of Elixir. Billed as a wellness group for both body and mind, it seems like just what Beth needs. But is Elixir everything it seems?

Be Mine is told in two timelines, separated by roughly 10 years. There's 2013, where Beth is in California, and the present day, with Beth back in England, raising her newborn daughter. We know something happened with Elixir that made her come back - but we don't know what. But trust me, you'll be desperate to find out.

Both timelines of Be Mine are filled with hooks to keep us hanging on, dripfeeding tension and introducing questions that keep us guessing right to the very end. There's an incredible twist I just didn't see coming, adding a whole new layer to the story. Even when it occasionally feels too far-fetched, it's hard to care: I was that invested in Beth, in how deliciously villainous Elixir and its founder are, in the world surrounding them, that I gladly ate everything up.

This is a wonderful read from start to finish. If you like quick-fire thrillers that always keep you on the edge of your seat, if you want a taste of San Francisco, if you like the idea of a cult-like wellness group that's hiding dark secrets, pick Be Mine up. You won't regret it.

Be Mine reminded me of a documentary I watched a few years ago about NXIVM cult. Everything about this book is five stars. Characters that feel fully formed, perfect pacing, and a clever plot with a twist I did not see coming!

I love a great cult psychological thriller and this one did not disapoint. Great characters, dark and creepy twists, I loved it, highly recommended xx

This book sounded so interesting to me so I requested as I was looking for thirllers from different authors. I haven't read a concept quite like this before and was invested the entire book

Thanks os much for the giftedc opy!

3.5 💫

Maybe it's just because I've read a few cult-themed novels in the past year, but I wasn't as thrilled by this as I was hoping to be. I don't want to say it was predictable - because the twists at the end (most of them, at least) did get me, but up until those reveals, it just didn't feel like anything new or too exciting.

I did genuinely enjoy the writing style itself, and was hooked enough to keep reading, but there was just something that felt lacking for me. But Lizzy Barber is certainly an author I can see myself returning to and giving another chance.

This book had me hooked with its twists, while offering a sharp take on control and identity in today's world.

BE MINE BY LIZZY BARBER.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Release date set for the 27th of May 2025.
This book starts off with a bang and pulls you in from the very beginning.
Really enjoyed this story.
I love anything cult related and this one did not dissapoint.
I highly recommend this book

Very good psychological thriller which opens in Marin County, San Francisco in 2014 where an unnamed woman is waiting, with a gun, for a man called Tate. The story then moves to Muswell Hill, London in July 2023 where Beth lives with her partner Adam and their daughter Etta. The dual timeline works very well and I found this a compelling read.

Briefly, in May 2013 Beth has been in the San Francisco Bay area for three weeks, having left England after a traumatic breakup. After meeting Marissa in a coffee shop she is persuaded to join a wellness group called Elixir. Soon it takes over her life and eventually the obsession with the Elixir lifestyle causes her to lose her job. In 2023 Beth is struggling with motherhood and a baby that cries, a lot. She has no friends so when she meets someone who wants to be friends she grabs at it with both hands. However her life is gradually turned upside down when she starts receiving letters from Elixir.

Beth is an interesting character, flawed from the events before she moved to San Francisco, she was ripe for the picking, and an ideal candidate for indoctrination. A dark and gripping story with an inevitability in the way Beth’s life progressed. I was completely blindsided by the massive twist in the story, shocked! It was so tense it made me feel very uncomfortable at times. A good read. 4.5⭐️

This was my first thriller by Lizzy Barber and I love stories with cult vibes. It certainly met my expectations!
I enjoyed the tension-filled plot and the fast pace of the narrative.
Beth was a strong character and her motivations and choices kept the plot engaging and provided insight into the story.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.