What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackout Girl
Isabella Frank is spiraling. Recent traumas have triggered episodes of depression and anxiety, causing her to feel that
not only has she lost her way, she’s lost herself too. The only thing giving her hope for better days is her regular meetings with her therapist.
However, that sense of hope is ripped away when police handcuff her. Confused, disoriented and surrounded by blood, she is accused of a murder she’s positive she didn’t commit. But how can she defend herself if she blacked out and doesn’t recall anything?
Blackout Girl is a psychological thriller and the author’s debut novel.
not only has she lost her way, she’s lost herself too. The only thing giving her hope for better days is her regular meetings with her therapist.
However, that sense of hope is ripped away when police handcuff her. Confused, disoriented and surrounded by blood, she is accused of a murder she’s positive she didn’t commit. But how can she defend herself if she blacked out and doesn’t recall anything?
Blackout Girl is a psychological thriller and the author’s debut novel.
- GenresThriller
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2024
48 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 29, 2025
5/5
In this psychological thriller, we follow Isabella, who is trying to recover and heal from a tramatic event that has left her with PTSD, depression and anxiety, so she starts seeing a therapist. Isabella meets a married man who is seperated from his wife. Things start to get a little serious, she thinks shes starting to fall in love with him. Meanwhile, strange things are starting to happen, Isabella thinks someone is stalking her and breaking into her appartmet. Is she loosing her mind?
One night while she is at her therapy session, she gets dizzy, weak and then blacks out. Waking up being arrested for a murder she didn't commit....or did she?
I love the way this book is written, it keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page and just flows together very well! The ending will take you by surprise for sure!!
I cant wait to read more books from her, very well done.
In this psychological thriller, we follow Isabella, who is trying to recover and heal from a tramatic event that has left her with PTSD, depression and anxiety, so she starts seeing a therapist. Isabella meets a married man who is seperated from his wife. Things start to get a little serious, she thinks shes starting to fall in love with him. Meanwhile, strange things are starting to happen, Isabella thinks someone is stalking her and breaking into her appartmet. Is she loosing her mind?
One night while she is at her therapy session, she gets dizzy, weak and then blacks out. Waking up being arrested for a murder she didn't commit....or did she?
I love the way this book is written, it keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page and just flows together very well! The ending will take you by surprise for sure!!
I cant wait to read more books from her, very well done.
October 23, 2025
Mystery, thrilling, suspense. But the ending happened way to fast for me. Still loved the characters and plot
January 27, 2025
#bookreview
Blackout Girl
by Amber Leigh Larrain
In one of the online books groups I’m in, this author asked for help reaching a personal goal of pages read on KU for her for the day…. The book sounded good, so I said sure….. I only needed to help out by reading 50 or so pages. Well, the first 50 pages were intriguing and snagged me…. So I sit here 4 hours and 297 pages later SO glad I saw her post!
Isabella is dealing with some very serious past trauma, and she’s waffling back and forth between anxiety & depression. She has been seeing a counselor for almost a year. She is as ready as she’s going to be to get back to work (she’s been off due to her latest trauma), and she’s met someone…. Things seem to be looking up for Isa.
Things start happening that make no sense… strange sounds, uncomfortable confrontations, phone calls, threats…. Things that make Isabella more on edge than ever. She doesn’t know what or who to believe…..
She wakes up after blacking out to find herself in the middle of a horrific crime scene….. does anyone believe her innocence….
This is a thrilling fast paced read by an Indie author! Give her some support & read her book. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you will not be disappointed.
Blackout Girl
by Amber Leigh Larrain
In one of the online books groups I’m in, this author asked for help reaching a personal goal of pages read on KU for her for the day…. The book sounded good, so I said sure….. I only needed to help out by reading 50 or so pages. Well, the first 50 pages were intriguing and snagged me…. So I sit here 4 hours and 297 pages later SO glad I saw her post!
Isabella is dealing with some very serious past trauma, and she’s waffling back and forth between anxiety & depression. She has been seeing a counselor for almost a year. She is as ready as she’s going to be to get back to work (she’s been off due to her latest trauma), and she’s met someone…. Things seem to be looking up for Isa.
Things start happening that make no sense… strange sounds, uncomfortable confrontations, phone calls, threats…. Things that make Isabella more on edge than ever. She doesn’t know what or who to believe…..
She wakes up after blacking out to find herself in the middle of a horrific crime scene….. does anyone believe her innocence….
This is a thrilling fast paced read by an Indie author! Give her some support & read her book. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you will not be disappointed.
March 26, 2025
This psych thriller was a quick and easy read that captured my interest from the start. I didn’t want to put it down!
I love a prologue that sets the mood for the story, and this one gives the reader a hint of what’s to come before taking you back to the beginning. The story moves at a steady pace as Isabella tries to navigate life after a tragedy turned hers upside down. Her routine therapy sessions, new amazing boyfriend, and reconnection with an old friend promise a return to normalcy, but a new darkness and fear quickly overshadows her life as she begins to feel stalked and harassed. Only when she’s accused of murder does she really start to question everything she thought she knew about herself and those around her.
I thought the author did an amazing job of leaving hints for the reader to guess what was happening behind the scenes without giving it away completely. Even though I was able to figure it out before the end, that didn’t stop me from loving the leadup before the big reveal.
I also loved how easily I could connect with Isabella, something I struggle to do in most thrillers. She was very relatable and the relationship she had with her rescue pup was so heartwarming! Winston stole my heart 🥰
If you’re looking for a quick psych thriller to tear through this weekend or you want to support an indie author, I definitely recommend this one!
