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Wish You Were Her
A second chance. A tropical paradise. A friendship that could cost her everything.
When Samantha’s life falls apart, an unexpected message from an old friend offers her a way out—and a ticket to paradise. Swept into a luxurious world of beaches, cocktails, and curated perfection, Samantha starts to believe she might finally leave her past behind.
But not everything is as it seems.
Behind the glossy smiles and sparkling oceans, old secrets are waiting. And the closer Samantha gets to her new life, the more she
Was reconnecting with Erin Blake the best thing that ever happened to her... or the most dangerous?
Twisty, addictive, and impossible to put down, Wish You Were Her is the must-read psychological thriller of the summer—perfect for fans of Freida McFadden.
If you like your psychological thrillers with actual psychology, if you enjoy being outsmarted by an author who respects your intelligence, if you want something that will stick with you for days after finishing - this is absolutely for you.
If you prefer your villains clearly labeled and your victims purely innocent, maybe try something else.
When Samantha’s life falls apart, an unexpected message from an old friend offers her a way out—and a ticket to paradise. Swept into a luxurious world of beaches, cocktails, and curated perfection, Samantha starts to believe she might finally leave her past behind.
But not everything is as it seems.
Behind the glossy smiles and sparkling oceans, old secrets are waiting. And the closer Samantha gets to her new life, the more she
Was reconnecting with Erin Blake the best thing that ever happened to her... or the most dangerous?
Twisty, addictive, and impossible to put down, Wish You Were Her is the must-read psychological thriller of the summer—perfect for fans of Freida McFadden.
If you like your psychological thrillers with actual psychology, if you enjoy being outsmarted by an author who respects your intelligence, if you want something that will stick with you for days after finishing - this is absolutely for you.
If you prefer your villains clearly labeled and your victims purely innocent, maybe try something else.
- GenresThrillerSummer Reads
294 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2025
444 people are currently reading
2036 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Rowney
39 books816 followersWriter.
Visit my website for previews, further information.
http://www.jerowney.com/
"I always dreamed of being a writer, until I realised that I was. Then I started to write."
Visit my website for previews, further information.
http://www.jerowney.com/
"I always dreamed of being a writer, until I realised that I was. Then I started to write."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
July 1, 2025
This book is a stinker. Nothing really happened, I didn't care about the characters, and the writing was boring. It felt like a first draft of a book, not a published book.
June 23, 2025
This book repeated itself a lot and it dragged on.
July 25, 2025
I just…. I don’t get it. I mean I understood what I read, I just don’t understand how it qualified as a book to be published. Firstly it was NOT “twisty, addictive and impossible to put down”, “the must-read psychological thriller of the summer” OR “perfect for fans of Freida McFadden” as the back cover suggests. It could maybe have been published as a general fiction? Drama? Maybeeee mystery?? NOT thriller for sure. But besides that…. I just don’t get the content. The Authentic Self Framework discussed to transform the lives of elite & rich women was just so unrelateable. And then to have the 2 main characters be a super rich wellness guru & a homeless woman?? Just two absolute ends of the spectrum. I know it was supposed to demonstrate their differences but it was too wild of a juxtaposition. The constant repetition of certain facts annoyed the crap out of me. Like did you know THERE WERE EIGHT SUCCESSFUL WOMEN at the retreat? I thought you might’ve forgotten cause it was only mentioned two dozen times. There needed to be WAY more background/ character development done with Sam if we were supposed to care about her. & I know she was a bit of an unreliable narrator, but it wasn’t as effective since I didn’t care about her character to begin with. I think the fact that the author had to explicitly write when things were “dramatic” means that the descriptions of the scenes or events were not done well enough. The scene at the very end with the circle & the recording & the live stream admissions I’m SURE I’ve read in another story somewhere years ago. I got such a sense of déja vu I had to check the publishing date to be sure I hadn’t read this book before. A lot of ranting to say: 1 star, would not recommend to a friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
[NetGalley Read #42]
3.5 ⭐️
"I have hit rock bottom so hard, I think I've left a dent."
This is the third book I've read from this author and the writing has really grown on me. Going in, reading the first chapter, the first sentence even, I knew what I was in for. And I enjoyed it immensely. Does that mean it's a great, perfect book? No. But would I read another book from this author? Absolutely!
There is an inherent sadness and melancholy to Rowney's characters. Their backstories (or their current situations) are so spectacularly sad. Whether it's David in 'The Other Passenger', Isla and Clara in 'Xmas Break', or Samantha in this book, their souls and sense of self are so beaten down by society or their circumstances or their relationships. There are common themes of suffering, loneliness, and redemption. And one might argue that some of those are horrible things. They are. But the way they are written is so...alluring. There is a magnetic pull that attracts me to the writing style.
