What do you think?
Rate this book
A Cult of a Different Kind
For fans of Rachel Hawkins’ The Heiress and Lisa Jewell’s None of This Is True, a contemporary psychological thriller that exposes the cult-like power and manipulation beneath the polished world of influencer wellness.
Beylynn never meant to join a cult—at least not the kind without incense or scripture. This one comes wrapped in pastel branding, protein shakes, and the promise of a Skinny, Happy Life™. As the rising star of the SHL Lifestyle MLM, she’s cashing in while teaching other women that joy comes with a shrinking number on the scale.
But everything changes when Beylynn vanishes during an exclusive incentive trip.
Her disappearance is the company’s worst their glossy, influencer “boss babe” has either been murdered… or she’s finally had enough and escaped. Either way, it’s a PR disaster waiting to explode.
Behind the filtered photos and motivational mantras lies a world steeped in obsession—social media manipulation, dangerous ambition, illicit affairs, and money powerful enough to make people kill. SHL isn’t a sisterhood; it’s a cult built on control.
And if Beylynn wants to survive, she’ll have to find a way out before the perfect life she sold becomes the one that destroys her.
Beylynn never meant to join a cult—at least not the kind without incense or scripture. This one comes wrapped in pastel branding, protein shakes, and the promise of a Skinny, Happy Life™. As the rising star of the SHL Lifestyle MLM, she’s cashing in while teaching other women that joy comes with a shrinking number on the scale.
But everything changes when Beylynn vanishes during an exclusive incentive trip.
Her disappearance is the company’s worst their glossy, influencer “boss babe” has either been murdered… or she’s finally had enough and escaped. Either way, it’s a PR disaster waiting to explode.
Behind the filtered photos and motivational mantras lies a world steeped in obsession—social media manipulation, dangerous ambition, illicit affairs, and money powerful enough to make people kill. SHL isn’t a sisterhood; it’s a cult built on control.
And if Beylynn wants to survive, she’ll have to find a way out before the perfect life she sold becomes the one that destroys her.
352 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 24, 2026
How far would you go for the promise of the perfect life?
What starts as a story about social media, wellness products, and influencer life soon becomes a gripping psychological thriller filled with manipulation, secrets, and betrayal.
Beylynn appears to have everything she could ever want. She has thousands of followers, a successful career promoting SHL’s protein shakes, and a husband, Keenan, by her side. While staying at the beautiful overwater Tiki at the Offshore Oasis in Key West, cracks begin to appear in the life she has carefully created.
When Beylynn discovers the protein shakes she has been promoting are actually causing harm, everything she believed in begins to unravel. As more shocking truths come to light, including the impact on her health and infertility, she starts to realise that SHL is not the life-changing company it claims to be. Instead, she has become involved in a cult-like organisation that promises success and happiness while slowly taking away people’s health, trust, and sanity. Beylynn knows she wants out, but leaving is far more complicated than she ever imagined.
What stood out most for me was how believable this story felt. Kate Shelton explores the darker side of influencer culture and how easily people can be drawn into something that promises them the perfect life. Behind the polished images and success stories lies a much more disturbing reality, and I found that aspect of the story really thought-provoking.
Beylynn was a character I found myself invested in. Watching her uncover the truth about SHL and fight to regain control of her life made for an interesting journey. The secrets surrounding the company kept me turning the pages, wanting to discover what would happen next.
Kate Shelton’s writing is engaging and easy to follow, with suspense building steadily throughout the story. The twists and revelations kept the tension going, making this an absorbing psychological thriller about manipulation, control, and the dangers of trusting everything we see online.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Kate Shelton, and Rising Sun Publishing Co for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: July 15th 2026
What starts as a story about social media, wellness products, and influencer life soon becomes a gripping psychological thriller filled with manipulation, secrets, and betrayal.
Beylynn appears to have everything she could ever want. She has thousands of followers, a successful career promoting SHL’s protein shakes, and a husband, Keenan, by her side. While staying at the beautiful overwater Tiki at the Offshore Oasis in Key West, cracks begin to appear in the life she has carefully created.