I love a prologue that sets the mood for the story, and this one gives the reader a hint of what’s to come before taking you back to the beginning. The story moves at a steady pace as Isabella tries to navigate life after a tragedy turned hers upside down. Her routine therapy sessions, new amazing boyfriend, and reconnection with an old friend promise a return to normalcy, but a new darkness and fear quickly overshadows her life as she begins to feel stalked and harassed. Only when she’s accused of murder does she really start to question everything she thought she knew about herself and those around her.
I thought the author did an amazing job of leaving hints for the reader to guess what was happening behind the scenes without giving it away completely. Even though I was able to figure it out before the end, that didn’t stop me from loving the leadup before the big reveal.
I also loved how easily I could connect with Isabella, something I struggle to do in most thrillers. She was very relatable and the relationship she had with her rescue pup was so heartwarming! Winston stole my heart 🥰
If you’re looking for a quick psych thriller to tear through this weekend or you want to support an indie author, I definitely recommend this one!
December 22, 2024
This is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing to the end. I couldn't put it down!
The story is based in the town where I live- it was neat to read about places that I recognized.
The story is based in the town where I live- it was neat to read about places that I recognized.
June 12, 2025
3.5/5 (rounded up)
Thank you to the author for bringing her book to my attention in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, whilst I don't want to give away any spoilers, there are several Trigger Warnings that crop up, and I will mention them at the end of my review.
I think it would help if, in the future, the author perhaps does as some others do and has a list of these at the start to offer readers prior warning.
We start with the prologue in an interrogation room where the main character, Isabella, is being questioned over an incident that has taken place. Isabella insists she doesn't know what happened, as she blacked out. It is made clear that whatever has happened, she is a suspect.
The author then takes us through the months leading up to the incident, told through the eyes of Isabella. Once back to the interrogation room, we are led through the investigation to the outcome.
This is a short story, fast-paced, and easy to follow. It is a psychological mystery/thriller. I was able to guess the resoning behind the interrogation quite early on. However, I wasn't prepared for the twist at the end! I did feel a little cheated by not seeing the twist as it played out. Instead, the author teases a possibility before jumping forward in time to the outcome. I'd have quite liked a chapter through the eyes of a different character to take us through it. However, it was still a great read, and I would be interested in reading future work by this author.
Prior to the point we are taken back to, Isabella has had a lot to cope with in life that has caused her spiralling depression.
The following paragraph contains some of the TW contained within the book.
Trigger Warnings...
Sexual assault
Alcohol Use
Drink Driving (which leads to...)
Car accident
Death
The following are further on in the book
Catfishing
Murder (of a pregnant person) (in order to...)
Fake death
Drugging via spiking drinks.
Thank you to the author for bringing her book to my attention in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, whilst I don't want to give away any spoilers, there are several Trigger Warnings that crop up, and I will mention them at the end of my review.
I think it would help if, in the future, the author perhaps does as some others do and has a list of these at the start to offer readers prior warning.
We start with the prologue in an interrogation room where the main character, Isabella, is being questioned over an incident that has taken place. Isabella insists she doesn't know what happened, as she blacked out. It is made clear that whatever has happened, she is a suspect.
The author then takes us through the months leading up to the incident, told through the eyes of Isabella. Once back to the interrogation room, we are led through the investigation to the outcome.
This is a short story, fast-paced, and easy to follow. It is a psychological mystery/thriller. I was able to guess the resoning behind the interrogation quite early on. However, I wasn't prepared for the twist at the end! I did feel a little cheated by not seeing the twist as it played out. Instead, the author teases a possibility before jumping forward in time to the outcome. I'd have quite liked a chapter through the eyes of a different character to take us through it. However, it was still a great read, and I would be interested in reading future work by this author.
Prior to the point we are taken back to, Isabella has had a lot to cope with in life that has caused her spiralling depression.
The following paragraph contains some of the TW contained within the book.
Trigger Warnings...
Sexual assault
Alcohol Use
Drink Driving (which leads to...)
Car accident
Death
The following are further on in the book
Catfishing
Murder (of a pregnant person) (in order to...)
Fake death
Drugging via spiking drinks.
October 11, 2025
The writing in this book was well thought out, and the psychological aspect was incredibly strong. It kept me thinking the entire time, trying to piece together what had really happened—and by the end, it all came together perfectly.
This story made me reflect deeply on my own experiences with grief. It showed how often people around us don’t truly see what we’re going through and how, over time, they can become silent to our pain. One quote that really stood out to me was: “On my bad days I was always told to just cheer up, just smile, everything will be fine.” It captures how misunderstood mental illness, depression, and anxiety can be—how people sometimes think you can just “snap out of it,” when in reality it’s not that easy.
I’m grateful to have read a book that shines such a real and honest light on these struggles. I would definitely recommend Blackout Girl to anyone dealing with grief, mental illness, or anxiety—it’s a powerful and validating read.
This story made me reflect deeply on my own experiences with grief. It showed how often people around us don’t truly see what we’re going through and how, over time, they can become silent to our pain. One quote that really stood out to me was: “On my bad days I was always told to just cheer up, just smile, everything will be fine.” It captures how misunderstood mental illness, depression, and anxiety can be—how people sometimes think you can just “snap out of it,” when in reality it’s not that easy.
I’m grateful to have read a book that shines such a real and honest light on these struggles. I would definitely recommend Blackout Girl to anyone dealing with grief, mental illness, or anxiety—it’s a powerful and validating read.
April 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5⭐️
I enjoyed this quick read , Isabella’s psychological turmoil is both raw and authentic, offering a window into the struggles of someone battling inner demons while facing external chaos. The narrative’s strength lies in its ability to maintain tension, as readers are drawn into Isabella’s quest to piece together fragmented memories and uncover the truth. If you are a fan of thrillers this book will be perfect for you!