The plot is interesting. The execution is alright. One thing that bugs me is the repetition. Though I found it amusing in this book because whenever Samantha was thinking: "My ideas. My concept. My framework. My vision." A part of my brain, in a deep, sinister voice, went: "My desert. My Arrakis. My dune." while picturing the Baron from Dune, floating in the air.
The plot does end up feeling ridiculous towards the end. It requires great suspension of disbelief to accept every twist and turn that occurs in this story.
It's a short book (200+ pages). Easy to read. Slightly frustrating at times because of the character choices and the twists that end up not making sense.
If you've read books from this author before and enjoyed them, then there's definitely something to enjoy here. If you like reading characters at their rock bottom, trying to claw their way out, this could be the book for you. Otherwise this might not be for everyone.
3.5 ⭐️
"I have hit rock bottom so hard, I think I've left a dent."
This is the third book I've read from this author and the writing has really grown on me. Going in, reading the first chapter, the first sentence even, I knew what I was in for. And I enjoyed it immensely. Does that mean it's a great, perfect book? No. But would I read another book from this author? Absolutely!
There is an inherent sadness and melancholy to Rowney's characters. Their backstories (or their current situations) are so spectacularly sad. Whether it's David in 'The Other Passenger', Isla and Clara in 'Xmas Break', or Samantha in this book, their souls and sense of self are so beaten down by society or their circumstances or their relationships. There are common themes of suffering, loneliness, and redemption. And one might argue that some of those are horrible things. They are. But the way they are written is so...alluring. There is a magnetic pull that attracts me to the writing style.
The plot is interesting. The execution is alright. One thing that bugs me is the repetition. Though I found it amusing in this book because whenever Samantha was thinking: "My ideas. My concept. My framework. My vision." A part of my brain, in a deep, sinister voice, went: "My desert. My Arrakis. My dune." while picturing the Baron from Dune, floating in the air.
The plot does end up feeling ridiculous towards the end. It requires great suspension of disbelief to accept every twist and turn that occurs in this story.
It's a short book (200+ pages). Easy to read. Slightly frustrating at times because of the character choices and the twists that end up not making sense.
If you've read books from this author before and enjoyed them, then there's definitely something to enjoy here. If you like reading characters at their rock bottom, trying to claw their way out, this could be the book for you. Otherwise this might not be for everyone.
June 13, 2025
WISH YOU WERE HERE BY JE ROWNEY.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Release date set for the 20th of June 2025 1 day before my birthday ☺
Love the cover.
This is my 3rd book by this author.
As soon as it landed on my kindle I stopped what I was doing and immediately started reading.
I can tell you this woman knows how to write!!!! Her stories pull you in from the second you start reading and hooks you throughout the story.
Fabulously written.
Great characters.
Intriguing and edge of your seat at times.
I think JE Rowneys books get better and better everytime.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Release date set for the 20th of June 2025 1 day before my birthday ☺
Love the cover.
This is my 3rd book by this author.
As soon as it landed on my kindle I stopped what I was doing and immediately started reading.
I can tell you this woman knows how to write!!!! Her stories pull you in from the second you start reading and hooks you throughout the story.
Fabulously written.
Great characters.
Intriguing and edge of your seat at times.
I think JE Rowneys books get better and better everytime.
July 16, 2025
This felt like teens fighting over nothing but making it extra dramatic, especially the "I win" "no, I did!" argument that lasted multiple chapters over all the nothingness.
July 25, 2025
A cool, unsettling premise that pulls you in fast. The tension builds steadily, and the emotional layers sneak up on you. Loved the setup, loved the execution. Nicely done.
July 17, 2025
How do I even… I was so disappointed. The writing was easy to follow, easy to read (like Freida McFadden where you just boom through the text), but on the other hand, about half of the book repeats and reiterates the same fact over and over and over that Erin stole Sam’s idea. It was insufferable in that point. YES WE GET IT CAN WE MOVE ON. And then we… didn’t move on. It is a snappy short book but at the end of it I felt like “it could have been an email”???
Another thing, I understand the framework was just an abstract idea and we should just follow it as if it’s some transformative experience but the way it was presented was just… you know like “mumbo jumbo”? It made no sense. There was no essence to it, just some buzz words. And I get that a book will not give you that amazingly detailed transformative script but then why write about it? It just made it more silly like that.
Another thing, I understand the framework was just an abstract idea and we should just follow it as if it’s some transformative experience but the way it was presented was just… you know like “mumbo jumbo”? It made no sense. There was no essence to it, just some buzz words. And I get that a book will not give you that amazingly detailed transformative script but then why write about it? It just made it more silly like that.
July 25, 2025
Definitely did not give what all the hype said it would.
June 30, 2025
Disappointing. Not what I expected. Didn’t care for it.
July 16, 2025
What a dud.
June 17, 2025
i got the E-arc to this book and i read it in one sitting. it was an amazing book with amazing writing and well written characters. I started the book blindly and went just based on the vibes of the cover thinking it would be a random fiction novel. there is a line close to the end that definitely hit though it might not make much sense out of context. if you don’t want “spoilers” then please don’t continue reading.
“I found myself trapped," she continues, ignoring him completely, "unable to move forward into your worthless life or backward into my own without raising suspicions. Stuck in this paradise with someone else's maxed-out credit cards and a passport that couldn't get me anywhere I wanted to go."
“I found myself trapped," she continues, ignoring him completely, "unable to move forward into your worthless life or backward into my own without raising suspicions. Stuck in this paradise with someone else's maxed-out credit cards and a passport that couldn't get me anywhere I wanted to go."
July 18, 2025
The cover is so gorgeous and it immediately caught my attention because I wanted to know the story behind it. It was an interesting read and the plot dragged me in but I couldn't exactly connect with the characters which made the book a bit harder to read. At least for me. The ending felt a bit rushed and it ultimately left me unsatisfied because Sam is still in the exact place she started. Character growth where? I feel this would've been done better if it was a duet. But thank you to NetGalley and the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
“Wish You Were Her” by J.E. Rowney is a powerful, twisty story of second chances, friendship, and survival. It’s about hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to rise again—but also about jealousy, identity, and the desperate longing to create something meaningful. Is it the promise of a fresh start, or something far more dangerous? That question lingers throughout. The suspense is masterfully woven, and just when I thought I had it figured out—Rowney fooled me. By the end, it left me with a profound realization about how far someone will go to rewrite their story.
July 15, 2025
Amanda has hit rock bottom , her life completely falling apart. She’s divorced living in a hotel with nothing to her name. She unexpectedly reconnects with a college friend who offers her a way out of her situation. She has no hope but to take her offer and hope for the best!
This was a fun toxic tale of frenemies reunited to settle the score. A fast paced story with twists you really wont see coming. How far would you go to make things right?
This was a fun toxic tale of frenemies reunited to settle the score. A fast paced story with twists you really wont see coming. How far would you go to make things right?
July 14, 2025
JE Rowney is a new to me author, but when I read the blurb for this book it grabbed my attention and I was really looking forward to reading it.
First off I really liked the setting of this book, Aruba. It played a big part in the story and I really felt like I was there with the characters.
I enjoyed the writing style too. It was super easy to get into, it flowed well and the pacing of the plot was spot on.
The story was interesting to me and it held my attention throughout. This is definitely a book you could read in one sitting or one day. It was super easy and fast paced.
Whilst I have to admit as it neared the end it was slightly ridiculous, overall this was a really entertaining, nothing that deep or serious, fun, quick read that would be a perfect summer holiday read.
Thanks to Books Go Social for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
First off I really liked the setting of this book, Aruba. It played a big part in the story and I really felt like I was there with the characters.
I enjoyed the writing style too. It was super easy to get into, it flowed well and the pacing of the plot was spot on.
The story was interesting to me and it held my attention throughout. This is definitely a book you could read in one sitting or one day. It was super easy and fast paced.
Whilst I have to admit as it neared the end it was slightly ridiculous, overall this was a really entertaining, nothing that deep or serious, fun, quick read that would be a perfect summer holiday read.
Thanks to Books Go Social for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
June 16, 2025
It's a game of manipulation and lies, with multiple parties thinking they have the upper hand and they're the ones who have been planning all along how their brilliant scheme was going to unfold, fooling everyone else. The psychology behind each character - Sam, Erin, a third party I won't name to avoid spoilers - was quite clever and interesting to puzzle through in the end. Though I found none of them even the tiniest bit likeable, their motivations were intriguing. (Mind you, if I have to hear one more time how someone - don't care who - has developed a brilliant "framework", I think my eyes will roll so hard they'll get stuck facing backwards.)
Unfortunately, the pacing of how everything was revealed was very uneven. The first two thirds of the book felt very slow, almost boring, and just full of Sam, our unreliable narrator, giving off self-pity and woe-is-me constantly. Then all the back-and-forth leading the reader through multiple rounds of "Sam has the upper hand now", "no, Erin still has the upper hand", "no, actually, neither of them does" was all crammed into the last few chapters in the form of a verbal sparring match the book fittingly describes as "psychological tennis". It was giving you whiplash! I think the story would've worked much better if it had been multi-POV (at least Sam and Erin and maybe the aforementioned third party too), so that the experience of questioning who has the upper hand and who's been the most masterful schemer all along could've been present from the start, not just retrospectively rushed through in the last few chapters.