When Beylynn discovers the protein shakes she has been promoting are actually causing harm, everything she believed in begins to unravel. As more shocking truths come to light, including the impact on her health and infertility, she starts to realise that SHL is not the life-changing company it claims to be. Instead, she has become involved in a cult-like organisation that promises success and happiness while slowly taking away people’s health, trust, and sanity. Beylynn knows she wants out, but leaving is far more complicated than she ever imagined.
What stood out most for me was how believable this story felt. Kate Shelton explores the darker side of influencer culture and how easily people can be drawn into something that promises them the perfect life. Behind the polished images and success stories lies a much more disturbing reality, and I found that aspect of the story really thought-provoking.
Beylynn was a character I found myself invested in. Watching her uncover the truth about SHL and fight to regain control of her life made for an interesting journey. The secrets surrounding the company kept me turning the pages, wanting to discover what would happen next.
Kate Shelton’s writing is engaging and easy to follow, with suspense building steadily throughout the story. The twists and revelations kept the tension going, making this an absorbing psychological thriller about manipulation, control, and the dangers of trusting everything we see online.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Kate Shelton, and Rising Sun Publishing Co for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: July 15th 2026
Did Not Finish
August 6, 2026I got 26% through but found all the characters vapid and one dimensional. I love the idea of it but there’s no depth to this book.
July 14, 2026
Beylynn unknowingly stumbles across a cult, but she is truly so astounded how this could even happen. Said cult is lead by aesthetically pleasing women who have nice cars, stellar wardrobes, and doting families. They specialize in getting women skinny, and when Bey signs on, she becomes a top earner and catches Bob's attention in no time. As we all know, any MLM/ triangle must have the man honing in beaconly and such to cash in on a woman's success, right? This book embodies that stolen feeling, in an enraging yet wholly relatable way. As a 34 year old, I've been approached by the most upstanding and stylish of my graduating class over the years to rake in the dough alongside them in their shilling endeavors, and the polished facade of popularity has fooled me a few times. The mystery aspect of this book is almost an added bonus for how well Shelton puts me in the head of an insecure woman who just wants to belong somewhere. While it's the driving focus of A Cult of A Different Kind, I stand behind the beautiful character artistry and humanity working behind the scenes. Thanks so much to the author, Kate Shelton, for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
Together we are changing the shape of the world …
Beylynn never meant to join a cult, especially one that comes with pastel coloured branding, protein shakes and the promise of a skinnier, healthier life. As the rising star within SHL Lifestyle, she is cashing in while encouraging more and more people to sell and distribute the products. She is in a dangerous MLM that’s wrapped up in beauty and luxury.
While on an influencer incentive retreat in an exclusive Key West Resort, where the plan is to launch Beylynn as the spokesperson and face of SHL Lifestyle, she goes missing. Having produced an unusual ‘Instagram live’ the night before, her husband wakes to find her gone. There is no sign of Beylynn in the resort and the police and coastguards are brought in to search for her.
Her disappearance is the company’s worst nightmare, with their glossy lead influencer either being murdered or finally having enough and escaped. Either way, CEO Bob Reichart thinks this is a PR nightmare - which is toxic in itself! Her husband Keenan is concerned that she is not present to complete her contractual obligations. And her co-leader Rachel worries that disappearing will cause unrest within their down line members which will lead to reduction in sales … and ultimately, her money.
Behind the filtered photos, motivational mantras and fake media friendships, is a world steeped in obsession. Betweeen social media manipulation, dangerous ambitions, illicit affairs and volumes of money that is enough to make people care. SHL isn’t a sisterhood - it’s a cult built on control.
And if Beylynn wants to survive, she’ll have to find a way out. If she doesn’t, the perfectly curated life she has portrayed will become the one that destroys her …
Told across multiple POVs, we hear Beylynn’s opinions and feelings prior to her disappearance. Hearing of her life with Keenan, her friendship with Rachel and pressures from Bob are uneasy, upsetting and at times, shocking. Keenan and Rachel’s POVs are told in the present, during the police investigation into Beylynn’s disappearance as well as the aftermath.
The characters are horror shows, other than Beylynn who attempts to rectify certain decisions and influence she has pushed onto others. It’s amazing to see self awareness in a lead character and would have like KS to develop her more! The other three are self absorbed, selfish, arrogant, abusive and completely unlikeable!
