You Should've Stayed Home

by M.A. Savino, Frina Art (illustrator), Etheric Tales (illustrator)

The girls are back.

Picking up several months after escaping the clutches of human traffickers, Benny and Griffin, Odie and Ari continue their mission to rid the world of the scum of the earth their way.
But...what happens when a killer’s twisted path crosses with a survivor’s unwavering spirit? When a dark and depraved mind is encouraged, nurtured, and loved?
Odie never expected to find an ally in Ari, but they forge an unlikely alliance, one that, at times, tests their friendship.
But as they embark on a perilous mission to stop a relentless mastermind, a last-minute change of plans threatens to unravel everything.
Can Odie and Ari track down their target before she finds them first? Or will the deadly game they’re drawn into become their final chapter?

Genres: Thriller, Dark Romance, Horror

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2024

Reviews

[•mikaela• :)]

✨ARC Review✨

Nothing soothes my soul more than an unhinged Odie and Ari together, they are such a fun chaotic mess. 🥰

If you haven't then you need to read You Should've Kept Driving first, and of course check your triggers. This is a dark/taboo book!

This was soooooo good! Such tension, gore, horror and of course dark humour. 💁🏻‍♀️

The plot twist though?! And the ending?! Won't lie, I was so mad for a hot minute there. 😂
But it's one of them plot twists that just click into place, and make you want to reread the book straight away just to get all them juicy little hints in a new light.

Amazing, chefs kiss, nom nom. Can't wait for book three. 😏

[Billie Wiley]

Just when I thought it it couldn’t get any better! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤯

Thank you Melissa Savino - author for honoring me with being an ARC reader for “You Should’ve Stayed Home” 🥰

EXPECTED RELEASE DATE: 12/20/2024

This second installment is another READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! And I risked it all because I am a Huge Odie and Ari fan! 🖤🔪🩸

The storyline leaves nothing to the imagination and works seamlessly to develop each characters place within this edge of your seat series. The twists were absolutely incredibly executed in bringing this story together. I had so many jaw-clenching, WTF that left me shook! 😬

If you have NO TRIGGERS and are NOT SQUEAMISH for hard core gore, and then some and love GREAT TWISTS this book is for you! 🙌🏼

[Heather Desmond]

READ THE TRIGGER WARNING. If you can’t handle it. DO NOT READ IT. This book…. I don’t even know how to put everything into words. Just finished the book and let me say nothing is as it seems. Odie has one rule ‘don’t trust anyone’. The biggest question did she put her trust in the wrong people?!? I won’t spoil it for anyone just know this book is attention grabbing… and for a sequel (to the author who says she’s not good at them), I think it’s better then the first. Mind blown. Worth the read. And again READ THE TRIGGER WARNING. The author doesn’t deserve low ratings because you were a wuss and couldn’t handle what she served up 😉

[Kelli]

Melissa Savino’s You Should've Stayed Home is a dark, disturbing, and deeply compelling sequel that takes the stakes of You Should've Kept Driving to a whole new level. Picking up months after escaping the horrors of human trafficking, Odie and Ari, are on a mission to rid the world of the people who prey on the innocent—but their path is anything but straightforward.

Savino’s writing in this book is intense, pulling readers into a world of violence, danger, and moral ambiguity. The twisted cat-and-mouse game between the survivors and a dangerous killer escalates as they navigate the lines between justice, vengeance, and survival. Odie and Ari’s powerful alliance adds a unique dynamic to the story, testing their friendship and their resolve. Their bond is fragile but fiercely resilient, making their journey even more gripping.

What sets You Should've Stayed Home apart is the way it explores the psychological and emotional toll of revenge and trauma, making every violent act and disturbing encounter feel earned and meaningful to the characters’ growth. Savino doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the human experience, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The unpredictable twists keep you guessing, and the stakes rise to terrifying levels, ensuring you're on the edge of your seat until the very end.