I received a review copy from the publisher, BooksGoSocial, via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, the pacing of how everything was revealed was very uneven. The first two thirds of the book felt very slow, almost boring, and just full of Sam, our unreliable narrator, giving off self-pity and woe-is-me constantly. Then all the back-and-forth leading the reader through multiple rounds of "Sam has the upper hand now", "no, Erin still has the upper hand", "no, actually, neither of them does" was all crammed into the last few chapters in the form of a verbal sparring match the book fittingly describes as "psychological tennis". It was giving you whiplash! I think the story would've worked much better if it had been multi-POV (at least Sam and Erin and maybe the aforementioned third party too), so that the experience of questioning who has the upper hand and who's been the most masterful schemer all along could've been present from the start, not just retrospectively rushed through in the last few chapters.
I received a review copy from the publisher, BooksGoSocial, via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2025
I found this intriguing, and the first half was really engaging. In the middle, i wanted more, and the final ending was brilliant. There was lots of misdirection, which I loved i just wanted more from the characters and more of the reasons why.
July 29, 2025
I would not recommend reading this. Everything said is repeated relentlessly. The plot is convoluted and just plain stupid. The characters are unengaging, flat and unlikeable. It is, however, incredibly easy to read and quick to get through.
July 13, 2025
This was a struggle to finish and I couldn’t wait for it to be over honestly. Super repetitive, sooo many metaphors and every character was unlikeable for me. This is my 2nd book by this author and I don’t think I’ll read another. 😅
July 15, 2025
I had high expectation for this book. There was so much build up in the beginning just for it to fall flat in the end.
I will say it was an easy & quick read though.
I will say it was an easy & quick read though.
September 21, 2025
Wish I didn’t waste my time
June 14, 2025
Release: June 20, 2025
Author: JE Rowney
Publisher: Booksgosocial
Rating: 3.75 ★
When Samantha’s life crumbles, an unexpected message from a long-lost friend, Erin Blake, seems like the perfect escape. Soon, she finds herself whisked away to a stunning tropical paradise—where luxury, relaxation, and reinvention feel just within reach. But behind the sun-soaked days and picture-perfect setting, something darker is lurking.
As Samantha settles into this new life, cracks begin to show. The glamorous surface hides old secrets, manipulations, and truths she’s not ready to face. What begins as a dream escape quickly turns into a psychological maze, forcing her to question whether reconnecting with Erin was a lucky break—or the worst mistake of her life.
Wish You Were Her is a smart, twisty thriller that plays with the line between friendship and danger, illusion and truth. Perfect for readers who love psychological suspense with complex characters, moral ambiguity, and mind games that stick with you long after the final page.
Wish You Were Her is a twisty, sun-drenched psychological thriller that starts with the promise of paradise but quickly unravels into something far darker. The story follows Samantha, a woman at rock bottom, who sees a lifeline in the form of a message from an old friend. What begins as a dream escape soon becomes a tangled web of secrets, shifting identities, and blurred loyalties.
The setting—Aruba—is lush and escapist, yet there’s an underlying tension that never quite lets you settle. J.E. Rowney does a fantastic job building suspense, especially in how she plays with the reader’s trust. You never really know who to believe, and just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the book throws another curveball your way. Not all the twists were jaw-dropping, but the sense of constant unease kept me turning pages.
One of the strongest elements of this book is its exploration of gray morality. No character is purely good or evil, and the decisions they make—often rooted in desperation, jealousy, or the need to feel seen—give the story emotional weight. I especially related to Samantha’s sense of being left behind while others seem to move forward in life. That insecurity, paired with the allure of reinvention, made her a compelling character to follow.
This isn’t just a beach read—it’s a smart, layered thriller that asks how far someone might go to rewrite their story. If you enjoy suspense with messy, complicated characters and a setting that masks danger with beauty, this one is worth picking up. It’ll definitely leave you thinking long after the final page.
Favorite Quote:
"grief changes shape, but it never really goes away"
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Author: JE Rowney
Publisher: Booksgosocial
Rating: 3.75 ★
When Samantha’s life crumbles, an unexpected message from a long-lost friend, Erin Blake, seems like the perfect escape. Soon, she finds herself whisked away to a stunning tropical paradise—where luxury, relaxation, and reinvention feel just within reach. But behind the sun-soaked days and picture-perfect setting, something darker is lurking.
