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Wasp's Nest

A modern retelling of The Philadelphia Story, Wasp’s Nest is a witty, gripping love triangle unfolding over the course of seven chaotic days at a Cape Cod wedding

Tess wants nothing more than for her upcoming society wedding to overshadow the failure of her first marriage. Her fiancé Warren, a steady soon-to-be state senator, is nothing like her first husband. Tess’s relationship with working-class artist Peter was a passionate crash-and-burn, and a chapter of her life that she's ready to forget.

Peter hasn’t seen Tess in five years, so he’s shocked to receive an invitation to her wedding. But he’s moved on too, and it wouldn’t hurt to prove it by showing up with a handsome younger man as his plus-one. Mitch, an aspiring writer, is intrigued by Peter and jumps at the chance to pry into the lives of his Waspy ex-in-laws. What he’s not bargained for is developing serious feelings for both Peter and Peter’s ex—Tess, the bride. But Peter and Tess have complex desires of their own, and Mitch is dangerously close to uncovering them.

Wasp's Nest is a fast-paced, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of the shape of our affections that proves real love triangles connect on all sides.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2026

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About the author

Kat Stoddard

3 books51 followers
Kat Stoddard lives with her daughter in Baltimore. Wasp’s Nest is her debut novel.

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5 stars
128 (12%)
4 stars
306 (28%)
3 stars
464 (43%)
2 stars
135 (12%)
1 star
30 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
Profile Image for Jaime Fok.
389 reviews7,566 followers
July 6, 2026
I was SO ready for a juicy, toxic, biting story. And unfortunately I did feel underwhelmed reading this one :(

For one, I feel like the writing style was very much telling, not showing. And sometimes this can actually work very well - especially for a book in this genre. But in this case, I just felt like I didn't get deep enough into the characters minds to feel entertained by their toxic personalities. Somehow, this story also felt quite slow-paced, which I normally wouldn't expect with a book that spans over just the course of 7 days. I expected chaos, and the majority of this book felt like we were meandering through... up until the end.

I think ultimately, many plot points just felt very half-baked. The lead up to the chaos at the end didn't feel fully formed, so the outcome of it all didn't feel deserved. The buildup moments didn't feel exciting in that juicy way. We had characters professing their love after knowing someone for 2 days. Just felt like characters going through the actions vs authentically experiencing these moments. Then with the ultimate resolution, it just felt like a bit of a nothing situation for me.

There is definitely some potential here! Some of the dialogue I think and little subtle moments were done well. I was just waiting for that moment for everything to click for me, and it unfortunately just didn't happen.
Profile Image for Meagan (Meagansbookclub).
916 reviews8,378 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
May 4, 2026
2.5 ⭐️

Unfortunately, this was a miss for me. I love dysfunctional families, but the writing never got the depth and emotion that I was hoping for.
Profile Image for dani.
378 reviews134 followers
February 24, 2026

oh this was so wonderful and such a fun ride. the characters were so so messy and reading this truly felt like watching a show where my eyes are glued to the screen.

i loved the way this progressed. in the beginning i wasn’t sure what would happen and towards the second half the plot just continued to thicken & left me on the edge of my seat. but nonetheless, i loved it. i loved the three of them and the dynamic they all had with one another and as a group. i was so glad for that ending & it made me very happy, especially for peter and tess.

totally recommend if you love flawed characters, messy relationships & drama worth sitting for
Profile Image for Maren’s Reads.
1,320 reviews2,621 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 1, 2026
3-3.5⭐️
Profile Image for Kristina Bulovic.
83 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 22, 2026
3.25

Give me a story about dysfunctional families and/or marriages and I'm happy! The unexpected humor kept drawing me in... it's like when you're talking to someone you've known forever and don't mean to be funny, it's even better.

The only character I truly always enjoyed was Sebastian, though the others had their moments. It felt a little forced at times and a little flat at others. Some of the triangle dynamics I just couldn't understand the purpose of, but I've never read The Philadelphia Story so that might be why.