The interesting thing about this book is seeing despite how devastated Beylynn was in her life, she perceives herself another way online and it’s well known that people ‘show the good side’. However, there appears a much darker side to online influencing in the curated vulnerability, conversational strategies and ‘fake friendships’ with followers alongside daily loop content which encourages followers to buy what they sell as they appear ‘a trusted advisor’ and a ‘friend’ but it’s essentially, one sided.
A contemporary thriller that highlights today’s world of power and manipulation beneath the power of wellness influencing. The disappearance gives the mystery and suspense element to the book and there are subtle twists that are very psychologically driven and make you question a lot and wonder if much more is going on- similar to Gone Girl, Silent Patient, Girl on the Train. Highly recommend!
*TWs - these are noted at the start of the book given the difficult nature of what is discussed*
Thank you to NetGallery, Rising Action and Kate Shelton for the ARC of this book.
Together we are changing the shape of the world …
Beylynn never meant to join a cult, especially one that comes with pastel coloured branding, protein shakes and the promise of a skinnier, healthier life. As the rising star within SHL Lifestyle, she is cashing in while encouraging more and more people to sell and distribute the products. She is in a dangerous MLM that’s wrapped up in beauty and luxury.
While on an influencer incentive retreat in an exclusive Key West Resort, where the plan is to launch Beylynn as the spokesperson and face of SHL Lifestyle, she goes missing. Having produced an unusual ‘Instagram live’ the night before, her husband wakes to find her gone. There is no sign of Beylynn in the resort and the police and coastguards are brought in to search for her.
Her disappearance is the company’s worst nightmare, with their glossy lead influencer either being murdered or finally having enough and escaped. Either way, CEO Bob Reichart thinks this is a PR nightmare - which is toxic in itself! Her husband Keenan is concerned that she is not present to complete her contractual obligations. And her co-leader Rachel worries that disappearing will cause unrest within their down line members which will lead to reduction in sales … and ultimately, her money.
Behind the filtered photos, motivational mantras and fake media friendships, is a world steeped in obsession. Betweeen social media manipulation, dangerous ambitions, illicit affairs and volumes of money that is enough to make people care. SHL isn’t a sisterhood - it’s a cult built on control.
And if Beylynn wants to survive, she’ll have to find a way out. If she doesn’t, the perfectly curated life she has portrayed will become the one that destroys her …
Told across multiple POVs, we hear Beylynn’s opinions and feelings prior to her disappearance. Hearing of her life with Keenan, her friendship with Rachel and pressures from Bob are uneasy, upsetting and at times, shocking. Keenan and Rachel’s POVs are told in the present, during the police investigation into Beylynn’s disappearance as well as the aftermath.
The characters are horror shows, other than Beylynn who attempts to rectify certain decisions and influence she has pushed onto others. It’s amazing to see self awareness in a lead character and would have like KS to develop her more! The other three are self absorbed, selfish, arrogant, abusive and completely unlikeable!
The interesting thing about this book is seeing despite how devastated Beylynn was in her life, she perceives herself another way online and it’s well known that people ‘show the good side’. However, there appears a much darker side to online influencing in the curated vulnerability, conversational strategies and ‘fake friendships’ with followers alongside daily loop content which encourages followers to buy what they sell as they appear ‘a trusted advisor’ and a ‘friend’ but it’s essentially, one sided.
A contemporary thriller that highlights today’s world of power and manipulation beneath the power of wellness influencing. The disappearance gives the mystery and suspense element to the book and there are subtle twists that are very psychologically driven and make you question a lot and wonder if much more is going on- similar to Gone Girl, Silent Patient, Girl on the Train. Highly recommend!
*TWs - these are noted at the start of the book given the difficult nature of what is discussed*
Thank you to NetGallery, Rising Action and Kate Shelton for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
If you’ve ever side-eyed an influencer selling “wellness” products on Instagram, “A Cult of a Different Kind” by Kate Shelton is about to validate every single one of those suspicions.
This book starts off almost too normal, like “girlboss meets protein shakes meets live-laugh-love” energy. Think pastel branding, toxic positivity, and curated perfection everywhere. And then, slowly but surely, it starts to unravel into something way more unsettling. The vibe shift is subtle at first, but once it clicks, you realize: this is basically a cult.