As Samantha settles into this new life, cracks begin to show. The glamorous surface hides old secrets, manipulations, and truths she’s not ready to face. What begins as a dream escape quickly turns into a psychological maze, forcing her to question whether reconnecting with Erin was a lucky break—or the worst mistake of her life.
Wish You Were Her is a smart, twisty thriller that plays with the line between friendship and danger, illusion and truth. Perfect for readers who love psychological suspense with complex characters, moral ambiguity, and mind games that stick with you long after the final page.
Wish You Were Her is a twisty, sun-drenched psychological thriller that starts with the promise of paradise but quickly unravels into something far darker. The story follows Samantha, a woman at rock bottom, who sees a lifeline in the form of a message from an old friend. What begins as a dream escape soon becomes a tangled web of secrets, shifting identities, and blurred loyalties.
The setting—Aruba—is lush and escapist, yet there’s an underlying tension that never quite lets you settle. J.E. Rowney does a fantastic job building suspense, especially in how she plays with the reader’s trust. You never really know who to believe, and just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the book throws another curveball your way. Not all the twists were jaw-dropping, but the sense of constant unease kept me turning pages.
One of the strongest elements of this book is its exploration of gray morality. No character is purely good or evil, and the decisions they make—often rooted in desperation, jealousy, or the need to feel seen—give the story emotional weight. I especially related to Samantha’s sense of being left behind while others seem to move forward in life. That insecurity, paired with the allure of reinvention, made her a compelling character to follow.
This isn’t just a beach read—it’s a smart, layered thriller that asks how far someone might go to rewrite their story. If you enjoy suspense with messy, complicated characters and a setting that masks danger with beauty, this one is worth picking up. It’ll definitely leave you thinking long after the final page.
Favorite Quote:
"grief changes shape, but it never really goes away"
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
https://www.tiktok.com/@cc.readsss1?_...
October 31, 2025
📚Wish You Were Her
✍🏻J.E. Rowney
Blurb:
A second chance. A tropical paradise. A friendship that could cost her everything.
When Samantha’s life falls apart, an unexpected message from an old friend offers her a way out—and a ticket to paradise. Swept into a luxurious world of beaches, cocktails, and curated perfection, Samantha starts to believe she might finally leave her past behind.
But not everything is as it seems.
Behind the glossy smiles and sparkling oceans, old secrets are waiting. And the closer Samantha gets to her new life, the more she
Was reconnecting with Erin Blake the best thing that ever happened to her... or the most dangerous?
Twisty, addictive, and impossible to put down, Wish You Were Her is the must-read psychological thriller of the summer—perfect for fans of Freida McFadden.
If you like your psychological thrillers with actual psychology, if you enjoy being outsmarted by an author who respects your intelligence, if you want something that will stick with you for days after finishing - this is absolutely for you.
If you prefer your villains clearly labeled and your victims purely innocent, maybe try something else.
My Thoughts:
Twisty story of second chances, friendship, and survival. It’s about hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to rise again, but also about jealousy, identity, and the desperate longing to create something meaningful. Amanda has hit rock bottom , her life completely falling apart. She’s divorced living in a hotel with nothing to her name. She unexpectedly reconnects with a college friend who offers her a way out of her situation. She has no hope but to take her offer and hope for the best! A fast paced story with twists you really wont see coming. I would recommend this book.
Thanks NetGalley, Little Fox Publishing and Author J.E. Rowney for the complimentary ARC. I am leaving my review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LIttleFoxPublishing
#J.E.Rowney
#WishYouWereHer
⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻J.E. Rowney
Blurb:
A second chance. A tropical paradise. A friendship that could cost her everything.
When Samantha’s life falls apart, an unexpected message from an old friend offers her a way out—and a ticket to paradise. Swept into a luxurious world of beaches, cocktails, and curated perfection, Samantha starts to believe she might finally leave her past behind.
But not everything is as it seems.
Behind the glossy smiles and sparkling oceans, old secrets are waiting. And the closer Samantha gets to her new life, the more she
Was reconnecting with Erin Blake the best thing that ever happened to her... or the most dangerous?
Twisty, addictive, and impossible to put down, Wish You Were Her is the must-read psychological thriller of the summer—perfect for fans of Freida McFadden.
If you like your psychological thrillers with actual psychology, if you enjoy being outsmarted by an author who respects your intelligence, if you want something that will stick with you for days after finishing - this is absolutely for you.
If you prefer your villains clearly labeled and your victims purely innocent, maybe try something else.
My Thoughts:
Twisty story of second chances, friendship, and survival. It’s about hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to rise again, but also about jealousy, identity, and the desperate longing to create something meaningful. Amanda has hit rock bottom , her life completely falling apart. She’s divorced living in a hotel with nothing to her name. She unexpectedly reconnects with a college friend who offers her a way out of her situation. She has no hope but to take her offer and hope for the best! A fast paced story with twists you really wont see coming. I would recommend this book.
Thanks NetGalley, Little Fox Publishing and Author J.E. Rowney for the complimentary ARC. I am leaving my review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LIttleFoxPublishing
#J.E.Rowney
#WishYouWereHer
⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 20, 2025
📚 PUB DAY E-ARC BOOK REVIEW 📚
Wish You Were Her By J. E. Rowney
Publication Date: June 20, 2025
Publisher: Books Go Social
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Books Go Social and NetGalley for this #gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
Wish You Were Her is a psychological thriller that's perfect for readers who love books about revenge amongst friends and cat-and-mouse vibes! The twists in this book genuinely shocked me, as I didn't see them coming at all, and the last few chapters REALLY made this book so much fun.
Twisty enough to give you whiplash, this one had my head spinning by the end. A toxic friendship, betrayals, revenge, a luxurious tropical setting, and oh-so-much intrigue...Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
When Samantha’s life falls apart, an unexpected message from an old friend offers her a way out—and a ticket to paradise. Swept into a luxurious world of beaches, cocktails, and curated perfection, Samantha starts to believe she might finally leave her past behind. But not everything is as it seems. Behind the glossy smiles and sparkling oceans, old secrets are waiting. And the closer Samantha gets to her new life, the more she wonders: Was reconnecting with Erin Blake the best thing that ever happened to her... or the most dangerous?
Happy Pub Day to J.E. Rowney! If you're a fan of intelligent psychological thrillers featuring toxic friendships, tropical getaways, betrayals, and shocking twists -- this book is for you! And it's out TODAY!!
#WishYouWereHer #JERowney #BooksGoSocial #gifted #ARC #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #bookreviews #bookrecs #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #psychologicalthriller #booklover #bookaddict
Wish You Were Her By J. E. Rowney
Publication Date: June 20, 2025
Publisher: Books Go Social
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Books Go Social and NetGalley for this #gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
Wish You Were Her is a psychological thriller that's perfect for readers who love books about revenge amongst friends and cat-and-mouse vibes! The twists in this book genuinely shocked me, as I didn't see them coming at all, and the last few chapters REALLY made this book so much fun.
Twisty enough to give you whiplash, this one had my head spinning by the end. A toxic friendship, betrayals, revenge, a luxurious tropical setting, and oh-so-much intrigue...Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
When Samantha’s life falls apart, an unexpected message from an old friend offers her a way out—and a ticket to paradise. Swept into a luxurious world of beaches, cocktails, and curated perfection, Samantha starts to believe she might finally leave her past behind. But not everything is as it seems. Behind the glossy smiles and sparkling oceans, old secrets are waiting. And the closer Samantha gets to her new life, the more she wonders: Was reconnecting with Erin Blake the best thing that ever happened to her... or the most dangerous?
Happy Pub Day to J.E. Rowney! If you're a fan of intelligent psychological thrillers featuring toxic friendships, tropical getaways, betrayals, and shocking twists -- this book is for you! And it's out TODAY!!
#WishYouWereHer #JERowney #BooksGoSocial #gifted #ARC #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #bookreviews #bookrecs #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #psychologicalthriller #booklover #bookaddict
June 30, 2025
This is my first time reading a J.E. Rowney book, and I was very impressed.
I picked this book up in the middle of reading another book, thinking I would wait to dive into it. But I read the first chapter and I was immediately hooked - I read this book in the span of 24 hours.
Wish You Were Her follows Sam Foster as her life begins to intertwine with the life of her old college roommate Erin Blake again. Sam has lost her job, her husband, her apartment, and most of her money. She's sitting in a dirty motel, doom scrolling to try and block out her surroundings, when she accidentally likes a photo from Erin, her friend turned enemy, who she hasn't spoken to in 6 years.
Erin invites Sam to stay in her house for a little while as she tries to get back up on her feet, but as the days go by, Sam starts to wonder what Erin's intentions are. Erin seems to think that Sam coming back into her life is good timing for both of them - and Sam doesn't think Erin is just saying that because she needs an amateur photographer for her upcoming retreat in Aruba.
The beginning of this book is very adequately paced. Rowney gives enough description that you feel like you could be in the novel, but at the same time she moves fast enough that it is easy to get invested in this book.
The main reason that I didn't give this book 5 stars was that I thought the ending was too quickly paced. I absolutely LOVED the part right before the reveal. However, I just feel like there could've been more hints towards the main plot twist and more character development inside of the plot twist.
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book, and I gave it 4 stars!
I picked this book up in the middle of reading another book, thinking I would wait to dive into it. But I read the first chapter and I was immediately hooked - I read this book in the span of 24 hours.
Wish You Were Her follows Sam Foster as her life begins to intertwine with the life of her old college roommate Erin Blake again. Sam has lost her job, her husband, her apartment, and most of her money. She's sitting in a dirty motel, doom scrolling to try and block out her surroundings, when she accidentally likes a photo from Erin, her friend turned enemy, who she hasn't spoken to in 6 years.
Erin invites Sam to stay in her house for a little while as she tries to get back up on her feet, but as the days go by, Sam starts to wonder what Erin's intentions are. Erin seems to think that Sam coming back into her life is good timing for both of them - and Sam doesn't think Erin is just saying that because she needs an amateur photographer for her upcoming retreat in Aruba.
The beginning of this book is very adequately paced. Rowney gives enough description that you feel like you could be in the novel, but at the same time she moves fast enough that it is easy to get invested in this book.
The main reason that I didn't give this book 5 stars was that I thought the ending was too quickly paced. I absolutely LOVED the part right before the reveal. However, I just feel like there could've been more hints towards the main plot twist and more character development inside of the plot twist.
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book, and I gave it 4 stars!
June 28, 2025
J.E. Rowney's Wish You Were Her is an engaging, character-driven psychological drama that delivers suspense with a sharp emotional undercurrent. The novel draws readers in quickly with its intriguing premise and relatable characters, and Rowney's prose is clean, fluid, and highly readable—ideal for a fast-paced, weekend binge.
The story centers around a wellness retreat that promises transformation and healing but soon reveals secrets that suggest something more sinister. While the isolated, therapeutic setting is compelling, I found the plot to be somewhat predictable. Several of the twists didn’t land with quite the impact they seemed to aim for, partly because the structure and setup felt familiar—Wish You Were Her shares notable similarities with Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers. The themes of self-discovery, buried trauma, and group dynamics are handled well, but for readers who are familiar with Moriarty’s work, there may be a sense of déjà vu.
That said, Rowney’s character work is a definite highlight. She crafts flawed, emotionally rich individuals who each bring their own baggage to the retreat, and the interplay between them keeps the narrative moving, even when the overarching mystery feels a little too on-the-rails.
Overall, I enjoyed the book—it was an entertaining and atmospheric read. While it didn't break new ground in the genre, and its predictability may be a drawback for some, Wish You Were Her still delivers enough tension and emotional depth to satisfy fans of psychological fiction.
The story centers around a wellness retreat that promises transformation and healing but soon reveals secrets that suggest something more sinister. While the isolated, therapeutic setting is compelling, I found the plot to be somewhat predictable. Several of the twists didn’t land with quite the impact they seemed to aim for, partly because the structure and setup felt familiar—Wish You Were Her shares notable similarities with Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers. The themes of self-discovery, buried trauma, and group dynamics are handled well, but for readers who are familiar with Moriarty’s work, there may be a sense of déjà vu.
That said, Rowney’s character work is a definite highlight. She crafts flawed, emotionally rich individuals who each bring their own baggage to the retreat, and the interplay between them keeps the narrative moving, even when the overarching mystery feels a little too on-the-rails.
Overall, I enjoyed the book—it was an entertaining and atmospheric read. While it didn't break new ground in the genre, and its predictability may be a drawback for some, Wish You Were Her still delivers enough tension and emotional depth to satisfy fans of psychological fiction.
August 18, 2025
This was my first "beach thriller", which is new to me. I really enjoyed it as a beach thriller and feel it had a lot of good plot points.
The characters were believable and the plot does pull you in quite quickly.
I do feel like it was *slightly* let down by the repetition throughout the chapters and a repeating back and forth scene at the end. Although I know this scene was intentional, it was mostly repetitive when it could have been done in a more concise way. Although it showed the vulnerabilities of the characters involved, it also felt slightly tit for tat and almost like teenage fighting.
I understand that due to the nature of the argument, it is likely that this was likely purposeful, I just feel with less repetition and more thought, it could have been much more.
I didn't feel like things were too predictable, enough that I could come up with theories that were mostly accurate but still with a couple of twists. It shows effectively how gaslighting and manipulation can affect people, both the person subjected directly to the abuse and how the manipulation and control of the narrative in the face of others can further impact a person and their reputation.
Overall I feel like this is a good book to ease into the thriller genre, although it did feel like perhaps this was written as a first book or draft. With some more polish, future books could be promising.
The characters were believable and the plot does pull you in quite quickly.
I do feel like it was *slightly* let down by the repetition throughout the chapters and a repeating back and forth scene at the end. Although I know this scene was intentional, it was mostly repetitive when it could have been done in a more concise way. Although it showed the vulnerabilities of the characters involved, it also felt slightly tit for tat and almost like teenage fighting.
I understand that due to the nature of the argument, it is likely that this was likely purposeful, I just feel with less repetition and more thought, it could have been much more.
I didn't feel like things were too predictable, enough that I could come up with theories that were mostly accurate but still with a couple of twists. It shows effectively how gaslighting and manipulation can affect people, both the person subjected directly to the abuse and how the manipulation and control of the narrative in the face of others can further impact a person and their reputation.
Overall I feel like this is a good book to ease into the thriller genre, although it did feel like perhaps this was written as a first book or draft. With some more polish, future books could be promising.
June 30, 2025
Wish You Were Her by J.E. Rowney had a really interesting premise: grief, obsession, and the question of how well we truly know the people we love. The emotional weight of losing someone and trying to fill that void was portrayed with care, and I appreciated the vulnerability in the main character’s journey.
The early chapters pulled me in quickly. I felt the pain of Zoe’s loss and her desperation to understand what really happened to her sister. There’s something deeply human about how she clings to the past, replaying conversations and grasping for answers. And as she becomes more entangled in the lives left behind, I could feel her unraveling in a way that was both tragic and believable.
That said, the story started to lose momentum about halfway through. Some twists felt a bit predictable, and a few of the character decisions didn’t quite land for me emotionally. The ending did offer some resolution, but I found myself wishing it had gone just a bit deeper or taken a slightly bolder direction.
Still, Wish You Were Her is a thoughtful, emotional read with an intriguing concept and a strong sense of voice. I think readers who enjoy character-driven psychological fiction will find moments that resonate here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
The early chapters pulled me in quickly. I felt the pain of Zoe’s loss and her desperation to understand what really happened to her sister. There’s something deeply human about how she clings to the past, replaying conversations and grasping for answers. And as she becomes more entangled in the lives left behind, I could feel her unraveling in a way that was both tragic and believable.
That said, the story started to lose momentum about halfway through. Some twists felt a bit predictable, and a few of the character decisions didn’t quite land for me emotionally. The ending did offer some resolution, but I found myself wishing it had gone just a bit deeper or taken a slightly bolder direction.
Still, Wish You Were Her is a thoughtful, emotional read with an intriguing concept and a strong sense of voice. I think readers who enjoy character-driven psychological fiction will find moments that resonate here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2025
First, thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC!
Gotta admit, I had a few other books on my list before this, but I just could not wait! So, today, I did enjoy the sun outside, had some pepsi and spend my day reading this book.
And, oh well, what can I say - J.E. Rowney, you did it again! This summer thriller taking me to paradise - Aruba, to beexact - was surely just what I needed this week! I also can not deny I felt bad for Samantha - feeling like others achieved more in their life while you just... exist, just hit home. Even when my life is good and stable, compared to hers (thank God!).
What else can I say? A very clever plot that will surely stick with me again, just like 'Where No One can hear You' did before. Also, the world and the people living in it are surely not just black and white. No one is just evil, and no one is just innocent. There are many layers of gray, and life sometimes does force people to do the wrong thing out of the right intentions. Or, because they are desperate. Or... well, because they want something that was not meant to be theirs from the beginning.
And, if you wonder now what will be the case in this story? Well, it is on you to read the book and figure it out!
Gotta admit, I had a few other books on my list before this, but I just could not wait! So, today, I did enjoy the sun outside, had some pepsi and spend my day reading this book.
And, oh well, what can I say - J.E. Rowney, you did it again! This summer thriller taking me to paradise - Aruba, to beexact - was surely just what I needed this week! I also can not deny I felt bad for Samantha - feeling like others achieved more in their life while you just... exist, just hit home. Even when my life is good and stable, compared to hers (thank God!).
What else can I say? A very clever plot that will surely stick with me again, just like 'Where No One can hear You' did before. Also, the world and the people living in it are surely not just black and white. No one is just evil, and no one is just innocent. There are many layers of gray, and life sometimes does force people to do the wrong thing out of the right intentions. Or, because they are desperate. Or... well, because they want something that was not meant to be theirs from the beginning.
And, if you wonder now what will be the case in this story? Well, it is on you to read the book and figure it out!
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