This story jumps right in and makes no apologies, which I appreciate. Love the cover and LOVE the title!
Profile Image for Ammie.
59 reviews135 followers
July 19, 2026
This is a book written just for me. Dysfunctional family and friendships. Fake dating for jealousy reasons. Bisexual bad behavior. A wedding. The writing is beautiful without being flowery. The tension and yearning puts a knot in your gut in the absolute best way.
Profile Image for jess.
897 reviews49 followers
July 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this updated, fun, and queer take on The Philadelphia Story, one of my favorite classic films. While the movie can coast on the charms of its three mega movie stars, Wasp's Nest takes the time to fully depict its main characters and investigate their motivations. You've still got the main character Tess, affluent and lost, who is set to marry the rising politician Warren at the end of the week. The week-long wedding festivities are soon crashed by her ex-husband Peter, an artist and recovering alcoholic, and his new "boyfriend" Mitch, who is still a writer in this version.

We get an actual reason for the breakdown of Tess and Peter's marriage (rather than a poorly aged physical attack), and some actual chemistry between Tess and the interloper Mitch. There's plenty of drama, personal reckonings, secrets revealed, and of course, a poorly thought-out midnight swim. Highly recommend throwing this into your beach or pool bag for a fun vacation escape and then passing it on to all your friends for some spirited debates on how to interpret the ending.

Many many thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Bookaholic__Reviews.
1,495 reviews178 followers
July 6, 2026
Wasps nest is centered around three main characters. Tess who is preparing for her upcoming wedding, Peter her ex husband who ends up invited to the wedding and Mitch who comes as Peters plus one. Lingering emotions and uncertain feelings lead to a bit of a love triangle and things get a little messy. Will there be a wedding after all?


Honestly I loved how complex these characters are and how their relationships pushed back against the norm. There was quite a bit of tension between the characters which felt authentic given the situation.


Some parts are a bit emotional while others are humorous and entertaining. The story was actually quite fun overall but the ending pissed me off! I wanted a definitive happily ever after and I didn't get one. I'm still not sure where any of the characters stand with each other.

Maybe there will be a second book? If there is I will definitely be reading it.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Benji.
5 reviews
August 17, 2026
Ms. Faith T did her thing with this one. So fun! Finished it in less than a week
Profile Image for Ellie Kinney.
1 review
May 14, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down! The characters were very nuanced, and each layer of their entwined relationships that was slowly revealed had me completely hooked.

The descriptions of the stunning Cape Cod scenery took me back to the days of visiting my grandparents in Orleans every summer as a child (and witnessing all the WASP-y displays of wealth infiltrating the Cape). It would’ve been interesting to see the Lowell’s lifestyle juxtaposed against some of the less lavish realities that full-time residents of the Cape deal with, like the opioid epidemic (but perhaps would be too much to delve into on top of all the complex character journeys).

Absolutely loved this depiction of a true love triangle – I’m of the belief that it doesn’t count unless there’s romantic attraction on all three sides! It was a wonderful queer summer read, and a very impressive debut novel.
Profile Image for Annika Salmi.
172 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2026
what a messy group!!!!

can you be in love with two people at the same time?
Profile Image for lauren.
252 reviews111 followers
July 8, 2026
A perfect spicy (without spice scene tg) filled family drama perfect for the summer. This inventive retelling of The Philadelphia Story was so much fun !! It didn’t change my life but I had a good time
Profile Image for Lauren Foster.
315 reviews
August 6, 2026
messssssyy!!!! the ultimate love triangle that made me feel like i was witnessing prime time juicy gossip. real and complex characters and relationships set to a hot & humid summer backdrop
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,729 reviews186 followers
July 30, 2026
This novel alternates between three characters, Tess, Peter, and Mitch. Tess is about to get married for the second time, to politician Warren. Peter was Tess’s first husband, and when he receives a late invitation to the wedding, he decides to show up, and since he wants to bring a date to make Tess jealous, he asks Mitch who he has just met to go. The rest of the book, minus flashbacks, is set during the lead up to the wedding on her family’s Cape Cod estate.

This book is billed as a modern version of the movie The Philadelphia Story - I thought I had seen it a long time ago but I don’t really remember it, though I doubt a 1940 movie had bisexual characters in it. The movie is known for being a classic farcical romantic comedy, but I didn’t really get a sense of farce or of rom com from this book. Sadly, though I love a Cape Cod setting, nor did I get the slightest whiff of Cape Cod; the book could have been set anywhere. And this was well beyond a love triangle to the point that I’m not sure I could even draw you a diagram - a series of overlapping triangles or some kind of deranged love pentagon or something.

I did enjoy the multicast narration on the audiobook though, from Major Curda, Mia Wurgaft, and Eric Yang doing a good job at bringing the characters to life.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for an ALC and Celadon for a physical copy (out now); all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
2,093 reviews117 followers
June 10, 2026
I love messy relationships and dysfunctional families. And add in a love triangle or 2 to boot and I thought I would love Wasp's Nest. While it had its moments, I think this is the sort of book that would play out better on the screen than on the page with the layered relationships in this upper crust sort of world. Fortunately, I was able to listen to the audiobook narrated by Major Curda, Mia Wurgaft and Eric Yang and they seemed to bring Tess, Peter and Mitch to life in all their glorious messiness. They definitely weren't perfect people by any means, and not always likable, but it was fun watching them navigate their feelings.

Exes. Family. New loves. Old Loves. Marriages that shouldn't happen. Relationships that should've never gotten as far as they went. It's all there and it's some crazy soap opera fun that you won't want to look away from. I don't think I would've enjoyed this book as much in print, but the narrators performances gave this beachy read life.
Profile Image for Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot).
586 reviews90 followers
July 12, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio #MacAudio2026 for the gifted audiobook...this is my honest review.

🎧 The Wasp's Nest🎧
Author: Kat Stoddard
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrators: Eric Yang, Major Curda, Mia Wurgaft
Length: 9 hours, 48 minutes

MY RATING: 3.25/5⭐
(Rounded Down To 3⭐)

The Wasp's Nest, from Kat Stoddard, is a modern retelling of The Philadelphia Story. I thought the synopsis sounded really interesting and grabbed this audiobook from Macmillan Audio when it became available.

The story is billed as a witty, gripping love triangle that unfolds over the course of seven chaotic days at a Cape Cod wedding. The synopsis also said the story was fast-paced, humorous, and heartfelt as it explored the shape of our affections.

Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. I didn't think it was fast-paced at all - it actually seemed pretty damn slow. I'm not sure I laughed even once while I listened, so the humor wasn't there for me. I didn't connect much with the characters and didn't really vibe with the overall storyline. I honestly wanted to DNF it, but kept listening because I was sure the gripping storyline of the book HAD to be coming soon and I didn't want to miss it. Sadly, it never arrived.

While this was an overall miss for me, the multicast narration was definitely a win. The narrators were fantastic! They really did a great job capturing the emotion and depth to these characters in this audiobook, and their narration is largely what kept me engaged in the storylines of the characters.

Others have enjoyed this one, so it might be for you if you enjoy general fiction that includes messy love triangles, entitled wealthy characters, and Cape Cod settings. If you like retellings or multicast narration audiobooks, I think you'll really like this one too.

#TheWaspsNest #KatStoddard #MacAudio2026 #MacmillanAudio #partner #audiobook #retelling #fiction #LGBTQ+ #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
Profile Image for Ali.
229 reviews36 followers
July 18, 2026
Rife with relationship drama and first world problems. I thought some of the relationships were kinda nice. Peter was about the only redeemable character. Generally I was kind of bored. The narrator did a great job though. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review.
Profile Image for Hayden Casey.
Author 2 books754 followers
July 19, 2026
so tightly plotted, and I loved watching this trio of characters weave a vast web of fuckups.
Profile Image for Lilly Howes.
190 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2026
3.5!!! devoured it in like two days and would totally recommend for an un-put-downable read but the character depth was lacking for me considering the insane events that happen - i think the book could've just been longer to dig into the people more
Profile Image for Marc.
536 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2026
Enjoyable, engaging & entertaining. As “Philadelphia Story” is one of my favorite movies, Wasp's Nest reads like a polyamorous (bisexual hive arise!) update without being obsessed with matchy-matchy parallels.

Author Kat Stoddard demonstrates solid writing chops and awareness of art, authors, political campaigns, and generational wealth lifestyles— or Stoddard just has a fabulous imagination!

Recommended.
Profile Image for Orla Morris.
67 reviews
August 18, 2026
I could get over how unlikeable all the characters were if the story was good! Nothing really happens and I could see the climax from the beginning of the book…

They are all in need of a therapist 🤣🤣
Profile Image for Jenna.
239 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2026
This was a fun enough little, multi POV slow burn. We follow Peter who unexpectedly receives a wedding invitation to go to his ex-wife’s wedding on Cape Cod with her affluent family. But he can’t show up alone so he brings a hot acquaintance writer named Mitch to come guised as his boyfriend. Mitch gets inspiration for a novel he wants to write, while Peter can prove he’s moved on. What could possibly go wrong? Well literally everything.

I kind of wish I’d waited to read this on the beach. It was a good time but as dramatic as it sounded like it should have been it was fair less. It was a quite sort of unraveling and while I think that was the point, I was in the mood for more.
Profile Image for Jenna Velardi.
195 reviews
April 22, 2026
Okay first of all I cannot wait until this book comes out so I can talk with anyone I see about it!!!! Thank you for this ALC🎧🎧

Wow okay now let’s dive in. I saw “Cape Cod” and “love triangle” and said hell yeah and just went for it.

How many love triangles are in this book you ask??? An infinite number!!!!!!! This must be the hottest group of people on the planet because everyone is hot for everyone.

Tess- damn girl get your shit together. You make big life decisions without blinking an eye and get yourself into a ton of shit. You deserve love tho seriously.

Peter- everyone loved him, I loved him. Had his life shit but was so (almost crazy) calm about everything. I cannot relate to being so calm and unbothered. I would have fought everyone in this book if I were him.

Mitch- cut it out

Warren and Georgia- figure it out

I did feel like I needed a bit more info on why Tess left Peter in the first place like it seemed like her friend was just like leave him and she listened without even thinking twice?? (Goes back to impulsiveness but maybe there was more to it???)

This book was so good it kept me on the edge of my SEAT. If they make a movie Hudson Williams better be Peter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashton Clark.
44 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2026
When Peter is invited to his ex-wife’s lavish Cape Cod wedding, old feelings, unresolved tension, and an unexpected love triangle threaten to upend the bride’s best laid plans for her next chapter. Wasp’s Nest reimagines The Philadelphia Story for a modern audience, blending delicious family drama, romance, and biting social and class commentary into a summer read you won’t want to put down!

This book was a wild ride — salacious and thrilling in a way that I always crave when I’m considering my summer reads. While the premise itself should be enough to draw you in, I found the real power of this novel to be in the quieter observations about class and belonging; the allowance of each of these (wildly) complex characters to explore the full range of both their regrets and desires; and the ability of the queer characters in this narrative to just exist. So often (and for good reason), LGBTQ+ lit focuses on the trauma of the queer experience, but it is so refreshing to read stories about queer people who the author allows to just be. Their queerness is not a plot point to be manipulated but rather one of many facets of their personhood to be explored.

Even though this is Kat’s debut novel, she has clearly already mastered the art of realistic, organic dialogue, which was (IMHO) what grounded this novel and what gave Kat the opportunity to play with familiar tropes (second chance romance, forced proximity, love triangle) in unfamiliar ways.

If you’re looking for messy (but messy with depth and emotional payoff), Wasp’s Nest is for you!
Profile Image for Zoe.
2,486 reviews354 followers
June 30, 2026
Layered, simmering, and dramatic!⁣
⁣
𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐏’𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓 is an immersive, multi-generational story that explores the complex bonds and emotional scars that shape family relationships and romantic partnerships. It draws readers into a deeply human tale of confronting the past, accepting what cannot be changed, facing difficult truths, discovering one’s authentic self, and finding a way to move forward.⁣
⁣
The prose is nuanced and fluid. The characters are conflicted, self-absorbed, and impulsive. And the plot, told through multiple perspectives, unfolds as an intriguing tale of life, loss, secrets, resentment, desire, need, acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, and family drama.⁣
⁣
Overall, 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐏’𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓 is a rich, compelling, character-driven novel by Stoddard that reminds readers that life can be complicated, challenging, heartbreaking, messy, and fleeting.⁣
Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews