Bad Intentions

by Iliana Xander

The next heart-pounding thriller from bestselling author Iliana Xander.

Josie Boots messed up. Really badly.

So she returns to her small hometown of Burnville to care for her ailing grandmother.

It's been twenty-five years since an unspeakable crime rocked Burnville.

Twenty-five years since her grandmother's trial.

Twenty-two years since her mother's death.

Six years since Josie was called the "bad seed."

Two months since she proved them right.

Josie just can't catch a break.

Maybe, finally, she can find peace in Burnville. But then a stranger shows up, promising to tell Josie all about her family's dark past. When Josie goes to meet him, a brutal crime happens right in front of her eyes.

Josie was born out of secrets, and they all start clawing their way to the surface. They say history repeats itself, except this time, the past isn't repeating, it's hunting her. And it might be deadly.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Mystery

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 25, 2026

Reviews

[Carys Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read ‘Love, Mom’ at the start of the year & absolutely ate it up! The bar was set high & Iliana Xander did not disappoint👏🏻

This thriller was addictive - I devoured it & struggled to put it down (even when sleep was calling my name🫠) Any book that has the ability to tug at my heart strings one chapter, then absolutely blow my mind the next is a 5⭐️ read for me!

Straight away, this book shocked me so I was immediately drawn in. The change of perspectives & timelines was executed so seamlessly that it was easy to follow. The twists though🤯 My mind was reeling!

If you love a psychological thriller where the secrets are continuously layered, tension builds & revelations make your jaw physically drop, this one’s for you📖

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read Iliana Xander’s previous books and really enjoyed them, so I was super happy to be approved for this one.

Overall, this was a good read.

The pacing is a mix of slow burn and faster moments, which kept things interesting, even if it dragged a bit here and there.

As the blurb says, Josie returns to her small hometown after a series of misfortunes and while trying to take care of her sick grandmother. Growing up, she’s always heard whispers about her family. Everyone knows bits of what happened to her mother, her father is a mystery and her grandmother has a past that people don’t forget.

And of course… small town = secrets.

Everyone knows everyone, everyone has something to hide and everyone is willing to protect those secrets, no matter what.

Things take a turn when Josie is contacted by a stranger who claims to have answers. And from there? Chaos. We get stalking, murder and a lot of unhinged situations. At one point, everyone is suspicious and you can't really trust anyone either.

That part was really fun to read.

What frustrated me the most though… was Karen, the grandmother.

I understand she wanted to protect Josie and keep things hidden, but the constant refusal to talk, only to suddenly decide “okay, now we talk” after dragging things out… it got annoying. It felt like unnecessary tension at times.

While I found parts of the story a bit predictable, especially with the small-town setup, it didn’t completely take away from the enjoyment AND the final reveal was definitely on the more unhinged side, in a good way and that it really managed to surprise me.

Overall, a solid and entertaining thriller, perfect for a chill night.

⭐ 3.75–4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the ARC!

[Michaela | bumblebeeslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Intentions, a sort of mystery/murder mystery

After a viral video got her "cancelled" and her grandmother being sick, FMC Josie is back in her hometown of Burnville, somewhere she did not plan to move back to. There are so many secrets from her past, and since her Grandmother refuses to give the details, Josie makes the decision to meet a stranger to get to the truth. But, she never quite makes his acquaintance, and then the twists and turns keep coming until Josie finally learns the truth about what happened 25 years ago.

I really enjoyed the dual POV we get with Josie, and her grandmother. The super slow reveal of this murder mystery made the book unputdownable! I felt for Josie, because I too would want so desperately to know what actually happened with the rumors of her mom and grandmother and murder swirling about. Meeting an anonymous stranger at night seems a bit risky though, and poor Josie finds herself back on the same roller coaster her mom and grandmother were on 25 years ago. It seems like the ghosts of the past never really left, and are there to get their own kind of sick and twisted revenge.

Rika is a great character, and fast friend to Josie, someone she really needed to help her through the mess. As Josie gets deeper into the mystery, she herself ends up getting caught right in the middle of yet another murder mystery.

The end was quite interesting, as it revealed even more about one of the characters that nobody expected!!

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of this book!

