We Were Never Friends

by Kaira Rouda

Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly?

Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma

Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queenAmelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in towJamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habitBeth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package dealSunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn'tThey've been summoned to Roxy's luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth's daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it's not so easy to bury the past…

For fans of Shari Lapena, Mary Kubica, and B. A. Paris, We Were Never Friends is an unputdownable, riveting train wreck full of dark humor and bad behavior.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction, Suspense, Fiction, Adult

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2026

About the author

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY and #1 Amazon and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction exploring beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her suspense novels include BEST DAY EVER, THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, THE NEXT WIFE, SOMEBODY'S HOME, THE WIDOW, BENEATH THE SURFACE, UNDER THE PALMS, THE SECOND MRS STROM, WHAT THE NANNY SAW and JILL IS NOT HAPPY. Her next novel, WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS, is out February 3, 2026.

She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Visit her webiste, KairaRouda.com for more. Connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.

If you'd like to host Kaira at your book club, please reach out through her website KairaRouda.com

Sign up to receive a monthly email from Kaira with exclusive sales news, book excerpts, sweepstakes, and giveaways at: kairarouda.com/signup/

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm… okay, let’s start with the positives—because there are a few bright spots worth spotlighting.

This is a fast-paced, popcorn-worthy read that practically flies by in one sitting. The drama? Sky high. The pacing? Blazing. And if you’re a sucker for locked-room mysteries like me, you’ll find yourself flipping pages just to see what twisted little surprise is around the corner.

Now, let’s talk about the true stars of this high-octane sorority showdown: Roxy and Amelia—two unapologetically narcissistic, drama-churning, villainess-level characters whose egos are so inflated they could float over Palm Springs. I couldn’t stop laughing at their ridiculous POVs, their claws-out cattiness, and their ability to completely derail a party with just a smirk and a champagne flute. Over-the-top? Absolutely. But wildly entertaining? You bet.

That said, the mystery itself feels more like a bubble bath of soapy twists than a gut-punch thriller. The character development is a bit thin, and while secrets and confessions swirl around like a storm, they rarely hit with enough force to shock. It all feels a little too daytime drama at times—more “reunion special” than “true crime doc.” I also found the ending somewhat underwhelming, with too many loose ends and questions left unanswered (and sorry, I don’t enjoy filling in the blanks myself).

Plot-wise: The setup is juicy. Roxy Callahan Greer—a ruthless, relentless queen bee—is throwing a 25-year sorority reunion and engagement party for her son Zach and his fiancée Celeste (daughter of her former sister and outsider Beth Harrison). It’s all happening at her newly renovated, over-the-top Palm Springs estate, eerily similar to the hotel where their friend Sunny died decades ago. Coincidence? Of course not.

Beth, the smart-but-always-second-best scholarship student, shows up with caution in her eyes. Jamie, the golden girl turned top cardiologist, brings her perfect husband in tow. But then comes the uninvited Amelia Dell—a fiery redhead with a toxic smile, a boy toy on her arm, and a vendetta that could torch the whole weekend.

Cue: mysterious ghost sightings, drunken confessions, secrets that should’ve stayed buried, and a suspicious death that throws them all back into a familiar nightmare. A sandstorm and nearby fire trap them in the house, turning the luxurious celebration into a locked-in whodunit—complete with potential ghostly revenge.

Who’s guilty? Who’s innocent? And will they make it out before the truth burns them all?

Despite the promise of an eerie, twisty thriller, the execution didn’t quite land for me. It leaned a little too hard into soap-opera theatrics and sacrificed depth for drama. But still, I was hooked enough to keep going—thanks to the laughably awful, scene-stealing antics of Roxy and Amelia, and the breezy structure that made it easy to power through.

So I’m rounding up my 2.5 stars to a generous 3 stars—for the sheer entertainment value of its deliciously detestable antiheroines and its bingeable, drama-packed plot. Not my favorite of the author’s works, but a light, fun read if you’re in the mood for a salty sorority spectacle with a murder twist.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing the digital reviewer copy of this upcoming mystery with me in exchange for my honest thoughts—I truly appreciate the opportunity! Looking forward to the author’s next work, hopefully with more grounded characters and a sharper mystery punch.

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[Liana Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.25⭐️ Do you think friendships can last forever or do they have an expiration date?

This was SCANDALOUS! Narcissistic, ruthless, bingeable, you name it! I didn’t say this was a masterpiece with flawless writing…but it read like frantic gossip full of drama (think of the most absurd reality show) that kept you tethered to all the juice. Kind of shocked it has lower ratings because this was a mindless page turner! Every chapter finished on a suspenseful note with some foreshadowing, I was not turning pages fast enough. This is probably going down as one of my favorite, most ludicrous popcorn thrillers of this year.

Four frenemies, one dead sorority sister, a Palm Spring home full of secrets and lots of creepy, unsettling vibes—the entertainment value is high in this book. Their reunion is supposed to be full of laughs, hugs and a good time turns but is fueled by old grudges, dark secrets and betrayals revolving around the mysterious death of their sorority sister that took place over 20 years ago.

It’s a recipe for disaster and this is what makes the book great. You’re not going to like any of these characters, they are horrible and rotten to the core with no redeeming qualities. But you will love the drama! It’s honestly a wild, passive-aggressive perfection. The short chapters, fast pacing, little bomb drops were perfect in this book. The ending was abrupt and underwhelming compared to the rest part of that book. Nevertheless don’t hesitate to pick this one up, you’re in for a twisty ride!


Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author, Kaira Rouda for early eARC!

Publication date: February 3, 2026

[L A · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* A very engaging read with a whole lot of popcorn! I was more in tune with the refurbished 1920's house in Palm Springs that was remodeled to resemble an old hotel the sorority sisters stayed in 25 years ago. The house brings out the worst of their past. There were several POVs with an inside look at their evil vindictiveness, jealousy and tension brewing. The humor is that the sorority sisters really don't like each other.
"Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly? Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma."
Roxy, the sorority president, is the host of this mansion with her husband Ryan. Her husband once dated a different sorority sister Sunny, who was everything her name generated. She was well-loved and envied by everyone, which may be the reason she ended up dead 25 years ago.
Jamie twins as a bad girl like Roxy. She earned straight A's, a double-legacy and top cardiologist. She brought her boy-toy Brett who is the first to die in this thriller. Beth is there with her daughter Celeste, who is engaged to Roxy and Ryan's son Zach. Let's not forget Amelia who writes her own narrative of evil.
With a fire blazing in the distance that may endanger them, a haboob keeps them locked within and the electricity is off with no service to call for help when things take a turn for the worse.
There are a few comical, yet heated scenes with the sisters after alcohol impedes their senses. When the past comes haunting, a ghost appears and these girls and guys lose their minds. The heated discussions become an epic showdown when the truth comes out. I enjoyed it, but still out on the ending and not sure how to summarize my feelings on it.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a fast paced popcorn thriller! It was an enjoyable read, especially with it having multiple points of views. It is filled with dark humor and has a lot of suspense in it. This book kept me intrigued the entire time while reading it. It comes with twists, terrible characters and drama. The flaws of the characters are the main focus in this story. It came with a clear thesis, it was well paced and easy to read. Some of the tropes in the book include a sorority reunion gone wrong, mean girls grown up, and everyone is a suspect. This book reminded me of the “Big Little Lies” series! Overall, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Kaira Rouda and Poisoned Pen Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be released on 2/3/2026!

[MagretFume · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was addictive.
I liked the unsettling setting and that the creepiness starts right off the bat. Some of the revelations were a little predictable but they kept piling up and getting worse and worse.

Some of the characters were really interesting and fun in a twisted way, and in my opinion they were the best part of the book.
I was a little disappointed in Beth, who felt like the main character but was a bit flat less interesting than the others.

Overall, it's a solid closed room mystery with some entertaining characters.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC!

[Krickette❤️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmm, this book… I really wanted to like it and was excited to read it-but it just fell short of my expectations and was just a surface level story. With murder, a college reunion and a sorority sister premise, I had high hopes for this quick read.

👉About the characters:
I struggled to find a connection with the characters. Truthfully, the character development was slight and limited, which in my opinion, hurt the plausibility and my engagement with this novel. The characters were unnatural, and shallow and their dialogue seemed meaningless and abrasive.

We Were Never Friends written by Kaira Rouda was a book centered around fake relationships, the death of a sorority sister (years prior), the celebration of new love, and a soapy-like drama filled weekend away in Palm Springs, Ca. A reunion of sorority sisters who don’t like one another…what on Earth could go wrong with a plot like that? A super fun concept… just was not delivered as a gripping thriller. This had a very young feel to it and would most likely do well with a younger audience.

This lack luster novel is a hard no when it comes to thrillers or suspense novels lacking the depth or plot development needed to deliver a novel in that genre.

What it does have:
👉secrets and confessions and ghost sightings
👉jealousy and admiration
👉masking insecurity in an abundance of ways
👉shallow relationships
👉portraying sorority girls as anything but real and loyal

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Hades ( Disney's version ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley & Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy of this gem! 


This book is juicy!!!! Like a soap opera but better organized & not as outlandish 


Imagine your daughter falling for your rival fellow sorority sisters son?! 🫢 


So of course our new love birds bring people back together, who probably would have been content with never seeing one another again. 


And you just know what's coming next that we all love! You know those secrets that were meant to stay buried are going to start ascending 


Cheating, competing, & killing!? How can you not love this!? 


It's pretty safe to say this was a "hell yess" from me 

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deliciously unhinged tale of toxic friendships and long-buried secrets, We Were Never Friends was quite the way to spend the evening as unlikeable characters spilled the tea. You see, with layers of secrets, lies, and scandals hidden within this small group of frenemies, it was only a matter of time until the s*** hit the fan. And, boy oh boy, when it finally did I had a nice big bowl of popcorn to munch on while I enjoyed the show. After all, this diabolical crew was stuck in a *chef’s kiss* locked-room luxury locale while people started dropping like flies. Just one more example of Ms. Rouda’s masterful skill at creating tension amid over-the-top drama, I flew through this domestic thriller in only a matter of hours. I mean, how could I put it down before I knew all of their secrets?

All said and done, despite a plot that lacked depth and characters that were somewhat thin, I had a blast being a fly on the wall of this soap opera-esque read. Twisty, fast-paced, and undeniably fun, I couldn’t help but love the catty antiheroines and their conniving ways. You see, with loads of juicy drama, pearl-clutching theatrics, and a mysterious dark past, I was all for these wealthy people behaving badly every step of the way. And let me tell you, the multiple POVs, short chapters, and laugh-out-loud funny dark humor only made it better. After all, I’ve been a fan of this author’s unhinged reads from her very first novel. Filled with suspense, twists, and drama, she never lets me down when it comes to delivering on-point popcorn thrillers. Bravo, Kaira, you’ve done it again. Rating of 4 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma Mu:

• Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queen

• Amelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in tow

• Jamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habit

• Beth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package deal

• Sunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn't

They've been summoned to Roxy's luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth's daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it's not so easy to bury the past…

Thank you Kaira Rouda, Poisoned Pen Press, Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: February 3, 2026

Content warning: murder, wildfire, mention of: blackmail, drugging, drug addiction

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This book hooked me from the first page with its engaging writing, and I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere and nonstop tension as the book progressed! The multiple POVs were all distinct and compelling, and I loved how the flashbacks added layers to the present-day drama.

Rouda is a master at crafting deliciously villainous characters, and this story is no exception—dark motives, shifting alliances, and plenty of “wait, what?!” moments kept me glued.

Honestly, some loose ends (looking at you, engaged couple) make me hope a sequel is on the way. There’s definitely more story to tell, and I’d be SO here for it!

** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will read anything that Kaira Rouda writes, always a guaranteed twist fest. A fun and quick read, We Were Never Friends is so entertaining , full of the most awful characters I have read in a long time.

Sorority sisters reunite 25 years after their Palm Springs spring break that ended in tragedy. Long hidden secrets will come to light, these women were truly bad people. It is meant to be an engagement celebration for 2 of their offspring but things never go to plan do they. A dust storm, a fire bearing down on them and gate crashers make sure of that.

If you are a fan of this author you will love the messed up and at times crazy revelations. Just go with it, you know that you want to.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press on NetGalley for the chance to read this early. Publishes on February 3rd.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Were Never Friends
By: Kaira Rouda
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Pub Date: February 3, 2026

When I get a Rouda book, I drop EVERYTHING because I know I will lock myself away for hours to read it. She always delivers a fun story that is DELICOUS, DEVIOUS, ENTERTAINING and must be DEVOURED!

We were never friends, “We were sisters”. Theta Gamma sorority sisters share secrets, jealousy, old grudges, murder, tension and frankly some mean girls! When they went their separate ways after college, they never imagined they would EVER see each other, but when two of their children get engaged, the sisters are brought together again.

The sparks fly and the chaos continues!

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy.

[Readergirl (aka Izzy){the secret history's ver} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truly a popcorn read! I could almost taste the movie-hall butter on my tongue. But maybe that's all there was to it. Let me clarify-

It was an extremely enjoyable read. The ambience was ɠσʅԃҽɳ, the setting 𝕚𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕔𝕦𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕖, cuz I mean FIVE college friends reunion after a tragic freak accident that scarred all if not one of them? now THAT'S something I can devour easy-peasy.

But I felt it lacked the sudden ⓢⓤⓒⓚⓔⓡ ⓟⓤⓝⓒⓗ, a gut shattering revelation that would throw me off my game. In that sense, this book was like an 𝑜𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃, with multiple layers to unpack and peel. Slowly and slowly as the thread unravelled to reveal the mystery.

Another issue I had with the book was the flashbacks. They appeared out of nowhere, in the middle of an adrenaline-spiking scene, sort of...watering it down? Instead, I feel that certain chapters thrown in in the middle would have piqued my interest more.

Nonetheless, the dichotomy in the personalities really intrigued me- the catty natured and selfish 😼𝓐𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓪😼, the competitive-spirited 💥🅁🄾🅇🅈💥, the straight-laced Ｊａｍｉｅ and the simpering sweet ✴: 🎀 𝐵𝑒𝓉𝒽 🎀 :✴. Their personalities were perhaps the biggest selling point of this book. Their chapters and their outlooks on any and everything that happened throughout this book engulfed my attention.

🦥So, overall, a binge-worthy read that you can read on a lazy Saturday in one sitting 🦥

3.4-onions-anyone?/5(⁠*⁠˘⁠︶⁠˘⁠*⁠)⁠.⁠｡🧅

🎬𝓒𝓻𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓽𝓼
I extend my heartiest thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC of the book in exchange for my honest review!

[Heathers_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout out to my good friend Angie for recommending i run and grab a copy of this book while they were available! The synopsis definitely sounded like a wild ride so I have no regrets.. also the book cover is extremely pleasing to my eyes, it’s giving summer thriller aesthetics and I love it.

So who this book would appeal to: anybody who loves a quick read, a fast paced book that jumps you straight into the action and keeps moving at a quick speed tempting you to just finish the read in one sitting because the drama keeps coming and doesn’t let up, essentially this is for my popcorn thriller lovers who are invested in the tea and the petty drama.

Roxy and Amelia are the queens of drama, they are catty, bitchy, egotistical and seem to hold so much power in their manicured hands, and im here for it. Obviously their characters were detestable but in the best way that leaves you entertained from your hate for them 😆 This is essentially the plot of the book, dont go in expecting a deeply psychological thriller, this is very much surface level murder mystery style with a few twists, but fun nonetheless.

This works well as a palette cleanser read or something in between heavier themes.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Kaira Rouda for the #netgalley #gifted copy!

Publishes : February 3rd 2026

[Erica★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️s
This is a fast-paced popcorn thriller that takes a bit to get going due to the large cast, but it does a great job setting the mood. The drama and long-held secrets kept me entertained even if some twists were predictable, they were still fun.

Set in Palm Springs, the story follows a reunion and engagement party for former Theta Gamma Mu sorority sisters. As the weekend unfolds, a tragic past resurfaces, forcing these friends to confront what really happened the night Sunny died twenty-five years ago. While the weekend is meant to celebrate the future, it quickly becomes clear that the past refuses to stay buried.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: Feb 3, 2026

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my arc copy. All opinions are my own.

This one was a slow burning mystery / thriller. It gave off Lifetime Movie and popcorn thriller vibes. It kept me guessing for a lot of the book but also seemed a bit far fetched at times (hence the lifetime vibe). It was a fast paced read but pretty underwhelming for me.

Sorority sisters for life means secrets will be taken to the grave. When a group of sorority sisters reunite for an engagement party years later many of their past mistakes and actions begin to rise up to the surface. One of their sisters lost their life all those years ago and it seemed to continue to be a mystery of how she ended up dead. This book will leave you with the question of can we really ever escape our past ?

[ReneeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book that I thought I was going to love but ultimately just thought it was ok. I think the writing is good and the story was ok it just didn't wow me. There is a whole lot of drama and secrets and this is something that I am typically drawn to and I'm sure many readers are going to love this one but it fell a bit short for me. This was fast paced and a pretty quick read and would make a great beach/daytime treat to dive into.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 2/3/26

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, the title may be kind of a spoiler! Here’s what: they really weren’t ever friends! The novel is here to recount the whos, whys, whens, wheres, and hows of it all.


I don’t have too much to say about this novel, but in a good way: it’s the straightforward popcorn thriller one might expect and suitable for beach or airplane as one might want. It has elements people tend to enjoy in their thrillers, like alternating-chapter character perspectives, nasty rich people and their problems, backflashes to school years-era conflict, and closed circle or remote location mystery as the characters are gathered at a Palm Springs desert estate (although they are mostly rehashing events that took place back when they were friends — er, not friends — in college).


I’ve been making an effort to read at least one thriller by popular and prolific psychological thriller authors whose work I often see featured on Kindle Unlimited or, relatedly, as accessible selections chosen for online book clubs like those hosted by members on Fable. This is my first novel by this author, and I can see why she is popular. I think her fans will love this one too.


Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. We Were Never Friends is due for release on February 3, 2026.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up and finished it within 3 hours! It was a quick and easy read with tons of twists and revelations. Almost every character is hiding some dark secrets and most of them come out in one way or another! I can definitely see why the title of this book is so fitting after getting to know the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. At the end of it all I’m dying to know if Celeste still marries into the family!

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been obsessed with Kaira Rouda’s books for ages, so I cracked open “We Were Never Friends” fully prepared for drama and scheming. She did not disappoint. This book is stuffed with betrayal, jealousy, and secrets that practically beg you to eavesdrop. It’s deliciously wicked.

Thanks to the author and Poisoned Pen Press for the #GiftedARC provided via #NetGalley.

The setup is delicious. A group of sorority sisters who haven’t spoken in decades suddenly get an invitation to Roxy’s 1920s estate. They’re told it’s to celebrate the engagement of Roxy’s son to Beth’s daughter, but you can feel from page one that this reunion is not going to be a sweet little catch-up. The estate resembles the hotel where everything went wrong twenty-five years ago, with creaking floors and dusty chandeliers, the perfect eerie backdrop. That's the moment you know these women should have stayed home, but you're glad they didn’t.

Once they arrive, the tension kicks in fast. Old resentments bubble up and new suspicions form. I loved it when Beth snapped at Roxy about what really happened on graduation night, when the room practically froze, and you could tell these women were not here to make peace. These women are messy in a way that is endlessly entertaining. No one is innocent; everyone has something to hide, and watching them circle each other is half the fun.

The story zips along, but you still get to savor every snarky thought, every sharp comment, and every moment when someone is clearly hiding something. By the time things go completely off the rails, you’re strapped in and loving every second.

If you’re into thrillers with toxic friendships, buried secrets, and characters who make the worst decisions (with total confidence), you’re in for a treat. I’m giving it four stars. Warning: clear your calendar before you start. Once these women get going, you won’t want to miss a thing.

#WeWereNeverFriends

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my new favorite Kaira Rouda book. I was hooked from the first page. What could go wrong at an engagement party/sorority reunion? Turns out - everything. There was so much drama and so many secrets and I just ate it all up. And despite the murders and secrets, there was a very sweet mother/daughter storyline that I really enjoyed. This book is a fast-paced, fabulous popcorn thriller. I loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc. And as always, thanks to Kaira Rouda for writing such an engrossing book!

Get your copy when this comes out Feb 3, 2026!

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

You just never know what's going to happen when old friends gets together. This was a fast paced book that had so much going on. Truth will always come out..

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book

[anzhelika ୨ৎ]

will be starting and hopefully finishing it this evening because it comes out tomorrow!

˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Kaira Rouda for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, obsessed with this cover. Secondly, any book that includes "train wreck" in the description is an automatic winner for me! And riveting train wreck this was...

What should be a beautiful and happy weekend between two young lovebirds turns into a petty, one-upping pissing contest among former sorority girls who call themselves sisters but couldn't be farther from true friends. The setting was beautiful, I loved the details of the decorations and restored mansion, the fancy outfits, and the flashbacks to the past. I had so many theories and I couldn't have been more surprised with how everything played out!

I enjoyed the past storyline learning about the women and the drama of their fateful spring break trip. The Sunny plotline was really well done and she was the perfect thread amongst the women. There were also a lot of red herrings with Sunny's storyline that filled my head with all sorts of wild theories, none of which were right!

There is certainly a need for suspension of belief, but if you love a book with terrible people, lavish settings, and keeps you guessing, We Were Never Friends definitely fits the bill. Rouda is a favorite here at The Pulse and with books like We We Were Never Friends, there's no question as to why!

[Liza Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC: Kaira Rouda knows how to keep you entertained and this was juicy!! I read this in one sitting and it was just one secret after another. For about 90% I was glued but I felt the ending was a bit abrupt and lacked the usual shock ending her books typically have. Still a fantastic popcorn read!

[Melissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a binge worthy read!! When sorority sisters reunite for a weekend to celebrate the engagement of their children, Celeste and Zach, they get more than they bargained for!

The cast of characters in this book was so fun! Frenemies showing up years later to create more chaos. A decades old “accidental” death of one of their sisters is reexamined and the truth comes out for that fateful night 25 years ago.

When I tell you that I couldn’t put this book down!! Rouda has a way of creating these diabolical characters that keep you hooked!

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who stands to gain from your death? Wow, this read is packed with drama, mystery, and twists galore!

The story revolves around a reunion weekend for Theta Gamma sorority sisters at Roxy Callahan Gentry's Palm Springs home, meant to celebrate her son’s engagement to Beth's daughter. The group includes Roxy, the controlling hostess; Amelia, a wealthy widow; Jamie, a successful doctor; Beth, an outcast scholarship student; and Sunny, the seemingly beloved friend. As tensions rise and old secrets resurface, memories of a past tragedy from their college days haunt the gathering.

We meet a cast of characters and gain insight through the perspectives of Beth, Roxy, Jamie, and Amelia, taking a trip back in time to fully grasp the unfolding narrative. As we delve into each character's story, it becomes clear that several have secrets worth killing for.

The described gathering is so vividly depicted that you'll feel as if you're sitting among the girls, sipping margaritas. This slowly unraveled murder mystery takes its sweet time before revealing its shocking conclusion and main twist. You definitely won't see it coming from a mile away, and you'll be surprised by how little you actually know about those who were once so close to you.

While the theme revolves around sisterhood, I must say, I'd think twice about being friends with any of these girls. The drama, competition, and hidden secrets threaten to spill out into the open. Just toss a bunch of girls together, and you can count on some entertaining chaos!

If you enjoy stories about old friends reuniting and uncovering deep secrets, or if you're drawn to characters who will go to great lengths to maintain appearances, this book will hook you. Just a little warning—keep a close eye on your drink, as someone might have intentions of slipping something into it because you could have what someone else wants. But remember, you didn’t hear that from me!

Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press, for the digital ARC widget. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ChrissyReadsThings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well.. I’m not sure if I read the same story as some of the other reviews.

To start with the positives:
This was a popcorn thriller. Quick, easy read and had several twists and turns. The premise was enticing and I hung on to the end.

Here’s where I struggled:
While this was quick, it was only 216 pages and because of that the timeline felt very rushed and made the story unbelievable. The characters were pretty one-dimensional and there were just a lot of things that didn’t make sense to me or seem near as emotional as they could have been because the story was so rushed.
The writing was also a struggle for me. It was just a bit more juvenile than I’m used to reading.

Overall, I just wasn’t feeling it. I’d try again with another book to give a 2nd chance but if the other books are like this then they probably aren’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!

[sarah-lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the multiple POVs and the writing style. It made for a very quick and easy ready. However, Very odd book with very odd characters and pretty boring twists, unfortunately. Beths meekness and general 'better than everyone, not your typical girl because I'm poor and morally better' got annoying really quick. Through all the drama her daughters safety was an afterthought each and every time. What do you MEAN you arent calling the police when her safety is directly impacted?! He is literally stalking your daughter but youre just going to ignore that? Alright.
The party was for her daughter and fiance, yet they barely feature, being entirely 1 dimensional characters.
Jamie was boring, a character that added nothing. Roxy & Amelia at least had a little spice in their characters, although entirely unrealistic. I usually don't see any plot twists coming, yet seen almost every single one in this book.

I really wanted to love this, but it just fell so flat for me.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I love a good twisty story. And I wanted to really love this one. So many points of view (I enjoy a book like this) and lots of things happening (as per usual with a mystery) but I just could not connect with any of the characters and the plot line seemed a bit too forced for me to suspend my disbelief and watch it happen.
I was in a sorority, I totally understand how friendships work within that realm. And I also understand you're certainly not friends with all your sisters. So this aspect of the story, the friendships that are a bit fraught with tension, makes sense. I definitely had sisters I wasn't friends with but had to interact with and maintain a good rapport with in order to keep things copacetic.
The character development was quite stilted in this story. While you had more than one POV, they were not particularly distinct. And I didn't connect with any of the characters or truly care about them throughout the story.
The introduction of something that happened years ago was interesting and definitely added to the mystery of the story. And how it was playing definitely made me wonder if things happened exactly the way the ladies remembered it.
There were a lot of loose ends in this story that didn't truly make sense. Plus things that happened that seemed just too elaborate to be true. And the writing was choppy. This made the pacing uneven, as well. I pushed through to the end to see if my prediction was correct and I was halfway right.
The main idea of a reunion for an engagement celebration was odd to me. Why would anyone do that? Especially if they haven't seen each other in so many years, why would they want all these people involved who didn't even know their kids? Plus, we barely see those characters in the story. How do we not when the entire reason for the get together is their engagement?
Finally, at the end we get ANOTHER POV out of the blue. A character we've never met and have zero background on. Had it been a twist on one of the other POVs, then I would have said ok, this makes sense. But it was just strange and odd in it's placement within the chapter of another character. Why do that? Why not give that character their own chapter? It just made no sense.
If you're looking for an over-the-top fluff piece with characters who are mean, self-centered, and have zero development throughout the story and a plot line that is truly a train wreck, pick this one up and give it a try. Perhaps you'll enjoy it more than I did.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda is another great read from an author who knows exactly how to twist the knife. From the start, the tension simmers, and I was constantly second-guessing everyone involved. The layers of revenge, lies, and long-buried secrets kept me hooked, and just when I thought I had things figured out, Rouda proved me wrong. Sharp, messy, and dramatic, this book kept me guessing all the way to the last page. A solid 5-star thriller that fans of the author will absolutely enjoy.

Fun fact: if you go to Kaira Rouda’s website, she has a really cool quiz you can take and you can see which character you’re like. PS I’m Beth! And it was right on the money (even down to my hair and eye color) LOL https://kairarouda.com/