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The Hostess
In a near-future gig economy, her body is not her own.
While she's asleep, strangers rent Michaela’s body to experience life through her senses—virtual tourists who step into her skin from across the world. It’s seamless. Harmless. Voluntary.
Until it’s not.
When Michaela wakes with unexplained bruises, she and her coworker at the body-hosting agency start asking questions they were never meant to ask. Who’s using their bodies? And what are they doing while the hosts sleep?
When your body is just another platform, what happens when you lose control of it?
A taut, thought-provoking novelette for fans of Black Mirror, Klara and the Sun, and Severance.
While she's asleep, strangers rent Michaela’s body to experience life through her senses—virtual tourists who step into her skin from across the world. It’s seamless. Harmless. Voluntary.
Until it’s not.
When Michaela wakes with unexplained bruises, she and her coworker at the body-hosting agency start asking questions they were never meant to ask. Who’s using their bodies? And what are they doing while the hosts sleep?
When your body is just another platform, what happens when you lose control of it?
A taut, thought-provoking novelette for fans of Black Mirror, Klara and the Sun, and Severance.
- GenresAudiobook
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2025
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Cat Oyster
1 book7 followersCat Oyster regularly teleports to the Shire, Narnia, and the Enterprise, but recommends skipping Gilead and the Costco from Idiocracy. Growing up with various parental figures, siblings, and estrangements - Cat located an escape hatch by writing about complex family dynamics and how they are influenced by science and technology. She lives in Honolulu, Hawai'i with her husband, son, warrior dog, and box turtle. The Hostess is her science fiction debut. Find socials and book updates at catoyster.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 23, 2025
What an amazing sci fi debut.
Original and so so deep. A story that keeps getting the reader to question themselves
This was unputdownable, in such a short length the author has you totally immerse. An outstanding storyteller.
This novelette presents you with a possibility of what the future may look like in terms of social classes and dynamics, capitalism and health care with the influence of technology as a way of control and the part that it can play on a plot where humans are used as pawns and basically enslaved.
A longer book or even a series would’ve allowed for a better development of the story closing gaps on the plot and giving it a better structure.
But overall so much potential
You can definitely see the Black Mirror influence.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial, NetGalley and the author for providing me with this Arc
Original and so so deep. A story that keeps getting the reader to question themselves
This was unputdownable, in such a short length the author has you totally immerse. An outstanding storyteller.
This novelette presents you with a possibility of what the future may look like in terms of social classes and dynamics, capitalism and health care with the influence of technology as a way of control and the part that it can play on a plot where humans are used as pawns and basically enslaved.
A longer book or even a series would’ve allowed for a better development of the story closing gaps on the plot and giving it a better structure.
But overall so much potential
You can definitely see the Black Mirror influence.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial, NetGalley and the author for providing me with this Arc
September 22, 2025
For a novelette this felt like a vivid, fleshed out story that I didn’t want to end.
The Hostess is a fast-paced sci-fi detailing the intricate lives of Hosts and it follows our protagonist Michaela discovering the dark side to the job that no one talks about. It felt suspensive, intriguing and gave a sense of grittiness with the discovery of what lies underneath.
I wish the book was longer, and more build up could have been put into the conclusion. As much as I enjoyed the novelette and it was thorough in its delivery, I believe a full length novel would do this story justice to heightened some serious themes.
I would recommend this book if you are after a quick listen/read.
For fans of Sleeping Beauty (Julia Leigh, 2011)
Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial Audio and Cat Oyster for exchanging this arc for an honest review.
The Hostess is a fast-paced sci-fi detailing the intricate lives of Hosts and it follows our protagonist Michaela discovering the dark side to the job that no one talks about. It felt suspensive, intriguing and gave a sense of grittiness with the discovery of what lies underneath.
I wish the book was longer, and more build up could have been put into the conclusion. As much as I enjoyed the novelette and it was thorough in its delivery, I believe a full length novel would do this story justice to heightened some serious themes.
I would recommend this book if you are after a quick listen/read.
For fans of Sleeping Beauty (Julia Leigh, 2011)
Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial Audio and Cat Oyster for exchanging this arc for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
I feel like everything about this could absolutely happen in the not so distant future. This short story was awesome! I was so intrigued, yet so uncomfortable about how realistic it all was, all at the same time. I wanted this to be a full book, and did not want it to end. If the author ever decided to expand this concept and idea, I would absolutely be all in.
The narrator was listed as Susan Spano. She did an excellent job and I actually loved her New York accent. There were a few “dead space” moments in the middle of the sentence, however it really wasn’t that big of a deal.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Absolutely would recommend, and I 100% want more of this.
The narrator was listed as Susan Spano. She did an excellent job and I actually loved her New York accent. There were a few “dead space” moments in the middle of the sentence, however it really wasn’t that big of a deal.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Absolutely would recommend, and I 100% want more of this.
September 21, 2025
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me to listen to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Although this was a very short novelette I felt the characters were interesting and complex. The setting was very descriptive and the dystopian vibes were on point. The plot was fast paced and by the end I was checking the website to see if there was more in the future.
Definitely worth it if you’re looking for something short to finish in one sitting.
Triggers:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse (off page)
Drug use
Addiction
Although this was a very short novelette I felt the characters were interesting and complex. The setting was very descriptive and the dystopian vibes were on point. The plot was fast paced and by the end I was checking the website to see if there was more in the future.
Definitely worth it if you’re looking for something short to finish in one sitting.
Triggers:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse (off page)
Drug use
Addiction
September 21, 2025
This is such a good novelette. I loved the narration of Susan Spano.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2025
A quick, well-written tale of future uncertainties! A scary world to imagine that it could be imminent in the next century...
October 16, 2025
Content warning:
This audiobook contains mentions of physical violence, abuse, rape, murder, blood, addiction, grief, self-harm, sexual assault, misogyny, classism, sexism, and gaslighting. Some of these are depicted directly, while others are implied or referenced off-page. All play a role in the story, but they may be difficult for some listeners.
My review:
I picked up The Hostess because the dystopian premise in the description caught my attention, since those are the stories I tipically enjoy. Although the cover art sparked some discussion in one of the book groups I'm a part of, where we agreed it looked AI-generated and not particularly appealing, I was still drawn in by curiosity about the story itself.
The book belongs to science fiction, with dystopian elements at its core, and explores the unsettling idea of renting out other people’s bodies to access experiences otherwise out of reach. My overall impression is that while the concept was intriguing and at times reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode, which other reviewers also mentioned, the execution felt uneven. The abrupt ending left much unsaid, certain details seemed underdeveloped.
At the heart of The Hostess is the unsettling concept of renting out one’s body through a futuristic service for positive causes. As the story progresses, however, it becomes clear that the company’s motives may be far less noble. Alongside this central thread, the book explores themes of friendship, fraught family dynamics, and corporate manipulation within a dystopian near-future landscape. While the premise is engaging, the brevity of the novelette leaves the world behind just as it starts to take shape, with some inconsistencies that stronger editing might have helped resolve.
Overall, I found that the central idea had strong potential, with a few interesting twists, that brought an extra layer of tension to the story. The concept itself felt original enough to stand out, and I believe the book could be greatly strengthened with tighter editing and more thorough development of the storyline. The main characters were drawn well enough to carry the narrative, though the side cast remained underdeveloped. As for the audiobook format, the narration sometimes shifted in tone in ways that felt inconsistent, and occasional editing imperfections made the listening experience less seamless than it could have been.
Despite its flaws, the short length of this novelette may make it appealing to readers who are new to science fiction or dystopian fiction. It could also interest listeners who are particularly intrigued by the premise described in the blurb, as the central idea itself is strong and thought-provoking even if the execution is uneven.
The greatest strength of The Hostess lies in its core idea, which is both original and thought-provoking. Unfortunately, its weakness is that the story feels underdeveloped and prematurely cut short, with certain elements stretching believability. I found myself agreeing with many of the constructive criticisms expressed in other reviews, particularly around editing and depth, though I personally feel the average rating so far is somewhat inflated. For me, a book with visible errors falls closer to a two- or three-star read. I also didn’t find the very brief or overly positive reviews on NetGalley particularly helpful, as they risk being misleading both to the author and to other potential readers.
I am grateful to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for providing me with my very first ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a special experience to take part in this process as a new reviewer but experienced audiobook listener and avid distopian fiction reader. While I truly appreciated the originality of the idea and found much of the story enjoyable, the abrupt ending, underdeveloped sections, and occasional narration issues left me torn between two and three stars. My final rating is 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
#TheHostess #NetGalley
This audiobook contains mentions of physical violence, abuse, rape, murder, blood, addiction, grief, self-harm, sexual assault, misogyny, classism, sexism, and gaslighting. Some of these are depicted directly, while others are implied or referenced off-page. All play a role in the story, but they may be difficult for some listeners.
My review:
I picked up The Hostess because the dystopian premise in the description caught my attention, since those are the stories I tipically enjoy. Although the cover art sparked some discussion in one of the book groups I'm a part of, where we agreed it looked AI-generated and not particularly appealing, I was still drawn in by curiosity about the story itself.
The book belongs to science fiction, with dystopian elements at its core, and explores the unsettling idea of renting out other people’s bodies to access experiences otherwise out of reach. My overall impression is that while the concept was intriguing and at times reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode, which other reviewers also mentioned, the execution felt uneven. The abrupt ending left much unsaid, certain details seemed underdeveloped.
At the heart of The Hostess is the unsettling concept of renting out one’s body through a futuristic service for positive causes. As the story progresses, however, it becomes clear that the company’s motives may be far less noble. Alongside this central thread, the book explores themes of friendship, fraught family dynamics, and corporate manipulation within a dystopian near-future landscape. While the premise is engaging, the brevity of the novelette leaves the world behind just as it starts to take shape, with some inconsistencies that stronger editing might have helped resolve.
Overall, I found that the central idea had strong potential, with a few interesting twists, that brought an extra layer of tension to the story. The concept itself felt original enough to stand out, and I believe the book could be greatly strengthened with tighter editing and more thorough development of the storyline. The main characters were drawn well enough to carry the narrative, though the side cast remained underdeveloped. As for the audiobook format, the narration sometimes shifted in tone in ways that felt inconsistent, and occasional editing imperfections made the listening experience less seamless than it could have been.
Despite its flaws, the short length of this novelette may make it appealing to readers who are new to science fiction or dystopian fiction. It could also interest listeners who are particularly intrigued by the premise described in the blurb, as the central idea itself is strong and thought-provoking even if the execution is uneven.
The greatest strength of The Hostess lies in its core idea, which is both original and thought-provoking. Unfortunately, its weakness is that the story feels underdeveloped and prematurely cut short, with certain elements stretching believability. I found myself agreeing with many of the constructive criticisms expressed in other reviews, particularly around editing and depth, though I personally feel the average rating so far is somewhat inflated. For me, a book with visible errors falls closer to a two- or three-star read. I also didn’t find the very brief or overly positive reviews on NetGalley particularly helpful, as they risk being misleading both to the author and to other potential readers.
I am grateful to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for providing me with my very first ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a special experience to take part in this process as a new reviewer but experienced audiobook listener and avid distopian fiction reader. While I truly appreciated the originality of the idea and found much of the story enjoyable, the abrupt ending, underdeveloped sections, and occasional narration issues left me torn between two and three stars. My final rating is 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
#TheHostess #NetGalley
September 20, 2025
I received this audiobook for free from Netgalley & BooksGoSocial Audio.
I was looking for a quick listen, and the premise of the audiobook was intriguing to me as a fan of the Altered Carbon TV series.
Pacing was an issue with the narration. Sometimes, I was not even sure when a new paragraph had started. At one point, I was still wondering if chapter one had finished - it hadn't at the time. Then, when it had abruptly switched to chapter two, I was confused again. So, I checked again, and of course, it was a new chapter, but there was no chapter announcement. Now, this could have been a choice to give it a fast pace, but it got confusing. I'll blame the director for that.
Now, it wasn't all bad. The narrator was actually good with using different voices for the characters and emoted very well. Coincidentally, my favourite voice was Susan Spano was Susan. The difference between that character's pre and post adjustment was well done. The premise of the story was interesting and promising - the depravity that anonymity can provide and the things that people will do for money. The ending was rushed as I only realised that a time jump had occurred. I understand that this was a short story, but I would have been a tad longer. Funny thing, I was so close to giving it a 4 star rating, even with its bittersweet ending, but that unexpected time jump in the penultimate chapter caught me by surprise and I guess that annoyed me, so here we are.
Note: Background noise was present during the narration. I noticed this because I was listening with my headphones. This made the dead spaces more noticeable. There were no mouth clicks, so that certainly helped.
I was looking for a quick listen, and the premise of the audiobook was intriguing to me as a fan of the Altered Carbon TV series.
Pacing was an issue with the narration. Sometimes, I was not even sure when a new paragraph had started. At one point, I was still wondering if chapter one had finished - it hadn't at the time. Then, when it had abruptly switched to chapter two, I was confused again. So, I checked again, and of course, it was a new chapter, but there was no chapter announcement. Now, this could have been a choice to give it a fast pace, but it got confusing. I'll blame the director for that.
Now, it wasn't all bad. The narrator was actually good with using different voices for the characters and emoted very well. Coincidentally, my favourite voice was Susan Spano was Susan. The difference between that character's pre and post adjustment was well done. The premise of the story was interesting and promising - the depravity that anonymity can provide and the things that people will do for money. The ending was rushed as I only realised that a time jump had occurred. I understand that this was a short story, but I would have been a tad longer. Funny thing, I was so close to giving it a 4 star rating, even with its bittersweet ending, but that unexpected time jump in the penultimate chapter caught me by surprise and I guess that annoyed me, so here we are.
Note: Background noise was present during the narration. I noticed this because I was listening with my headphones. This made the dead spaces more noticeable. There were no mouth clicks, so that certainly helped.
November 24, 2025
The Hostess presents a world built on unsettling innovations - addictions, body-rental systems, and the erosion of personal autonomy. It’s a premise that immediately catches the imagination: Michaela, the protagonist, relies on a drug that allows her to sleep soundly. But this sleep comes at a cost. While she rests, her body is rented out to strangers who can use it however they wish. She wakes with the money earned, the benefits promised, and no knowledge of what her body has been doing. Her only responsibility is to take the drug, attend her check-ups, and continue the cycle.
This system is chilling, morally murky, and ripe for exploration. It echoes the ethical questions raised in the 2009 film Surrogates: What happens when a body can be controlled without the mind? What rights does the body have when the “self” is essentially offline? And at what point does convenience transform into exploitation? The book’s world raises these questions in a way that feels both futuristic and uncomfortably familiar.
When Michaela begins waking up with unexplained bruises, the façade of safety crumbles. Slowly, anxiety creeps in - not only for her physical well-being but for the realisation that she has no idea who is controlling her body or what they might be doing with it. What initially looked like passive survival becomes a terrifying loss of agency. Her attempts to understand the truth behind her rentals and her addiction drive the narrative forward.
Unfortunately, while the setup is strong, the execution didn’t live up to the potential for me. The plot becomes increasingly chaotic: long-lost family members return, someone is killed, memories are erased, crucial pills vanish only to reappear, and the story shifts direction without grounding the reader. Instead of slow-building tension or a coherent unraveling of the system’s dark underbelly, the narrative leans into twists that feel abrupt and disconnected. The result is a world that is fascinating in concept but muddled in storytelling.
Michaela’s personal journey also felt underdeveloped. The ending - without spoiling too much - leans heavily into the bleak idea that breaking free from addiction is nearly impossible. While addiction is indeed a difficult and complex struggle, the narrative frames it almost as an inevitability rather than a challenge that requires growth, support, and recovery. The final chapters left me feeling deflated rather than reflective.
Still, the moral dilemmas at the heart of The Hostess linger. The idea of a body rented out for 24/7 use, running on borrowed time and borrowed energy, raises uncomfortable questions that the book briefly touches on but never fully explores. That gap between concept and execution is what made this a disappointing read for me.
I truly appreciate the chance to experience this story, even if it didn’t entirely work for me. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for providing the opportunity to read and review this book.
This system is chilling, morally murky, and ripe for exploration. It echoes the ethical questions raised in the 2009 film Surrogates: What happens when a body can be controlled without the mind? What rights does the body have when the “self” is essentially offline? And at what point does convenience transform into exploitation? The book’s world raises these questions in a way that feels both futuristic and uncomfortably familiar.
When Michaela begins waking up with unexplained bruises, the façade of safety crumbles. Slowly, anxiety creeps in - not only for her physical well-being but for the realisation that she has no idea who is controlling her body or what they might be doing with it. What initially looked like passive survival becomes a terrifying loss of agency. Her attempts to understand the truth behind her rentals and her addiction drive the narrative forward.
Unfortunately, while the setup is strong, the execution didn’t live up to the potential for me. The plot becomes increasingly chaotic: long-lost family members return, someone is killed, memories are erased, crucial pills vanish only to reappear, and the story shifts direction without grounding the reader. Instead of slow-building tension or a coherent unraveling of the system’s dark underbelly, the narrative leans into twists that feel abrupt and disconnected. The result is a world that is fascinating in concept but muddled in storytelling.
Michaela’s personal journey also felt underdeveloped. The ending - without spoiling too much - leans heavily into the bleak idea that breaking free from addiction is nearly impossible. While addiction is indeed a difficult and complex struggle, the narrative frames it almost as an inevitability rather than a challenge that requires growth, support, and recovery. The final chapters left me feeling deflated rather than reflective.
Still, the moral dilemmas at the heart of The Hostess linger. The idea of a body rented out for 24/7 use, running on borrowed time and borrowed energy, raises uncomfortable questions that the book briefly touches on but never fully explores. That gap between concept and execution is what made this a disappointing read for me.
I truly appreciate the chance to experience this story, even if it didn’t entirely work for me. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for providing the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 8, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC.
The beginning of the audiobook narration felt a bit jarring to me because some sentences sounded like they were re-recorded. Their volume and cadence differ slightly from the rest of the narration. This is a minor issue and, honestly, might just be a me problem. That being said, the narrator's voice is pleasant to listen to.
In this futuristic novella, we follow Michaela, who, facing financial struggles, is part of a program that rents out her body while she sleeps. It's intended to be harmless, allowing others to experience life through her eyes, until Michaela and her co-workers begin waking up with mysterious injuries. Unable to get answers from the company offering the service, they decide to investigate what is really happening while they're asleep.
The concept was very intriguing; however, I feel like the characters and plot need more development. Things happened too quickly at times, and halfway through, I wasn't quite sure what was happening. Then, the ending felt rushed and abrupt. This was disappointing because the foundation for a really good story was there. It just wasn’t fully developed or properly paced.
The beginning of the audiobook narration felt a bit jarring to me because some sentences sounded like they were re-recorded. Their volume and cadence differ slightly from the rest of the narration. This is a minor issue and, honestly, might just be a me problem. That being said, the narrator's voice is pleasant to listen to.
In this futuristic novella, we follow Michaela, who, facing financial struggles, is part of a program that rents out her body while she sleeps. It's intended to be harmless, allowing others to experience life through her eyes, until Michaela and her co-workers begin waking up with mysterious injuries. Unable to get answers from the company offering the service, they decide to investigate what is really happening while they're asleep.
The concept was very intriguing; however, I feel like the characters and plot need more development. Things happened too quickly at times, and halfway through, I wasn't quite sure what was happening. Then, the ending felt rushed and abrupt. This was disappointing because the foundation for a really good story was there. It just wasn’t fully developed or properly paced.
November 23, 2025
If you're after a bite-sized piece of literature that reminds you of Black Mirror, then you've got to add The Hostess to your TBR. This is a fast-paced sci-fi novelette that has themes that resonate with our current economic climate.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To read my full review, visit my Wordpress blog at https://eviethebookworm.wordpress.com...
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To read my full review, visit my Wordpress blog at https://eviethebookworm.wordpress.com...
September 19, 2025
The pacing in this book was a little wild. One minute something was happening and the next, I had no idea where I was or why. It felt like I accidentally skipped through a chapter or two.
The writing style didn’t grab me either. Everything was very plain. "She walked to her car. She opened the door. She sat down." I kept waiting for something to pop off on the page, but it mostly stayed quiet.
The story itself has interesting bones. The ideas are solid and the concept is promising. It just needs more work to make it exciting or fully engaging.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style didn’t grab me either. Everything was very plain. "She walked to her car. She opened the door. She sat down." I kept waiting for something to pop off on the page, but it mostly stayed quiet.
The story itself has interesting bones. The ideas are solid and the concept is promising. It just needs more work to make it exciting or fully engaging.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
When I saw the description of this (audio)book, I was instantly intrigued. Although sci-fi is not my go-to genre, I do enjoy it from time to time, and this felt like the perfect story to get into. Unfortunately, I didn't check how long it was...
Our main character, Michaela, has been struggling financially, so she became a 'hostess' with a program that rents out her body to guests. Although the company portrays this as harmless 'travelling', it turns out that it is actually pretty dangerous. Michaela starts waking up with weird injuries, but the straw that breaks the camel's back is when her friend comes to her with the suspicion that she is being r@ped during the visits.
The concept piqued my interest. I was intrigued to find out more about this futuristic world, the trauma these girls experience, and how the fascinating human mind might deal with a trauma that happens to one's body while one is... not mentally there? unconscious? I started pondering questions about human psychology, politics and a world where this technology could be possible... questions swarmed my mind, and the idea of this book would make a great Black Mirror episode (if there isn't one similar to this already).
However, once I started listening to the book, I was disappointed almost immediately. As I've mentioned above, I didn't check how long the book was when I requested it from Netgalley, and that was a mistake. Around a quarter into the book, I knew this idea can't be successfully explored in 57 pages/1 hour 37 minutes. Everything happened too quickly, the plot wasn't developed, the characters would've needed much more depth. Half of this is due to the length of the book, but the other half—I think—is also just bad writing; good examples of well-developed plots and characters even when a story is very short, exist.
Again, the core of the book felt like an amazing and unique idea, and the plot was interesting (there were even twists and multiple layers to the story!). But, unfortunately, this interesting and unique idea wasn't explored properly, the characters didn't have time and space to develop, and the reader/listener was always 'tagging along', not truly immersed. There were multiple plot holes and questions we didn't get answers to due to the shortness of the novella. Finally, the ending felt abrupt. And that says something when I feel like we've been rushed through the entire book.
Honestly, I was especially disappointed because the foundation was there, the concept of this novella would have made a great story, if only it had been developed a bit further, given more space and deepened the characters. I grieve this novella—because, had it been a full-length book, it could have become one of my favorites.
Nevertheless, I still appreciate that despite its shortness, the story still evoked interesting questions and thoughts in me about the core concept before, during and after reading. That definitely deserves some praise, that the story didn't just fall flat and become forgettable.
———
P.S. I didn't like the main character, Michaela at all. She was selfish, not a good friend, and way too naive. Also, one of the main plot holes I found is connected to her kind of just... forgetting about her own injuries and concerns? Not to mention, forgetting about them in favor of the company (which connects back to her naïvete—because it is such a good company...).
———
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
Please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
#TheHostess #NetGalley
Our main character, Michaela, has been struggling financially, so she became a 'hostess' with a program that rents out her body to guests. Although the company portrays this as harmless 'travelling', it turns out that it is actually pretty dangerous. Michaela starts waking up with weird injuries, but the straw that breaks the camel's back is when her friend comes to her with the suspicion that she is being r@ped during the visits.
The concept piqued my interest. I was intrigued to find out more about this futuristic world, the trauma these girls experience, and how the fascinating human mind might deal with a trauma that happens to one's body while one is... not mentally there? unconscious? I started pondering questions about human psychology, politics and a world where this technology could be possible... questions swarmed my mind, and the idea of this book would make a great Black Mirror episode (if there isn't one similar to this already).
However, once I started listening to the book, I was disappointed almost immediately. As I've mentioned above, I didn't check how long the book was when I requested it from Netgalley, and that was a mistake. Around a quarter into the book, I knew this idea can't be successfully explored in 57 pages/1 hour 37 minutes. Everything happened too quickly, the plot wasn't developed, the characters would've needed much more depth. Half of this is due to the length of the book, but the other half—I think—is also just bad writing; good examples of well-developed plots and characters even when a story is very short, exist.
Again, the core of the book felt like an amazing and unique idea, and the plot was interesting (there were even twists and multiple layers to the story!). But, unfortunately, this interesting and unique idea wasn't explored properly, the characters didn't have time and space to develop, and the reader/listener was always 'tagging along', not truly immersed. There were multiple plot holes and questions we didn't get answers to due to the shortness of the novella. Finally, the ending felt abrupt. And that says something when I feel like we've been rushed through the entire book.
Honestly, I was especially disappointed because the foundation was there, the concept of this novella would have made a great story, if only it had been developed a bit further, given more space and deepened the characters. I grieve this novella—because, had it been a full-length book, it could have become one of my favorites.
Nevertheless, I still appreciate that despite its shortness, the story still evoked interesting questions and thoughts in me about the core concept before, during and after reading. That definitely deserves some praise, that the story didn't just fall flat and become forgettable.
———
P.S. I didn't like the main character, Michaela at all. She was selfish, not a good friend, and way too naive. Also, one of the main plot holes I found is connected to her kind of just... forgetting about her own injuries and concerns? Not to mention, forgetting about them in favor of the company (which connects back to her naïvete—because it is such a good company...).
———
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
Please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
#TheHostess #NetGalley
September 28, 2025
Dark, disturbing and absorbing science fiction novelette that left me wanting more.
I did not realize this wasn’t a full length novel before I requested both the e-book and the audio book ARC from the publishers. I typically don’t read novelettes, novellas, short stories or whatever way they’re presented because I often end up disappointed that there isn’t enough depth to the story. That is true in this case for sure.
The premise is so intriguing — a young woman (the Host) lends out her body to a Guest through a virtual program run by a company known as the Leisure Life Club. They advertise that they can give the buyer or member the entire world from a chair in minutes. Of course the program is very popular and the Host has absolutely no control over who buys her body and her time. Some of the Guests play fast and loose with their purchase and Michaela and her friend, Susan, end up with unexplained bruises and other trauma, including rape. Of course this can’t be proved even though the girls request their activity logs — obviously altered to protect the Guest and the company. They are trapped even as they live well above the rest of the inhabitants of New York City in a dystopian future world that is all too believable.
There’s some great contemporary social commentary within the narrative and I just wanted a deeper dive. Yes, lots of questions about the ending. Quite enjoyable. It is very thought provoking and scary which make for a good discussion for a book club. Definitely probes themes of body autonomy and exploitation as well as what the world of life and work might look like in a future with AI and other technology replacing what things are like today.
Page count: approximately 58 pages. Quick read/listen but it will stay with you.
I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by NetGalley and the publishers. The narrator, Susan Spano, did a fabulous job of voicing the main characters and providing appropriate dramatic flair. The production definitely provided an immersive experience that enhanced my enjoyment of this novelette.
I did not realize this wasn’t a full length novel before I requested both the e-book and the audio book ARC from the publishers. I typically don’t read novelettes, novellas, short stories or whatever way they’re presented because I often end up disappointed that there isn’t enough depth to the story. That is true in this case for sure.
The premise is so intriguing — a young woman (the Host) lends out her body to a Guest through a virtual program run by a company known as the Leisure Life Club. They advertise that they can give the buyer or member the entire world from a chair in minutes. Of course the program is very popular and the Host has absolutely no control over who buys her body and her time. Some of the Guests play fast and loose with their purchase and Michaela and her friend, Susan, end up with unexplained bruises and other trauma, including rape. Of course this can’t be proved even though the girls request their activity logs — obviously altered to protect the Guest and the company. They are trapped even as they live well above the rest of the inhabitants of New York City in a dystopian future world that is all too believable.
There’s some great contemporary social commentary within the narrative and I just wanted a deeper dive. Yes, lots of questions about the ending. Quite enjoyable. It is very thought provoking and scary which make for a good discussion for a book club. Definitely probes themes of body autonomy and exploitation as well as what the world of life and work might look like in a future with AI and other technology replacing what things are like today.
Page count: approximately 58 pages. Quick read/listen but it will stay with you.
I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by NetGalley and the publishers. The narrator, Susan Spano, did a fabulous job of voicing the main characters and providing appropriate dramatic flair. The production definitely provided an immersive experience that enhanced my enjoyment of this novelette.
September 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for proving me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The concept of this novel was so unusual that it had me intrigued from the start.
It is a futuristic, dystopian novel that essentially dissects and critiques the state of the economy, and its current trajectory, and the extent to which companies will go to exploit their workers. And how desperation can force a person to d things that they may not morally agree with.
Our main character, Michaela, is a Hostess ie. someone who allows other people to rent her body virtually and experience whatever it is they desire. The job is extremely well paying and this is the reason Michaela has taken it on- in order to secure the financial future of herself and her parents after her brother stole all their money to feed his drug addiction.
However, once Michaela notices some anomalies in protocol at her company, Leisure Life Club, she and her friend Susan begin to question the true experiences that they are being essentially sold for and try to uncover the mystery behind Susan's extensive injuries she finds after a Guest has utilised her. And ultimately, the consequences of the secrets they find.
The concept and overarching plot of this book were very intriguing and thought provoking but I felt that the novelette format actually was a hindrance to the execution and reading experience of this book.
So much occurs in just 57 pages and unfortunately because of that low number many concepts are not completely fleshed out and the writing style itself feels rushed and unrefined. You also have no time to learn about the characters and form any emotional attachments to them thus my investment in the ending, and particular Michaela's ending, was quite stunted.
I really wish this had been a full length novel, as the concept and the plot are so promising and I really would love to know so much more about the different aspects of this book.
The concept of this novel was so unusual that it had me intrigued from the start.
It is a futuristic, dystopian novel that essentially dissects and critiques the state of the economy, and its current trajectory, and the extent to which companies will go to exploit their workers. And how desperation can force a person to d things that they may not morally agree with.
Our main character, Michaela, is a Hostess ie. someone who allows other people to rent her body virtually and experience whatever it is they desire. The job is extremely well paying and this is the reason Michaela has taken it on- in order to secure the financial future of herself and her parents after her brother stole all their money to feed his drug addiction.
However, once Michaela notices some anomalies in protocol at her company, Leisure Life Club, she and her friend Susan begin to question the true experiences that they are being essentially sold for and try to uncover the mystery behind Susan's extensive injuries she finds after a Guest has utilised her. And ultimately, the consequences of the secrets they find.
The concept and overarching plot of this book were very intriguing and thought provoking but I felt that the novelette format actually was a hindrance to the execution and reading experience of this book.
So much occurs in just 57 pages and unfortunately because of that low number many concepts are not completely fleshed out and the writing style itself feels rushed and unrefined. You also have no time to learn about the characters and form any emotional attachments to them thus my investment in the ending, and particular Michaela's ending, was quite stunted.
I really wish this had been a full length novel, as the concept and the plot are so promising and I really would love to know so much more about the different aspects of this book.
November 16, 2025
What would you do if you were so broke that you couldn't sustain your life any longer? No matter your answer to this question, I bet it isn't that you would be a host for people to take over your body for a certain period of time.
That's what Michaela has to do in The Hostess by Cat Oyster in the near future to be able to pay off her debts and help her family. There are some problems, though: she keeps having nightmares, she has bruises she didn't have before, and something's not right with the company she works for.
The core idea is strong: body-rental while asleep does equal an eerie, novel, and creepy story. But this core idea doesn't save the story from pacing issues. The story in the beginning drags a bit, the build-up being heavier than the payoff. And then the ending races against the clock in speed, and it's like, whoa, what is going on? Went from slow simmer to microwave explosion in record time.
The whole thing's about an hour and a half long, so if you don't want a 300+ page book, this would be an option for you. It has that 1984 paranoia (in a different type of world), and The Matrix (for the ending). But overall, it just feels uneven. It seemed like it was a bit all over the place. While it's not a bad book, I wouldn't read it again.
Warning: If you’re already feeling down, this may not be your pick-me-up. It’s bleak. There are vulgar words, some triggering content, and it definitely doesn’t end with a hug.
I would have to give this story a 3.2 out of 5 black pills. It had potential, and the premise is solid, but the execution feels uneven. Read it if you’re in the right headspace and want a short sci-fi flicker of a story. But I personally wouldn’t re-read it.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily *
That's what Michaela has to do in The Hostess by Cat Oyster in the near future to be able to pay off her debts and help her family. There are some problems, though: she keeps having nightmares, she has bruises she didn't have before, and something's not right with the company she works for.
The core idea is strong: body-rental while asleep does equal an eerie, novel, and creepy story. But this core idea doesn't save the story from pacing issues. The story in the beginning drags a bit, the build-up being heavier than the payoff. And then the ending races against the clock in speed, and it's like, whoa, what is going on? Went from slow simmer to microwave explosion in record time.
The whole thing's about an hour and a half long, so if you don't want a 300+ page book, this would be an option for you. It has that 1984 paranoia (in a different type of world), and The Matrix (for the ending). But overall, it just feels uneven. It seemed like it was a bit all over the place. While it's not a bad book, I wouldn't read it again.
Warning: If you’re already feeling down, this may not be your pick-me-up. It’s bleak. There are vulgar words, some triggering content, and it definitely doesn’t end with a hug.
I would have to give this story a 3.2 out of 5 black pills. It had potential, and the premise is solid, but the execution feels uneven. Read it if you’re in the right headspace and want a short sci-fi flicker of a story. But I personally wouldn’t re-read it.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily *
October 7, 2025
Maybe I'll change the rating to 3 idk yet.
the concept of this novelette is truly intriguing. Horrifying too, but intriguing. That is the main reason why my rating is still this high.
I think this whole novella has a lot of potential, but it didn't deliver. A lot of things were only vaguely explained or not at all, partially on purpose due to memory blanks of the character, but it still disappointed me.
All in all, it is just another book speaking of corrupted society, just in a more scientific way.
I think this would have been better if instead of being a novella, it would have extended to a full book, not necessarily a long one, but to have taken its time with the concept, the drugs, the characters and all of that.
I do recommend if you want to listen to a short but catching story while working on something.
It was lowkey annoying in some ways like it hardly explained anything and we just kinda skipped between events without explanation 😭
this is kind of a 2.5 star ig since as i said the concept was good. The open ending i surprisingly liked though I'd take it as not open and since she smiled i assume she did cut off her finger to escape that creepy shit. RIP Susan and Gabriel. The whole company is kinda twisted (no shit) but what would you expect of a company that advertises their "Hostesses" that are incredibly good looking...? Sad they didnt actually go in depth on the drug/ serum thing it would have been interesting to explore
the concept of this novelette is truly intriguing. Horrifying too, but intriguing. That is the main reason why my rating is still this high.
I think this whole novella has a lot of potential, but it didn't deliver. A lot of things were only vaguely explained or not at all, partially on purpose due to memory blanks of the character, but it still disappointed me.
All in all, it is just another book speaking of corrupted society, just in a more scientific way.
I think this would have been better if instead of being a novella, it would have extended to a full book, not necessarily a long one, but to have taken its time with the concept, the drugs, the characters and all of that.
I do recommend if you want to listen to a short but catching story while working on something.
It was lowkey annoying in some ways like it hardly explained anything and we just kinda skipped between events without explanation 😭
this is kind of a 2.5 star ig since as i said the concept was good. The open ending i surprisingly liked though I'd take it as not open and since she smiled i assume she did cut off her finger to escape that creepy shit. RIP Susan and Gabriel. The whole company is kinda twisted (no shit) but what would you expect of a company that advertises their "Hostesses" that are incredibly good looking...? Sad they didnt actually go in depth on the drug/ serum thing it would have been interesting to explore
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
I received the audiobook from NetGalley, and am leaving my honest review voluntarily. I will also preface my review with how I read the ebook (available on Kindle Unlimited) while listening to the audiobook.
This was a strange read, however, it immediately grabbed and held my attention. While I gave it 2 stars I was never bored with the story. Do I know what I was reading about? Barely. Did I want to continue reading? Yes! As previous reviews stated, this did jump around and was written in a very basic tone. It jumped so much though that there was no real build up or no real, clear, explanation of what the heck was going on. It was a fever dream of a story. I will say this, I think it more of a Skeleton to a really fantastic story. I love the concept but didn’t quite hit, even as a novella.
Narration was fine. I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular but it did surprise me. It was least on the ears, pleasant tone and good character changes. I’d definitely listen to other books by the same narrator, she was pretty good!
If this was ever updated, made into a longer story, etc., I’d jump on the chance to reread it, that’s how cool the concept and story is. Right now though, unless I missed something, it seems to need a little bit more work.
This was a strange read, however, it immediately grabbed and held my attention. While I gave it 2 stars I was never bored with the story. Do I know what I was reading about? Barely. Did I want to continue reading? Yes! As previous reviews stated, this did jump around and was written in a very basic tone. It jumped so much though that there was no real build up or no real, clear, explanation of what the heck was going on. It was a fever dream of a story. I will say this, I think it more of a Skeleton to a really fantastic story. I love the concept but didn’t quite hit, even as a novella.
Narration was fine. I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular but it did surprise me. It was least on the ears, pleasant tone and good character changes. I’d definitely listen to other books by the same narrator, she was pretty good!
If this was ever updated, made into a longer story, etc., I’d jump on the chance to reread it, that’s how cool the concept and story is. Right now though, unless I missed something, it seems to need a little bit more work.
September 24, 2025
The Hostess by Cat Oyster is a sleek, atmospheric dive into a world where fashion, tech, and power collide. From the first page, the story wraps you in a aesthetic that feels both edgy and elegant—think Cyberpunk chic meets Westwood-inspired rebellion.
The narration is on point: crisp, immersive, and perfectly paced. You can feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The characters are intriguing, without ever overstepping into cliché.
My only wish? That it was longer. Just as I was fully immersed in the world, it ended. But maybe that’s part of its charm—it leaves you wanting more. I’d love to read it as a full length novel!
If you're into cyberpunk vibes, corporate drama, and stories that feel like they are from an episode of Black Mirror, The Hostess is a must-read.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
The narration is on point: crisp, immersive, and perfectly paced. You can feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The characters are intriguing, without ever overstepping into cliché.
My only wish? That it was longer. Just as I was fully immersed in the world, it ended. But maybe that’s part of its charm—it leaves you wanting more. I’d love to read it as a full length novel!
If you're into cyberpunk vibes, corporate drama, and stories that feel like they are from an episode of Black Mirror, The Hostess is a must-read.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2025
Story - 4.5/5
Narration - 5/5
The Hostess follows Mikayla, who works at a facility where bodies are used as capsules for others. The story blends themes of addiction, control, and possession with intriguing sci-fi elements.
The subplot involving Mikayla’s brother adds meaningful depth to her character, which is especially impressive given the story’s short length. I really enjoyed the subtle mystery and the sense of the unknown that Mikayla experiences. It created a feeling of unease, but in a compelling way. The narrative was well fleshed out and emotionally engaging.
Though brief, the book is well-paced and makes for a great listen. Susan Spano’s narration is excellent, her characterisation is spot-on, and the occasional sound effects enhance the overall experience.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read or listen with a fun and thought-provoking plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for this audio ARC!
Narration - 5/5
The Hostess follows Mikayla, who works at a facility where bodies are used as capsules for others. The story blends themes of addiction, control, and possession with intriguing sci-fi elements.
The subplot involving Mikayla’s brother adds meaningful depth to her character, which is especially impressive given the story’s short length. I really enjoyed the subtle mystery and the sense of the unknown that Mikayla experiences. It created a feeling of unease, but in a compelling way. The narrative was well fleshed out and emotionally engaging.
Though brief, the book is well-paced and makes for a great listen. Susan Spano’s narration is excellent, her characterisation is spot-on, and the occasional sound effects enhance the overall experience.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read or listen with a fun and thought-provoking plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for this audio ARC!
October 14, 2025
The Hostess has such a cool/creepy concept, renting out your body while you sleep? So cringe and fascinating at the same time. The story starts strong, with plenty of mystery and tension, and I was hooked right away. But as it went on, it felt a bit rushed and some parts didn’t get the depth they deserved. I wanted more world-building and emotion behind the big ideas.
Overall, it’s an interesting read with a unique premise, but it didn’t fully live up to what it could’ve been. Still, it kept me curious enough to see how it would all end. Kudos for the writer, it's a good novelette for a debut writer!
Thank you NetGalley and Cat Oyster for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of this book!
Overall, it’s an interesting read with a unique premise, but it didn’t fully live up to what it could’ve been. Still, it kept me curious enough to see how it would all end. Kudos for the writer, it's a good novelette for a debut writer!
Thank you NetGalley and Cat Oyster for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of this book!
September 25, 2025
I know it's trite to say you wish a short story was longer but in this case I really needed it to be at least 100-200 pages because it ends very abruptly and I'm not sure what anyone's overall goals were. The book was really immersive but one of the last lines refers to what someone was fighting for and they never told us what that person was fighting for?
The world set up is very interesting, black mirror levels of recognizable as a potential future but I needed just a bit more clarity on what either the company or the MCs were trying to achieve for this to really work for me.
3.5🌟 rounded up
Thanks NetGalley for the copy!
The world set up is very interesting, black mirror levels of recognizable as a potential future but I needed just a bit more clarity on what either the company or the MCs were trying to achieve for this to really work for me.
3.5🌟 rounded up
Thanks NetGalley for the copy!
October 3, 2025
Thanks to @netgalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the preview.
📔The Hostess
✍️ Cat Oyster
📆September 14, 2025
Summary: Michaela works as a “body host” while she sleeps. Strangers can rent her body to live life through her body. It all seems fine until Michaela wakes one day with bruises she can’t explain. Her and a coworker start digging into who is really using their bodies and what is actually happening while they are sleeping.
Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5: The premise of this book intrigued me. It was a very quick read and I was left wanting more. I think if the book was longer and more developed my rating would be higher. It felt rushed for me. With that being said, it was thought provoking and interesting. I hope the author releases this as a full length novel in the future.
📔The Hostess
✍️ Cat Oyster
📆September 14, 2025
Summary: Michaela works as a “body host” while she sleeps. Strangers can rent her body to live life through her body. It all seems fine until Michaela wakes one day with bruises she can’t explain. Her and a coworker start digging into who is really using their bodies and what is actually happening while they are sleeping.
Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5: The premise of this book intrigued me. It was a very quick read and I was left wanting more. I think if the book was longer and more developed my rating would be higher. It felt rushed for me. With that being said, it was thought provoking and interesting. I hope the author releases this as a full length novel in the future.
October 14, 2025
The Hostess has an unusual and unique plot. In The Hostess we discover a dystopian society. I find the premise disturbing. A company pays people to allow someone else to inhabit it while they are sleeping. Michaela rents out her body while she is sleeping. When she awakens, she has bruises. She begins asking questions. The answers are dangerous.
This book could have been better developed if it had been longer. I believe the author wrote this book as an example of an authoritarian society. The book was well written. I enjoy dystopian tales and this one certainly meets that criteria.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair unbiased review.
This book could have been better developed if it had been longer. I believe the author wrote this book as an example of an authoritarian society. The book was well written. I enjoy dystopian tales and this one certainly meets that criteria.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair unbiased review.
December 8, 2025
I simply loved this book!
The concept was so clever. It read like an episode of Black Mirror - not difficult to believe it could happen, yet so very scary.
The limited number of characters was also appealing as it allowed me to focus on the ideas rather than become entrenched in working out a network of connections. I appreciated that the starkness of the environment was portrayed without tortuous descriptive passage.
I also liked the style of the prose which was direct and not overly prosaic.
The negative aspect was it ended too quickly - I believe there is a book that could be developed from this plot.
Thank you - this brightened up a very miserable afternoon.
The concept was so clever. It read like an episode of Black Mirror - not difficult to believe it could happen, yet so very scary.
The limited number of characters was also appealing as it allowed me to focus on the ideas rather than become entrenched in working out a network of connections. I appreciated that the starkness of the environment was portrayed without tortuous descriptive passage.
I also liked the style of the prose which was direct and not overly prosaic.
The negative aspect was it ended too quickly - I believe there is a book that could be developed from this plot.
Thank you - this brightened up a very miserable afternoon.
October 19, 2025
A futuristic novella with a disturbing body swapping premise - I can see why this is compared to an episode of Black Mirror. It is surprisingly fleshed out for such a short book and does feel like an episode of a TV show. I appreciated that it does allude to the benefits and risks of using others in this fashion.
The narrator did a good job differentiating characters with their voices but I was not a fan of her breathiness at times.
Thank you BooksGoSocial Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley.
The narrator did a good job differentiating characters with their voices but I was not a fan of her breathiness at times.
Thank you BooksGoSocial Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley.
September 23, 2025
Despite being a novelette, this is a really quick and interesting read. The premise reminds me a bit of the shows Westworld and Humans, with futuristic aspects of shows like Almost Human and Minority Report.
The world building was done incredibly well. The fast pace of the story also lent itself to the erosion of memories, body horror and psychological tension in the story. The descriptions allowed for the reader to really immersive themselves and picture the world as it stood.
While this was a short novelette and we got a beginning, middle, and end, their is some improvement to be had. The transitions were extremely abrupt and took a bit to get used to. They caused me to have to really pay attention in order to stay on track.
I would love for this to be made into a full-length book.
There is corruption, drugging, physical abuse, drug abuse, and sexual abuse.
Rating: 3.75 / 5 stars
Strongest element: Themes and world-building
The world building was done incredibly well. The fast pace of the story also lent itself to the erosion of memories, body horror and psychological tension in the story. The descriptions allowed for the reader to really immersive themselves and picture the world as it stood.
While this was a short novelette and we got a beginning, middle, and end, their is some improvement to be had. The transitions were extremely abrupt and took a bit to get used to. They caused me to have to really pay attention in order to stay on track.
I would love for this to be made into a full-length book.
There is corruption, drugging, physical abuse, drug abuse, and sexual abuse.
Rating: 3.75 / 5 stars
Strongest element: Themes and world-building
September 20, 2025
Rated this a 3.5⭐.
This had my attention right from the start, but it was lacking some depth and I was left with a lot of questions. Now granted it was a novella but I still feel it could have been longer. It showed some real promise and would likely shine as a full length book. I enjoyed the narrator, which is always a plus for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for this advanced copy.
This had my attention right from the start, but it was lacking some depth and I was left with a lot of questions. Now granted it was a novella but I still feel it could have been longer. It showed some real promise and would likely shine as a full length book. I enjoyed the narrator, which is always a plus for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for this advanced copy.
October 1, 2025
I went into The Hostess with very high expectations, perhaps a bit too high given the book's relatively short length. It felt far too brief, and I really wished it had been longer to allow for more depth in the story and to truly get to know the main character and the experiences she goes through in her work as a 'host.' That said, the book was exceptionally well-written, so if you're looking for a quick read with fast-paced twists and turns, this one is perfect.
October 17, 2025
Slightly future Sci-fi novella audiobook. Plenty of dark, and a cuttingly played out ending. Michaela’s money problems means she is contracted to rent her body for others to use. There rules for the renter to follow. But she is finding her body is being marked. What’s going on, and does the company that employs her actually have her body’s safety as a first concern? Thank you to BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
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