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Final Descent
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100 copies available
U.S. only
At 30,000 feet, the danger isn’t turbulence—it’s him.
After suffering a breakdown from her brutal divorce, airline pilot Claire Winslow is rebuilding her life with her five-year-old daughter. Just as she’s finding her footing, an online romance spirals into a chilling nightmare. Her first date with Evan goes terribly wrong, and he soon begins stalking her, showing up outside her home and even her daughter’s school.
After nearly a week of no sightings of him, Claire dares to believe maybe he’s moved on. Relieved, she puts her focus on her upcoming flight—the first chance she’s had to prove herself since she was put on leave. Then, on a layover in Boston, Claire spots Evan at her hotel. She goes to the police, but with no real name and nothing traceable online, they say there’s nothing they can do.
When Evan boards her flight wearing a pilot uniform and takes the jump seat just before takeoff, Claire is convinced he’s there to kill her—or take the plane down. But after her recent breakdown, the question becomes: is she right…or unraveling all over again?
After suffering a breakdown from her brutal divorce, airline pilot Claire Winslow is rebuilding her life with her five-year-old daughter. Just as she’s finding her footing, an online romance spirals into a chilling nightmare. Her first date with Evan goes terribly wrong, and he soon begins stalking her, showing up outside her home and even her daughter’s school.
After nearly a week of no sightings of him, Claire dares to believe maybe he’s moved on. Relieved, she puts her focus on her upcoming flight—the first chance she’s had to prove herself since she was put on leave. Then, on a layover in Boston, Claire spots Evan at her hotel. She goes to the police, but with no real name and nothing traceable online, they say there’s nothing they can do.
When Evan boards her flight wearing a pilot uniform and takes the jump seat just before takeoff, Claire is convinced he’s there to kill her—or take the plane down. But after her recent breakdown, the question becomes: is she right…or unraveling all over again?
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 4, 2025
39 people want to read
About the author
Audrey J. Cole
21 books1,116 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 22, 2025
“At 30,000 feet, the danger isn’t turbulence-it’s him”
Don’t read the book blurb past that first line-it just about summarizes the whole story, which isn’t something we want when we are going to read a book-especially a novella that is only 90 pages long.
Claire Winslow is an airline pilot returning to work for the first time since being cleared from a court ordered rehab program following a difficult divorce.
Although her rehab had nothing to do with her flying skills, she stills feels like she has to prove herself again. And, then, to test her even further, her STALKER boards as a jumpseat rider from another airline and he will be sitting behind her in the cockpit during the flight.
Talk about PRESSURE!
As a flight attendant with well over 25 years of flight experience-I know that author Audrey Cole always takes some creative license with the facts for the sake of a good thriller, but as a Pilot’s daughter-she usually gets enough of the details right to make for a plausible story…
But, not this time.
Unfortunately this story is completely FAR-FETCHED. (Sorry, Audrey)
I enjoyed her books “Missing in Flight” and “The Pilot’s Daughter” but this was a BIG MISS for me.
Available November 4, 2025
Thank You to Rainier Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Don’t read the book blurb past that first line-it just about summarizes the whole story, which isn’t something we want when we are going to read a book-especially a novella that is only 90 pages long.
Claire Winslow is an airline pilot returning to work for the first time since being cleared from a court ordered rehab program following a difficult divorce.
Although her rehab had nothing to do with her flying skills, she stills feels like she has to prove herself again. And, then, to test her even further, her STALKER boards as a jumpseat rider from another airline and he will be sitting behind her in the cockpit during the flight.
Talk about PRESSURE!
As a flight attendant with well over 25 years of flight experience-I know that author Audrey Cole always takes some creative license with the facts for the sake of a good thriller, but as a Pilot’s daughter-she usually gets enough of the details right to make for a plausible story…
But, not this time.
Unfortunately this story is completely FAR-FETCHED. (Sorry, Audrey)
I enjoyed her books “Missing in Flight” and “The Pilot’s Daughter” but this was a BIG MISS for me.