Thank you to the Author Amber Leigh Larrain for reaching out to review this book! I truly enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this quick read , Isabella’s psychological turmoil is both raw and authentic, offering a window into the struggles of someone battling inner demons while facing external chaos. The narrative’s strength lies in its ability to maintain tension, as readers are drawn into Isabella’s quest to piece together fragmented memories and uncover the truth. If you are a fan of thrillers this book will be perfect for you!
Thank you to the Author Amber Leigh Larrain for reaching out to review this book! I truly enjoyed it!
February 3, 2025
This story had me hooked!
Talk about great murder mystery that had me literally talking out loud ! I highly recommend this fast read thriller. Reminded of me of Frieda McFadden and I absolutely love her books. I think I have found another new favorite author. Imagine everyone thinks you’re crazy but you know you’re not. There is gas lighting and framing this in book. There has been a murder but the question is who is responsible for it ?! Please give this a read to find out more.
Talk about great murder mystery that had me literally talking out loud ! I highly recommend this fast read thriller. Reminded of me of Frieda McFadden and I absolutely love her books. I think I have found another new favorite author. Imagine everyone thinks you’re crazy but you know you’re not. There is gas lighting and framing this in book. There has been a murder but the question is who is responsible for it ?! Please give this a read to find out more.
December 20, 2024
First and foremost thank you, Amber, for reaching out and asking me to ARC read your debut! It was great!
I loved the plot. There were no seeable plot holes which was amazing to especially for a first novel. The author has a clear story she wanted to tell and she told it.
I did guess the major “plot twist” pretty early on but it was still a surprise to see how far that twist went.
It was an easy read. Enjoyable. I recommend it. Can’t wait to see what else Amber puts out there.
I loved the plot. There were no seeable plot holes which was amazing to especially for a first novel. The author has a clear story she wanted to tell and she told it.
I did guess the major “plot twist” pretty early on but it was still a surprise to see how far that twist went.
It was an easy read. Enjoyable. I recommend it. Can’t wait to see what else Amber puts out there.
January 28, 2025
First off, I want to thank the author, Amber Leigh Larrain, for reaching out to me to read and honestly review her novel!
This book had the elements of a good thriller. With all of the creepy background events that were happening, I had to know who was behind the malicious target in of our main character.
With this, I felt one of the huge mystery reveals was very obvious from the start. I made a guess from the beginning of the book regarding a character and was correct. I actually had hoped there would be a deeper connection to the main character and her previous traumatic events to bring it all full circle. Unfortunately the reveal felt a little obvious and there was no “I did NOT see that coming!!” moment.
I did appreciate the pacing of this book, and the authors ability to keep the storyline moving and cohesive. I wish there had been slightly more elaboration on some parts of the story that felt rushed. Sometimes there would be a time jump of over a week and it felt like no time had passed at all. I understand the large time period this story spanned over, but I wish there had been more character building and relationships between these characters so they would be more relatable and likable. Knowing so little about these characters made it easy to shrug them off afterwards. I want to leave a book thinking about the main characters for weeks to come!
One more huge punch at the end, I would’ve loved to know what was going through the antagonists point of view. Even in the epilogue, having a spooky little excerpt about their thoughts during this time period would’ve been huge and added major points to the thrill factor!!
Overall, I read this book in one sitting! Amber had my attention from start to finish! I’m looking forward to seeing more from her :)
3.5/5 ⭐️
This book had the elements of a good thriller. With all of the creepy background events that were happening, I had to know who was behind the malicious target in of our main character.
With this, I felt one of the huge mystery reveals was very obvious from the start. I made a guess from the beginning of the book regarding a character and was correct. I actually had hoped there would be a deeper connection to the main character and her previous traumatic events to bring it all full circle. Unfortunately the reveal felt a little obvious and there was no “I did NOT see that coming!!” moment.
I did appreciate the pacing of this book, and the authors ability to keep the storyline moving and cohesive. I wish there had been slightly more elaboration on some parts of the story that felt rushed. Sometimes there would be a time jump of over a week and it felt like no time had passed at all. I understand the large time period this story spanned over, but I wish there had been more character building and relationships between these characters so they would be more relatable and likable. Knowing so little about these characters made it easy to shrug them off afterwards. I want to leave a book thinking about the main characters for weeks to come!
One more huge punch at the end, I would’ve loved to know what was going through the antagonists point of view. Even in the epilogue, having a spooky little excerpt about their thoughts during this time period would’ve been huge and added major points to the thrill factor!!
Overall, I read this book in one sitting! Amber had my attention from start to finish! I’m looking forward to seeing more from her :)
3.5/5 ⭐️
April 28, 2025
Blackout Girl by Amber Leigh Larrain
4.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: little
Format/Source: ebook from KU
Genres/Tropes: Psychological Thriller, twisty
Audience: Adult
Characters: Isabella, Rossi, Clark, Christian, Talia, Danielle, Lucas
👍 short chapters, psych rep, little cursing, fast-paced, twists
👎 a little far-fetched
Description:
Isabella Frank is spiraling. Recent traumas have triggered episodes of depression and anxiety, causing her to feel that not only has she lost her way, she’s lost herself too. The only thing giving her hope for better days is her regular meetings with her therapist.
However, that sense of hope is ripped away when police handcuff her. Confused, disoriented, and surrounded by blood, she is accused of a murder she’s positive she didn’t commit. But how can she defend herself if she blacked out and doesn’t recall anything?