This book is not for the faint of heart. Its raw, unapologetic approach to sex and violence, and its unflinching portrayal of depraved minds make it a hard-hitting, unrelenting thriller. If you’re ready for a dark, intense ride with complex characters and high emotional stakes, You Should've Stayed Home is a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of disturbing thrillers and those who enjoy narratives that challenge the boundaries of morality and justice.

[Ali O]

You Should’ve Stayed Home by M.A. Savino
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow!! Not much more to say!!
This is a very entertaining, suspenseful and crazy sequel to You Should’ve Kept Driving. This story continues on with some of the main characters from the first story and follows along with their current lives. Odie and her good friend Ari, are after different “bad” people who are trying to set up human trafficking rings and horrible kidnappings.
This is an erotic(🌶️🌶️🌶️) thriller story with lots of graphic sexual scenes, and graphic/gory killing scenes as well! The story from start to finish is entertaining, and very intense! It kept me on my toes and very engaged!
Melissa is an amazing writer and storyteller! She’s very descriptive and thorough with her imagery!
🔪 🥩🔪

Thank you to M.A. Savino for an arc of this amazing story!!
*This story comes out December 20th.*

*CHECK TRIGGERS*

[Jenny Coyne]

I loved the first one so much that I immediately ordered You Should've Stayed Home. It came in today's mail and I sat down tonight and read it cover to cover. It's now 12:06am and I don't think I'll be going to bed anytime soon because I need to decompress now. All I can say is damn that ending! This was just as action packed as the first book. Just different in that it wasn't a locked room scenario. Most of the characters make a reappearance in this book so you definitely want to read You Should Have Kept Driving first. I especially love Ari as I share similar traits with her. I really can't say more without spoiling things and believe me, there is SO much that will be revealed!

[Angelina]

If you loved The twisted scene and gore of "You Should've Kept Driving" then you'll love this book just as much. It is trigger filled and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I could not put this book down once I started and had an ending I didn't see coming!! (It's rare a book throws me off guard complete).
This book is a must read if you loved book one. If you haven't yet read book 1 (You Should've Kept Driving), read that first. If you read your books trigger warnings like a grocery list this series is for you!

[Natalie]

Absolute belter yet again, Ari was the star of this book, fucking nutters and they are just amazing characters together. I absolutely love it, book three hurry up 😭😂

[travel_thru_books]

Love, love, love!!! Can I say it's a chef's kiss!

Get yourself ready for a wild, and wicked ride! The girls are back and they're not playing nice. Odie and Ari are on a vengeful mission to take down the scum of the earth.

Melissa blends suspense, emotion, and erotica, to create a gripping story. Odie and Ari's friendship is hilarious and heartwarming, even as they're thrown into one dangerous situation after another. Their dynamic is a thrilling mix of loyalty and banter that keeps you wanting more from them.

Odie's bold sęxųąl escapades add an extra layer of intrigue and spice, making this thriller even more electrifying, hot, hot, hot

Melissa's sharp and evocative writing paints vivid scenes that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages.

As the tension cranks up and the stakes skyrocket, you'll be totally hooked on this riveting tale. Melissa's masterful storytelling and the unforgettable bond between Odie and Ari make book 2 in the "You Should've" series, an absolute must-read!

[Rachel Browning]

You Should've Stayed Home by Melissa Savino is the perfect follow-up to You Should've Kept Driving, and I couldn’t put it down. From the very first page, I was hooked. The suspense, the twists, the disturbing elements—it was all just as gripping, if not more so, than the first book.
Savino has a real talent for taking a story and turning the tension up to eleven. The characters are so complex and unpredictable. It was impossible to know who to trust, which only added to the intrigue. And that twist? I definitely didn’t see it coming. When it hit, I had to take a moment to process. It made my jaw drop.
The spice between the characters also brought an added layer to the story. It was the perfect mix of heat and tension, making every interaction feel charged with more than just suspense.
All in all, You Should've Stayed Home is the perfect sequel. It not only lives up to the first book but takes things to another level. If you loved You Should've Kept Driving, this is a must-read. It's disturbing, full of unexpected twists, and leaves you craving more. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Chapters_with_VDKeck]

