I could not find my way into this one... I liked the concept and the cover drew me in, but I just couldn't connect to the characters or writing style. This one wasn't for me...

DNF @ 6%

Setting: California
rep: sapphic south asian protagonist; south Asian author

I hate to DNF so early, especially when I was really looking forward to this book after coming across it on TikTok, but I just can't get past the clunky, amateur writing. it feels like a rough first draft that the author forgot to go back and fill in.

*Possible Spoilers*

Isha Raya’s “You’ll Never Forget Me” is a fun, literary film noir that explores female rage, power, and trauma. Every character plays a part in the story: Dimple’s story, Saffi’s story, the actual story. It explores how perspective changes people. It changes how people perceive others, it changes how you perceive yourself. I enjoyed the exploration of women in a society and industry where temporary popularity is the most powerful thing on the planet. It really is a fun puzzle to read.

I love the character of Dimple Kapoor. She is definitely an anti-hero. A selfish, and weirdly selfless anti-hero. She feels human. When she kills, she doesn’t do it to get a power high, she does it by accident or to escape an abusive situation that can’t be outrun. Dimple is absolutely in the wrong most times, but I also understand that she does the only thing she can think of to survive. She’s a flawed person, but she doesn’t want to be a bad person.

Dimple will always live with the fact that she’s taken lives, some of them innocent. While she didn’t like any of her victims, having the power to stop someone’s heart still haunts her. Dimple doesn’t want to be a bad person, but she makes wrong choices based on complicated intentions, which makes her a more interesting –dare I say relatable?-- character.

The psychological exploration of trauma and healing is one of the strengths of the novel. Dimple hates what her victims represent. Irene, her rival, represents her chasing, and losing, her dream. Irene and Dimple look alike to Hollywood. In a sick twist of fate, the industry decided that Irene was a star, not Dimple. It doesn’t matter how hard you work, Hollywood picks someone to love, and most times, it isn’t you. Dimple’s uncle and aunt represent a childhood that could’ve been, but wasn’t. Instead of being there for her, they abused her. She should’ve had an encouraging upbringing, but instead she was taught that ties don’t mean anything. Everyone has a value. If your value is low, you’re eaten, then tossed aside, if it’s high, you are the top of the foodchain, for the moment. They all represent Dimple never being able to make a space for herself or feel safe.

Saffi and Dimple are definitely a power duo and I enjoyed the slow burn of their relationship. The chemistry was subtle, and came from intelligent conversations with each other, not just risque touches. Together, when on the same side, they’re unstoppable. I’m not sure that a romantic relationship is quite right for them, as they are probably more likely to tear each other down rather than build each other up in the end, but they are definitely soulmates. Understanding what it feels like to be the only character in your story bonds you. Whether it’s a healthy bond or not is a whole other conversation.

“You’ll Never Forget Me” is marketed as a psychological thriller. It never gave me goose bumps or the heebie-jeebies. It has that vintage film noir feel, with old Hollywood glamour and scandal. Maybe the fact that both main characters make immoral choices that go against what we think a human should be capable of is enough for it to qualify as a thriller, but to me, a thriller needs to have that element of tantalizing fear. I could understand where both Saffi and Dimple were coming from, which isn’t a bad thing. I like understanding characters, it just didn’t scare me, or make me psychologically puzzled.

If you’re interested in a book where morally gray Women of Color take center stage and regain power, this is a solid choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will be posting this review on Goodreads, and/or Tiktok and Instagram in early January, 2026.

This was a hard one to read. It dragged on and on. I definitely didn’t see some of the twists that came but I wouldn’t say this was a book a couldn’t put down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a wild ride. I simply do not know where to start. The characters are incredible and so sympathetic, even the murderer. I actually believe that Dimple Kapoor is my favorite character in this book honestly. Saffi, admittedly, took a little longer for me to warm up to her. She felt a little pretentious to me, but she grew on me pretty quickly.

The romance and sexual tension is delicious. Very much a slow burn, with a very satisfying conclusion.

The ending was the only part of this book that did disappoint me a little bit. It did completely circumvent my expectations, but I was slightly disappointed in what happened instead. It was still amazing and it was intriguing to think about what would potentially come next for these characters.

If you have ever wanted a sapphic version of Death Note, this book is for you.

insane book!!! was not expecting the ending AT ALL. saffi i love you 🙌🙌 4/5 stars for this book and very very interesting!!! the back and forth was AMAZING and i loved the dual pov.

Out January, 13th, 2026
You'll Never Forget Me dives into the tangled aftermath of a high school tragedy, where the lines between memory, guilt, and obsession blur. The story follows a group of teens grappling with the mysterious death of one of their own, and the narrative leans heavily into psychological suspense. It’s got that eerie, slow-burn vibe that keeps you guessing who’s telling the truth and who’s hiding something darker. There’s a lot of emotional tension, and the way the characters unravel feels raw and unsettling in a good way.

That said, the pacing could’ve used a little tightening. Some parts drag while others rush through key moments that deserved more depth. The mystery itself is compelling, but the resolution doesn’t quite hit as hard as it could—it’s more of a quiet fizzle than a dramatic bang. A few plot threads feel like they were left dangling, which might frustrate readers who like everything neatly tied up. Still, the atmosphere and psychological layers make it worth sticking with.

Overall, it’s a solid read if you’re into moody thrillers with a touch of teen drama and emotional grit. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it plays with familiar tropes in a way that feels fresh enough. Not perfect, but definitely memorable—just like the title promises.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for this ARC!

I have been excited for You'll Never Forget Me for such a long time and really pushed my hopes up, which may have been the reason this book didn't hit quite as hard as I hoped it would.
It feels like a sapphic version of NBC's Hannigram in Hollywood, if Hannibal lacked his talent for manipulation and Will's interpersonal relationships didn't follow a clear logic.

This story definitely had its strengths, and the showdowns between Saffi and Dimple were really intriguing and kept me invested.
The vibey Hollywood aesthetic that is present throughout the entire story was also one of its strong suits.
However, the actual crimes being committed always ran incredibly smoothly, which made them feel a bit too easy.

Sadly, where I was really lost was at the ending. I was very excited to see how this story would be wrapped up , but really, it just made me drop my star rating down one star.
What could have culminated in a final showdown of two minds that have been pitted against each other to reach their goal of mutual destruction did end with some death, but definitely not the ones whom I would have logically expected.

If you want a book with a toxic sapphic relationship, don't mind unclear motives, and instead want to experience the wild and occasionally dark Hollywood vibes, then this might be the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing me with this ARC in return for an honest review.

Be gay, Do crime, Find your soulmate. Author Isha Raya found the perfect balance between the beautiful villainy and thrilling storytelling of bad ass women being bad ass. Overwhelmingly enjoyed!

Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for a honest review.

4.75 stars

This book hooked me from the first page and never let go. I absolutely devoured it. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Saffi and Dimple was so intense and smartly written—it constantly kept me guessing who was really in control. What I especially appreciated was how the story took a situation that initially seemed straightforward and unraveled it into something deeply morally grey.


Dimple, in particular, was a standout. She’s manipulative, dangerous, and undeniably magnetic. I hated her and loved her in equal measure, which made following her arc so addictive. Add in the queer romance, the simmering sexual tension, and an ending that genuinely shocked me, and this was an unforgettable read.


Highly recommend if you love morally messy characters, high-stakes drama, and a plot that won’t let you rest until the final page.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the arc!

This book is a fever dream of fame, obsession, and morally gray women clawing their way through Hollywood’s glittering façade—and I was absolutely here for it.

Dimple Kapoor is a standout character: unapologetically evil, chaotic, and weirdly sympathetic. Her descent into murder feels impulsive and messy, but that’s part of the charm. She’s not a sleek femme fatale—she’s a woman pushed to the edge, making terrible choices for complicated reasons. Watching her spiral was both disturbing and addictive.

Saffi Iyer, the PI on her trail, is a bit more hit-or-miss. She’s introduced as a genius investigator, but her actions often contradict that label. The dynamic between her and Dimple is intense, though not always believable. Their chemistry leans more toward obsession than romance, and while some scenes sizzle, others feel like they missed a rewrite. Still, when they’re on the same page, the tension is palpable.

The tone of the book is darkly glamorous, with a vintage noir vibe that suits the twisted plot. It’s not a traditional thriller—there’s no heart-pounding fear—but it does explore power, trauma, and identity in compelling ways. The pacing stumbles early on, and some plot turns are downright absurd (Dimple casually joining the investigation??), but once the story finds its rhythm, it’s hard to look away.

If you’re into unhinged women, toxic dynamics, and stories that embrace the messiness of ambition and survival, this is worth picking up. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold, strange, and unforgettable.

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.

I was promised cat-and-mouse. I got clown-and-doormat.

There was nothing slick or unhinged about this. It started out great - we have fame-hungry killer up against what we're told is the world’s best private investigator. And for about 24% of the book, I was in. Dimple? Unapologetic, calculating, low-key sociopathic pyromaniac? Loved that.

Then Saffi entered the picture… and it all went downhill super fast.

Let’s talk about this “elite PI.” Saffi is supposed to be a genius-level investigator who gets results no one else can. Instead, she’s written like a sidekick in a Nickelodeon mystery show. There was zero chemistry between her and Dimple, like what was sapphic about any of this? She confronts Dimple with, “I know you’re the killer,” and in the very next scene says, “Actually, why don’t you join the investigation to help us find the killer?” Um… what?! Did the script supervisor call in sick?

And somehow, this isn’t even the most nonsensical part. For the entire rest of the book, Dimple - our hot-headed serial killer with zero chill - just shows up to the PI office. Every day. To hang out. Like she has no acting career that she literally just killed for to work on. And then Saffi is portrayed as this masculine stoic person who just broods all day while making ZERO progress on this case.

And the ending - OMG, that was beyond ridiculous and silly.

rating — 3.75 out of 5 stars.

this was genuinely unhinged. i knew it would be going into it — looking at the premise alone, with an up-and-coming hollywood actress killing her rival (as the inciting incident, no less!) — it certainly sets the reader up for a wild ride.

first of all: i love unapologetically evil women! dimple is actually everything to me, and i loved watching her be crazy on purpose with a trail of bodies left behind her. not many people want to commit to the full send like that when they say they want to write evil women, so i was so on board for her journey. i will say, though, at times her unhinged antics felt a little all over the place. i get that that’s part of the point, since she’s scrambling to cover up this impulsive murder and the fallout from it, but it made the story feel meandering and confused at times as opposed to a well-plotted thriller. i also wish a bit more time had been devoted to fleshing out her relationship with saffi — what we got to see was delicious, but i think it would’ve helped if they met earlier than a third of the way in. i wanted more of them together!

overall, this was a fun, quick read. i read it on the plane home from vacation and it was nice and easy to read it all in one sitting! if you’re looking for a snappy thriller and you support women’s wrongs, this would be a great vacation read.

This was quite the enticing reading experience. I wasn't so sure at the beginning of it, but as it geared up, my interest grew at the same pace.

This reflects more on my personal preference than the author’s writing but I could not get into this book. The author wrote really well and was very descriptive, but the more I read, the more my attention was lost. Again, this is my opinion only and many others loved the book, so I definitely recommend at least trying this book out.

This is sapphic, toxic, and unhinged... but in the best way possible.

The story follows Dimple Kapoor, a struggling actress who accidentally kills her rival and then ends up landing her dream role because of it. Enter Saffi Iyer, a private investigator hellbent on proving Dimple’s guilt. What unfolds is a twisted, addictive game of cat and mouse between two women who are as morally gray as it gets.

Dimple’s chapters are especially fascinating because she has a detached, eerie way of viewing the world and her crimes makes her one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in a while. Saffi is more chaotic and emotionally unstable, and while I feel like I connected with her less, the dynamic between her and Dimple is electric and intense, and had me waiting with bated breath as soon as they met. They’re not exactly romantic partners, but more like obsession fueled enemies with moments of strange chemistry that they cannot deny even if they tried.

The writing is sharp and very clever, with a tone that feels dark, glamorous, and very old school in the best nostalgic way. It’s gritty, bloody, and full of tension. Once the story picks up (around a third of the way in), it’s impossible to put down.

This is not your typical sapphic romance. It’s about power, obsession, guilt, and getting away with murder... literally. Think villain era meets noir thriller with a queer twist. A bold, wild debut you definitely won’t forget. I am truly so happy that I had the chance to read this, because I think this is such an amazing book and hope others enjoy it as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Isha Raya, and Ballantine/Bantam for the eARC of this book.

4.5! I really enjoyed this book. The connection between the Dimple and Saffi was electric, and every time we had scenes between the two of them, I was hooked. The world building was good too - but I did knock off .5 stars because I wanted more of the A plot and less of the B & C plots. But this is a hell of a debut, and I will definitely read other things by Isha Raya!

Thanks NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC!

Thank you to Ballentine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.

You’ll Never Forget Me follows Dimple Kapoor, a struggling actress who accidentally kills her rival, which leads to her getting the role of her dreams, and Saffi Iyer, the private investigator trying to nail her for the murder.

This is a book that is hard to put down. I really enjoyed seeing the world through Dimple’s eyes as her detached way of looking at the people she killed while still being haunted by them was very interesting to read. I also enjoyed the characters of the other private investigators, especially Eli, as well as Dimple’s personal assistant Priyal, who was my favorite character.

However, our main characters didn’t meet until 100 pages into the book and even then, I had trouble seeing anything between them and thought in the end they worked much better as some sort of partners in crime, rather than romantically or sexually. I also really didn’t like Saffi’s character and how she thought about herself and others. Neither of the main characters are meant to be likeable but I really enjoyed being in Dimple’s perspective because of her world view while Saffi’s didn’t have the same appeal to me.

But I did find the story incredibly interesting and had trouble putting the book down as I was very curious to see where it would go and the ending did not disappoint.

Thank you again to Ballentine and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

First off I love the cover of the book thank you so much for this read it was great loved the characters and the storyline came together beautifully it kept me interested till the very last page