My opinion:
For Amber's debut novel, she writes a humdinger! She pens a fast-paced, high-stakes psychological thriller with some shocking twists! I was guessing and guessing who could be the culprit and was constantly surprised by who it wasn't and by who it was! The short chapters make for an effortless read. I was able to read the book in less than a day. I truly appreciate having main characters with mental disorders that acknowledge their need for help and actually get that help. The very little amount of cursing is pleasant to read. I did find the novel to be just a bit far-fetched at times, but isn't that sort of the point of reading thriller novels?!? I was truly entertained by this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys twisty thrillers.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #thrillerbooks #booktok #twisty #mentalhealth
4.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: little
Format/Source: ebook from KU
Genres/Tropes: Psychological Thriller, twisty
Audience: Adult
Characters: Isabella, Rossi, Clark, Christian, Talia, Danielle, Lucas
👍 short chapters, psych rep, little cursing, fast-paced, twists
👎 a little far-fetched
Description:
Isabella Frank is spiraling. Recent traumas have triggered episodes of depression and anxiety, causing her to feel that not only has she lost her way, she’s lost herself too. The only thing giving her hope for better days is her regular meetings with her therapist.
However, that sense of hope is ripped away when police handcuff her. Confused, disoriented, and surrounded by blood, she is accused of a murder she’s positive she didn’t commit. But how can she defend herself if she blacked out and doesn’t recall anything?
My opinion:
For Amber's debut novel, she writes a humdinger! She pens a fast-paced, high-stakes psychological thriller with some shocking twists! I was guessing and guessing who could be the culprit and was constantly surprised by who it wasn't and by who it was! The short chapters make for an effortless read. I was able to read the book in less than a day. I truly appreciate having main characters with mental disorders that acknowledge their need for help and actually get that help. The very little amount of cursing is pleasant to read. I did find the novel to be just a bit far-fetched at times, but isn't that sort of the point of reading thriller novels?!? I was truly entertained by this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys twisty thrillers.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #thrillerbooks #booktok #twisty #mentalhealth
May 29, 2025
We meet Isabella in the prologue wheres she’s the main suspect for a crime she has no memory of. She had a blackout, but cops don’t believe her. Now she needs to fight for her innocence and prove she didn’t commit murder.
…
For the last five months, Isabella has been seeing Dr. Price for depression. She was involved in a car accident that took the life of her best friend. Since then Isabella has been spiraling into a dark hole. Her goal is to improve her mental health.
…
Isabella struggles to eat or get out of bed on a daily basis since the death of her friend. At least she’s making an effort to heal by talking to Dr. Price. Her journey is hopeful as she tries to mend the guilt she has regarding the death of her friend. Moving forward for Isabella was like taking one step forward and two steps back. Each time she felt ready to conquer the world something would set her back. She was stuck in a perpetual cycle of despair.
…
While Isabella is dealing with past trauma a dangerous person is stalking her. She seeks help from her therapist, her mom, and by reconnecting with a close friend. A new romantic relationship helps her feel normal, but he’s married and his wife has been threatening her. Overall, her life is one setback after another.
…
There were some strong moments where I was completely locked into the storyline and then there were times when the writing became too wordy and I found myself skim reading. My impatience tends to get the best of me. While I was eager for the solution to Isabella’s predicament the journey towards that conclusion was not at the pace I expected. Was I surprised by the ending? Not really. The writing was decent. For a debut psychological thriller it’s not bad.
…
For the last five months, Isabella has been seeing Dr. Price for depression. She was involved in a car accident that took the life of her best friend. Since then Isabella has been spiraling into a dark hole. Her goal is to improve her mental health.
…
Isabella struggles to eat or get out of bed on a daily basis since the death of her friend. At least she’s making an effort to heal by talking to Dr. Price. Her journey is hopeful as she tries to mend the guilt she has regarding the death of her friend. Moving forward for Isabella was like taking one step forward and two steps back. Each time she felt ready to conquer the world something would set her back. She was stuck in a perpetual cycle of despair.
…
While Isabella is dealing with past trauma a dangerous person is stalking her. She seeks help from her therapist, her mom, and by reconnecting with a close friend. A new romantic relationship helps her feel normal, but he’s married and his wife has been threatening her. Overall, her life is one setback after another.
…
There were some strong moments where I was completely locked into the storyline and then there were times when the writing became too wordy and I found myself skim reading. My impatience tends to get the best of me. While I was eager for the solution to Isabella’s predicament the journey towards that conclusion was not at the pace I expected. Was I surprised by the ending? Not really. The writing was decent. For a debut psychological thriller it’s not bad.
April 27, 2025
Blackout Girl is an intense, and unsettling. Amber Leigh Larrain’s debut is raw, and personal, pulling readers inside the fragile world of Isabella Frank—a woman barely holding herself together after unimaginable loss.
When we meet Isa, she’s doing everything right: seeing a therapist, reconnecting with friends, stepping cautiously back into dating, even preparing to return to work. On the surface, it looks like recovery. But under the surface, she’s still carrying more than she can bear—and soon, cracks begin to show. Strange noises, unsettling confrontations, anonymous threats... are they real, or is her mind betraying her?
What sets Blackout Girl apart from other psychological thrillers is how authentically it portrays mental health—the daily swings between hope and despair, strength and weakness. Isa’s fear isn’t just external; .her blackouts, her doubts, the blurring of memory and reality—they make her as terrifying to herself as any outside threat.
Well paced, the story swings between bursts of action and quieter, introspective moments. I felt that it ultimately mirrors Isa’s own journey. Fearless for a debut, Blackout Girl is a strong thriller, Amber Leigh Larrain doesn’t shy away from the aftermath of trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles, and that’s exactly what makes this book unforgettable. If you’re drawn to dark, psychological thrillers with real emotional weight, put this one at the top of your list!
#BlackoutGirl #AmberLeighLarrain #PsychologicalThriller #MentalHealthMatters #RawAndRealReads #DebutNovel
When we meet Isa, she’s doing everything right: seeing a therapist, reconnecting with friends, stepping cautiously back into dating, even preparing to return to work. On the surface, it looks like recovery. But under the surface, she’s still carrying more than she can bear—and soon, cracks begin to show. Strange noises, unsettling confrontations, anonymous threats... are they real, or is her mind betraying her?
What sets Blackout Girl apart from other psychological thrillers is how authentically it portrays mental health—the daily swings between hope and despair, strength and weakness. Isa’s fear isn’t just external; .her blackouts, her doubts, the blurring of memory and reality—they make her as terrifying to herself as any outside threat.
Well paced, the story swings between bursts of action and quieter, introspective moments. I felt that it ultimately mirrors Isa’s own journey. Fearless for a debut, Blackout Girl is a strong thriller, Amber Leigh Larrain doesn’t shy away from the aftermath of trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles, and that’s exactly what makes this book unforgettable. If you’re drawn to dark, psychological thrillers with real emotional weight, put this one at the top of your list!
#BlackoutGirl #AmberLeighLarrain #PsychologicalThriller #MentalHealthMatters #RawAndRealReads #DebutNovel
January 26, 2025
Favorite quote: “The fun part of having anxiety is how easily you can work yourself into a panic over something that could end up being nothing.”
Amber Leigh Larrain reached out to me via Instagram and asked me to read and review her recently self-published book (it’s on Kindle Unlimited!), and I am so glad she did. I’ve strayed away from thrillers as of late, and I think this book was just what I needed to pull me back in. I will definitely be picking up another thriller ASAP.
Blackout Girl was an entertaining read. The chapters are on the shorter side, which I personally love. The beginning starts a bit slow as the audience is introduced to the characters, but then it quickly takes off. Once I reached the second half of the book, I didn’t want to put it down.
I absolutely LOATHED Isabella’s therapist, Dr. Price. (Spoiler: you’re supposed to hate her.) Isabella even states at the beginning that Dr. Price is “sometimes a bit unprofessional.” I was a bit thrown off when Dr. Price abruptly decided she could no longer see Isabella as a patient due to her “unethical” relationship. Dr. Price knew about the relationship for a while before she kicked Isabella to the curb, so this made no sense to me. However, Amber Leigh Larrain left no stone unturned. The ending ties everything together, and Dr. Price and her nasty attitude soon make perfect sense.
The twist was perfectly executed. I had my suspicions regarding the ending while I was reading the book, but I was unprepared for the twist and the actual ending. I love when books are able to take me by surprise in the last few chapters.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There are some minor errors and inconsistencies, but as an editor/proofreader, my eye is trained to pick up on these sorts of things. I don’t necessarily think they will distract or bother the average, everyday reader.
Amber Leigh Larrain reached out to me via Instagram and asked me to read and review her recently self-published book (it’s on Kindle Unlimited!), and I am so glad she did. I’ve strayed away from thrillers as of late, and I think this book was just what I needed to pull me back in. I will definitely be picking up another thriller ASAP.
Blackout Girl was an entertaining read. The chapters are on the shorter side, which I personally love. The beginning starts a bit slow as the audience is introduced to the characters, but then it quickly takes off. Once I reached the second half of the book, I didn’t want to put it down.
I absolutely LOATHED Isabella’s therapist, Dr. Price. (Spoiler: you’re supposed to hate her.) Isabella even states at the beginning that Dr. Price is “sometimes a bit unprofessional.” I was a bit thrown off when Dr. Price abruptly decided she could no longer see Isabella as a patient due to her “unethical” relationship. Dr. Price knew about the relationship for a while before she kicked Isabella to the curb, so this made no sense to me. However, Amber Leigh Larrain left no stone unturned. The ending ties everything together, and Dr. Price and her nasty attitude soon make perfect sense.
The twist was perfectly executed. I had my suspicions regarding the ending while I was reading the book, but I was unprepared for the twist and the actual ending. I love when books are able to take me by surprise in the last few chapters.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There are some minor errors and inconsistencies, but as an editor/proofreader, my eye is trained to pick up on these sorts of things. I don’t necessarily think they will distract or bother the average, everyday reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
When Isabella finds herself on the other side of an interrogation table, she doesn’t know what happened, but she knows she didn’t do it. As Isabella unravels the last five months of her life, can she also unravel the mystery of how she ended up convicted of murder?
Isabella is a messy, unreliable narrator, which I liked. She's suffered a traumatic event recently and has turned to therapy to help her process, which sometimes seems like it's helping, but also often seems to set her back. She meets Christian and they start dating, which is a huge step for her. But just when life seems to start going right for her and she's finally finding some joy and happiness, strange things start happening that rattle her peace of mind. When she's accused of murder, she begins to wonder who around her can she really trust and if she can even trust herself.
I felt like the relationships and friendships could've been explored a bit more to make them more real. I didn't understand why Isabella kept seeing her therapist who was clearly very unprofessional and not very good at her job. Isabella deserved better than that. There were a couple of things that felt a bit farfetched, but this is fiction. The red herring of Lucas wasn't fleshed out enough to really follow him as the murderer and I did find myself kind-of skimming over his parts because he didn't seem important to the story.
Overall, it was a quick, twisty read with a shocker of an ending.
Isabella is a messy, unreliable narrator, which I liked. She's suffered a traumatic event recently and has turned to therapy to help her process, which sometimes seems like it's helping, but also often seems to set her back. She meets Christian and they start dating, which is a huge step for her. But just when life seems to start going right for her and she's finally finding some joy and happiness, strange things start happening that rattle her peace of mind. When she's accused of murder, she begins to wonder who around her can she really trust and if she can even trust herself.
I felt like the relationships and friendships could've been explored a bit more to make them more real. I didn't understand why Isabella kept seeing her therapist who was clearly very unprofessional and not very good at her job. Isabella deserved better than that. There were a couple of things that felt a bit farfetched, but this is fiction. The red herring of Lucas wasn't fleshed out enough to really follow him as the murderer and I did find myself kind-of skimming over his parts because he didn't seem important to the story.
Overall, it was a quick, twisty read with a shocker of an ending.
March 22, 2025
Blackout Girl
Amber Leigh Larrin
12/13/2024
Available on KU now
100% bingeable and just when you think you have it figured out… BAM…wrong. There are characters all along the way that you do not trust and you wonder if they have alternative motives. The author leaves the perfect amount of red herrings along the way to keep you guessing.
Amber Leigh Larrain’s Blackout Girl plunges readers into the fractured world of Isabella Frank, a protagonist grappling with the weight of trauma, anxiety, and a reality slipping through her fingers. Her mental health struggles are portrayed with such raw authenticity that it’s impossible not to feel her pain and confusion. As the tension builds, Isabella finds herself trapped in an unimaginable nightmare—handcuffed, accused of a murder she cannot remember committing. Larrain masterfully intertwines Isabella’s psychological unraveling into the fabric of the story, creating a narrative that is both haunting and mesmerizing.
The book leaves you questioning not only Isabella’s decisions but also the very nature of memory and perception itself. With its emotional intensity, gripping mystery, and mind-bending twists, Blackout Girl is an exhilarating rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat, desperate for answers.
Amber Leigh Larrin
12/13/2024
Available on KU now
100% bingeable and just when you think you have it figured out… BAM…wrong. There are characters all along the way that you do not trust and you wonder if they have alternative motives. The author leaves the perfect amount of red herrings along the way to keep you guessing.
Amber Leigh Larrain’s Blackout Girl plunges readers into the fractured world of Isabella Frank, a protagonist grappling with the weight of trauma, anxiety, and a reality slipping through her fingers. Her mental health struggles are portrayed with such raw authenticity that it’s impossible not to feel her pain and confusion. As the tension builds, Isabella finds herself trapped in an unimaginable nightmare—handcuffed, accused of a murder she cannot remember committing. Larrain masterfully intertwines Isabella’s psychological unraveling into the fabric of the story, creating a narrative that is both haunting and mesmerizing.
The book leaves you questioning not only Isabella’s decisions but also the very nature of memory and perception itself. With its emotional intensity, gripping mystery, and mind-bending twists, Blackout Girl is an exhilarating rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat, desperate for answers.
June 9, 2025
Blackout Girl by Amber Leigh Larrain
⚫️ Psychological thriller
⚫️ Obsession
⚫️ Processing trauma
⚫️ Twists and turns
⚫️ Complex romance
This story follows Isabella who is trying to recover from a traumatic event that has left her needing therapy. Even though she is struggling mentally she starts seeing someone who starts to help bring some light back into her life. However, strange things then start to happen making Isabella feel she might be losing her mind.
I found this book really gripping, imagine everyone thinks you’re crazy but you know you’re not! I was almost screaming out loud at times feeling outraged on Isabella’s behalf 😄 I did like all the twists and turns throughout although I have to admit I did guess who it was quite early on. However, I still didn’t guess all the plot twists and was still surprised by some characters and some of the revelations.
This is an incredible debut novel, and really well written in my opinion. The author tackled heavy topics with sensitivity and care which added depth to the story without making it feel too overwhelming. Thank you Amber for reaching out to me as I really enjoyed reading this brilliant twisty thriller. I highly recommend reading it if you want a quick, twisty page turner that keeps you guessing🖤
⚫️ Psychological thriller
⚫️ Obsession
⚫️ Processing trauma
⚫️ Twists and turns
⚫️ Complex romance
This story follows Isabella who is trying to recover from a traumatic event that has left her needing therapy. Even though she is struggling mentally she starts seeing someone who starts to help bring some light back into her life. However, strange things then start to happen making Isabella feel she might be losing her mind.
I found this book really gripping, imagine everyone thinks you’re crazy but you know you’re not! I was almost screaming out loud at times feeling outraged on Isabella’s behalf 😄 I did like all the twists and turns throughout although I have to admit I did guess who it was quite early on. However, I still didn’t guess all the plot twists and was still surprised by some characters and some of the revelations.
This is an incredible debut novel, and really well written in my opinion. The author tackled heavy topics with sensitivity and care which added depth to the story without making it feel too overwhelming. Thank you Amber for reaching out to me as I really enjoyed reading this brilliant twisty thriller. I highly recommend reading it if you want a quick, twisty page turner that keeps you guessing🖤
February 14, 2025
Author Amber Leigh Larrain contacted me for an honest review of Blackout Girl. (Available on Kindle Unlimited).
Isabella Frank is trying to process her trauma and grief, but can't seem to stop herself from panic episodes and flashbacks. She struggles to work with her therapist through these issues. When Isabella meets Christian, she thinks maybe she can start getting her life together and have a future with him. Strange things start happening around Isa. & She becomes increasingly scared and questioning of everything. When she blacks out and wakes up covered in her therapists blood, she has to figure out how this became her life.
This story was fast paced and ntrigueing. I liked the plot points and felt the author did a great job pulling in the reader. There was definitely more than one suspect in the beginning & the narrator isn't all that reliable.
I liked Isa but felt like several of the other characters could have used more building to really bring in the relationships. I was able to predict the outcome & didn't have any true ah-ha moments. I still enjoyed the story and highly recommend for a quick reprieve fron reality.
Isabella Frank is trying to process her trauma and grief, but can't seem to stop herself from panic episodes and flashbacks. She struggles to work with her therapist through these issues. When Isabella meets Christian, she thinks maybe she can start getting her life together and have a future with him. Strange things start happening around Isa. & She becomes increasingly scared and questioning of everything. When she blacks out and wakes up covered in her therapists blood, she has to figure out how this became her life.
This story was fast paced and ntrigueing. I liked the plot points and felt the author did a great job pulling in the reader. There was definitely more than one suspect in the beginning & the narrator isn't all that reliable.
I liked Isa but felt like several of the other characters could have used more building to really bring in the relationships. I was able to predict the outcome & didn't have any true ah-ha moments. I still enjoyed the story and highly recommend for a quick reprieve fron reality.
January 19, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
First of all, a huge thank you to Amber Leigh Larrain for reaching out to me with her debut novel, Blackout Girl. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in just one day, which speaks to how fast-paced and gripping it is!
This story had me hooked from the start, with its twists and turns keeping me constantly guessing. It’s packed with suspense and intrigue, and I loved how the plot unfolded, revealing more layers as I went. The author also tackled heavy topics like PTSD, depression, and mental health with sensitivity and care, adding depth to the story without ever feeling overwhelming.
Having been in a bit of a reading slump (my last read ended as a DNF), Blackout Girl was exactly what I needed to pull me out of it. The pacing was fantastic, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to see what Amber Leigh Larrain writes next, as this debut shows incredible promise.
First of all, a huge thank you to Amber Leigh Larrain for reaching out to me with her debut novel, Blackout Girl. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in just one day, which speaks to how fast-paced and gripping it is!
This story had me hooked from the start, with its twists and turns keeping me constantly guessing. It’s packed with suspense and intrigue, and I loved how the plot unfolded, revealing more layers as I went. The author also tackled heavy topics like PTSD, depression, and mental health with sensitivity and care, adding depth to the story without ever feeling overwhelming.
Having been in a bit of a reading slump (my last read ended as a DNF), Blackout Girl was exactly what I needed to pull me out of it. The pacing was fantastic, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to see what Amber Leigh Larrain writes next, as this debut shows incredible promise.
February 18, 2025
This book had my wheels spinning the entire time! A delectable little page-turner that I finished in a day—I simply could not put it down.
The story follows Isabella, a young woman struggling with depression after life throws a few curveballs her way. Then she meets Christian, and for the first time in a while, she begins to see little rays of sunshine. But just as their lives start to intertwine, things take a shocking turn.
I thought I had this book figured out, but it completely blindsided me in the best way possible. We love a plot twist! The suspense kept building, and even though it’s a shorter read, the pacing was spot on. It gave me serious Freida McFadden vibes, which made me love it even more!
A huge thank you to Amber for reaching out to me personally—I’m so grateful I got to check out this book. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, twisty thriller that will keep you guessing, this is it!
The story follows Isabella, a young woman struggling with depression after life throws a few curveballs her way. Then she meets Christian, and for the first time in a while, she begins to see little rays of sunshine. But just as their lives start to intertwine, things take a shocking turn.
I thought I had this book figured out, but it completely blindsided me in the best way possible. We love a plot twist! The suspense kept building, and even though it’s a shorter read, the pacing was spot on. It gave me serious Freida McFadden vibes, which made me love it even more!
A huge thank you to Amber for reaching out to me personally—I’m so grateful I got to check out this book. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, twisty thriller that will keep you guessing, this is it!
March 7, 2025
Blackout Girl by Amber Leigh Larrain is a fast paced psychological thriller that had me captivated from beginning to end to where I read it in only a few hours!
The story follows a young woman as she battles depression and anxiety after suffering immense trauma in her recent past. On top of that she’s in debilitating fear from events happening around her that she can’t explain.
The author does a phenomenal job portraying the realities of mental health as it varies from day to day making this more than just your average thriller novel. This book is an in-depth look into how trauma truly affects the mind and how scary such experiences can really be.
If you want a suspenseful, mystery thriller that will keep you second guessing yourself with some romance sprinkled in then this book is definitely for you! I very much look forward to reading more from this up and coming author!
It is available on kindle unlimited 💕
The story follows a young woman as she battles depression and anxiety after suffering immense trauma in her recent past. On top of that she’s in debilitating fear from events happening around her that she can’t explain.
The author does a phenomenal job portraying the realities of mental health as it varies from day to day making this more than just your average thriller novel. This book is an in-depth look into how trauma truly affects the mind and how scary such experiences can really be.
If you want a suspenseful, mystery thriller that will keep you second guessing yourself with some romance sprinkled in then this book is definitely for you! I very much look forward to reading more from this up and coming author!
It is available on kindle unlimited 💕
April 26, 2025
Blackout Girl follows Isabella, a young woman battling the chaos of her past while desperately trying to carve out a better future. As she fights her way through personal demons, betrayals, and heartbreak, the story dives deep into resilience, self-discovery, and survival. Every chapter peels back a new layer, and just when you think you know where it’s going—bam—another twist hits you right between the eyes.
Y’all, I could not put this book down! I felt so much for Isabella; my heart genuinely ached for her at times. Watching her fight for herself even when the world kept throwing punches was both inspiring and gut-wrenching. The twists and turns?? Chef’s kiss. I was holding my breath more times than I can count. I don’t want to give too much away because seriously, you need to experience this rollercoaster yourself. Just know — this story will leave your head spinning (in the best way). Easy 5-star read for me!
Y’all, I could not put this book down! I felt so much for Isabella; my heart genuinely ached for her at times. Watching her fight for herself even when the world kept throwing punches was both inspiring and gut-wrenching. The twists and turns?? Chef’s kiss. I was holding my breath more times than I can count. I don’t want to give too much away because seriously, you need to experience this rollercoaster yourself. Just know — this story will leave your head spinning (in the best way). Easy 5-star read for me!