Odie only wants revenge and to be left alone. The trauma and tragedy of her life has warped her into a cold-hearted, dark and dangerous killer. Her mission is to save as many victims of human trafficking as she can. When she finds herself in the middle of a team who share the same goal, she feels suffocated and tries to break free of them. She trusts no one!And, that’s wise.
This captivating story unravels at a fast pace keeping you glued to the edge of your seat. It’s pitch black dark.The pitchiest of pitch black. It’s full of triggers (none that involve children or animals) This isn’t for the faint of heart. If you love a good, original story with strong women who are not afraid to do what needs to be done even if gets a little messy, a book that will give you chills and leave your jaw on the floor then this is the book for you. It’s brutally good and I loved it. Release date: 12/20/2024

[Bob Fendt]

Wow! You Should've Stayed Home by Melissa savino, what an outrageously brilliant twisted not dark, but pitch black thriller this is.
Following in from the first book You Should've Kept Driving as Odie and Ari carry on in their war against woman and child traffickers.
Well, this one certainly does and surpasses book 1 in spectacular style, and is a real hot sizzler.
There are triggers a plenty in this one, so be warned.
This is truly a bloody (literally) shocking book that will have you gasping just like some of the characters were doing throughout.
You Should've Stayed Home had a very suspenseful thrilling ending, setting up perfectly for book three, and left me craving for the next exciting adventure.
This is only my second book I have read in this sort of erotic, grotesque horror thriller, the other the first in this series, and this had me hooked in, and I loved it.
Not for the faint-hearted, read if you dare.
Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating from me

[Mandy]

A Thrilling, Unhinged Sequel That Delivers!

M.A. Savino has done it again with You Should’ve Stayed Home! This sequel to You Should’ve Kept Driving is an absolute masterpiece, proving that Savino is a force to be reckoned with in the thriller genre.

The story is packed with twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The laughter, the betrayal, the unexpected moments—it’s all here and executed perfectly.

The pacing is relentless, the plot is unpredictable, and the thrills are non-stop. And those gory details? Absolute perfection! Savino doesn’t hold back, delivering on every trigger warning in the best way possible.

Five stars isn’t enough for this dark, thrilling gem. I can’t wait to see what Savino has in store for us next!

[Alyssa Smith]

Love gory, horror, spicy thrillers?! This is the series for you! The adventures of Odie and Ari are one for the books!

This is a dynamic read that will have you cheering on the killers in away you never thought possible! Heroism, powerful female leads and supporting characters make this book a delicious convulsion that will not be able to stop reading.

Did you want twists? Melissa artfully places twists that give you chills and are so satisfying.

[Sarah Tucker]

This book is UNFUCKINGHINGED. And dare I say…better than the first one!? I don’t even know what to say except it is absolutely insane and you can’t stop reading!? This series is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re down already down the rabbit hole of the dark romance meets gore genre and feeling like you need to go further, this is the one for you lol.

[Kelli Bilderback]

Odie and Ari are my absolute FAVORITE duo. I honestly may have loved this book even more than the first! Go read it!

[Carly Black]

Willow, or Odie as Ari affectionally calls her, and Ari have swapped captivity for vengeance. The duo prowls the back roads hunting traffickers, each day sharpening skills and nerves. Odie trains Ari to lean into the darkness that once broke her. Their latest rescue mission goes off script and a new predator circles. Can they track this ruthless woman before she turns the game on them?

Spillin’ the Book Tea:
Pause here if you skipped You Should’ve Kept Driving. That first ride is required reading or nothing I say will make sense, and trust me, you want the context. Go read it, then come back for the carnage.

All set? Good. Odeya Willamina Parks (aka Willow or Odie) returns in full force. She is an unhinged vigilante who knows exactly what she is eating and why. There is no blackout barbecue. Every bite is intentional and the thigh cut still gets a wink from me. Underneath the knives and one liners she is a layered mess of intellect, emotion, and pure focus. Cold calculation rules most of her choices until Ari steps into the frame. For that girl she digs up a softer side, though “soft” for Odie still involves duct tape and nightmares.

