I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I came in hoping for a fierce found-family type story with friendship, identity, and messy lives intertwining. But while Girls Night touches on all those things, it never quite landed for me—and by the end I felt more unsettled than satisfied.
What I.S. Belle does do well is present a diverse cast. There are characters of different backgrounds, gender expressions, sexuality, even disability. It’s clear the author wants to shine light on all these things. And I respect that. But somewhere along the way, it feels like the book becomes more about checking boxes than about telling a story that actually engages. The characters, their painful childhoods or difficult family dynamics, are introduced—but the emotional weight and development just never quite deepen for me.
The audiobook, narrated by Cat Protano, was actually a highlight. She sounded age-appropriate, kept a strong pace, and her delivery added some energy. It definitely helped me stay engaged at times—but ultimately, it couldn’t overcome the disconnect I felt with the prose itself.
The premise—four very different girls forming a girls-only fight club as a way to reclaim power—had so much potential. But the execution dragged. There’s a lot of telling rather than showing: we’re frequently told what the characters feel or how hard things are, but often not shown in a way that made me care deeply. Scenes that should have built intimacy or tension sometimes feel glossed over or slip by without enough setup. Key moments happen off-page or are rushed, so by the time I hit the “climax” I was less invested than I wanted to be. The resolution feels… unfinished. Like many threads are left dangling.
I usually love stories about found family. I love watching unlikely friendships form, messy people supporting each other despite everything. So it’s especially frustrating that with Girls Night, that aspect didn’t land. The idea is good, and some moments shine—there are flashes where the girls’ camaraderie feels real—but overall the emotional stakes never fully convinced me. The ending tried for a hopeful vibe, but instead of lifting me up, it left me more uneasy. Because the aftermath of everything wasn’t fully reckoned with.
So: if you’re into diverse YA casts, queer representation, high school angst, and the idea of teenagers trying to find themselves—and maybe you can tolerate some rough edges—this might hit some of your buttons. But for me, it never quite became more than a collection of interesting ideas. I finished it wanting more substance, more character growth—and some feeling that what we saw mattered more in the long run.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Tantor Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.