May 22, 2025
Isabella's journey is a relentless ride of suspense, unraveling trauma, and the desperate search for truth.
The story moves at a brisk pace, thanks to its short chapters that make it incredibly easy to devour. The writing flows smoothly, pulling readers deeper into Isabella’s fractured reality, where the line between memory and imagination blurs. While the twist may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Instead, it adds a layer of anticipation, waiting to see how the pieces will fall into place.
Amber does an excellent job of portraying Isabella’s psychological turmoil with authenticity, making her a protagonist who is both relatable and deeply flawed. The novel balances tension, intrigue, and emotional depth, creating an unsettling yet compelling read.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you turning pages long into the night, Blackout Girl is worth picking up.
The story moves at a brisk pace, thanks to its short chapters that make it incredibly easy to devour. The writing flows smoothly, pulling readers deeper into Isabella’s fractured reality, where the line between memory and imagination blurs. While the twist may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Instead, it adds a layer of anticipation, waiting to see how the pieces will fall into place.
Amber does an excellent job of portraying Isabella’s psychological turmoil with authenticity, making her a protagonist who is both relatable and deeply flawed. The novel balances tension, intrigue, and emotional depth, creating an unsettling yet compelling read.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you turning pages long into the night, Blackout Girl is worth picking up.
September 25, 2025
ARC Review: Blackout Girl
Blackout Girl is a psychological thriller. At one point or another, I found myself accusing every character, even the narrator, of being involved. The story unfolds in reverse chronological order, and while the detailed exposition makes the pacing more of a slow burn there are moments of uneasiness throughout.
I flew through this in a single day because once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down.
I loved how authentically New Jersey the narrator was, she could have been any number of my co workers.
If I had one wish, it would be to see a darker, grittier side-by-side storyline for Denise. Meeting her only at the resolution left me craving more depth to her character and wondering how her perspective might have shifted the story’s tone.
If you like thrillers that challenge your suspicions and slowly tighten their grip until you can’t look away, Blackout Girl is one to add to your list.
May 13, 2025
Blackout Girl by Amber Leigh Larrain is a captivating read that pulls you in from the very first page. The story follows Isabella Frank, who’s dealing with the weight of depression and anxiety after some serious life events. Just when she’s trying to piece her life back together, she wakes up covered in blood and accused of a murder she has no memory of. The twists and turns are nonstop as she tries to uncover the truth, battling her own mind along the way. Larrain does an incredible job of making you feel every bit of Isabella’s confusion and fear. The writing is sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the suspense never lets up. If you love a good psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, this is for sure a 5-star read. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
February 4, 2025
I'm so so so glad this book was recommended to me!
This was such an amazing read. I honestly thought I had this plotline all figured out (I was convinced I knew who was about to get murdered) and then WOW what a twist. I had no idea what a turn this was going to take. I knew the psychiatrist was the wife, but I had NO idea she was going to fake her death 😱 I was so enthralled in this book I couldn't put it down. I literally read it in one day 😅 There were subtle hints throughout the book that led me to believe one theory and pushed me to think a certain way, but I only had a small part of the puzzle. From start to finish, this was a gripping, engaging, phenomenal book. I would definitely recommend reading this if you enjoy surprising, psychological, thrilling, twisty turny stories.
This was such an amazing read. I honestly thought I had this plotline all figured out (I was convinced I knew who was about to get murdered) and then WOW what a twist. I had no idea what a turn this was going to take. I knew the psychiatrist was the wife, but I had NO idea she was going to fake her death 😱 I was so enthralled in this book I couldn't put it down. I literally read it in one day 😅 There were subtle hints throughout the book that led me to believe one theory and pushed me to think a certain way, but I only had a small part of the puzzle. From start to finish, this was a gripping, engaging, phenomenal book. I would definitely recommend reading this if you enjoy surprising, psychological, thrilling, twisty turny stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
Amber Leigh Larrain knew what she was doing when she wrote this incredible psychological logic thriller!!
Isabella has dealt with some serious traumatic experiences and with the help of her therapist she is hoping to ease her depression. A new love interest Christian has her feeling more like her old self. That’s when things seem to start to get even worse for her!
I planned to take my time with this book but I could not! It was a fully consuming story that I needed to know the ending of as quickly as I could! Such a great story, that was well written and had those twists and turns that you love to see in a thriller! This should definitely be on any thriller lovers trb! Even better is that you can find it on Kindle unlimited for my KU subscribing friends! Definitely five stars!
Isabella has dealt with some serious traumatic experiences and with the help of her therapist she is hoping to ease her depression. A new love interest Christian has her feeling more like her old self. That’s when things seem to start to get even worse for her!
I planned to take my time with this book but I could not! It was a fully consuming story that I needed to know the ending of as quickly as I could! Such a great story, that was well written and had those twists and turns that you love to see in a thriller! This should definitely be on any thriller lovers trb! Even better is that you can find it on Kindle unlimited for my KU subscribing friends! Definitely five stars!
February 2, 2025
Blackout Girl starts with an attention gripping first chapter and then throws the reader down the rabbit hole to discover what really happened the day Isa found herself in a pool of blood and no recollection of what happened.
I’m an established reader of thrillers and mysteries, and was a bit crestfallen about a third away in to the book because I had the expected plot twist figured out. Except… I was absolutely wrong on every point and the writing was brilliant and I was kept guessing right until the end. So the joke is on me for being smug.
Blackout Girl is a solid “whodunnit” read. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I’m an established reader of thrillers and mysteries, and was a bit crestfallen about a third away in to the book because I had the expected plot twist figured out. Except… I was absolutely wrong on every point and the writing was brilliant and I was kept guessing right until the end. So the joke is on me for being smug.
Blackout Girl is a solid “whodunnit” read. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews