We Were Never Friends
by Kaira Rouda
You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Feb 03 2026 | Archive Date Not set
Talking about this book? Use #WeWereNeverFriends #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
"As twisty and suspenseful as it gets...instead of looking to the future, these old friends and sorority sisters discover it’s not so easy to bury the past. A haunting page-turner. I loved it!"
— Robyn Harding, bestselling author of THE HATERS
“Mix one part ruthless college frenemies out for vengeance with another part juicy scandal not-so-deeply buried in the past, then shake it up with messed-up family dynamics and Rouda’s trademark dark humor, and you get the heady cocktail. A fun, clever spin on the revenge thriller and a rollicking good time.”
— Kimberly Belle, USA Today and internationally bestselling author of THE PARIS WIDOW
Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly?
Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma Mu:
- Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queen
- Amelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in tow
- Jamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habit
- Beth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package deal
- Sunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn't
They've been summoned to Roxy's luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth's daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it's not so easy to bury the past…
For fans of Shari Lapena, Mary Kubica, and B. A. Paris, We Were Never Friends is an unputdownable, riveting train wreck full of dark humor and bad behavior.
Available Editions
EDITION | Paperback |
ISBN | 9781464244995 |
PRICE | $18.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 288 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

Celeste and Zach are getting married. And they are the kids of sorority sisters. Ryan and Roxy are Zach’s parents and Beth is Celeste’s. A group of sorority sisters reunite together for a celebration. Back when they were in school one of their sisters died mysteriously and it has haunted each woman for different reasons ever since. As the weekend continues the newly renovated property has eerie resemblances to the place that their sister - Sunny died. Amelia and Jamie also are along for the weekend. Things start to happen- a death, weird sightings, documents left around , a weather issue impacting their ability to leave and each woman struggles to keep their secrets about that night secret. Ana what’s with Ryan who was the boyfriend of Sunny before she died all those years ago. As the weekend continues so does the intrigue and the secrets start flying out. We find out exactly what happened and why and everyone played a part. I enjoyed the character development and how the story played out. I am huge Kaira fan and this did not disappoint.

An addictive drama thriller! From the very first page, this book gripped me with its vivid, almost cinematic descriptions. The author’s attention to detail brought every scene to life.
What truly set this book apart, though, were the constant unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot would take a sharp turn, revealing more secrets. It kept me on edge in the best way with consistent surprises — never predictable, never dull.
The pacing was spot on, each chapter pulling me deeper into the mystery and the drama. When I reached the final page, I wasn't ready to let go. I found myself wanting more — more of the story, more time with the characters, having so many questions about what could come next.
If you’re looking for a book that surprises you, is full of drama, and stays with you long after the last word, this one delivers on every level.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/192268298-mikayla-moody

We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda is a sharp and twisty tale of secrets, rivalries, and old wounds resurfacing during a reunion weekend. The tension builds with every page, making it an addictive and entertaining read. I enjoyed this captivating novel and rated it five stars.

The games people play - greedy, self-centered, narcissistic people that is! Could call them frenemies, but were they ever friends at all, we're they even capable of it? A group character study woven with mysteries new and old and some desperate obsessions - an addictive page turner.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Jennie Batchelor, Julia Quinn, Natalie Jenner, Charlie Lovett, Talulah Riley, Janet Todd et al
Essays & Collections, Novellas & Short Stories, Women's Fiction
V. Castro
General Fiction (Adult), Health, Mind & Body, Religion & Spirituality
Nikesha Elise Williams
General Fiction (Adult), Multicultural Interest