Ari’s transformation is the real glow up. Once a terrified captive, she now shadows Odie like a little sister who traded therapy for weapons training. Their bond feels oddly wholesome because it is glued together with trauma, dark jokes, and a mutual hobby of removing predators from the gene pool. I relate hard when they stop to complain about a song stuck on loop. That brain static is painfully real.

Savino keeps the throttle jammed forward. Twists snap like rubber bands, torture scenes earn new patents in cruelty, and the spice hits often enough to fog up your glasses. Yes, some scenes come with clear consent. Others not so much There is no middle ground with these characters. You either cheer them on or you pray someone locks them up. Right and wrong smear together until only loyalty matters.

If you loved Sibby from the Cat and Mouse duet, picture her older, calmer, and running a business plan for revenge. That is Odie. The book is witty, twisted, and absolutely unhinged. I devoured it with the same enthusiasm Odie brings to dinner minus the human entrée, of course.

The Vibes It Brings:
🔪 cannibal vigilante duo
🚺 fierce feminine rage
🎯 predator hunts predator
🧩 trauma bonding banter
🌶️ spicy yet savage
⚡ twists hit rapid fire

TL;DR:
Willow and Ari deliver savage justice with style. Dark humor, fast action, and razor sharp sisterhood keep the pages flying.

[Samara]

This one starts out a little slower and has more 🌽 than plot. Before anyone comes at me, I'm ok with 🌽 if the plot doesn't get lost. Book one with 100% plot and 🌽. Unfortunately this isn't the only time the pacing slows down. It's a bit all over the place with a lot the characters being repetitive. I think this could have used a good edit, and been just as amazing as the first book. I truly cannot begin to tell you how much I love Odie and Ari. This author has managed to create not one but two strong and personality filled FMCs. They're basically friendship goals. Ari will forever hold a special place in my reading heart. I wasn't ready for the end to have my heart racing like it did, but WHAT?! The longer I sat with my feelings the more irritated I got. I love that for the author and me. This is one of those books that's hard to review because it's so easy to spoil it. Best to go in blind and bring a friend with so y'all can share your feelings along the way. If you have triggers, then you need to read the warnings and take them very seriously or just say no. This author means what she says in that list. I truly love this series and I can't wait until book three comes out!

[Melissa Widener]

You Should've Stayed Home by M. A. Savino
You Should've Series #2
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 5/5
Cursing: min+
Format/Source: ebook on KU
Genres/Tropes: erotic horror thriller, serial killer, twisty, humor
Settings: PA, Miami
Audience: Adult
Characters: Odie, Ari, Audrey, Femi, Eve, Doc, Manuel, Luisa, Chicken Wing, Wes, Dick
👍 short chapters, multi POV, vigilante, strong FMCs, shocking twists, friendships, serial killer, humor, storyline
👎 Odie's incessant need to push people away, cursing, crazy sex
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #booktok #triggerwarninggalore #darkthriller #nomnom

[He11zbelles]

3.75⭐️What are you doing to us M.A. Savino??!!! Why?!!
I won’t give any spoilers but my heart hurts with that plot twist. Not as good as “You should’ve kept driving”, imo but still entertaining.

Why do I identify with Ari so much? Lol. Her no fucks attitude especially about bodily functions, had me cracking up.

I won’t lie, I’m disappointed with the ending! Nooooo!
I won’t give any spoilers just read it and commiserate with me! 😂

Ugh is Femi still alive?

[Jeff Scott]

You did it again.

Congrats M.A. you did it again, violent, sexy, vulgar and repulsive. You’ve accomplished your goal as far as I’m concerned. I love it!!!!
Looking forward to #3.

[A.S]

maybe ill pick up again


but for rate now....im good

[Bellatrix]

DNF. This starts so slow i just couldn't get into it. i loved the first part but at 25% not much has happened and i'm bored.