Some fav quotes:
"It’s a split-second, I’m-going-to-leave-so-no-one-will-know-I-was-here-and-things-will-be-fine decision. The kind often made on reflex when you end up in crappy situations that might involve law enforcement."

"But this sound replaying in my brain is much worse. Because I wasn’t the one in the car. I watched it happen. That sound had texture. The slurping of the rain. The dull blow of the impact. And something else, like bones breaking, a person’s flesh being smashed, the insides being mangled. The skull cracking against the pavement…"

"Bad idea? Probably. But bad ideas are often something that we thought we could handle, only to find out later we didn’t even have a chance."

"I promised myself I’d never forgive the betrayal all those years ago. But the person I called is the only one who knows everything that happened that fateful night of the fire."

"How do you tell a dead body from a prop? The smell."

"Sometimes, beautiful things are born out of terrible secrets. Go figure."

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of Bad Intentions! This one was a win for me and earned a solid 4 stars. It hooked me from the very first chapter and kept me invested the entire time. I really enjoyed the dual POVs, they added depth to the story and kept the suspense building.
Rika ended up being one of my favorite side characters. She brought so much to the story, and her friendship with Josie added another layer that made the plot even more engaging. I also spent the entire book worried about grandma and desperately hoping she'd be okay… like that stressed me outttt. The epilogue is what truly ties everything together, so whatever you do, don't skip it. It reveals a key piece of the story that makes the ending even more satisfying.

[ANGELA L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC.
After reading Love, Mom last year, I was hoping Iliana Xander would deliver another great thriller with Bad Intentions—and she absolutely did. This was a fast-paced, gripping read from start to finish. The story is told through multiple perspectives and timelines, but it’s structured in a way that’s easy to follow and keeps the suspense building. I’m always drawn to small-town settings filled with secrets, and this one delivered exactly that. I highly recommend it!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iliana’s first two books were fast-paced popcorn thrillers so when I picked this one up I was hoping for the same read in a day type of book. Unfortunately, this fell more into the slow burn category for me.

Bad Intentions starts right in the middle of a pretty dramatic scene with little to no explanation. The rest of the book seemed disjointed with alternating POV and timelines without the time period listed in the chapter title.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Jennifer Kirshman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc


Let’s start with the small-town drama because I am absolutely here for it. From the very beginning, this book pulled me in and refused to let go. Every character seemed to be hiding something, every interaction felt important, and the atmosphere had me questioning absolutely everything.

The twists just kept twisting. Every time I thought I had figured out what was going on, Iliana Xander proved me wrong. The plot was plotting, and I found myself constantly changing my theories as new information came to light. What I loved most was that the twists weren’t there just for shock value—they were well placed and made perfect sense once all the pieces finally came together.

That OMG last chapter? I did not see that coming. Not even a little. And then the epilogue somehow managed to top it. My jaw literally dropped, and I was left staring at my Kindle trying to process what had just happened. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to immediately message someone who has read it so you can talk about it.

The suspense was perfectly paced, the secrets were layered, and the tension built with every chapter. Just when I thought I had uncovered the truth, another reveal would send me spiraling in a completely different direction. The small-town setting added so much to the story because everyone seemed connected, yet no one could be fully trusted.

I’ve loved every single one of Iliana Xander’s books, but I genuinely believe this one has taken the number one spot for me. It showcases everything she does so well: compelling characters, addictive pacing, shocking reveals, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that make you question everything, keep you up way past your bedtime, and leave you speechless by the final page, Bad Intentions needs to be on your TBR immediately. This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year and will be one of my top recommendations to anyone looking for a truly unforgettable psychological thriller.

[Hope Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Intentions by Iliana Xander is a twisty small-town thriller that serves as a helpful reminder that every family has secrets. Some families hide embarrassing photos. The Boots family appears to be hiding several decades of trauma, rumors, murder accusations, and enough dysfunction to keep a therapist employed for life.

Josie Boots returns to Burnville hoping to uncover the truth about her family's past. Unfortunately for her, Burnville is one of those towns where everyone knows everyone else's business, yet somehow nobody knows anything useful. The more Josie digs, the more she discovers that some secrets were buried for a reason.