Available November 4, 2025
Thank You to Rainier Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
October 16, 2025
At least it was short
October 17, 2025
You either love or hate novellas, but I absolutely love them. I can only imagine the challenge of packing an entire story into under 100 pages! I think more authors should give it a shot!
Claire Winslow, an airline pilot recovering from a divorce, faces a stalker named Evan after a disastrous first date. Although she feels relieved after a week without sightings, she spots him at her hotel during a layover. When he boards her flight in a pilot uniform, Claire fears for her life and questions her mental stability after a recent breakdown.
In this novella, Claire provides us with a brief glimpse into her life and the events that unfolded. Once I learned what happened to her, I had a nagging feeling that I knew the outcome—I just wasn’t sure how or why it all came together. It seems like sometimes authors want us to guess at least one twist while keeping the rest under wraps until the end. I can’t stand it when characters are driven to madness, and no one believes them; that always frustrates me. Yet, if it’s done with finesse, I’m all in!
This is a short read—being a novella, it’s essential to understand that before diving in and complaining about its length. As a fan of this author, I was thrilled to get my hands on this piece. It’s concise, fast-paced, and straight to the point. This novella is perfect for anyone who can appreciate a satirical take, complete with an unexpected ending and plenty of twists to keep you engaged. I bet it’ll leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page. It is pretty clever! If it doesn’t resonate with you, that’s okay, but be sure to explore other works by this incredible author—you wouldn’t want to miss out on some fantastic reads!
Thank you, BooksGoSocial, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Claire Winslow, an airline pilot recovering from a divorce, faces a stalker named Evan after a disastrous first date. Although she feels relieved after a week without sightings, she spots him at her hotel during a layover. When he boards her flight in a pilot uniform, Claire fears for her life and questions her mental stability after a recent breakdown.
In this novella, Claire provides us with a brief glimpse into her life and the events that unfolded. Once I learned what happened to her, I had a nagging feeling that I knew the outcome—I just wasn’t sure how or why it all came together. It seems like sometimes authors want us to guess at least one twist while keeping the rest under wraps until the end. I can’t stand it when characters are driven to madness, and no one believes them; that always frustrates me. Yet, if it’s done with finesse, I’m all in!
This is a short read—being a novella, it’s essential to understand that before diving in and complaining about its length. As a fan of this author, I was thrilled to get my hands on this piece. It’s concise, fast-paced, and straight to the point. This novella is perfect for anyone who can appreciate a satirical take, complete with an unexpected ending and plenty of twists to keep you engaged. I bet it’ll leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page. It is pretty clever! If it doesn’t resonate with you, that’s okay, but be sure to explore other works by this incredible author—you wouldn’t want to miss out on some fantastic reads!
Thank you, BooksGoSocial, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 18, 2025
I’m such a big fan of Audrey J. Cole’s thrillers! I’ve read seven of her books so far, and every single one has pulled me in right away—each delivering the suspense, twists, and intensity I always look for in a solid psychological thriller.
Final Descent follows an airline pilot whose online romance takes a dark turn when her admirer becomes a stalker—one who seems to appear everywhere she goes, even on her flight. Trapped midair, she’s forced to question her safety and her sanity.
I especially loved the unique aviation setting—it added so much tension and originality. The strong female lead brought real emotional depth, making her easy to root for. And, as always with Cole’s writing, the short, fast-paced chapters kept the suspense tight and made this an easy, binge-worthy read. Can’t wait to read her next release, Only the Hunt Will Tell, in January 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Final Descent follows an airline pilot whose online romance takes a dark turn when her admirer becomes a stalker—one who seems to appear everywhere she goes, even on her flight. Trapped midair, she’s forced to question her safety and her sanity.
I especially loved the unique aviation setting—it added so much tension and originality. The strong female lead brought real emotional depth, making her easy to root for. And, as always with Cole’s writing, the short, fast-paced chapters kept the suspense tight and made this an easy, binge-worthy read. Can’t wait to read her next release, Only the Hunt Will Tell, in January 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2025
Finished reading: October 16th 2025
"I study him in stunned silence. Is he feeding his own curiosity now, or something else?"
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Rainier Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
October 20, 2025
Fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. On a flight all heck breaks loose and landing the plane under a crazy circumstance had my heart racing!
Currently reading
October 19, 2025My thriller novella, Final Descent, releases on November 4! Pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTTB9GWH or Pre-Save on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fjv2uH...
October 23, 2025
Final Descent by Audrey J. Cole is a compact, high-stakes thriller that wastes no time getting to the tension.
Claire Winslow, an airline pilot and single mum, is finally finding her feet again after a difficult divorce — until her online relationship takes a turn for the terrifying. When her stalker starts appearing everywhere she goes, including the airport, she realises nowhere feels safe.
I loved the aviation setting — the pressure of being responsible for hundreds of passengers while feeling hunted adds a really sharp layer of tension. The pacing is quick, the stakes are clear, and the “is it paranoia or danger?” question keeps you hooked.
Because it’s a novella, the ending comes quickly and there’s less time to connect deeply with the characters, but I still found myself invested in how it would play out. Audrey J. Cole knows how to write tension that creeps under your skin.
If you’re after a fast, addictive thriller you can tear through in one sitting, this one delivers.
Claire Winslow, an airline pilot and single mum, is finally finding her feet again after a difficult divorce — until her online relationship takes a turn for the terrifying. When her stalker starts appearing everywhere she goes, including the airport, she realises nowhere feels safe.
I loved the aviation setting — the pressure of being responsible for hundreds of passengers while feeling hunted adds a really sharp layer of tension. The pacing is quick, the stakes are clear, and the “is it paranoia or danger?” question keeps you hooked.
Because it’s a novella, the ending comes quickly and there’s less time to connect deeply with the characters, but I still found myself invested in how it would play out. Audrey J. Cole knows how to write tension that creeps under your skin.
If you’re after a fast, addictive thriller you can tear through in one sitting, this one delivers.
October 23, 2025
Final Descent 3.5⭐️
Audrey Cole is an auto-read author for me. I was excited to get my hands on her latest, a novella. This is a super quick read at under 100 pages. Some parts made me chuckle at the over-the-topness and assumed the underlining cause of the main character’s troubles, but regardless, I was entertained. This is for you if you want a quick read, like airplane plots/settings, 1 POV, and extravagant action.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Nov 4 2025
Audrey Cole is an auto-read author for me. I was excited to get my hands on her latest, a novella. This is a super quick read at under 100 pages. Some parts made me chuckle at the over-the-topness and assumed the underlining cause of the main character’s troubles, but regardless, I was entertained. This is for you if you want a quick read, like airplane plots/settings, 1 POV, and extravagant action.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Nov 4 2025
October 18, 2025
4 stars
My best advice for prospective readers is to really take the fact that this is a novella into account before you crack the cover. You're not going to find the same kind of character and plot development here that you get in a typical Cole novel because there just isn't space for it. That noted, you ARE going to have an absolute blast, just in this shorter read.
Cole has a knack for revealing the seedy underbelly of certain soured relationships, and this is a perfect example of that. Claire's marriage disolved, and then her husband's sense of compassion and personhood seemed to shoot down the drain, too. He's less than kind when Claire makes mistakes, experiences mental health struggles, or generally disagrees with him. She's finally ready to move on romantically and demonstrates this by meeting up with a new app generated fella...who is the actual worst. What's more terrible than a bad date? One that absolutely will not end. Claire starts feeling as though she's being stalked and begins to question her own stability. What ensues is truly wild.
I really enjoy Cole's novels, and this is my first experience with a shorter work from her. I do think it's a MUST to take the shorter format into account, but those prepared for a quicker read will find this fast paced and fun. I did!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
My best advice for prospective readers is to really take the fact that this is a novella into account before you crack the cover. You're not going to find the same kind of character and plot development here that you get in a typical Cole novel because there just isn't space for it. That noted, you ARE going to have an absolute blast, just in this shorter read.
Cole has a knack for revealing the seedy underbelly of certain soured relationships, and this is a perfect example of that. Claire's marriage disolved, and then her husband's sense of compassion and personhood seemed to shoot down the drain, too. He's less than kind when Claire makes mistakes, experiences mental health struggles, or generally disagrees with him. She's finally ready to move on romantically and demonstrates this by meeting up with a new app generated fella...who is the actual worst. What's more terrible than a bad date? One that absolutely will not end. Claire starts feeling as though she's being stalked and begins to question her own stability. What ensues is truly wild.
I really enjoy Cole's novels, and this is my first experience with a shorter work from her. I do think it's a MUST to take the shorter format into account, but those prepared for a quicker read will find this fast paced and fun. I did!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
October 27, 2025
This novella had me gasping for air from beginning to end!
Commercial pilot, Claire, is having a rough year. After divorcing her husband, she is involved in a car accident that nearly kills her young daughter. She’s taking the proper medications to deal with her anxiety but her ex husband, Steven, is trying for full custody of their daughter claiming she is not mentally stable. And after a strange first date with a man named Evan, who she keeps running into after the date, she is beginning to wonder about her mental well being as well. Is she losing her mind? Or is there something more sinister going on?
If you are looking for an adrenaline fueled thriller, then don’t miss this one!
Thank you Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on November 4, 2025
Commercial pilot, Claire, is having a rough year. After divorcing her husband, she is involved in a car accident that nearly kills her young daughter. She’s taking the proper medications to deal with her anxiety but her ex husband, Steven, is trying for full custody of their daughter claiming she is not mentally stable. And after a strange first date with a man named Evan, who she keeps running into after the date, she is beginning to wonder about her mental well being as well. Is she losing her mind? Or is there something more sinister going on?
If you are looking for an adrenaline fueled thriller, then don’t miss this one!
Thank you Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on November 4, 2025
October 25, 2025
My heart was pumping the entire time!
Claire is an airline pilot who’s trying to get her life back on track after a divorce and a stay in a rehab center following a mental breakdown. Taking her friend's advice to put herself out there, she joins an online dating site, but her first date ends in disaster. Soon after, the same man starts appearing everywherw, even on her plane, wearing a pilot’s uniform. Claire feels unsafe, and no one seems to believe her.
From start to finish, my heart was racing. I loved the main character, Claire, I felt so bad for her because she was constantly doubting herself while no one believed her. The suspense built perfectly, and everything tied together so well at the end.
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful novella.
Claire is an airline pilot who’s trying to get her life back on track after a divorce and a stay in a rehab center following a mental breakdown. Taking her friend's advice to put herself out there, she joins an online dating site, but her first date ends in disaster. Soon after, the same man starts appearing everywherw, even on her plane, wearing a pilot’s uniform. Claire feels unsafe, and no one seems to believe her.
From start to finish, my heart was racing. I loved the main character, Claire, I felt so bad for her because she was constantly doubting herself while no one believed her. The suspense built perfectly, and everything tied together so well at the end.
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful novella.
October 27, 2025
Another short story that I finished via audiobook and in record time 👏🏼 As with most of her stories, Audrey J. Cole kept this one suspenseful! Of course, it’s a thriller, so you gotta suspend belief, and this one was good! Had no idea it would end the way it did.
I listened to this while I was on the treadmill and found myself power walking super fast especially during the tense moments 😂
Perfect for people who are in reading slumps, looking for an entertaining audiobook, want something suspenseful, or need a book to help them hit their reading goal!
Huge thanks to Spotify for access to listen to this one early! It comes out November 4.
I listened to this while I was on the treadmill and found myself power walking super fast especially during the tense moments 😂
Perfect for people who are in reading slumps, looking for an entertaining audiobook, want something suspenseful, or need a book to help them hit their reading goal!
Huge thanks to Spotify for access to listen to this one early! It comes out November 4.
October 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, author Audrey J. Cole, and Books Go Social for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.
I absolutely loved this story! While it’s a novella, I found myself wishing it were a full length novel so I could dive deeper into the characters and the events leading up to the divorce and the development of the plan. The storyline was compelling and well paced, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me engaged throughout.
Audrey J. Cole has a gift for crafting cinematic plots, and I couldn’t help but think this story would translate perfectly to the big screen if expanded into a full novel.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes in November
I absolutely loved this story! While it’s a novella, I found myself wishing it were a full length novel so I could dive deeper into the characters and the events leading up to the divorce and the development of the plan. The storyline was compelling and well paced, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me engaged throughout.
Audrey J. Cole has a gift for crafting cinematic plots, and I couldn’t help but think this story would translate perfectly to the big screen if expanded into a full novel.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes in November
October 24, 2025
Final descent.
This is a short story, but its a big story full of deceit and greed and deception.
What one person will do to get what they want. But will they get away with it. Sometimes, what looks like the best laid plans. tend to be sketchy.
Sometimes Ex's can be so revengeful.
This book for such a short story was packed with a lot of story. This was fabulous.I loved this short story.
Audrey j cole. writes fascinating stories that keep you flipping those pages.
This is a short story, but its a big story full of deceit and greed and deception.
What one person will do to get what they want. But will they get away with it. Sometimes, what looks like the best laid plans. tend to be sketchy.
Sometimes Ex's can be so revengeful.
This book for such a short story was packed with a lot of story. This was fabulous.I loved this short story.
Audrey j cole. writes fascinating stories that keep you flipping those pages.
October 20, 2025
This was a quick read that had me hanging on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed this book and the details this author writes into her stories.
Thank you Netgalley & BooksGoSocial publishing for this ARC!
Thank you Netgalley & BooksGoSocial publishing for this ARC!
October 30, 2025
Packing a whole story into 90 pages is wild.
Though Novella's always leave me with 95 more questions, this was still enjoyable.
I wish there was more answers to WHY all of this came to fruition though.
Though Novella's always leave me with 95 more questions, this was still enjoyable.
I wish there was more answers to WHY all of this came to fruition though.
October 18, 2025
I enjoyed this novella. It was a nice quick read with a fast paced storyline that hooked me and made me want to keep reading to the end.
October 20, 2025
Fast paced short read, I like this author a lot
October 21, 2025
Final Descent by Audrey J. Cole is a tantalizing snap-your-fingers quick novella. How can the author pack so much into 90 pages? The constant feeling of unease got under my skin in the best way along with the bonus of fight or flight anxiety.
Claire is finally just beginning to settle after her messy divorce. She and her five-year-old daughter are once again able to breathe. Claire's closest friend encourages her to dip her toes into the dating world and recommends an app. She and Evan meet at an eatery and she is swept off her feet in no time. However, she quickly sees a troubling side to him and can't wait to end their date and get back home. But this is just the beginning. She now has a stalker on her hands but as she had struggled with substances for a time in the past, she questions reality, as do those who are closest to her. Things reach a crescendo on a flight Claire is piloting with no way out. Danger lurks in every nook and cranny. Unreliable narration is my wheelhouse and along with a zippy pace, suspense, and creepiness the parts formed a phenomenal whole, a truly engrossing reading experience. A few implausible situations give momentary pause but easy to overlook for the big picture.
Audrey J. Cole is a must-read author for me. I just know whatever she writes will be consistently fantastic. She has a particular way with creating tension and her writing style is bright, thoughtful and creative. Always a win-win.
Claire is finally just beginning to settle after her messy divorce. She and her five-year-old daughter are once again able to breathe. Claire's closest friend encourages her to dip her toes into the dating world and recommends an app. She and Evan meet at an eatery and she is swept off her feet in no time. However, she quickly sees a troubling side to him and can't wait to end their date and get back home. But this is just the beginning. She now has a stalker on her hands but as she had struggled with substances for a time in the past, she questions reality, as do those who are closest to her. Things reach a crescendo on a flight Claire is piloting with no way out. Danger lurks in every nook and cranny. Unreliable narration is my wheelhouse and along with a zippy pace, suspense, and creepiness the parts formed a phenomenal whole, a truly engrossing reading experience. A few implausible situations give momentary pause but easy to overlook for the big picture.
Audrey J. Cole is a must-read author for me. I just know whatever she writes will be consistently fantastic. She has a particular way with creating tension and her writing style is bright, thoughtful and creative. Always a win-win.
October 24, 2025
This was my first introduction to Audrey J. Cole’s writing — but it definitely won’t be the last. From the moment I started, I was completely hooked. The story takes off at full throttle and never loses altitude, combining sharp pacing, tight plotting, and an irresistibly suspenseful atmosphere that had me glued to every page.
Cole’s writing style is crisp, cinematic, and effortlessly engaging. She has a real talent for building tension without ever overdoing it — every chapter ends with just the right amount of unease to keep you reading “one more.” What really impressed me, though, was how she weaves emotional depth into the fast-paced action. The stakes feel real, the fear palpable, and the world she creates so vivid that I could almost hear the roar of the engines and feel the pressure of every decision made at 30,000 feet.
The characters are well-drawn and believable, their motivations clear and compelling. You genuinely care about what happens to Claire throughout, which makes the twists hit even harder.
By the time I turned the final page, I realised I hadn’t looked up since starting it. Final Descent is a gripping, high-tension novella that’s impossible to put down — and a stunning introduction to Audrey J. Cole’s work.
Cole’s writing style is crisp, cinematic, and effortlessly engaging. She has a real talent for building tension without ever overdoing it — every chapter ends with just the right amount of unease to keep you reading “one more.” What really impressed me, though, was how she weaves emotional depth into the fast-paced action. The stakes feel real, the fear palpable, and the world she creates so vivid that I could almost hear the roar of the engines and feel the pressure of every decision made at 30,000 feet.
The characters are well-drawn and believable, their motivations clear and compelling. You genuinely care about what happens to Claire throughout, which makes the twists hit even harder.
By the time I turned the final page, I realised I hadn’t looked up since starting it. Final Descent is a gripping, high-tension novella that’s impossible to put down — and a stunning introduction to Audrey J. Cole’s work.
October 17, 2025
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Final Descent releases November 4, 2025
2.5
With the encouragement of her therapist and best friend, Claire decides to go on her first date after her divorce. But after a disastrous dinner that brings out red flags, Claire finds that she is unable to escape this man whom she matched with on a dating app.
Having just recently completed court-ordered time at rehab, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether Evan is really stalking Claire at her daughter’s school and on cross-country flights, or if it’s a by-product of her mental breakdown.
The perfect word to describe this novella is succinct. There’s really not much more to it than the brief character introductions (which are already outlined in the blurb), and the final resolution. It’s like getting the CliffsNotes of a full-length book or watching a movie trailer — all the main points are there without any filler.
I think another fifty pages and a secondary pov from either Becca, Evan, or Stephen would’ve added the necessary dimension to avoid having the reader feel like they only needed a sentence of summarization tacked onto the blurb.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Final Descent releases November 4, 2025
2.5
With the encouragement of her therapist and best friend, Claire decides to go on her first date after her divorce. But after a disastrous dinner that brings out red flags, Claire finds that she is unable to escape this man whom she matched with on a dating app.
Having just recently completed court-ordered time at rehab, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether Evan is really stalking Claire at her daughter’s school and on cross-country flights, or if it’s a by-product of her mental breakdown.
The perfect word to describe this novella is succinct. There’s really not much more to it than the brief character introductions (which are already outlined in the blurb), and the final resolution. It’s like getting the CliffsNotes of a full-length book or watching a movie trailer — all the main points are there without any filler.
I think another fifty pages and a secondary pov from either Becca, Evan, or Stephen would’ve added the necessary dimension to avoid having the reader feel like they only needed a sentence of summarization tacked onto the blurb.
October 18, 2025
I love, love, loved Final Descent. This book was the epitome of a true thriller. The book started by grabbing my attention with the setting. Claire, the MFC, is waiting for her date at a restaurant, whom she met on a dating app.
It quickly escalates when she later finds her date driving by her house at night and watching her at her daughter's school. Why is he stalking her? The intensity grows throughout the book. I never knew what would happen next. The twists throughout the book were shocking and nail-biting.
The fast-paced thriller includes only essential characters to the story. No filler characters trying to throw the reader off track. Claire is a character that you can't help but empathize with. She is a strong character; no matter how many times she gets gaslit, she never gives up.
I was able to finish the book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down, I had to see how it ended. It's a quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I've never read any books by this author, but after reading this one, I've become a fan of her writing style. I'll be reading more books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC; the opinions are my own.
It quickly escalates when she later finds her date driving by her house at night and watching her at her daughter's school. Why is he stalking her? The intensity grows throughout the book. I never knew what would happen next. The twists throughout the book were shocking and nail-biting.
The fast-paced thriller includes only essential characters to the story. No filler characters trying to throw the reader off track. Claire is a character that you can't help but empathize with. She is a strong character; no matter how many times she gets gaslit, she never gives up.
I was able to finish the book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down, I had to see how it ended. It's a quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I've never read any books by this author, but after reading this one, I've become a fan of her writing style. I'll be reading more books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC; the opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
Claire reluctantly decides to go on a date after a disastrous ending to her marriage and an accident that almost took her child away from her and could have cost her her airline job. The date does not go well, and she's happy to get out of there as quickly as she can. But then she starts seeing him everywhere. She even sees him on a layover in Boston. When he arrives in the cockpit of her next flight, she knows something is really wrong here. But her best friend Becca thinks she's going off the deep end (again). Is she? Or should she trust her instincts?
This was one wild ride! From page one to the end, this takes off and does not stop till the landing (pun intended!). Y'all know I will read anything that Audrey writes, and this novella was a fun way to spend a few hours! I read it in one sitting with a cup of tea.
For such a short read, Audrey was able to pack a lot in! I was emotionally attached to the story and was so frustrated for our MC Claire when even her best friend was making her doubt herself.
Read this if you are looking for a quick, twisty thrill ride!
This was one wild ride! From page one to the end, this takes off and does not stop till the landing (pun intended!). Y'all know I will read anything that Audrey writes, and this novella was a fun way to spend a few hours! I read it in one sitting with a cup of tea.
For such a short read, Audrey was able to pack a lot in! I was emotionally attached to the story and was so frustrated for our MC Claire when even her best friend was making her doubt herself.
Read this if you are looking for a quick, twisty thrill ride!
October 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It's only a novella read, but it packed so much into such a small book! I would have loved this to have been a full length story as there was so much more of the story that could have been told. But nevertheless I was still hooked into the story of airline pilot, Claire Winslow. When her first date with Evan going terribly wrong, she begins to think that he is stalking her. Having suffered previously with her mental health, is she relapsing or is Evan really stalking her?
I liked Claire's character but did find myself wondering if she was being a little paranoid about Evan. However, Evan was seriously creepy and his character left me feeling very uncomfortable. I loved the part of the story on the plane and how all the action unfolded. There could have been a little bit more on some parts of the storyline, but overall I loved this book and thumbs up to the author for fitting such a gripping story into 90 pages!
