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Perfect Girl
Jessa has been raised to be the “perfect girl.” She is unfailingly polite, never rocks the boat, and always follows the rules―no matter what. Her friends love to give her a hard time for being such a goody two-shoes, but Jessa likes it this way. She knows what's expected of her, and she's happy to be the person her parents (and society) want.
When a freak storm takes out the power during a sleepover at Jessa’s creepy, old house, things go south before the pizza gets cold. Her friends are at each other’s throats, unexpected guests keep showing up (some more welcome than others), and it’s not just her brother serving up jump scares. A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself―and her friends―alive until sunrise.
Who knew perfection could be so dangerous?
When a freak storm takes out the power during a sleepover at Jessa’s creepy, old house, things go south before the pizza gets cold. Her friends are at each other’s throats, unexpected guests keep showing up (some more welcome than others), and it’s not just her brother serving up jump scares. A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself―and her friends―alive until sunrise.
Who knew perfection could be so dangerous?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2024
29 people are currently reading
2746 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Banghart
13 books949 followersTracy Banghart grew up in rural Maryland and spent her summers on a remote island in northern Ontario. All of that isolation and lovely scenery gave her the time to read voraciously and the inspiration to write her own stories. Always a bit of a nomad, Tracy now travels the world Army-wife style with her husband, kids, and pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
November 17, 2024
*thank you netgalley for the arc.*
this book reads like a tv show script. it’s giving pretty little liars core. it’s not bad, it’s just nothing special.
this book reads like a tv show script. it’s giving pretty little liars core. it’s not bad, it’s just nothing special.
October 22, 2024
This is another edge-of-your-seat thriller that gives you plenty of jump scares, making you shiver with goosebumps and taking your breath away with its claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere and increasing tension!
Jessa: the perfect girl with straight As, teacher's pet, rule follower, parents' favorite, goody-two-shoes, always pleasing people, a peacemaker, never making mistakes, and the opposite of her troublemaker one-year-older brother Josh.
When she decides to invite her friends, including Tiny who lately has become estranged from them after starting to date an older, mysterious man, her parents make an exception to their usual rule against sleepovers when they're not home. A mysterious serial killer has been lurking around and has taken six girls in the neighborhood lately. Her parents are convinced that she'd be better off having people with her, not alone in the house, especially when her brother Josh also has plans to stay at Ryan's place.
Their gang of four musketeers, including Kellen and Alexis, finally gathers in her basement for a Buffy marathon. It starts with a fight between the girls because Tiny seems nervous, trying to push each girl's buttons to get a reaction. Suddenly, the power goes out with striking lightning, a tree collapses near their house, and on top of that, Josh and Ryan decide to join them after their parents have a verbal fight at home.
Jessa tries to keep the peace, still harboring a crush on Ryan, reluctantly playing truth or dare in the dark, controlling the fire on the stove, and preventing her brother from doing something reckless like burning the house again. But this is just the beginning of the eventful night. When they separate to reach the power company, they realize there's someone very dangerous lurking around the neighborhood—not only an abusive boyfriend or a ghost walking up the stairs of the house, but something more lethal targeting young girls, like he hunted young Bella who was introduced at the beginning of the book. And now, as a pretty girl, Jessa is in the spotlight! She has to prove she is not the flawless, perfect girl she seems to be to save her loved ones' lives. The clock is ticking. In the middle of the night, with a rising storm and bleak darkness, she has to learn to fight monsters, get messy, skip the nice girl rules, sharpen her nails, and play dirty to survive!
Overall: I'm rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 gripping, heart-pounding stars. The mystery was a little bit predictable, but the tempo was high and captivating, and the pressure-building left you breathless! It was definitely an enjoyable popcorn thriller you can consume in one sitting, enjoying a thrilling night! But I advise not reading it when you're alone, especially in the middle of the night, so you don't get rattled by unknown voices in the house or sleep with all the lights on!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for sharing this heart-pounding thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Jessa: the perfect girl with straight As, teacher's pet, rule follower, parents' favorite, goody-two-shoes, always pleasing people, a peacemaker, never making mistakes, and the opposite of her troublemaker one-year-older brother Josh.
When she decides to invite her friends, including Tiny who lately has become estranged from them after starting to date an older, mysterious man, her parents make an exception to their usual rule against sleepovers when they're not home. A mysterious serial killer has been lurking around and has taken six girls in the neighborhood lately. Her parents are convinced that she'd be better off having people with her, not alone in the house, especially when her brother Josh also has plans to stay at Ryan's place.