The real strength of this novel is the atmosphere. Burnville feels claustrophobic, gossipy, and packed with people who know far more than they're willing to admit. The family mystery unfolds layer by layer, and just when I thought I had things figured out, Xander happily yanked the rug out from under me.

I also enjoyed Josie as a protagonist. She's determined, flawed, and makes enough questionable decisions to keep the plot moving without crossing into "please hand me your car keys and phone" territory. In a genre filled with characters who ignore every red flag waving directly in their faces, that alone deserves recognition.

The reason this lands at four stars instead of five is that the sheer number of twists occasionally felt like the book was determined to keep one step ahead of the reader at all costs. A few revelations hit harder than others, and toward the end I found myself wishing certain emotional moments had been given a little more room to breathe.

That said, I flew through this book. It's packed with family drama, buried secrets, small-town gossip, suspicious strangers, and enough surprises to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy thrillers where everyone seems to be hiding something and every answer creates three new questions, Bad Intentions is well worth picking up.

So, if a stranger suddenly appears offering to explain your family's dark history, maybe don't go meet them...alone...in the dark.

[Caitlyn Oneill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This was my very first ARC, so I was beyond excited to receive it, especially as I already have a few of this author’s other books on my TBR. After finishing it, I’m definitely encouraged to read more of her work.

This is very much a slow burn thriller, with the pacing gradually building before really picking up around the halfway mark. Once it picked up , I was much more invested and keen to see how everything would unfold, and I wasn’t disappointed. Xander did a great job of keeping secrets from the reader, making the reveals all the more satisfying.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was the cast of characters. Each felt memorable in their own way, but the family dynamics stood out to me the most, particularly Josie’s relationship with her Granny Karen. Their bond felt authentic and added an emotional layer that I wasn’t expecting from a thriller. There were a few moments between them that genuinely made me stop and reflect on my own family and certain life experiences.

As someone with dyslexia, a book’s writing style can make a huge difference to my reading experience. I found the writing here to be straightforward and easy to follow, making it an accessible read throughout. I did notice a few small errors here and there, but that’s to be expected with an ARC and it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment.

Overall, while this wasn’t quite a standout thriller for me due to the slower pacing in the first half, I still enjoyed the journey and appreciated the balance between suspense and emotional depth. If you’re a fan of slower building thrillers with strong family relationships, high emotional stakes, and plenty of twists and turns along the way, I think this one is well worth picking up. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author.

[miashelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mothers’ instincts often override logic, morals, and the law, regardless of whether their children are saints or sinners.

Bad Intentions by Iliana Xander taught me one crucial thing: unraveling deeply rooted secrets often comes with a price to pay, even when it’s not yours to bear. Just like our main character, Josie, who returns to her hometown of Burnville to help her grandmother, only to find herself haunted by the past as one horrible thing after another unfolds.

I can’t fully blame her because if it were me? I’d be curious too. This is where good communication could have made all the difference.

I want to share what I loved most right away. First, it’s Josie! I like that she’s described as quiet, introverted, and kind. She’s not meek in my eyes, and that’s refreshing. Kind of relatable, too, since I share the first two traits. Undeniably reckless, though—but that’s a discussion for another day.

As for the overall plot and prose, I’d give this a solid 4.5/5 stars. The pacing is great, and the author’s voice? So easy to get lost in. I found myself reading for hours despite my pile of assignments because everything flowed so naturally.

The use of Gen Z slang here and there (not too much) surprised me a little, but I think it makes sense since it comes from a younger character. It didn’t bother me much anyway because the impactful one-liners easily overshadowed it.

Here are a few more quotes to convince you to pick up this book:

“Law and justice are not always the same. In small towns, we prefer justice.”

“Sometimes, beautiful things are born out of terrible secrets. Go figure.”

“You see, my _ _ _ _ _ _ had a thing for pretty women and money.”

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie has a complicated past. Her mother overdosed, her grandmother was imprisoned, and she was canceled on social media a few months back. So now she’s back in nowhere Burnville taking care of her grandmother, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Every time Josie has asked about her family history, her grandmother remains close-lipped and won’t provide any information. So when she’s contacted by a stranger promising to provide that information, of course, she agrees to meet with him. In a strange location. With no idea who he is. But who wouldn’t be curious?

So that doesn’t end well, and it’s only the beginning. She meets a girl named Rika who prefers the city just like her and doesn’t fit in with the small town vibe, either. She tries to help Josie figure out what really happened with her family in the past and why her grandmother is keeping so much a secret from her. Because we all know by now that the past will not stay in the past if you want to survive the future.

I was really into this story from the beginning. The only thing that bothered me was ‘the incident’ that got Josie canceled. I kept waiting for more to be revealed that would have made more sense for the backlash, but there wasn’t any more. I can think of plenty of influential people who’ve been caught on tape snorting or stripping, and they were celebrated for it, not shunned!

My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[DeeG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read, although it does have some slower burn moments along the way. Once the story gets its hooks in you, it's hard to put down.
Josie returns to her hometown of Burnville to care for her grandmother, hoping to find some peace after making a mess of her own life. Instead, she finds herself caught up in the secrets of her family's past when a stranger promises answers and a brutal crime happens right in front of her.
There is a lot to enjoy in this book. Stalking, murder, family drama, chaos, and secrets. So many secrets. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was going on, another layer was uncovered.
The small town setting worked really well, especially with the history surrounding Josie's family. The past hangs over everything, creating a constant feeling that something is lurking just beneath the surface.
Josie and Rika were both great characters and easy to root for. Their friendship added a lot to the story and helped balance some of the darker elements.
The biggest twist wasn't just who did what, it was learning what had actually happened all those years ago. And then there was the epiloque. Wow. Let's just say the author left the door wide open for another book, and I would absolutely read it.
If you enjoy small town mysteries, buried family secrets, stalking, murder, and stories that keep making you question what you think you know, this is definitely one to check out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the book.

[TJ Wynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get approved for this ARC because Iliana Zander has quickly become an auto-read author for me. I absolutely loved Love, Mom. It was fast-paced, packed with tension, had a fantastic twist, and completely nailed the ending. Then I read All Eyes on Him, which I also received as an ARC, and once again she delivered. I thought I had everything figured out until she pulled the rug right out from under me.

So my expectations for this one were definitely high.

Overall, I enjoyed it, but it didn’t quite hit the same way her first two books did for me. The biggest issue was the pacing. This is much more of a slow burn, and while I don’t mind that when the payoff is worth it, I found myself waiting a little too long for things to really get going.

I did enjoy the dual points of view, and the mystery itself kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages. Josie was a decent main character, although there were a few moments that felt a little odd or unbelievable, which made it harder for me to fully connect with her.

Even though this wasn’t my favorite from Zander, I’m still looking forward to whatever she writes next. One book that doesn’t completely land isn’t enough to knock an author off my auto-read list. If you’re already a fan, I’d still recommend giving this one a shot. It just wasn’t quite the home run that Love, Mom and All Eyes on Him were for me.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great thriller mystery full of family secrets, small town drama, and fun little twists.

I really enjoyed this story - the mix of short chapters and questionable decisions on Josie’s part pull you into the mystery from the very beginning. I also enjoyed the different perspectives and timelines that came together to paint a clear picture of the past and current day, while maintaining suspense and excitement.

The themes that stuck out to me where ones I enjoyed - trust (which built nicely on the psychological thriller backdrop), family and loyalty, and the impact of rumors no matter the validity of them.

I did struggle a little with Karen and Josie’s dynamic at times - I didn’t love that Karen was keeping things, dropping bread crumbs of details when she felt like it (personal preference, it’s just not stylistically my favorite method of moving the plot along). I also didn’t understand Josie, who kept saying she wanted more information but neither pushed Karen for more details nor searched for more information herself. Not enough to pull me out of the story - but enough to make me roll my eyes multiple times.

Thanks to Iliana Xander, Poisoned Pen, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[The Chapter Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Intentions by Iliana Xander was one of my most anticipated ARCs after Love, Mom earned a well-deserved five stars from me. While I didn't love this one quite as much, it was still an incredibly entertaining read.

After a scandal derails her rising music career, Josie Boots returns to her hometown of Burnville to care for her ailing grandmother. But Burnville is a town built on secrets, and it quickly becomes clear that her grandmother knows far more than she's willing to reveal.

When Josie begins receiving texts from a mysterious stranger promising answers, she does what any thriller protagonist would do and agrees to meet them. At midnight. In a deserted location.

Because, naturally.

What follows is a fast-paced mystery filled with family secrets, small-town drama, mounting tension, and the realization that Josie may be reliving the same dangerous story that entangled her mother and grandmother twenty-five years earlier.

Packed with twists, strong friendships, and generations of buried secrets, this was an unputdownable read that kept me invested from beginning to end. And if that ending was hinting at a sequel, I'll be first in line to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Intentions is a tense, small‑town thriller that hooks you from the first page and never loosens its grip. Iliana Xander crafts Burnville with such vivid unease — a place where gossip travels faster than truth, grudges never die, and the past is always waiting to flare back to life.

Josie Boots is a compelling centre to the story: determined, frustrated, and painfully aware of the shadows hanging over her family name. Her search for answers about her mother’s death and her grandmother’s long‑buried secrets gives the novel its emotional weight, while the town’s simmering hostility adds a delicious layer of suspense. Every conversation feels loaded, every character just a little too guarded.

What really stands out is the pacing. Each chapter reveals just enough to keep you leaning forward, and the atmosphere — thick with rumour, resentment, and the threat of old fires reigniting — makes the tension feel constant. It’s twisty without being over‑the‑top, and the family dynamics are as gripping as the mystery itself.

A moody, addictive read perfect for fans of small‑town secrets, generational drama, and thrillers where the truth is far more dangerous than the lies.

with thanks to Iliana Xander, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Wioletta Maj · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the hype of Love Mom, I was really excited to pick up Bad Intentions, and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. Iliana Xander is quickly becoming one of those authors whose books I will happily pick up without even reading the synopsis.

This was a gripping small-town thriller packed with family secrets, long-buried truths, gossip, and plenty of twists. Josie returns to Burnville to care for her grandmother and finds herself drawn into the mystery surrounding her mother's death and the rumours that have followed her family for decades. Once she starts digging into the past, the story becomes increasingly difficult to put down.

I especially enjoyed the atmosphere of the small-town setting, where everyone seems to know something but nobody wants to tell the whole truth. The mystery kept me guessing, and while a few details felt familiar, there were some surprises and the final revelations were definitely worth the wait.

If you enjoyed Love Mom, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this one. It's another addictive thriller full of secrets, lies, family drama, and twists that will keep you turning the pages.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Xander's previous two books were incredibly enjoyable for me, but this was not one of my favorites. I really struggled with the slow pace and redundancy in the first 30-40% of the book. There were many secrets to be revealed in this story, yet the author didn't budge on any of them until the very end. I think that this book would have been more captivating and suspenseful if we were given a few wow moments thrown in here and there. The twists were definitely surprising, as we were given no clues whatsoever on any of them, but they were too neatly unwrapped. Everything just sort of collapsed and fell flat all at once. I also had a hard time believing in any of the characters. They came across as childish teenagers to me...even the adults. Despite my dislikes with this story, the secrets and mystery did hold my interest. I just wasn't that excited about reaching the end due to the slow pace. This book was definitely more of a mysterious family drama than a thriller. I would recommend if you're ok with the slow burn.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Lisa Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having really enjoyed Iliana Xander’s previous books, I was disappointed that Bad Intentions didn’t work as well for me. The story is packed with secrets and family drama, but the pacing was far too slow, especially in the first third of the book where it felt repetitive and dragged on.

The mystery itself kept me reading, but the revelations were held back until the very end. While some of the twists were surprising, they felt more shocking than earned because there was very little groundwork laid beforehand. When everything was finally revealed, it happened so quickly that the impact was lost and the ending felt a little too neatly wrapped up.

I also struggled to connect with the characters. Many of them came across as immature, and even the adults often felt more like teenagers than fully developed characters.

Despite my issues, the central mystery was intriguing enough to hold my attention. Just don’t go into this expecting a fast-paced thriller. It’s much more of a slow-burn family drama with suspenseful elements. Readers who enjoy gradually unfolding secrets may have a better experience than I did.

[alfz♡ (aprilxsprings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I am so grateful to have received the ARC of this book from Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author!

Josie Boots is "cancelled" due to a viral video of hers and returns back to her small town, Burnville, where everyone seems to know and hide exactly what Josie is yearning to find out: what happened to her mother and who is her father?
Josie receives a text from a stranger who promises to tell her everything but is run over by a car infront of her eyes.

This is one of the very few murder mystery thrillers where I didn't mind the slow build because of the fast-paced storyline and concise chapters. I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. The plot will have you theorise over everything that's happening but also leave you dumbfounded.
I liked the way the family secrets are revealed and the plot twists are also so perfectly timed.
The plot twist at the final chapter really tricked me, but the epilogue? I wasn't ready for that.
Overall, a entertaining murder mystery thrillers with lots of family secrets and drama with suspicious characters.

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔:
Plot: 4⭐️
Characters: 4⭐️
Plot Twists: 4.5⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Writing style and structure: 4.5⭐️
Ending: 5⭐️
OVERALL: 4.5⭐️

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-stopping thriller Bad Intentions by Iliana Xander is unputdownable. Relentless in pace, tone and twists, this novel works tirelessly to keep the reader on edge.

The story follows the Boots family and explores the idea of a ‘generational curse’. Karen, Josie and Alysha are compelling characters, each harbouring aspects of their past they would prefer to keep concealed. The narrative shifts seamlessly between timeframes and narrators, with the changing viewpoints effectively highlighting the contrasts between the women. The handling of perspective, in particular, is deftly executed.

The themes that stood out most for me were family, loyalty, shame and trust. I appreciated the way ‘gossip’ and ‘rumour’ are woven through different contexts, from social media to the wider community, reinforcing the sense of generational change.

Alongside this, the atmosphere of the unknown and the inclusion of messages from a withheld number add further intrigue, complemented by a couple of significant twists. A lively and thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Harriet Pasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW. This was such a gripping read and one of those books that completely pulled me in from the very start.

Layered with family secrets, deception, small-town tension and so many twists and reveals, this felt like a total rollercoaster in the best way. Every time I thought I was starting to piece things together, another answer or revelation unfolded and pulled me even deeper into the story.

I absolutely flew through this because I simply did not want to put it down. The pacing kept me hooked throughout and I loved slowly getting to know all of the characters and uncovering how everything connected. It felt so well thought out, with every reveal adding another layer to the bigger picture.

This is my second book by Iliana Xander now and honestly… they’re very quickly becoming an “if they write it, I’ll read it” author for me because both books have completely hooked me.

If you love dark, addictive thrillers packed with secrets, twists and family drama, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR 👀🖤

[Georgia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It took me until about 20% of the way into this book to really get invested, but once the pieces started moving, I absolutely could not put it down.

As a massive fan of psychological thrillers, I am always hunting for stories that can genuinely surprise me, and *Bad Intentions* delivered. The story is told through different perspectives—Josie, Karen, and Mallory—which builds the tension beautifully. While those POV shifts keep you guessing, my absolute favourite character has to be Rika; she completely stole the show for me.

Iliana Xander’s writing is excellent, and the small-town atmosphere of Burnville feels incredibly claustrophobic and tense. The plot is packed with so many twists and turns that my head was spinning, but what impressed me the most was how perfectly the author pulled every single thread together at the very end. Nothing felt cheap or half-baked.

If you love a dark, secret-filled thriller that hits the ground running after a slightly slow burn start, you need to add this deluxe edition to your TBR list immediately.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iliana Xander is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me. Every time I see she has a new release, I get excited and dive straight in, and Bad Intentions was no exception.

This was a dark, twisty read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story was packed with intrigue and unexpected turns, making it difficult to put down. Xander does a great job of building tension throughout, and I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next.

The characters were compelling, the atmosphere was deliciously dark, and the pacing kept me turning pages right up until the final chapter. While there were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth, overall this was an engaging and entertaining read that delivered exactly what I was hoping for.

I'm definitely hoping there's a sequel because I'd love to spend more time in this world and see where these characters go next.

A gripping story with plenty of twists—well worth the read.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House for the ARC

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 Stars

Bad Intentions by Iliana Xander is a suspenseful and thrilling mystery that kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth. The story is packed with secrets, tension, and small-town intrigue, and the ending delivered a twist that I genuinely did not see coming.

The story follows Josie, a musician whose career and reputation were damaged after going viral for all the wrong reasons. When she returns to her small hometown to care for her grandmother, who is battling cancer, she finds herself drawn into the mystery surrounding her family's past. With history seemingly repeating itself, Josie must piece together the truth before it's too late.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this book and the way the author slowly unraveled the mystery. The family dynamics, hidden secrets, and suspenseful pacing kept me invested throughout the story.

My only reason for not giving this book a full five stars is that the story had a slow burn but once the final chapters arrived, the build up was worth it.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved this author’s work for years, and this book reminded me exactly why I never miss a release. From the moment Josie Boots drags herself back to Burnville, bruised by life, haunted by labels she never escaped, the story grips tight and refuses to let go. Every tragedy in her past feels like a fuse waiting to be lit, and the author turns that tension into something electric. Burnville isn’t just a setting; it’s a pressure cooker of old crimes, whispered accusations, and wounds that never healed. Just when Josie thinks she might finally breathe, a stranger arrives with promises of answers she never asked for. What follows is a chilling collision of violence and long‑buried secrets clawing their way back into the light. Watching Josie confront a past that isn’t repeating but actively stalking her is utterly riveting. This author knows exactly how to twist a story until it snaps, and I’m already counting down to whatever comes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Mel Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely flew through Bad Intentions because I genuinely couldn't put it down. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and kept telling myself "just one more chapter"... which quickly turned into finishing the entire book.

The pacing was fantastic, with plenty of twists, suspense, and moments that had me questioning who I could trust. Every time I thought I'd figured things out, something happened that completely changed my perspective. I love thrillers that keep me guessing, and this one delivered exactly that.

The characters felt well-developed, and the tension built perfectly throughout the story. I was fully invested in what was happening and found myself thinking about the book even when I wasn't reading it.

If you're a fan of fast-paced psychological thrillers with plenty of surprises, I highly recommend picking this one up. It's the kind of book that steals your evening because you simply have to know what happens next. Definitely a five-star read for me!

[Gemma Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read Love Mom, which I thought was a fantastic thriller I was very keen to read Iliana Xander's new novel and it did not disappoint.

She has a way of pulling you into a mystery and keeping those pages turning. This story was about Burnsville, a small town where Josie has been brought up by her grandmother. She recently moves back after a social media firestorm and is laying low, looking after her grandmother who is in ill health. The town gossip for the past couple of decades has centred around what happened to her mum Alyssa and her friend, how her grandmother went to prison for insurance fraud after burning down the diner she owned.

Josie's family name is dragged through the mud and she carries that with her but as the story unfolds as to what happens all those years ago, Josie is connected in a way she can't even imagine.

I really enjoyed it and don't want to give too much of the story away but I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend.

[Mrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started a little slow for me but it did pick up quickly. Josie Boots has been away in the city as a singer for a while but came back to her home town. She did something out of character and this was caught on social media. At the same time her grandma was poorly and as she brought her up she felt this needed to be paid forward so she came back to look after her. Josie’s past as a child is sketchy. Grandma Karen never spoke about what happened to her parents and suddenly Josie felt the need to know her past. Once home Josie is contacted by a total stranger who says they can fill her in about her past. Unsure whether to pursue this she tries to get more information out of her grandma who is very reluctant to pass on this information – why. The need to know is strong and with help she goes down the rabbit hole. The book becomes more gripping and a book hard to put down. I enjoyed this book and the twists and turns especially at the end

[Heather Trayfoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced copy read from NetGalley!!! Thanks for the opportunity to check this book out!

I almost gave up on this one.

The first several chapters felt repetitive, and for a thriller/mystery I kept waiting for the suspense to really kick in. The characters were what kept me reading because the mystery itself wasn’t grabbing me at first.

Then the book completely changed gears.

The mid to last portion of the story moved fast, delivered a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, and had me fully invested. By the time I reached the epilogue, I was glad I had stuck it out. In fact, the epilogue did such a good job setting things up that I’d absolutely read a sequel if Iliana Xander decides to continue the story.

This wasn’t a perfect read for me because of the slow start, but the ending elevated the entire experience. If you’re struggling in the beginning, my advice is to keep going—the payoff is worth it.