All Expenses Paid

by Zoe Rosi

When influencers Debbie and Amelia are invited on an exclusive, all-expenses paid trip to a far-flung luxury resort, they think it’s their lucky day.

Sun-drenched pools, designer shopping, and heart-pounding quad bike adventures—what’s not to love?

But they soon find out there’s more to the getaway than its Insta-worthy façade.

At an isolated mansion in the middle of the desert, the girls are offered the chance to take part in a sinister game. And as the real entertainment kicks off, they’re forced to ask themselves: just how far are they willing to go for money?

All Expenses Paid is a twisted, harrowing novella that explores the dark side of influencer culture. It is not for the faint-hearted and may be triggering to some readers.

Genres: Amazon, Short Stories

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2025

About the author

I am a thriller and horror author from Oxford, UK.

I write dark but entertaining books about the kind of people you probably wouldn't want to meet.

To watch some videos about my books, visit my Instagram page @zoerosiauthor or visit www.zoerosi.co.uk.

Reviews

[Tammie P ℓօรƭเɳαɓօօҡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zoe Rosi’s All Expenses Paid introduces readers to Debbie, an influencer consumed by dissatisfaction and envy. She fixates on influencers who garner more likes and comments and is convinced that her beauty and sex appeal should entitle her to a lavish, enviable lifestyle. This mindset propels her to accept an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxury resort, a decision that changes her life.

The story unfolds in third-person narration, primarily from Debbie’s perspective.

I read this novel because I enjoyed Rosi’s Courier, but All Expenses Paid was not for me. I found Debbie unlikable and the author’s storytelling style less engaging than I had expected.

While the book delivers an important message about the influence of social media and the dark side of influencer culture (particularly the consequences of chasing wealth and status at any cost), Debbie’s choices leading up to and during her stay at the resort, as well as at the isolated mansion, felt unrealistic and somewhat ludicrous. With that said, the aftermath of her trip and its repercussions add some depth to the story.
The story concluded at a pivotal moment. Debbie’s final choice remained ambiguous, adding to the uncertainty. However, her hesitation and train of thought only deepened my dislike for her character.

I rate All Expenses Paid 2 out of 5 stars. It wasn’t for me, but perhaps it will resonate with other readers.

I purchased a copy of this novel (publication date: March 3, 2025), and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

On point novella about 2 influencers, Debbie and Amelia, and what they will do individually and jointly to be even more influential and get the lifestyle they so want/‘deserve’

But how far will they go and what will they deem too much as they are whisked off to a 5 star hotel by the mysterious Yusef…and then asked if they want to go to a desert resort where money can be made….in various ways

Edgy realistic well researched book,telling as we have come to expect from this author, a fascinating story,chilling and relevant

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This psych thriller hooked me from the beginning.
I loved the comedic nod about influencers, and basically how they smile fake smiles into the camera, but don't really enjoy life. Smile, snap a pic. Dinner w/ a friend? Smile and snap a few pics. Even if the food is bad and the friendship isn't even that 'real'. It looks real on the camera, and when that's how you make your money and get paid to endorse products, isn't that all that really matters?
So anyway, influencer gets invited to a free vacay to promote some luxurious hotel. All expenses paid. and things just go bad from there... I wish we (as the reader) had gotten more details of the bad things, but that's just me. I don't mind a little gore. also, I loved the author note at the end and what inspired the story. I'll do more research into that myself
the dare stuff. Spinning wheels of random dares for $$$. such a great concept. but we only experienced Debbie's dares and I wish we had gotten to see what the other women chose to do for $$$... also, the fact that her friend left her in the desert, and then blocked her. Neither friend bothered to check that the other was alive and whether the bad guys really did allow them to leave? SMH... small stuff like that bothered me with the storyline, but still don't regret reading this

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 rounded down to 4 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advanced copy of All Expenses Paid in exchange for an honest review.

This little novella packs quite a punch for less than 200 pages. It was definitely a fantastic exploration of how addicting social media can be, how it can impact a person's self-esteem, and how easily one can be lured into compromising situations. I also liked the pop culture references to the absolute insanity of everything happening around the P Diddy and Epstein cases, how people will do anything for wealth, and that the wealthy can do anything because they have so much money. It is extremely relevant to events happening around the world today, as we see how money can even lead to control of an entire government, without any repercussions. And for being so short, it was actually quite an impactful character study about why someone might be drawn into such situations, and why they can't easily get out, if they even wanted to.

I would have loved to see this be a little bit longer, because it would be fascinating to see more of the inner workings of this luxury hotel, and more into the lives of the men who frequent it. It has me wondering just how many influential men with power have connections to this dark world, much like what we are learning from the real-world events that inspired this novella.

Overall, this was an insightful, quick little dark read that I really enjoyed!

[Honey Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Rosi has done it again!

From Pretty Evil to Courier, she never holds back—and All Expenses Paid is no exception.

This novella is a twisted, extremely disturbing, delightful read, which I could not put down.

Come on, as a social media influencer, what could be better than an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxurious, remote island?

The content, the aesthetics, the likes, the followers, and all the brand endorsements - what a once in a lifetime experience, right? Wrong, PUNK!

Let me tell you… Zoe Rosi NAILED the dark side of influencer culture in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

From page one, I was hooked. No slow burn here—just an immediate plunge into a psychological nightmare.

Debbie and Amelia’s dream trip unravels into something so chilling that I felt like I was watching a psychological horror unfold in real time.

The tension? So intense
The dread? Couldn't shake it off
And the plot twists? Left me breathless.

If you love fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thrillers that mess with your head, this novella is for you.

⚠️ Take this as your official warning: You’ll never look at a brand-collab vacation the same way again.

Thanks so much Zoe, it was another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read

[michelle ࣪ ִֶָ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 💫

heavy stuff. this was hard to put down even though it got very dark in the last half. it was enjoyable - for lack of a better word - but it started to do more telling than showing of what was going on, and it could have benefited from being drawn out more. it definitely had me invested though. and it did a much better job at discussing influencer culture/social media than a lot of other media manages to, so major points for that.

thank you to netgalley and lighthouse books for the arc!

[Kelli Krystne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I literally couldn’t put this book down! I had an idea from the start what this would be about, just from things I have heard, but the book was so good! It should be read by anyone wanting to be an “influencer” so they can be cautious. The author had a great way of making me feel all of the emotions the characters were feeling in this book, it did get deep at times. I will definitely be reading more from the author.

[Angie Frakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a roller coaster from start to finish. I feel like it was a really great commentary on influencer culture and how far someone could go when they feel desperate for external validation, desperate for money, desperate for safety. I enjoyed this. I’d recommend this if you’re a fan of the Hostel movies, or very, very dark fiction. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

[Stasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a book about influencers or reality shows or any kind of junk food media, particularly when they’re taken to levels of absurdity. All Expenses Paid follows two influencers who are offered a free luxury trip to a Middle Eastern hotel, but have to quickly figure out how much their dignity is worth. It’s Dubai yacht girls meets a very tame Saw.

While the concept was there, the novella itself followed an awkward stream of consciousness narrative with brief, random POVs sprinkled throughout. Everything was told to the audience with little shown to build suspense or scenery. There was so much trying to be crammed into such a short book that neither the characters, the action, nor the scenery worked for me. I would have loved to see this story fleshed out and cranked to 100.

[Caffs37 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zoe Rosi's "All Expenses Paid" is a thrilling dive into the world of glamour, deception, and moral dilemmas. Following influencers Debbie and Amelia, readers are whisked away on what initially seems like a dream getaway to a luxurious resort, complete with sun-drenched pools and designer shopping. Rosi expertly captures the excitement and allure of influencer culture, making the reader feel the magnetism of the high-life these characters are drawn into.

However, the novel takes a dark turn when the pair arrives at an isolated mansion in the desert, and the true nature of their "exclusive" trip is revealed. This is where Rosi shines; she crafts a gripping narrative that explores the lengths to which individuals will go for fame and fortune. The sinister game that unfolds raises thought-provoking questions about morality and ambition, pushing the characters into unexpected territories.

The pacing is well-executed, blending moments of exhilarating adventure with an underlying tension that keeps the reader on edge. The interactions between Debbie and Amelia are relatable, echoing the complexities of friendship amid pressure and competition.