Their gang of four musketeers, including Kellen and Alexis, finally gathers in her basement for a Buffy marathon. It starts with a fight between the girls because Tiny seems nervous, trying to push each girl's buttons to get a reaction. Suddenly, the power goes out with striking lightning, a tree collapses near their house, and on top of that, Josh and Ryan decide to join them after their parents have a verbal fight at home.
Jessa tries to keep the peace, still harboring a crush on Ryan, reluctantly playing truth or dare in the dark, controlling the fire on the stove, and preventing her brother from doing something reckless like burning the house again. But this is just the beginning of the eventful night. When they separate to reach the power company, they realize there's someone very dangerous lurking around the neighborhood—not only an abusive boyfriend or a ghost walking up the stairs of the house, but something more lethal targeting young girls, like he hunted young Bella who was introduced at the beginning of the book. And now, as a pretty girl, Jessa is in the spotlight! She has to prove she is not the flawless, perfect girl she seems to be to save her loved ones' lives. The clock is ticking. In the middle of the night, with a rising storm and bleak darkness, she has to learn to fight monsters, get messy, skip the nice girl rules, sharpen her nails, and play dirty to survive!
Overall: I'm rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 gripping, heart-pounding stars. The mystery was a little bit predictable, but the tempo was high and captivating, and the pressure-building left you breathless! It was definitely an enjoyable popcorn thriller you can consume in one sitting, enjoying a thrilling night! But I advise not reading it when you're alone, especially in the middle of the night, so you don't get rattled by unknown voices in the house or sleep with all the lights on!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for sharing this heart-pounding thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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twitter<
November 9, 2024
A storm..a sleepover..a killer on the loose searching for his perfect girl.
"A liquid glint on the floor caught my eye. I grabbed the jagged piece of broken glass.
I tightened my grip on the shard of dad's fancy bourbon glass. Hissing as it cuts into my skin.
The pain, sharp and bright, wakes me up.
This whole day, this whole night, I've been fighting myself. Fighting the person everyone thinks I am . My perfection made me the object of a dangerous, delusional guy. Who thought I'd be quiet and obedient and just allow him to make me his secret child-bride or whatever sick fantasy he had. If I'm going to leave a messy and broken reputation behind, I might as well earn it."
Tropes:
Fast-paced and well-written YA popcorn thriller 🍿🔪🩸
Pretty little liar vibes
Abducted/missing girls
Dealing with Abusive relationship / PTSD
Dual storyline and POV
Creepy house / ghost
Suspense / self-discovery /Survival Story
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and Angie Kane did a great job with the narration. Her voice sounded soothing and enticed me to keep on listening. Just like Jessa, Tiny and her other friends, I can't help but to also get flashbacks and reminisce of fun sleepovers during grade school/middle school (though I'm really lucky that I'm not a perfect girl and thankful for no crazy killer or stalker on the loose), also of petty fights and friends gone distant and estranged relationships with friends, classmates turned barkada over the years.
Perfect read if I just want something light and interesting to listen to after a tiring day or before going to bed. There were just a few topics discussed that I did find repetitive and some parts unnecessary. Some scenarios and situations were cringy and creepy but not too obscene or gory. Also, just the right amount of twists and the last part was action-packed.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook arc. 🖤
"A liquid glint on the floor caught my eye. I grabbed the jagged piece of broken glass.
I tightened my grip on the shard of dad's fancy bourbon glass. Hissing as it cuts into my skin.
The pain, sharp and bright, wakes me up.
This whole day, this whole night, I've been fighting myself. Fighting the person everyone thinks I am . My perfection made me the object of a dangerous, delusional guy. Who thought I'd be quiet and obedient and just allow him to make me his secret child-bride or whatever sick fantasy he had. If I'm going to leave a messy and broken reputation behind, I might as well earn it."
Tropes:
Fast-paced and well-written YA popcorn thriller 🍿🔪🩸
Pretty little liar vibes
Abducted/missing girls
Dealing with Abusive relationship / PTSD
Dual storyline and POV
Creepy house / ghost
Suspense / self-discovery /Survival Story
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and Angie Kane did a great job with the narration. Her voice sounded soothing and enticed me to keep on listening. Just like Jessa, Tiny and her other friends, I can't help but to also get flashbacks and reminisce of fun sleepovers during grade school/middle school (though I'm really lucky that I'm not a perfect girl and thankful for no crazy killer or stalker on the loose), also of petty fights and friends gone distant and estranged relationships with friends, classmates turned barkada over the years.