[Mandy Jo]

DARK. DIRTY. DEPRAVED. Just the way I like em! This is the sequel to "You Should've Kept Driving" so if you haven't read that book go do that first! Let me just start by saying PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! You have been warned and if you can't handle the content, that isn't the author's fault! Willow/Odie is back for some more revenge, cannabilism and twisted fun. Odie and Ari take on a new case of shutting down human traffickers. They do it in a disgusting, vile, and warped way but they get the job done. Multiple strong females make this a book where you cheer for these women, even if what they are doing is a little twisted. Protecting those she loves and cares about is what Odie does, (well that and eat people and have great orgasms), even when she is trying to deny it to herself. But who can be trusted? Who is fighting the good fight? Twists and turns combined with some chuckles throughout (especially from Ari with her farts) and mixed with murder, blood, gore and great recipes (wink wink) oh and we can't forget a stolen lizard, make this book unputdownable! From Roanoke Virginia to Miami Florida - take a ride with Odie, Ari, Femi and Doc in this 5 star read - You Should've Stayed Home! Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review this ARC!!

[Emily Chamberlin]

I’m at a loss for words. Literally speechless.

First and foremost- a huge thank you to Melissa Savino for allowing me the opportunity to get my paws on this baby before it becomes available to the general public. I truly appreciate you and all the hardworking you put into your writing.

This is the sequel to You Should’ve Kept Driving and can I just say WOW!

Another Odie and Ari adventure, but with some seriously unexpected twists. A story of true friendship, betrayals, and of course other typical Odie/Ari behaviors 🤣 (you’ve got to read the first book to understand!)

This book left me with moments of laughter, shock and sadness. While I absolutely loved the first book, this is hands down my favorite of the two. I can’t wait to get the hardcover to add to my collection when it finally releases. Excited to see what happens in the next book!!

[Mikki]

I felt like I found my happy place when I first read "You Should've Kept Driving".

Then M.A. Savino comes out with, "You Should've Stayed Home". And, OH MY GOD! I am floored. I didn't think it could get any better, but she knocked it way out into left field with this book. This serial is flawless. And it still gives you that satisfaction that you crave in her books.

I don't want to give any spoilers, but I think I can say this book is awesome. It's got fire, it's got love, it's got betrayal, and it's got one hellofa twist. This book left me hungry,, nom- nom,, for more! ABSOFUCKINLUTLY!!!!

[Olivia Konradt]

OMG I devoured this book like Odie devours men! Any spare moment I had to read even a page I was because I needed to know what happened next. While the first book was probably the darkest & craziest book I ever read this one did not slow down while also continuing the emotional roller coaster with learning more about the main character, Odie. The crazy was intensified by Ari’s antics at just the right moments. There were tears, laughter, gasps and giggles, cannot wait for the sequel to the sequel!

[Amber]

Sequel to You Should’ve Kept Driving, another 5 star read from this wonderful author !

Unhinged little Ari gets the chance to take the lead & show of her “Bomb Pop” skills💥

With twists & turns, laughter & betrayal, you learn a lot more about the characters backstory in this book. Unexpected events make this book thrilling & exciting !

I can only imagine what gory glories await for us in the next book !

⚠️ all the triggers ⚠️ read You Should’ve Kept Driving first to meet our Maneater main character

Remember - “Trust no one…”

[Ashley Miller]

OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
▪︎Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: YES YES YES I'd love to listen to this on audible
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: Ebook
•Trope: Slasher, thriller, erotic horror?

Odie and Ari's friendship is just above and beyond they're so eff'd up but they make each other better. The number of times I wanted to have those two run off and be awesome alone was so much. The plot twists and spice in this book were completely amped up and I thought book one was amazing! 10/10 all the stars

[Charlotte Grisso]

Loved this sequel! It's hard to beat that first book. The revenge was so sweet in that one! I knew there was so much more to come in this, I just didn't know what! I loved the twists in this book. I love Odie's character and all her crazy shenanigans!! Got to say, love me some Ari in this one, and I hope there is another book. I want her to have her full revenge. I think this book is a great setup for the next....loved this book and will highly recommend it.