I liked Claire's character but did find myself wondering if she was being a little paranoid about Evan. However, Evan was seriously creepy and his character left me feeling very uncomfortable. I loved the part of the story on the plane and how all the action unfolded. There could have been a little bit more on some parts of the storyline, but overall I loved this book and thumbs up to the author for fitting such a gripping story into 90 pages!
October 28, 2025
After a nasty divorce and mental breakdown, Claire is finally getting back to normal. She meets a guy on a dating app who seems great but their first date is awful and he starts stalking her. When he ends up in the jump seat of the plane she is piloting, she worries he is there to kill her or take the whole plane down.
This was a great book, short enough that the story had no filler it was just constant suspense. My heart was breaking for Claire because anyone who has gone through a divorce and custody battle knows the mental stress it puts on you. The author really lets the reader feel that here. Great character and plot development, I’ve read other books by this author and enjoy her writing style. Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and publisher for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
This was a great book, short enough that the story had no filler it was just constant suspense. My heart was breaking for Claire because anyone who has gone through a divorce and custody battle knows the mental stress it puts on you. The author really lets the reader feel that here. Great character and plot development, I’ve read other books by this author and enjoy her writing style. Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and publisher for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
October 23, 2025
Final Descent is a gripping novella that I couldn’t put down! Audrey J. Cole never disappoints, and this story is no exception.
It’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of tension from start to finish. The short, punchy chapters kept me turning pages late into the night, and the twists genuinely left me shocked. I loved how clever the plot was — tight, smart, and perfectly executed — paired with Audrey’s signature sharp, immersive writing style.
This is a fantastic quick read that delivers everything I love about her thrillers. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Huge thanks to Audrey J. Cole for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
It’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of tension from start to finish. The short, punchy chapters kept me turning pages late into the night, and the twists genuinely left me shocked. I loved how clever the plot was — tight, smart, and perfectly executed — paired with Audrey’s signature sharp, immersive writing style.
This is a fantastic quick read that delivers everything I love about her thrillers. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Huge thanks to Audrey J. Cole for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!
Final descent is a short story that packs a punch. I do think that if I read it twice I would like it more because the subtle behaviors from the date and afterward were feeling awkward but after the end of the book I realized why. I liked the airline jargon and the way the author builds tension. You will not be able to guess the twist. I will say I felt even as someone who is not in the airline industry at all - that a lot of belief needed to be suspended for the part where they're in the air. That's all I will say about that! I am giving it a 3.5 because it takes a lot to get me to rate novellas higher.
Final descent is a short story that packs a punch. I do think that if I read it twice I would like it more because the subtle behaviors from the date and afterward were feeling awkward but after the end of the book I realized why. I liked the airline jargon and the way the author builds tension. You will not be able to guess the twist. I will say I felt even as someone who is not in the airline industry at all - that a lot of belief needed to be suspended for the part where they're in the air. That's all I will say about that! I am giving it a 3.5 because it takes a lot to get me to rate novellas higher.
October 30, 2025
"At 30,000 feet, the danger isn’t turbulence—it’s him."
If you haven't read the entire blurb, please stop there. So much is given away in it, and it's frustrating, especially with a novella. That being said, this story was a RIDE and I was in for it. I loved the setting being on a plane, because that added so much tension. When you're 30,000 feet in the air, there's nowhere to go.
Being a novella, it can be difficult to have tension in your story, and for the most part, I think this story succeeded in doing so. This was my first story by Audrey Cole, but it's made me excited to check out more!
This novella is set for release on November 4, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the early digital copy.
If you haven't read the entire blurb, please stop there. So much is given away in it, and it's frustrating, especially with a novella. That being said, this story was a RIDE and I was in for it. I loved the setting being on a plane, because that added so much tension. When you're 30,000 feet in the air, there's nowhere to go.
Being a novella, it can be difficult to have tension in your story, and for the most part, I think this story succeeded in doing so. This was my first story by Audrey Cole, but it's made me excited to check out more!
This novella is set for release on November 4, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the early digital copy.
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