Perfect read if I just want something light and interesting to listen to after a tiring day or before going to bed. There were just a few topics discussed that I did find repetitive and some parts unnecessary. Some scenarios and situations were cringy and creepy but not too obscene or gory. Also, just the right amount of twists and the last part was action-packed.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook arc. 🖤
June 26, 2024
I want to start off by saying I really shouldn't have read this being home alone and in the middle of the night. I had the heebie-jeebies the entire time. Best believe my one potty break in between, I ran down the dark hall to my bathroom and back. 🤣🤷♀️
With that being said, I'm a wuss when it comes to suspenseful stuff that happens at night time. So maybe you won't have to run the marathon of your life down a dark hallway like I did out of sheer fear... but you might. This book was truly gripping, I started it at like 11pm and finished it before 4 am. Granted, I did regret reading it at those hours as it's now 4am, and I refuse to turn the light off or sleep. Either way, brilliantly written. There were so many suspenseful moments and so many twists. I truly enjoyed this one! Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time (more like huddled in my bed with blankets, refusing to allow my foot to slip over the side of the bed, but same thing 🤷♀️). It was a great read, but I would suggest maybe reading it during the daytime promptly followed by a cute Pixar movie afterward so you can sleep restfully, lol
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions (and partially from fear) after fully reading this review. Don't judge me 🤣
With that being said, I'm a wuss when it comes to suspenseful stuff that happens at night time. So maybe you won't have to run the marathon of your life down a dark hallway like I did out of sheer fear... but you might. This book was truly gripping, I started it at like 11pm and finished it before 4 am. Granted, I did regret reading it at those hours as it's now 4am, and I refuse to turn the light off or sleep. Either way, brilliantly written. There were so many suspenseful moments and so many twists. I truly enjoyed this one! Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time (more like huddled in my bed with blankets, refusing to allow my foot to slip over the side of the bed, but same thing 🤷♀️). It was a great read, but I would suggest maybe reading it during the daytime promptly followed by a cute Pixar movie afterward so you can sleep restfully, lol
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions (and partially from fear) after fully reading this review. Don't judge me 🤣
Want to read
November 11, 2024pre-read!
i forgot i got this arc whoops
9 days to read+review this 😅
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
i forgot i got this arc whoops
9 days to read+review this 😅
⊹₊♡⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
November 19, 2024
Perfect Girl (audio)
3⭐️
Jessa is the “perfect girl” in everyone’s eyes. She wants to do well and please others in almost every interaction. She quick to people-please, avoid confrontation, and give in to others just to keep the peace. Her teachers praise her for this, her brother and friends poke fun at her, and her mom holds her to high standards. So when she asks to have a sleepover while her parents are away, her parents have little worry that things will get out of hand. But that’s just what happens when a nasty storm and unexpected guests turn the sleepover into battle of life or death.
This is told mostly from Jessa’s POV (besides a side plot). While she comes off as Little Miss Perfect, her inner monologue is more blunt, sarcastic, and honest.
The narration was amazing! Great voice acting. My only dislike with the narration was that it was sometimes difficult to tell if Jessa was speaking or thinking. There were times I thought “oh wow! I can’t believe her character said that!” And then realized it was actually her spunky thoughts only the reader could hear. This would have been obvious if reading, but listening to the audiobook caused some confusion at times. I don’t think it’s a narration issue or writing issue, just something that didn’t translate clearly from written word to audio.
The story subplot didn’t flow the way I’d like. I wish it was given more/equal story time to build those other characters or was just removed entirely. It all came together by the end, but I just didn’t really care about what was going on with that part because it was so intermittent and short.
I recommend this for anyone looking for an eerie suspenseful reading vibe without too much gore (mild descriptions). This was a quick listen. I listened start to finish in the same day.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble.
Audio Pub Date Nov 19 2024
3⭐️
Jessa is the “perfect girl” in everyone’s eyes. She wants to do well and please others in almost every interaction. She quick to people-please, avoid confrontation, and give in to others just to keep the peace. Her teachers praise her for this, her brother and friends poke fun at her, and her mom holds her to high standards. So when she asks to have a sleepover while her parents are away, her parents have little worry that things will get out of hand. But that’s just what happens when a nasty storm and unexpected guests turn the sleepover into battle of life or death.
This is told mostly from Jessa’s POV (besides a side plot). While she comes off as Little Miss Perfect, her inner monologue is more blunt, sarcastic, and honest.
