this was interestingly structured, written and paced. i think ultimately this book wasn’t for me but i can definitely see that it would be for others. it was atmospheric and the resolution was somewhat satisfying after the long build up.

An engaging narrative navigating the music industry, queerness and emancipation. Moving between Suzanne's childhood and the present day after she abandons her white fence-post marriage, this book moves swiftly between her past - a child thrust amongst an up and coming, in your face band - and a burgeoning poly relationship, all while pursued by her single minded husband.

I was so excited to receive this ARC, being a huge fan of Rio’s work in If We Were Villains, and I was really curious to see where she’d go next. Hot Wax feels like a world away from that novel—in theme, tone, and setting.
In all honesty, rockstar and music-centric stories aren’t usually my go-to, but I enjoyed stepping into a world I wouldn’t normally prioritise. The first half of the novel really worked for me. I was drawn to the dynamics between Suzanne and her parents, especially the messy, glamorous chaos of her father’s rockstar lifestyle. The writing was vivid and atmospheric—I could truly picture the scenes as if I were there.
Where it started to lose me was in the shifting timelines. The back-and-forth made it hard for me to stay fully immersed, and I found the latter half of the book slower than I expected.
That said, I think readers who enjoy stories about fame, family, fractured relationships, and the search for self will find something meaningful in these pages.
Thank you to the publisher Hatchette Aus + NZ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book

So damn cool. I haven’t read any ML Rio before so I went in blind and I will most definitely be reading their others after this, I loved how it melted so many genres together, it’s a rock story a belonging story and even a little bit of a horror story. Sure to be one of the coolest books of 2025. A fantastic writer that has 100% captured my interested. I hope my store receives some proof copies also.