Overall, "All Expenses Paid" is a easyread that combines a twisty plot with relevant social commentary. Rosi's sharp writing and keen insight into influencer dynamics make this a must-read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers set against a backdrop of the modern obsession with luxury and fame. It's a cautionary tale wrapped in a glossy package, leaving readers questioning just how far they would go for success.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hurled me through multiple emotions, from sadness to grief to furiosity. Knowing this happens in the real world is a devastating thought and it breaks my heart. 💔

The author did an amazing job by describing the way the girls felt during and afterwards the events and how the evildoers feel and act. It felt terrifyingly real! Well done Zoe!! 👌🏼The only thing I couldn’t wholeheartedly connect with was the reason why Debbie participated in all of this. She did have a choice imo. But on the other hand if she chose otherwise there wouldn’t have been this gripping, thought provoking, kick ass thriller!! Because oooh this was a freakin’ rollercoaster in every way. 🔥🖤🤘🏼I loved it and I would def recommend it to people who like this genre. This is a story which will linger in your head for a long time after reading.
4.25⭐️

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It's a quick and easy read that's unique and well written. I was immersed in the story and couldn't put it down. If you're looking for a fast paced quick read, I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Zoe Rosi, Lighthouse Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Riley Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read with a dark twist surrounding influencers. However, the dialogue for the first half was really awkward? It felt more like a YA book, which wasn't really suitable for something of this tone. There wasn't much happening either until the dark twist. I understand the idea behind dark influencer esque hotels and such. It's closer to reality - sextortion and degradation. Not my favorite read.

[Gales Tales70 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Zoe captures darkness. This covers exploitation, abuse and all things twisted in a delusional world of weird games played by those (men) who like to control and abuse those weaker than themselves by offering huge sums of money to do degrading things. But are the girls really the weak ones? Like Debbie, it was the appeal of money that made her agree to such things, but lost herself on the way. Being damaged already, and then some more - is really a price worth winning ?

Well written and truly reflects how far some influencers will go to earn likes and money

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Sam “My Cosy Book Nook” · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the notable exceptions of Formula 1 races, and my weekday morning dose of the iconic quiz show Countdown, I don’t watch a lot of television. There’s a simple reason for this: it’s terrible. And I can pinpoint, to the day, when it died. That day was 18th July 2000, and it marked the first UK airing of a reality show called Big Brother.

What on earth did it say in the synopsis that made Channel 4 want to put it into production, I wonder? “Hey, I’ve got a great idea. Let’s put twelve complete strangers in a house together, give them nothing to do except argue with each other, film them for 24 hours a day and see what happens?” I’d have told them to get lost. And here’s the thing: most other people in the UK did just that. The maximum number of people who tuned in to a single episode was 9 million, which is a little less than half the number who watched the Christmas edition of Coronation Street.

This didn’t matter, though, for one simple reason. Reality shows are cheap to make. You don’t need actors, screenwriters, directors. Just members of the public and cameras. Which is probably why, instead of being confined to the waste bin where it belonged, the ‘show’ was not only allowed to continue but to generate a seemingly endless host of similar spin-offs.

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Mrs Book Nook, regrettably, watches just about all of them and I’ve long since lost track of how many that is. Currently, she seems to be on something called Married at First Sight and before that, it was something called The Traitors. Different shows, but actually, they’re all basically the same. Because it’s only a certain type of person that’s willing to take part in something like that. Someone with either so little intelligence and/or such an enormous ego that they don’t realise, or don’t care that the rest of the world is glorying in their making complete fools of themselves.

I am beginning to get to the point here, which is that it isn’t just television that’s been affected. We have social media now, too, and with that, ‘the influencer’. Someone who is paid, most probably a pittance, by companies to somehow promote their products in photos or videos. it’s hard to believe that it works, because would you choose an item of clothing, or a restaurant, or a holiday resort based on how many photos photo of someone, most likely with fake breasts and without two brain cells to rub together, it had featured in? Nope, nor would I.

And now, I’ve reached the point. So if you’ve just joined me, welcome. I also probably wouldn’t want to be friends with an ‘influencer’ if I happened to meet one in real life. Or read about them in a book. So it says a lot about Zoe Rosi’s writing that her latest novella All Expenses Paid, which is a story that, on the face of it at least, is about two female social media influencers, not only held my interest enough to keep me reading, but compelled me to devour it to the finish.

It had me understanding how what had initially seemed like an easy way of making some money had become an addiction. How their whole lives had begun to depend on how many likes their posts had received on Instagram that day. How it was impossible to enjoy something as simple as an evening meal, because it was more important to take just the right photograph of it. How the offer of – for instance – a free holiday didn’t immediately ring the alarm bells that it might otherwise have done, because it just felt like an extension of how these two young women lived their lives. But also, just how open they have left themselves to abuse.

Because, after the holiday starts, the plot turns. And, wow, does it get dark. I’ll spare any details for fear of spoilers, other than to say that it becomes a story about absolute power corrupting absolutely. And just in case the ending of the main story isn’t enough to leave you reeling, there’s an added twist. The final page made me cringe, and yet I thought I could understand it.

My only real problem with All Expenses Paid is how I feel about it in comparison to Zoe’s last novella, Courier. Much as I felt I’d begun to understand the two main characters from All Expenses Paid, Debbie and Amelia, I didn’t feel as though as I was living their lives, in the way that I did with Bob from Courier. Perhaps, with my attitude to reality TV and social media influencing, this was just too much to expect, but I’d still have liked Zoe to have tried. I’d have liked the book to be longer, and to have delved into their backgrounds a bit more. To have shown me, rather than told me, what made them follow their – for want of a better phrase – career paths.

Other than that, just be aware that, as the blurb says, this is not a book for the faint-hearted and the trigger warnings are well and truly justified. Personally, though, I’m just glad that I’m not an influencer of any kind, because it means that nobody tells me what to say. I can just give my honest opinion, which is that All Expenses Paid is sort of horrifically, terrifyingly fantastic.

My thanks to the author and to Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book, which was published in the UK on 3rd March 2025. My review is also available on my blog at www.mycosybooknook.wordpress.com and my social media pages.

[Andrew Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

No free lunches for influencers

All Expenses Paid is a zippy chiller inviting us into the glam world of two young female social media influencers, outsiders monetising their perfect lives with a constant flow of online product endorsement content to generate likes, comments and shares.

Essex girl Debbie dreams of emulating the success of Amelia, her mate and a more popular fellow influencer. But behind the apparent glitz, vulnerable Debbie grifts hard just to break even — until a surprise all-expenses paid invite from Yusef Farouqi pops into her inbox.

Yusef wants Debbie to big up his exclusive desert Mirage Royale hotel resort, an overseas gig that promises to change her fortunes. She asks if Amelia can join her on the AEP excursion and Yusef says yes. Although our two Gen Z heroines are reluctant to travel overseas away from their comfort zones, the cash generating opportunity is too good for either to refuse.

As you would expect, there are no free lunches in influencer land. Their dream excursion turns sour as unsavoury rich men run riot with their hands, fists and whips in an unnamed country. Fortunately, author Zoe Rosi stays well clear of any nasty gratuitous salaciousness, focusing instead on Debbie’s attempts to restore her dignity and sanity after her depressing loss of innocence.

Despite the fast pace of the prose, it’s all very downbeat, sadly a grim reflection of our times, and Zoe is to be commended for not taking the easy revenge route and giving us a safe, but predictable happy ending. Zoe’s ending is definitely an impressive 21st century take on a 'Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown' moment!

[Missy (myweereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Man's mind, stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimension."

Zoe Rosi's new thriller novella is about the dark side of being an influencer. Debbie and Amelia are invited on an exclusive, all-expenses paid trip to a far-flung luxury resort, something that feels too good to be true. With luxuries dripping at every corner the due soon realise this trip is more than what it seems. At an isolated mansion in the middle of the desert, the girls are offered the chance to take part in a sinister game. And as the real entertainment kicks off, they’re forced to ask themselves: just how far are they willing to go for money?

This story is one that is weirdly familiar in what we see speculated on social media. Events are held to promote luxuries of all kinds, accumulating likes and follows that have their own weird thrill for many influencers. By adding a dark and disturbing twist, this novella begs the question of how far one would go for the lifestyle they have become accustomed to.

Here we see Debbie enjoying the thrills that come with being an influencer but under the eye of competition she wants to beat the others that are on top of their game. When she is invited to this mysterious party, she leaves feeling violated as though its taken away more from her than she could have ever thought, altering her life forever.

This read like a thriller film, although some parts were obvious, seeing as its a novella it still manages to pack many surprises making this a disturbing but entertaining read.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @lighthousebooks for a copy of this novella which is out soon.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderfully wild and unhinged tale from the mind of Zoe Rosi - she's definitely solidifying herself as one of my favorites.

All Expenses Paid is a topical tale about the paid-to-party scene combined with influencer culture. Our MC Debbie has been trying to make it as an influencer for a while, but hasn't hit the heights she hopes for. When a luxury hotel invites her on an all expenses paid trip across the world, she thinks this may just be the break she needs.

And you know that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

It feels quite wrong saying this, but this book was very entertaining - a gripping tale with tension from start to finish The events experienced by the characters were dark and twisted and sordid and traumatic. It's like a seedy version of the movie Hostel.