The narration was amazing! Great voice acting. My only dislike with the narration was that it was sometimes difficult to tell if Jessa was speaking or thinking. There were times I thought “oh wow! I can’t believe her character said that!” And then realized it was actually her spunky thoughts only the reader could hear. This would have been obvious if reading, but listening to the audiobook caused some confusion at times. I don’t think it’s a narration issue or writing issue, just something that didn’t translate clearly from written word to audio.
The story subplot didn’t flow the way I’d like. I wish it was given more/equal story time to build those other characters or was just removed entirely. It all came together by the end, but I just didn’t really care about what was going on with that part because it was so intermittent and short.
I recommend this for anyone looking for an eerie suspenseful reading vibe without too much gore (mild descriptions). This was a quick listen. I listened start to finish in the same day.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble.
Audio Pub Date Nov 19 2024
October 23, 2024
This was so good! I really loved the real life problems that were intertwined with the ones from the plot. The characters were great (minus the few that were made to be bad of course!). THE ROMANCE OMG. IT WAS SO CUTE!! It was very much a subplot but I enjoyed every bit I read. I would definitely recommend this!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 20, 2024
Read quickly over one night of insomnia, this book had me wondering:
Was I having trouble sleeping, or was this book keeping me from sleeping...in the dark...alone..during a storm.
Thats the stage set for this YA horror/thriller. It's not too much spook, but I would recommend NOT reading in it the dark...alone..in a storm. (Like my dumb ass did)
Jessa, our "perfect girl" is at a sleep over when a storm hits, friends argue and the night goes off the rails. When an unexpected visitor arrives and the body count starts, Jenna needs to shed her perfect girl persona.
Maybe I'm showing my age, but this is straight out the 2000s teen thriller flick era and I ATE.IT.RIGHT.UP.
So fun, it's set for release mid November 2024. Perfect for a cold, stormy night...
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read and review prior to release.
Was I having trouble sleeping, or was this book keeping me from sleeping...in the dark...alone..during a storm.
Thats the stage set for this YA horror/thriller. It's not too much spook, but I would recommend NOT reading in it the dark...alone..in a storm. (Like my dumb ass did)
Jessa, our "perfect girl" is at a sleep over when a storm hits, friends argue and the night goes off the rails. When an unexpected visitor arrives and the body count starts, Jenna needs to shed her perfect girl persona.
Maybe I'm showing my age, but this is straight out the 2000s teen thriller flick era and I ATE.IT.RIGHT.UP.
So fun, it's set for release mid November 2024. Perfect for a cold, stormy night...
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read and review prior to release.
November 19, 2024
I wrote this book, so of course I love it! It was inspired by my childhood home and my teenaged years, though thankfully I was never targeted by a serial killer. I DID the weight of expectations, and the sexist conditioning to put other people's needs before my own, quiet my anger, be polite to a fault. This story was so cathartic to write - I hope you find it satisfying to read! Also, shoutout to my glasses-wearing girlies! The struggle is real. <3
TW: abduction, misogyny, claustrophobia, medical drug use, covid-19, death
TW: abduction, misogyny, claustrophobia, medical drug use, covid-19, death
November 22, 2024
I had a hard time getting into this one, the main character's choices were just infuriating, like most of the situations they got themselves into could have been prevented if ANYONE had made good choices or used their brains. The characters weren't great, The plot was okay I liked some parts more than others and the ending was good I did rather enjoy it.
The audiobook was really great, I loved the narrator.
this is another with a long list of triggers so as always be cautious when reading!
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio arc! All opinions are my own
The audiobook was really great, I loved the narrator.
this is another with a long list of triggers so as always be cautious when reading!
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio arc! All opinions are my own
November 25, 2024
4.5*
Look, I could not put this book down. Literally, I read it in one evening because I just had to know what was going to happen. And look, parts of it were a tiny bit predictable, but it was still tons of fun and provided plenty of excitement. I don't even want to say much because it is a thriller, after all, and you should go in knowing very little. Just know that I was hooked, from start to finish. Adored the characters, and could not put the book down because it was exciting and compulsively readable.
Bottom Line: Everything a thriller should be- exciting, and unputdownable. Bonus for the great characters!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Look, I could not put this book down. Literally, I read it in one evening because I just had to know what was going to happen. And look, parts of it were a tiny bit predictable, but it was still tons of fun and provided plenty of excitement. I don't even want to say much because it is a thriller, after all, and you should go in knowing very little. Just know that I was hooked, from start to finish. Adored the characters, and could not put the book down because it was exciting and compulsively readable.
Bottom Line: Everything a thriller should be- exciting, and unputdownable. Bonus for the great characters!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
April 26, 2025
to everyone reviewing this book and classifying it as a slasher: please stop lying. thank you. it’s just a thriller that gets interesting halfway and the twists are predictable, with some “there’s a killer on the loose” sprinkled in.
July 26, 2025
I don't really feel like writing a review right now. mabey later. all I gotta say is this book was GOOD
December 4, 2024
“Perfect Girl” is a fast paced YA thriller surrounding Jessa and her friends.
Jessa is having a sleepover with her besties while her parents are away for the evening. Her brother unexpectedly crashes the party with his friend - who may just be the guy Jessa is secretly crushing on.
Tensions are high as there has been a series of missing girls recently, so when playing truth or dare during a storm / power outage leads to one of Jessas friends going missing, they split up to search for her - it’s safe to say from this point things go from bad to worse.
I enjoyed how much of a quick read this was, the author wasted no time getting to the point and keeping the momentum moving forward with lots of action and suspense, I definitely listened to this in one sitting!
I also liked the main character Jessa, I thought she was a really good friend and sister and always does her best to help others and not hurt anyone’s feelings. She does learn however that she may need to work on taking more risks and setting boundaries which I think is a great topic for the YA age group. Finding yourself as a young woman and learning to keep yourself safe whilst being expected to be the “polite nice girl” is definitely something every girl experiences as they are learning how the world works. The character growth in this book was fun to watch.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Tracy Banghart for the ALC!
Publish date: tomorrow! November 19th 2024
Jessa is having a sleepover with her besties while her parents are away for the evening. Her brother unexpectedly crashes the party with his friend - who may just be the guy Jessa is secretly crushing on.
Tensions are high as there has been a series of missing girls recently, so when playing truth or dare during a storm / power outage leads to one of Jessas friends going missing, they split up to search for her - it’s safe to say from this point things go from bad to worse.
I enjoyed how much of a quick read this was, the author wasted no time getting to the point and keeping the momentum moving forward with lots of action and suspense, I definitely listened to this in one sitting!
I also liked the main character Jessa, I thought she was a really good friend and sister and always does her best to help others and not hurt anyone’s feelings. She does learn however that she may need to work on taking more risks and setting boundaries which I think is a great topic for the YA age group. Finding yourself as a young woman and learning to keep yourself safe whilst being expected to be the “polite nice girl” is definitely something every girl experiences as they are learning how the world works. The character growth in this book was fun to watch.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Tracy Banghart for the ALC!
Publish date: tomorrow! November 19th 2024
January 24, 2026
3.5/5
cute little thriller, loved the baltimore and forensics references
cute little thriller, loved the baltimore and forensics references
October 31, 2024
TY to publisher/NetGalley/author for the Audiobook ARC!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⅕
Format: Audiobook ARC Review 🎧
Plot/world building: ✔️
Well rounded characters: ✔️
Romance: does a crush count?
Tropes:
Forbidden romance ✖️
Final girl vibes ✨
#57 📚
Ty to NetGalley/publisher/author for the Audiobook ARC!
BEWARE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS 😈 You never know what they're capable of. 🖤📚
"You better stay my perfect little girl. Okay? Forever."
Overview:
Want a quick Halloween read with haunted houses and creepy neighbors?
Jessa, the "perfect" daughter, sister, and friend is preparing for college and has a sleepover while her parents are off at the ballet, opting to invite an estranged friend: Tiny. During a 'fight', the power goes out and Jessa must navigate the night to survive while no longer being "the perfect girl".
The good:
- Jessa, the FMC, was relatable and likable.
- I'm definitely more like Josh. 😂
- All of the narrator's different voices were absolute perfection. 🤌🏻
- A truly gripping edge-of-your seat thriller the last half of the book.
- It's so weird and honestly kinda cool listening to a book where you know the towns/live in the same state!
- David is honestly so manipulative and it's impressive! He was a greatly written character, along with all the others.
The bad:
- I know this is Teen/YA but the first 40% was Jessa obsessing over her brother's best friend: Ryan.
- The before bits were kinda confusing at first, until the later before bits when they begin to make sense and tie into the story.
- My girl Jessa was worried about kissing a boy alone in the middle of the woods in the rain while her friends are mostly missing. Like, girl, wtffff. 😭
Overall, it was a truly riveting and a great/quick listen. I would definitely recommend it.
"Life of a chaos demon is tough."
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⅕
Format: Audiobook ARC Review 🎧
Plot/world building: ✔️
Well rounded characters: ✔️
Romance: does a crush count?
Tropes:
Forbidden romance ✖️
Final girl vibes ✨
#57 📚
Ty to NetGalley/publisher/author for the Audiobook ARC!
BEWARE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS 😈 You never know what they're capable of. 🖤📚
"You better stay my perfect little girl. Okay? Forever."
Overview:
Want a quick Halloween read with haunted houses and creepy neighbors?
Jessa, the "perfect" daughter, sister, and friend is preparing for college and has a sleepover while her parents are off at the ballet, opting to invite an estranged friend: Tiny. During a 'fight', the power goes out and Jessa must navigate the night to survive while no longer being "the perfect girl".
The good:
- Jessa, the FMC, was relatable and likable.
- I'm definitely more like Josh. 😂
- All of the narrator's different voices were absolute perfection. 🤌🏻
- A truly gripping edge-of-your seat thriller the last half of the book.
- It's so weird and honestly kinda cool listening to a book where you know the towns/live in the same state!
- David is honestly so manipulative and it's impressive! He was a greatly written character, along with all the others.
The bad:
- I know this is Teen/YA but the first 40% was Jessa obsessing over her brother's best friend: Ryan.
- The before bits were kinda confusing at first, until the later before bits when they begin to make sense and tie into the story.
- My girl Jessa was worried about kissing a boy alone in the middle of the woods in the rain while her friends are mostly missing. Like, girl, wtffff. 😭
Overall, it was a truly riveting and a great/quick listen. I would definitely recommend it.
"Life of a chaos demon is tough."
Read
April 29, 2025Perfect Girl is a YA Horror novel I really enjoyed!
{A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself—and her friends—alive until sunrise}
This a quick and easy read. I love survive the night thrillers and this story had the perfect backdrop of a creepy, haunted house in the middle of nowhere all while a thunder storm is raging outside.
There isn’t a large cast of characters/suspects, so it was easy to figure out who the “bad guy” is, but I didn’t mind it. I still enjoyed settling in for the ride. I especially enjoyed the main characters internal arc as she went from feeling the pressure of having everything figured out and being “perfect” to allowing things to get a little messy and owning up to the fact “perfect” is an illusion.
One thing that did bother me. There’s a bisexual side character who was characterized as not “being honest” since she wasn’t out to her parents and was hesitant to tell them. Look, you’re not a liar/dishonest for not coming out. People aren’t owed your sexuality especially given how horribly unsafe some people can be. Parents disown their kids/kick them out. Some people are violent in their response. And the list goes on and on. So if and when a person comes out is completely their choice and they should never be considered as dishonest for not coming out.
Pub Date: November 19th, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for a copy of this eARC.
{A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself—and her friends—alive until sunrise}
This a quick and easy read. I love survive the night thrillers and this story had the perfect backdrop of a creepy, haunted house in the middle of nowhere all while a thunder storm is raging outside.
There isn’t a large cast of characters/suspects, so it was easy to figure out who the “bad guy” is, but I didn’t mind it. I still enjoyed settling in for the ride. I especially enjoyed the main characters internal arc as she went from feeling the pressure of having everything figured out and being “perfect” to allowing things to get a little messy and owning up to the fact “perfect” is an illusion.
One thing that did bother me. There’s a bisexual side character who was characterized as not “being honest” since she wasn’t out to her parents and was hesitant to tell them. Look, you’re not a liar/dishonest for not coming out. People aren’t owed your sexuality especially given how horribly unsafe some people can be. Parents disown their kids/kick them out. Some people are violent in their response. And the list goes on and on. So if and when a person comes out is completely their choice and they should never be considered as dishonest for not coming out.
Pub Date: November 19th, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for a copy of this eARC.
November 5, 2024
this felt like i was reading a very specific episode of PLL and i mean this as the biggest compliment (AAAAAND there was so much more to this incredible read that added so much!!!!!!!) from the first page to the last I was so drawn in by the premise and the build up, and it only continued to get better as the story progressed. I love that this was loosely based from the author’s personal life- that made it feel extra impactful and special. for it being an incredible thriller with some truly wild and unhinged twists and turns, it also had some amazing moments of girlhood that I loved and was so happy to see have their moment to shine. and some haunting!!!! hi betty :) truly, this was such an enjoyable experience and a book I couldn’t put down from the moment I picked it up. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!!!!
November 18, 2024
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an alc!
i’m only recently getting into the thriller/horror genre, and while this was a good read and had a good narrator, it was not particularly chilling or thrilling
i’m only recently getting into the thriller/horror genre, and while this was a good read and had a good narrator, it was not particularly chilling or thrilling
January 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ cute little book I enjoyed
January 6, 2025
**Spoilers Galore** Don’t read unless you’ve read the book.
There’s a serial killer on the loose and a huge storm is coming—but for whatever reason—Jessa’s parents are leaving her alone for the night. She begs them to allow her to have a sleepover so she won’t be by herself and they agree reluctantly. I’m pretty sure you can guess what happens after this point, but if you did, you’d be wrong. For about 50% of the book, Jessa, her brother, and their friends just hang out at the house while the storm rages outside. During this time, they had two visitors: one, her friend’s abusive boyfriend, and the second, her nerdy neighbor. I can’t remember why but Jessa and her crush leaves and when they get back everyone’s gone. So of course they go out in the rain to find them. Turns out the nerdy neighbor’s elderly mother always wanted a daughter or a perfect girl for him so she makes him kidnap girls and I guess when she’s tired of them or they’re not perfect enough, she kills them. The nerd has been stalking Jessa for a while and wants her to himself since she’s so perfect. He knew her parents were going away but he didn’t expect her to have company, so that threw a wrench in his plans. And of course, for Jessa to survive, she has to not be Miss Perfect Goody Two Shoes.
This was like Goosebumps for teens. The whole killer mom and son duo just didn’t do it for me. Also, I didn’t know why there was an irrelevant storyline of one of the victims. Completely unnecessary. And I’m not even going to get into that horrible ending. I wouldn’t recommend. Too boring and unrealistic.
There’s a serial killer on the loose and a huge storm is coming—but for whatever reason—Jessa’s parents are leaving her alone for the night. She begs them to allow her to have a sleepover so she won’t be by herself and they agree reluctantly. I’m pretty sure you can guess what happens after this point, but if you did, you’d be wrong. For about 50% of the book, Jessa, her brother, and their friends just hang out at the house while the storm rages outside. During this time, they had two visitors: one, her friend’s abusive boyfriend, and the second, her nerdy neighbor. I can’t remember why but Jessa and her crush leaves and when they get back everyone’s gone. So of course they go out in the rain to find them. Turns out the nerdy neighbor’s elderly mother always wanted a daughter or a perfect girl for him so she makes him kidnap girls and I guess when she’s tired of them or they’re not perfect enough, she kills them. The nerd has been stalking Jessa for a while and wants her to himself since she’s so perfect. He knew her parents were going away but he didn’t expect her to have company, so that threw a wrench in his plans. And of course, for Jessa to survive, she has to not be Miss Perfect Goody Two Shoes.
This was like Goosebumps for teens. The whole killer mom and son duo just didn’t do it for me. Also, I didn’t know why there was an irrelevant storyline of one of the victims. Completely unnecessary. And I’m not even going to get into that horrible ending. I wouldn’t recommend. Too boring and unrealistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2024
Content warnings: drugging, violence, blood, misogyny, toxic men thinking they 'deserve' women, alcohol, fire, death, murder (past).
Rep: side cis Black male character, side cis bisexual female character.
Rep: side cis Black male character, side cis bisexual female character.
November 17, 2024
Imagine being a teenager, you’re having a sleepover at your house with your friends, your brother, and his bff who happens to be your crush. There’s a huge storm happening outside that makes the powerlines go down. It’s dark. It’s cold. Your house may or may not be haunted by a ghost named Betty. And there may or may not be a killer on the loose. 😳
My Thoughts:
You know what? I had the best time reading this book. It’s super fast paced and easy to read. I read the whole thing in one day. I will say the whole killer thing was a bit predictable but the whole book was so entertaining that I honestly didn’t mind. This felt very 90s coded and I’m here for it! The whole thing read like you were watching a 90s thriller movie. It even made me laugh a little when they’re running from danger and stop to have a little kissing moment… because teenagers 😂
I would hands down recommend this if you love the older thriller movies. It has a nostalgic vibe. It’s a little predictable but super entertaining. I’m truly so happy I read it!
Thank you to the author and TBR and Beyond Tours for the eARC 🖤 Also, netgalley. Thank you, thank you.
My Thoughts:
You know what? I had the best time reading this book. It’s super fast paced and easy to read. I read the whole thing in one day. I will say the whole killer thing was a bit predictable but the whole book was so entertaining that I honestly didn’t mind. This felt very 90s coded and I’m here for it! The whole thing read like you were watching a 90s thriller movie. It even made me laugh a little when they’re running from danger and stop to have a little kissing moment… because teenagers 😂
I would hands down recommend this if you love the older thriller movies. It has a nostalgic vibe. It’s a little predictable but super entertaining. I’m truly so happy I read it!
Thank you to the author and TBR and Beyond Tours for the eARC 🖤 Also, netgalley. Thank you, thank you.
December 4, 2024
Always the 'good girl,' perpetual people pleaser Jessa becomes the object of obsession to the unhinged boy next door with life or death consequences. Does she have what it takes to do what she must in order to save herself and her friends when they get kidnapped one frightful night? Good on audio, this was a face-paced entertaining read. Solid 3 stars for me for this latest by a new to me author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 9, 2025
This was good! I could tell you the plot of the story even days after reading it.
This was giving me pretty little liars vibes but without the lying. You’ll see when you read it.
I definitely will be reading more from this author. I was audibly gasping at some parts.
This was giving me pretty little liars vibes but without the lying. You’ll see when you read it.
I definitely will be reading more from this author. I was audibly gasping at some parts.
June 19, 2025
take a shot every time she says pandemic and don’t be surprised when u end up on the floor and 3 chapters in
December 6, 2024
Dang. Creepy ass teenagers and their enabling mothers.
May 17, 2025
2.5 stars. A strong start, well developed characters, and fun dialogue didn’t make up for how off the rails this went. Characters were making dumb choices and having arguments at times where that would never happen in real life, and that felt frustrating to me as a reader. I will say, though, that Perfect Girl might appeal to fans of some of the most bonkers, unhinged Pretty Little Liars episodes, so if that’s you, this one might be a fun read for you!
December 19, 2024
i’d rather be a bitch than your perfect girl
maybe don’t have your super intelligent character be naive as fuck. zero survival skills.
maybe don’t have your super intelligent character be naive as fuck. zero survival skills.
November 19, 2024
Audiobook Review 📖🎧
Perfect Girl
by Tracy Banghart
Narrated by Angie Kane
thank you so much dreamscape media for the gifted audiobook!
About the book 👇🏽
Jessa has been raised to be the “perfect girl.” She is unfailingly polite, never rocks the boat, and always follows the rules—no matter what. Her friends love to give her a hard time for being such a goody two-shoes, but Jessa likes it this way. She knows what's expected of her, and she's happy to be the person her parents (and society) want.
When a freak storm takes out the power during a sleepover at Jessa’s creepy, old house, things go south before the pizza gets cold. Her friends are at each other’s throats, unexpected guests keep showing up (some more welcome than others), and it’s not just her brother serving up jump scares. A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself—and her friends—alive until sunrise.
Who knew perfection could be so dangerous?
📖 My thoughts:
I flew right through this! The story was great and the narration was superb. This story actually reminded me of a pretty little liars episode (I didn’t read the books) and I enjoyed it! It’s pretty fast paced, keeps you engaged, and holds your attention all the way throughout. It’s the perfect binge read if you’re looking for something quick and entertaining. or even a palate cleanser! I’d recommend giving this book a read or the audiobook a listen! Perfect Girl is out TODAY 11/19/24!
Happy reading 📖
Perfect Girl
by Tracy Banghart
Narrated by Angie Kane
thank you so much dreamscape media for the gifted audiobook!
About the book 👇🏽
Jessa has been raised to be the “perfect girl.” She is unfailingly polite, never rocks the boat, and always follows the rules—no matter what. Her friends love to give her a hard time for being such a goody two-shoes, but Jessa likes it this way. She knows what's expected of her, and she's happy to be the person her parents (and society) want.
When a freak storm takes out the power during a sleepover at Jessa’s creepy, old house, things go south before the pizza gets cold. Her friends are at each other’s throats, unexpected guests keep showing up (some more welcome than others), and it’s not just her brother serving up jump scares. A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself—and her friends—alive until sunrise.
Who knew perfection could be so dangerous?
📖 My thoughts:
I flew right through this! The story was great and the narration was superb. This story actually reminded me of a pretty little liars episode (I didn’t read the books) and I enjoyed it! It’s pretty fast paced, keeps you engaged, and holds your attention all the way throughout. It’s the perfect binge read if you’re looking for something quick and entertaining. or even a palate cleanser! I’d recommend giving this book a read or the audiobook a listen! Perfect Girl is out TODAY 11/19/24!
Happy reading 📖
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