I Want You More

by Swan Huntley

When ghostwriter Zara becomes entwined with celebrity chef client, Jane Bailey, she starts to see the side Jane keeps hidden from the cameras and gets stuck in a plot she never saw coming.

Reeling from the death of her domineering father, Zara Pines accepts a ghostwriting gig for celebrity chef Jane Bailey. Jane, star of the thrifty and wildly popular cooking show 30 Bucks Top, invites Zara to live in her East Hampton estate for the summer. Jane insists she stays—this way, they can truly get to know each other.

As Zara starts to fall for Jane romantically, Jane sloughs off the curated personality she maintains for the media. Zara spends all of her time in Jane’s estate, shadowing Jane’s life—even wearing Jane’s clothes—and the line between the two women grows startlingly faint. Once Jane’s façade crumbles and sinister details about her past emerge, Zara watches herself change in ways she never expected. Can Zara get out before Jane subsumes her?

Genres: Thriller, LGBT, Fiction, Queer, Contemporary, Lesbian, Audiobook

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2024

About the author

Swan Huntley is a writer and illustrator living in Los Angeles. Her books include Getting Clean with Stevie Green, The Goddesses, We Could Be Beautiful, The Bad Mood Book, You’re Grounded and I Want You More. She earned an MFA at Columbia University and has received fellowships from MacDowell and Yaddo.

Reviews

[Panic!_at_the_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Want You More is a pretty unique doppelganger thriller. Are the characters corrupt after exposure to power, money, and fame? Or were they bad all along? I read this in one evening. It's a quick and fun read.

[casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This does not read like a thriller at all. Zero tension or suspense, I’m shocked this got described as atmospheric in the blurb considering there is… zero atmosphere? This is VERY conversation heavy between the two leading girls and Jane is The Most Annoying Person Ever, which makes it really hard to picture her as some magnetic personality that Zara would fall for so quickly and i mean quickly, the pacing of this book is whiplash level. I just feel like this focused so much on negligible ( and frankly, annoying) details + factors in the story instead of the dynamic between the two characters.
And again for a story that is centered so much around just these two women, I can’t believe how one dimensional and empty they felt. I get the whole “do you want her or do you want to be her” thing, I get that this wanted to explore the nuance of domestic abuse, I just don’t think it does either of these well. (I’d recommend We Do What We Do in the Dark or In The Dream House if you’re interested in those topics).

The writing was just really juvenile and Zara is so. stupid. And not in that way where you have your character be a little bit naive to move a story along, or in a way that’s explained by the death of her father and her lack of sense of self. She’s just unbelievably and unbearably dumb!!!! Also the ending is just as annoying and if anything points in the direction that this book has zero interest in doing anything but trying to outsmart the reader despite being unbelievably obvious and predictable. sorry i just hated this DFLGKJD

[Johann (jobis89) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t normally go for thrillers but loved this cover and was intrigued by the premise. It’s about a ghostwriter called Zara who goes to live with her celebrity client in her mansion in East Hampton while compiling the information for her book. Things are obviously not as bright and sun-soaked as they seem…

I found this to be quite an easy read and it became pretty addictive as the details unravelled, but equally found the main character to be really irritating and gullible. I know some characters must make stupid decisions in order to let storylines progress, but she was TOO stupid to be believable. It reaffirmed my ambivalence towards thrillers - like, yeah they’re usually easy to read but I ultimately get nothing from it. Not for me unfortunately! 2.5 stars.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a juicy tale of toxic sapphic obsession! it had me hooked from the start, but i have to say it's very tonally vague. for the first half, this book could have belonged to many different genres - a luxurious romcom, a murderous thriller, or litfic in the vein of we do what we do in the dark. there's no mood or atmosphere to establish the story's intent. even as the plot picked up, i couldn't tell quite what type of story this was trying to be. it's not really a mystery, and there's no suspense. where is the atmosphere? is this a thriller?

but anyway, it's a messy story about manipulation, power & fame, control & isolation, domestic abuse, discovering the person you love is something of a villain, and a rich entitled person behaving badly. it's also about identity, and how one who is lost can find great comfort in falling into someone else's life, going so far as to become a near doppelganger.

at the end, zara's imprisonment has become both mental and physical, and a dramatic finish is all that seems possible. the twist - that she becomes her own replacement of jane, following in her footsteps and adopting her mannerisms, even as she finds her own fame - is predictable. i really didn't care for the last minute implication that zara herself is an unreliable narrator, telling the story as she sees fit in order to outsmart the reader. sure, it makes her more like the toxic jane, but what a silly kicker.

not a favorite for me, but i love messy lesbians and i had a ton of fun reading this!

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s nothing thrilling about this thriller. It’s just aggravating. Both FMCs are unlikeable. One because villain. And the other because dumb.

If you like books where the ENTIRE plot is manipulation and gaslighting, have at it. But this just made me mad - the contradiction of a seemingly intelligent FMC exercising no intelligence. And I callllled the ending at page 100.

🙄🙄🙄

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

A twisted Sapphic love story set in LA between a successful food celebrity with a dark side and the young impressionable lesbian who falls for her. This starts off seeming like a romance and quickly descends into a thriller with shocks I didn't see coming. Not at all what I was expecting but I ended up enjoying it a lot. It was also good on audio too! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Emma (of South Woobeewoo) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 maybe; had me until roughly 50%. low-effort book that accordingly gets a quick low-effort review. spoiler-ish, but nothing specific.

this was really, really dumb. the concept sounds amazing, but unfortunately, the description is misleading. this is an abusive relationship thriller in which we're meant to be "thrilled" by a character enduring and attempting to escape domestic violence and manipulation. i hate thrillers like these and would not intentionally read one. i think it's a bad concept to use without paying it due respect or working on the character development and plot so it's not just thrown in, and character development isn't the point of thrillers, so to me, including it so centrally almost always ends up making the whole thing feel tacky. imo that's how it comes off here. DV as a throwaway, underbaked plot device, is never something that's going to sit right with me.

plus, in my mind, our main character Zara being creepy and stealing the life of her interviewee is the implication of the synopsis. that is not what happens, and i was suspending my disbelief on everything that did happen to the moon and back, even beyond the usual suspension of disbelief that comes with thrillers (and i am VERY willing to suspend disbelief: one of my favorite books, Inspection, requires me to believe that a child could independently move a multi-story ladder made of ice that would realistically weigh hundreds if not thousands of pounds, and i was 100% willing to get on board). after a promising beginning, the writing dropped off into insta-love with a choppy, excessively fast pace and no real concept of what the author wanted the story to be. there was not enough character development for the direction the author seemed to be trying to take this.

i'm not even going to bother talking about the "twist". it is not a twist to write an entire book and then on the last page go "of course, the complete opposite could be true!". i’m literally reading this mystery thriller to find out what happens. this wasn't the fun kind of ambiguity that makes me want to go back and read through a different lens. also, who wants to read a thriller twice to begin with?? no hate if that’s you, it’s just very much not me!

two, maybe two and a half stars solely because i think the words "thriller" and "good writing" are inherently antithetical to each other (yes i do still enjoy many of them), and yet i actually didn't mind the writing until about 50%. i was at least engaged and entertained enough to read to the end.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swan Huntley’s latest book, I WANT YOU MORE was one of the books I packed with me during my holiday trip to Hawaii. It was the perfect book to read beachside, and I had a blast with this suspenseful and thrilling read. I encourage you to add this book in your Summer TBR list. ⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: 𝐈 𝗪𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 ⁣
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐒𝗪𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐘 @SwanHuntley⁣
𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑: 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐬⁣
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝟎𝟓.𝟐𝟏.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 ⁣
𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇: 𝟖 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 ⁣
⁣
When ghostwriter Zara becomes entwined with celebrity chef client, Jane Bailey, she starts to see the side Jane keeps hidden from the cameras and gets stuck in a plot she never saw coming.⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:⁣
⁣
Swan Huntley wrote this deliciously devious thriller about Zara who was lucky enough to get a gig as a ghost writer for Jane Bailey’s memoir, a famous celebrity chef. For Zara to get to know Jane, she was invited to live in her gorgeous Hamptons home. Jane was convinced that as Zara spends more time with her, Jane will fall in love with her. Suddenly, this so called love becomes an obsession that blinds Zara to seeing what Jane’s world was really like. ⁣
⁣
The audiobook was an addictive listen, and the story caught me by surprise. I love it when I jump into a book not knowing much about it except for the title and the book cover. I enjoyed the voice acting and the distinct voices of each of the characters. ⁣
⁣
The book went from zero to crazy quick and I couldn’t stop reading it! It was so suspenseful and thrilling that in under 300 pages, my mind was blown. 𝐈 𝗪𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 ⁣was a wonderful one sitting read. ⁣

[Sarah Cavar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fast and reasonably entertaining read that suffered from mediocrity of writing + ineffective plotting choices. While I love a toxic lesbian romance and appreciate the descent in the first half from normalcy into a surreal, uncanny landscape of fame-blurred untruths, the second half was rushed and left most of its choices unexplained. It’s as if Huntley wanted to pay off early character development that, in truth, hadn’t happened, or maybe finish a headier book than I Want You More started as. The ending, and especially the postscript, really made me cringe, and left the enjoyable buildup of the first chapters unfulfilled.

This was, I think, supposed to be a thriller about the dark side of mass media, in many forms, and the poison that comes with fame and influence. But by its second half, it was a novel about a claustrophobic, abusive relationship, a narcissistic parasite slowly revealing itself beneath the clothes of a charming lover. In doing both of these things in inconsistent halves, we get a result that doesn’t actually accomplish much of anything, and leaves me as a reader feeling utterly disconnected from the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

[Stephanie ~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC. In the meantime though, if you're looking for a work of fiction that's leaning in the psychological thriller direction, this IS IT. Trust me: I gobbled this one up FAST. Swan's writing is killer, and this wasn't an arduous read. Just ... get your hands on I WANT YOU MORE. Delicious. In every way possible.

[Nani · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not good, I’m sorry if you liked it but that’s my opinion. Bijou said it right—Zara is the dumbest person ever. Everything moved way too quickly. Very predictable. How do Jane and Zara look alike? If I remember correctly, Zara’s features were never really described in the book? The relationship with Andie moved quickly too. Diego and Zara did not seem like close friends. If my bestie goes MIA there’s no WAY I’m not tracking her down. Y’all don’t share location? It’s 2024.

Zara’s relationship with Jane was surface level. I understand she was coming off her fathers death, but the fact that she was so easily swayed to be loyal to Jane was wildly unbelievable. She went from a cold, seemingly self assured person to a loving, submissive stepford wife in a matter of weeks? Her personality was fully developed and then she just became Jane.

The whole thing was just bizarre. It could have been an ok read if the story didn’t move so quickly, and if the characters were a bit more developed.

[lexi cordiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was TEW good i literally could not put it down

[Rylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love an obsessive sapphic thriller? This was actually such an insane and unhinged read in the best of ways. I got this ARC a few months ago from one of my local bookstores because the premise immediately had me hooked, but just finally sat down to read it today. The flow and pacing of the story was so addictive and made it difficult to put this down. A very interesting commentary on queerness, belonging, and relationship to fame.

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover caught my attention and I immediately started reading this book so well written full of twists and turns.A downward spiral that had me racing through the pages.Swan Huntley is an author I will be following.#netgalley #zibbybooks

[Adelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like this was written by a teenager…

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Want You More by Swan Huntley. Thanks to @zibbybooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Zara takes a job as a ghostwriter to celebrity chef, Jane Bailey. As Zara begins to fall in love with Jane, she gets to know a side of her the public doesn’t see.

This story has an ending that just leaves you aghast. I was not expecting the story to take the turn it did. It’s a pretty usual and normal story (very interesting and entertaining) for the majority, and then it unravels very quickly at the end. There is a sense of doom beforehand and you have a sense it’s about to turn. I really enjoyed this book but found myself extremely frustrated at times. You’ll want to scream at the characters.

“The line between us continued to blur. But isn’t that the definition of love? A blurred line between two people?”

I Want You More comes out 5/21.

[Nina The Wandering Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did the protagonist make a sh*t ton of stupid choices? Yes. Did I devour this book anyway? Yes. The toxic, obsessive turn this relationship took was so claustrophobic and anxiety inducing for me! I ate this up and would definitely consider this a popcorn read.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sexy, atmospheric, and tense novel about a ghostwriter. After her father dies, Zara is offered a ghostwriting gig for celebrity chef Jane Bailey—the star of a popular cooking show, "30 Bucks Tops." At first, Zara doesn’t want to take the job, but Jane insists that she help her write a book. The two unexpectedly fall for each other. But things turn dangerous when Zara starts wearing Jane’s clothes and speaking like Jane.

This dark and twisty book is fast-paced and talks about the Hamptons, the challenges of being a celebrity, the cancel culture, the depth of women's friendships, and the dangers of falling in too deep. It also looks at how blurred the line is between the meaning of love and lust, commitment and obsession. It's a great summer read that you can finish in a day.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[rach quade · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the advanced copy! wow, this book is a fascinating downward spiral. i flew through the last 25% because i simply *needed* to know how it ended. and that ending..... i'm still thinking about it! it makes me want to go back and reconsider earlier events through an entirely new lens.

[Taylor (Virginia Woolf’s Actual Wife)]

That was a really quick one, but I just don’t think thrillers are for me (will I read anything with lesbians? Yes, yes I will)

[shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off strong but the second half fell flat

[Parisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ooooh i feel psychologically thrilled

[Letsreadagoodbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

started off slow! but picked up super quick! got werid and I loved it!!!!

[Carrie]

when the lesbian situationship becomes a nightmare

[Meg Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first half but it lost me in the second. The epilogue was particularly strange and rushed. However, the overall reading experience was fun and I adored the writing style. A punchy, slightly absurd and entertaining read.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I Want You More flowed with such ease, I could hardly believe I was at the end already. I wasn't expecting this to be as much of a thriller as it was, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. I enjoyed the pace at which we see Zara start to morph into Jane and also how Jane's "reality" is revealed throughout the book. A good book generally leaves me speechless, and I can confidently say that I have no words left.

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

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Suspense? Maybe. Thriller? No.

Edited to add that I am still thinking about this novel.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover of the book is striking and the synopsis definitely grabs your attention, unfortunately, the writing is a miss.

Zara is a ghostwriter who takes a job for Chef Jane Bailey. To do the job Zara must move in with Jane while she’s interviewing her for the book, but once inside, Jane’s quirks become the least of Zara’s problems.

The first 100 pages of the book focus on Zara and Jane working on the interview process for the book, The story is told from Zara’s POV so her building obsession with Jane is there but very on the nose with little development as to why. However by page 101 it’s an instalove with sapphic spice littered mixed with domestic abuse and manipulation

The story lacked the character development needed for me to connect with the characters. I found Zara and Jane equally unlikable and it gave me no one to root for. I also thought the premise was a stretch; you have to suspend a lot of belief.

Overall predictable and not really enjoyable. I actually hated the ended and what the author did to the character of Zara.

Thank you Zibby Books & NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character of this book, Zara, is a ghostwriter who takes a job writing the memoir for Food TV star Jane, who asks her to move in to her East Hampton mansion while they work on the book. Zara has never heard of Jane, but finds herself increasingly enchanted by her. Before you know it, as a reader you are questioning which of them is using the other, and the book develops into a very slow burn suspense/psychological thriller.

And wow, I just loved this one - couldn’t put it down and it was short enough that I read it in a day! It had just a really engaging style of writing, and an ending that literally has me yelling “dang” out loud! This one comes out in May and with its summer beach setting I could totally see it being the big suspense book to read on the beach this summer!

A bunch of us in my book club saw the author speak on a panel at a book event in January, and we were just so taken by Swan’s offbeat humor that we decided we had to read this book as a group - looking forward to discussing! And I’m looking forward to checking out her backlist books as well.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 5/21/24); all opinions are my own.

[Adelaide · Rating 1 out of 5]

I Want You More
⭐️

Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence & Suicide

Sadly, this book could have had potential but it felt super short. I only kept reading because I needed to know how it ended. Everytime I would get intrigued the author would just let me down.

This isn’t a thriller. I think it’s a book that tries to be a thriller but doesn’t know how to be a thriller. I hated the writing style and it honestly felt like the author was just writing shit and was hoping that it would stick. It was all over the damn place. I literally felt like the author was making up new random plot lines as the book went along.

The ending of the book was a cop out. Don’t waste your time. You’ll think you’re intrigued but then you’ll be disappointed at the end lol. Sorry.