Debbie. Debbie, Debbie, Debbie. *Sigh* She starts off as a sympathetic character. She doesn't have a loving support system so it's not surprising that she's looking for care and attention, and financial freedom means she doesn't have to rely on help from a mother who throws it back in her face. HOWEVER!! As we moved through the story and I watched Debbie consciously put herself in danger for money, I started to lose that sympathy - it seemed as though she became greedy and I didn't like that about her. I tried to put myself in her shoes, but the fact that she had other choices meant that I couldn't understand why she elected to do what she did.

Although I kind of saw the ending coming, it was still a jaw dropper and I loved it.

If you're on the hunt for a gripping, gritty thriller novella, I highly recommend All Expenses Paid.

Bravo, Zoe, this was WILD!

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕���𝒏𝒈, 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏. 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒅. 𝑨 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒃𝒚 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑨 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.

A blistering, savage look at the dark side of influencer fame that I couldn't read quickly enough. Debbie is a mid-level influencer who desperately wants her following to grow. While at a nail appointment, she sees another influencer posting from a yacht and realizes that her nail and food photos will never measure up.

While sorting through her DMs, she is approached by a luxury hotel in the Middle East offering up an all expenses paid trip to the resort. After finding out her request for her friend and fellow influencer Amelia to come has been granted, the women sign a contract and are on their way. Amelia is nervous, but Debbie knows this trip is going to be life-changing.

She had no idea her life would implode.

There is a reason Debbie and Amelia signed an NDA along with the contract. What happens next borders on extreme horror, but it wasn't overly gratuitous; it was absolutely necessary to convey the horrors that can come with flirting with fame. The ending was absolutely jaw dropping, and I'll be thinking about this one for a long time! Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy, and this is available now on KU!

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by warning you – if you have read Monica Arya’s Favorite Girl and thought it was extremely too much, this book will be extremely too much for you too. And for those who loved Favorite Girl – don’t walk. Run. RUN to pre-order this book. And then, cancel all your plans for March 3. Because that is the day this book is being published and that is the day you will be spending reading it. And you might want to book a therapy session for March 4 – or maybe not. Who knows.
The book starts out cute. The book starts out adorable even. There are witty and hilarious references to all things Instagram, to all things influencer, to all things fake, and all things imposter. Seriously hilarious. You might be laughing your head off and be confused. Why? Why did this random person on Instagram compare this book to the most horrible chick-lit thriller ever written?
And once it gets bad, it gets bad. Real bad. I could talk about it a lot, and I have so many opinions about it, but I don’t think I want to spoil it. Trust me, it might need some trigger warnings. Let’s see if those get added and if they take up a whole page, or maybe they take up even more than just one page.

[Megan O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounding up because I wanted to like this one so much more than I did- and honestly, if it was longer I probably would have!! The way this story highlights the darker sides of influencer culture and aggressive, wealthy men was exactly what I was hoping for, but I feel like I just came away wanting more.

Influencers Debbie and Amelia have decent followings from their lives around Essex, but when given an opportunity to go to the Middle East on a free trip, the girls can't say no at the chance. When things take a darker turn, their lives will never be the same. However, this was mostly skirted around so I don't entirely know how changed they are other than what we were told, rather than shown. If you're a reader flirting with darker books, this could be a good ease into those waters!

I also want to just flag there were a couple places where character names changed mid-paragraph, where Nigel became Alan (and then went back to Nigel?) and Svetlana became Sasha (not her nickname from any other conversations). Hopefully its not too late for these edits.

Thank you so much to Zoe Rosi, Lighthouse Books, and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Meredith Molloy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚: All Expenses Paid by Zoe Rosi
⭐️: 3.5/5 (rounding up on #goodreads)

Being an influencer isn’t always easy. Just ask Debbie. While her fellow influencer peers are asked to be on yachts, she finds herself posting the mundane every day - manicures, restaurant visits, etc.

Then she gets an invitation — the invitation — she’s been waiting for. All expenses paid to stay at a glamorous hotel for 5 days. Pools and spas and shopping — and she can bring her fellow influencer friend Amelia. While it seems out of the blue to get such an invitation, it’s flattering, and what could go wrong? (A lot, obviously.)

Darker than expected, this quick novella packs a punch which scenes that made my stomach roll. While disturbing, this is one of the better influencer trope plot lines I’ve read. Not quite a solid four star rating though with a bit of a rushed (but jarring) ending due to the reads’ overall length and some confusing narration at times between characters.

Thanks to Lighthouse Books via @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for a review. All Expenses Paid is out on March 3rd!

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Expenses Paid by Zoe Rosi is a dark look at influencer culture.

Influencers. We all know them, some want to be them, and others will do anything to chase that dopamine high when a post gets likes and comments. Debbie wants her following to grow and is sick of posting basic posts... new nails, pictures of food etc. So when she is approached by a luxury hotel in the Middle East offering up an all expenses paid trip to the resort, she eagerly accepts. She also gets to invite fellow influencer and colleague Amelia to go with her. The resort is absolutely stunning, but when the owner asks the ladies to join him at his desert property, things take a dark twist into the seedier side of influencer culture.

At a little more than a hundred pages this book is intense! It is dark, ominous, and disturbing but highly entertaining and a great look at just what some people will do for fame and fortune. I highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Zoe Rosi and Lighthouse Books for this ARC. Publication date was March 3rd 2025.

[Abbi Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through NetGalley to read as an ARC. When Zoe Rosi is publishing a new book, I have to be involved. I loved the concept of this book - influencer girls chasing likes, approval and affirmation even in the midst of potentially fatal circumstances. I really liked Debbie’s character and felt as though I was rooting for her throughout the story which I don’t often find in a novella. I think this book packs a punch for only being 114 pages and definitely left me thinking about ‘why?’ humans behave the way they do. For me personally, there could have been a little bit more gore. I felt as though the book was leading up to this very intense, graphic scene which I didn’t feel I ever got, but other people might find that this is the perfect level of psychological torture for them. 4 star read for me!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I loved the writing. I loved the story. It quite easily could have been a movie or a limited series.

The fact that the book started with the insight in to the struggle for influencers to stay relevant, and the jealousy over other influencers was so on brand with how life is today, with the constant need for likes and shares and validation, and then the dark sadistic turn it took in to what people will do for money. You can’t deny that for a lot of people the temptation would be there to do the same. People say Money doesn’t buy you happiness, but it certainly helps.

I needed to know what happened next, every step of the way.

I wanted this to be a full length novel, but it packed a punch considering it was less than 200 pages. I read it in two hours and done absolutely no work. Hooked!

✩✩✩✩✩

[McBreakneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darkly twisted novella about influencers and the price of fame and fortune.

I’m a fan of Zoe Rosi’s books, from reading her novels Pretty Evil and Someone’s Watching Me, novella (with brilliant audiobook) Courier and now All Expenses Paid. Always something different, fresh and with the power to shock.

All Expenses Paid flows very nicely. Influencers Debbie and Amelia get offered an Instagram dream worthy luxury holiday, All Expense Paid. It sounds too good to be true - what’s the catch?

It’s much more than just the shock value, there’s real character development and progression. It’s works really well as a novella, but part of me wishes it was longer.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lighthouse Books

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings for All Expenses Paid include: physical abuse, degrading, drugging and trauma.
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This novella follows Debbie, an influencer who's social platform isn't performing quite as well as she'd like it to be, and her bank account isn't doing so well either.
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So when someone reaches out to invite her to attend an all-inclusive, all-expenses paid trip to a luxury resort, of course she takes the opportunity.
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She starts feeling nervous after she accepts, but keeps going because why wouldn't she? I can't really go into much more detail for fear of spoiling the whole plot. Suffice it to say, things aren't quite as they seem, and things can be too good to be true.
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Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

[Urvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an ARC of this book! Zoe Rosi, being one of my favorite authors, cannot come up with a book that I won't automatically read.
I finished this one in a couple of hours, and only wish there was one thing different - that it was longer!
I love the commentary on social media influencers, how their psyche can get distorted in the pursuit of the dopamine hit from likes and followers. The creepy vibes were on point and that ending was something else. I felt disgusted and fascinated at the same time. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even the first half of this story has some weird uncomfortable discordant feel to it.

More alien than Pretty Evil and without the dark humour of Courier.

A warning and a commentary in one.

I reach the end and feel oddly hollow, drained.

I know from recent news that this only scratches the surface of reality - in some dramatised way.

My nerd brain wonders how Zoe could research and write a book like this and emerge with an intact soul afterward.

With respect for the writing and a weird emptiness inside, I now wonder what to read next to clear my head... probably some dark psychological horror.

Sure. That would be much lighter reading.