The whole MLM/wellness empire (Skinny Happy Life™) is easily the standout part of the book. It feels way too real, like a slightly exaggerated version of influencer culture that already exists. The obsession with appearances, the forced positivity, the pressure to recruit others - it’s all there, and Kate Shelton does a great job exposing how manipulative and exploitative that world can be beneath the glossy surface.
The story centers around a disappearance, which gives it that mystery/thriller hook, but don’t go in expecting a fast-paced, twist-every-chapter kind of book. This is definitely more of a slow burn. The tension builds gradually, and the unease comes more from the psychological side of things than outright shocking moments. It’s the kind of story where you’re constantly thinking, “something is not right here,” rather than being hit with huge, jaw-dropping reveals.
That said, the twists can be predictable, and if you read a lot of thrillers, you might see the big reveal coming early. But honestly, the fun isn’t really in who did it; it’s in watching this shiny, “perfect” world crack open.
The characters are a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, they’re messy, self-absorbed, and full of drama, which kind of works because it feels like you’re watching a chaotic reality show unfold. On the other hand, they can feel a little one-dimensional at times, which makes it harder to fully connect with them emotionally.
Also, this book almost goes darker than it does. The premise had so much potential to get really disturbing, and while it definitely has creepy moments, it sometimes feels like it pulls its punches instead of going all in.
Still, it’s incredibly readable. Like, “just one more chapter” readable. The pacing keeps things moving, and the atmosphere with this glossy, pastel, influencer nightmare is weirdly addictive.
Overall, this is a sharp, modern thriller that takes a fresh spin on the cult trope by swapping robes and rituals for smoothies and social media. It might not completely blow your mind, but it will get under your skin in that quiet, unsettling way, and you may never look at wellness influencers the same again.
If you’ve ever side-eyed an influencer selling “wellness” products on Instagram, “A Cult of a Different Kind” by Kate Shelton is about to validate every single one of those suspicions.
This book starts off almost too normal, like “girlboss meets protein shakes meets live-laugh-love” energy. Think pastel branding, toxic positivity, and curated perfection everywhere. And then, slowly but surely, it starts to unravel into something way more unsettling. The vibe shift is subtle at first, but once it clicks, you realize: this is basically a cult.
The whole MLM/wellness empire (Skinny Happy Life™) is easily the standout part of the book. It feels way too real, like a slightly exaggerated version of influencer culture that already exists. The obsession with appearances, the forced positivity, the pressure to recruit others - it’s all there, and Kate Shelton does a great job exposing how manipulative and exploitative that world can be beneath the glossy surface.
The story centers around a disappearance, which gives it that mystery/thriller hook, but don’t go in expecting a fast-paced, twist-every-chapter kind of book. This is definitely more of a slow burn. The tension builds gradually, and the unease comes more from the psychological side of things than outright shocking moments. It’s the kind of story where you’re constantly thinking, “something is not right here,” rather than being hit with huge, jaw-dropping reveals.
That said, the twists can be predictable, and if you read a lot of thrillers, you might see the big reveal coming early. But honestly, the fun isn’t really in who did it; it’s in watching this shiny, “perfect” world crack open.
The characters are a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, they’re messy, self-absorbed, and full of drama, which kind of works because it feels like you’re watching a chaotic reality show unfold. On the other hand, they can feel a little one-dimensional at times, which makes it harder to fully connect with them emotionally.
Also, this book almost goes darker than it does. The premise had so much potential to get really disturbing, and while it definitely has creepy moments, it sometimes feels like it pulls its punches instead of going all in.
Still, it’s incredibly readable. Like, “just one more chapter” readable. The pacing keeps things moving, and the atmosphere with this glossy, pastel, influencer nightmare is weirdly addictive.
Overall, this is a sharp, modern thriller that takes a fresh spin on the cult trope by swapping robes and rituals for smoothies and social media. It might not completely blow your mind, but it will get under your skin in that quiet, unsettling way, and you may never look at wellness influencers the same again.
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026Thank you to NetGalley, the team at Rising Action Publishing, and Kate Shelton for providing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Final rating: DNF'd at 27%.
I was very excited to read this book, as the premise sounded extremely interesting. Cults and MLMs, especially the two topics combined, are some of my special interests, and seeing these brought together in the form of a thriller sounded extremely promising, with a lot of scope for a very interesting and unique story. I really wanted to enjoy this.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it. I felt the characters were very one-dimensional. Bey felt like she didn't have much personality, and it was hard to understand what had actually made her social media presence so successful in order to rise up the ranks of SLH as much as she had. Her husband Keenan, on the other hand, felt very much like a stereotypical, arrogant, terrible husband, whose prose was very obnoxious and very on the nose. I was reminded heavily of Nick from Gone Girl, except without the nuance that made Nick feel like a real person who you'd actually know.
I found the overall writing and pacing of the book jarring. While Bey's POV was better handled and was more interesting to read than Keenan's, I felt that there was a lack of depth. Things happened very quickly and without much explanation. Bey and Rachel have two surface level conversations, and this becomes enough for them to jump into business together and then suddenly become best friends. Important plot threads are told rather than shown, for instance we're told that Bey has this incredible social media presence, but we don't see the proper ins and outs that actually separate her from other influencers. And I felt that the writing and dialogue didn't reign true to real life and to how people speak, especially during the missing persons investigation at the resort.
I really went into this book wanting to enjoy it and have a new author to look out for, but this book very much was not for me. I do hope Kate Shelton continues to write and take this feedback on board, as the story of a cult-like MLM has a lot of potential and a lot of scope for a very interesting plot. But the outcome of what I've read did not live up to that.
Final rating: DNF'd at 27%.
I was very excited to read this book, as the premise sounded extremely interesting. Cults and MLMs, especially the two topics combined, are some of my special interests, and seeing these brought together in the form of a thriller sounded extremely promising, with a lot of scope for a very interesting and unique story. I really wanted to enjoy this.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it. I felt the characters were very one-dimensional. Bey felt like she didn't have much personality, and it was hard to understand what had actually made her social media presence so successful in order to rise up the ranks of SLH as much as she had. Her husband Keenan, on the other hand, felt very much like a stereotypical, arrogant, terrible husband, whose prose was very obnoxious and very on the nose. I was reminded heavily of Nick from Gone Girl, except without the nuance that made Nick feel like a real person who you'd actually know.
I found the overall writing and pacing of the book jarring. While Bey's POV was better handled and was more interesting to read than Keenan's, I felt that there was a lack of depth. Things happened very quickly and without much explanation. Bey and Rachel have two surface level conversations, and this becomes enough for them to jump into business together and then suddenly become best friends. Important plot threads are told rather than shown, for instance we're told that Bey has this incredible social media presence, but we don't see the proper ins and outs that actually separate her from other influencers. And I felt that the writing and dialogue didn't reign true to real life and to how people speak, especially during the missing persons investigation at the resort.
I really went into this book wanting to enjoy it and have a new author to look out for, but this book very much was not for me. I do hope Kate Shelton continues to write and take this feedback on board, as the story of a cult-like MLM has a lot of potential and a lot of scope for a very interesting plot. But the outcome of what I've read did not live up to that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭. 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭. 𝐌𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭.
Kate Shelton's sophomore effort dives headfirst into the polished, pastel nightmare of influencer culture and MLM obsession, where women are taught to equate worth with weight loss, engagement metrics, and the illusion of having it all. Beylynn is thriving as one of the faces of the SHL Lifestyle empire until she vanishes during a luxury company retreat, exposing the rot beneath the brand’s carefully curated image. What follows is part mystery, part social commentary, and completely addictive.
What I appreciated most is how sharp this book is without losing its sense of fun. The “boss babe” culture absolutely gets dragged here, and deservedly so. Every motivational slogan and fake empowerment speech felt just hollow enough to make my skin crawl because it all felt believable. The author really understands how MLMs prey on insecurity while disguising exploitation as community. There is something especially unsettling about watching these women perform happiness for an audience while quietly unraveling behind the scenes. The deeper this story went into manipulation, control, and the pressure to monetize every aspect of your existence, the darker it became.
This was such an entertaining read, but it also had teeth. Beneath the twists and drama is a story about how easily people can be consumed by the need to appear successful, even at the expense of their own identity. The influencer aesthetic may be pretty, but this book makes it very clear that perfection is often just another form of captivity. Many thanks to Rising Action Publishing Company and the author for the early copy that will publish July 14, 2026.
Kate Shelton's sophomore effort dives headfirst into the polished, pastel nightmare of influencer culture and MLM obsession, where women are taught to equate worth with weight loss, engagement metrics, and the illusion of having it all. Beylynn is thriving as one of the faces of the SHL Lifestyle empire until she vanishes during a luxury company retreat, exposing the rot beneath the brand’s carefully curated image. What follows is part mystery, part social commentary, and completely addictive.
What I appreciated most is how sharp this book is without losing its sense of fun. The “boss babe” culture absolutely gets dragged here, and deservedly so. Every motivational slogan and fake empowerment speech felt just hollow enough to make my skin crawl because it all felt believable. The author really understands how MLMs prey on insecurity while disguising exploitation as community. There is something especially unsettling about watching these women perform happiness for an audience while quietly unraveling behind the scenes. The deeper this story went into manipulation, control, and the pressure to monetize every aspect of your existence, the darker it became.
This was such an entertaining read, but it also had teeth. Beneath the twists and drama is a story about how easily people can be consumed by the need to appear successful, even at the expense of their own identity. The influencer aesthetic may be pretty, but this book makes it very clear that perfection is often just another form of captivity. Many thanks to Rising Action Publishing Company and the author for the early copy that will publish July 14, 2026.
July 14, 2026
Thank you to the author and Rising Action Publishing Co for a copy of A Cult of a Different Kind. Here are my thoughts!
Beylynn was looking for connection when she gets involved with the Skinny, Happy Life lifestyle influencing and promoting group. Soon she becomes one of their best sellers, and women everywhere aspire to be like Beylynn. Little does she know this is totally a pyramid scheme/cult. By the time she realizes her health and her life are in serious risk.
Kate is such a wonderful author. After I read her debut, I knew I would jump on the opportunity to read any of her future works. A Cult of a Different Kind is a very different vibe than The Novel Killings but I am totally here for it! At first, I found most of the characters pretty unlikable, but Beylynn really grew on me. I was concerned for her and felt invested in her safety.
The supporting characters are memorable and most of them are awful. I wasn’t sure who was on Beylynn’s side and who was out for themselves through out the novel, and I found myself surprised several times! The writing style reads quickly and is perfect for a summer read on the beach.
Some of the parts are a little cheesy but it fits the book nicely, as some other parts are quite dark so that balance is important, I think. Might want to double check trigger warnings on this one prior to reading!
Overall, another great thriller by a wonderful author! I can’t get enough cult thrillers. Another thing to talk to my therapist about…
Beylynn was looking for connection when she gets involved with the Skinny, Happy Life lifestyle influencing and promoting group. Soon she becomes one of their best sellers, and women everywhere aspire to be like Beylynn. Little does she know this is totally a pyramid scheme/cult. By the time she realizes her health and her life are in serious risk.
Kate is such a wonderful author. After I read her debut, I knew I would jump on the opportunity to read any of her future works. A Cult of a Different Kind is a very different vibe than The Novel Killings but I am totally here for it! At first, I found most of the characters pretty unlikable, but Beylynn really grew on me. I was concerned for her and felt invested in her safety.
The supporting characters are memorable and most of them are awful. I wasn’t sure who was on Beylynn’s side and who was out for themselves through out the novel, and I found myself surprised several times! The writing style reads quickly and is perfect for a summer read on the beach.
Some of the parts are a little cheesy but it fits the book nicely, as some other parts are quite dark so that balance is important, I think. Might want to double check trigger warnings on this one prior to reading!
Overall, another great thriller by a wonderful author! I can’t get enough cult thrillers. Another thing to talk to my therapist about…
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who wouldn't be lured by the slogan to live a "Skinnier, happier life"? Just buy into a massive MLM, sign away your rights, and drink this "shake" for every meal. And be careful what you wish for...
When Beylynn goes from minor influencer to the head of Bey's Babes with a huge social media following, she, along with her co-leader, husband, and the CEO of SHL, are "living the life". But as Beylynn starts to notice physical symptoms that are making her sick, she realizes the extent of the manipulation and control her husband and boss have exerted over her. She realizes the company is very much like a cult, and she's done lying to her followers. She decides an upcoming trip for a contractual photoshoot is an opportunity to disappear for a bit.
But getting out isn't easy when there's so much at stake for all of the others involved. Did Beylynn really leave of her own accord? Or has someone un-alived her? And who had the motive?
While the first part of the book felt one-dimensional and the men's piggish remarks seemed juvenile even for their characters, the ending totally redeemed this book through a surprise twist that had me racing to the end.
Thank you to Kate Shelton, NetGalley and Rising Sun Publishing Co. for an advanced review copy.
When Beylynn goes from minor influencer to the head of Bey's Babes with a huge social media following, she, along with her co-leader, husband, and the CEO of SHL, are "living the life". But as Beylynn starts to notice physical symptoms that are making her sick, she realizes the extent of the manipulation and control her husband and boss have exerted over her. She realizes the company is very much like a cult, and she's done lying to her followers. She decides an upcoming trip for a contractual photoshoot is an opportunity to disappear for a bit.
But getting out isn't easy when there's so much at stake for all of the others involved. Did Beylynn really leave of her own accord? Or has someone un-alived her? And who had the motive?
While the first part of the book felt one-dimensional and the men's piggish remarks seemed juvenile even for their characters, the ending totally redeemed this book through a surprise twist that had me racing to the end.
Thank you to Kate Shelton, NetGalley and Rising Sun Publishing Co. for an advanced review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC for review. To be published July 14, 2026.
2 stars
This sounded interesting, a thrillerish book based on the idea that an MLM is like a cult (because it is?! )
So, the good news is….well…that idea is still out there if someone wants to take another run at it because this wasn’t very good. First, and I know this was an ARC and they sometimes have errors, but this one had so many it was tough to read, including the fact that the main character, Beylynn (which is right up there with the worst FMC name ever and would certainly be listed as a tragedeigh on Reddit and her husband, Keenan’s names were consistently misspelled.
Second, and this was the big one, the book doesn’t take on MLM and how insidious they are at all! It has some bad actors, but really for other reasons. So what was the point of making it about MLMs? Eyeballs, that’s what. Same reason I’ve read about thirty-eleven #tradwife books this year. And there were the same number of subplots here that were either unnecessary or went nowhere. So disappointing.
Oh, Beylynn. I would say we expected better from you, but because your name is Beylynn we truly did not.
2 stars
This sounded interesting, a thrillerish book based on the idea that an MLM is like a cult (because it is?! )
So, the good news is….well…that idea is still out there if someone wants to take another run at it because this wasn’t very good. First, and I know this was an ARC and they sometimes have errors, but this one had so many it was tough to read, including the fact that the main character, Beylynn (which is right up there with the worst FMC name ever and would certainly be listed as a tragedeigh on Reddit and her husband, Keenan’s names were consistently misspelled.
Second, and this was the big one, the book doesn’t take on MLM and how insidious they are at all! It has some bad actors, but really for other reasons. So what was the point of making it about MLMs? Eyeballs, that’s what. Same reason I’ve read about thirty-eleven #tradwife books this year. And there were the same number of subplots here that were either unnecessary or went nowhere. So disappointing.
Oh, Beylynn. I would say we expected better from you, but because your name is Beylynn we truly did not.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Way more typos than one usually finds in an eARC/ARC, so I wonder if they'll get caught in time for publication.
The "cult" mentioned is one of those Multi-Level Marketing schemes, this one selling supplements to help you live a "Skinnier, Healthier Life" with GLP-1s added to whatever the mix is. I was hoping for more about that aspect, having grown up with these types of organizations around (e.g., Tupperware, Avon, Mary Kay, Herbalife) and having some friends who sell as part of their side hustle. Instead, Bey's Babes is really quickly covered from "just Bey" to the biggest, most profitable group in the company, with none of the sales pressure or building that would have gone into that arc. Mostly, we get a fairly standard thriller, with Beylynne trying to get out of what is becoming a toxic environment.
The book is set "then" (prior to the events in Key West) and "now" (what's happening as the search for Bey continues). It's not done particularly well, to be honest, and the big secret about the disappearance is less a revelation and more of an "of course" moment.
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
The "cult" mentioned is one of those Multi-Level Marketing schemes, this one selling supplements to help you live a "Skinnier, Healthier Life" with GLP-1s added to whatever the mix is. I was hoping for more about that aspect, having grown up with these types of organizations around (e.g., Tupperware, Avon, Mary Kay, Herbalife) and having some friends who sell as part of their side hustle. Instead, Bey's Babes is really quickly covered from "just Bey" to the biggest, most profitable group in the company, with none of the sales pressure or building that would have gone into that arc. Mostly, we get a fairly standard thriller, with Beylynne trying to get out of what is becoming a toxic environment.
The book is set "then" (prior to the events in Key West) and "now" (what's happening as the search for Bey continues). It's not done particularly well, to be honest, and the big secret about the disappearance is less a revelation and more of an "of course" moment.
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
April 3, 2026
Okay this was such a quietly unhinged read in the best way. It starts off very “boss babe, live laugh love, protein shake” vibes and then slowly you realise… wait this is actually kind of terrifying.
The MLM cult concept was honestly the strongest part. The whole Skinny Happy Life™ branding, toxic positivity, and obsession with appearances felt too real. Like it’s giving Instagram wellness girlies but make it sinister. The deeper it goes, the more uncomfortable it gets.
Beylynn’s disappearance definitely kept me hooked, but this is more of a slow burn than a twisty thriller. There are twists, just not the kind that completely gag you. It’s more subtle, more psychological. I got slight Gone Girl vibes at times, especially with that underlying “something is not right here” feeling .
I do wish it went a bit darker though. The premise had so much potential to be messier and more shocking, but it kind of held back in places.
Overall, really addictive and easy to get into. Not mind-blowing, but definitely one of those reads that gets under your skin a little without you realising.
The MLM cult concept was honestly the strongest part. The whole Skinny Happy Life™ branding, toxic positivity, and obsession with appearances felt too real. Like it’s giving Instagram wellness girlies but make it sinister. The deeper it goes, the more uncomfortable it gets.
Beylynn’s disappearance definitely kept me hooked, but this is more of a slow burn than a twisty thriller. There are twists, just not the kind that completely gag you. It’s more subtle, more psychological. I got slight Gone Girl vibes at times, especially with that underlying “something is not right here” feeling .
I do wish it went a bit darker though. The premise had so much potential to be messier and more shocking, but it kind of held back in places.
Overall, really addictive and easy to get into. Not mind-blowing, but definitely one of those reads that gets under your skin a little without you realising.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How have I not read more MLM based thrillers?
Beylynn is at the top of the pyramid at Skinny Happy Life. She's the top seller and was just made the company spoke model. All is well until she disappears on an incentive trip. As her disappearance is investigated, it comes to light that things are very much not skinny and happy.
I was so intrigued by the blurb but after 10% I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this book. The characters are just annoying to spend time with. You spend so much time in the perspective of Keenan, her terrible husband, who is almost cartoonishly awful. If I had to read one more time about how he was getting hard from thinking about his affair partner I was going to lose it. The company owner Bob was more of the same, just a caricature of a villain. All of the plot was so outlandish. There could have been a really grounded interesting story in the dangers of MLMs and their products but this went way off the deep end.
Also this is nitpicking but I kept waiting for the reveal that Beylynn wasn't her real name. Because that is such a girl boss name surely it's fake. Nope, she calls it a New Mexico name...
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Beylynn is at the top of the pyramid at Skinny Happy Life. She's the top seller and was just made the company spoke model. All is well until she disappears on an incentive trip. As her disappearance is investigated, it comes to light that things are very much not skinny and happy.
I was so intrigued by the blurb but after 10% I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this book. The characters are just annoying to spend time with. You spend so much time in the perspective of Keenan, her terrible husband, who is almost cartoonishly awful. If I had to read one more time about how he was getting hard from thinking about his affair partner I was going to lose it. The company owner Bob was more of the same, just a caricature of a villain. All of the plot was so outlandish. There could have been a really grounded interesting story in the dangers of MLMs and their products but this went way off the deep end.
Also this is nitpicking but I kept waiting for the reveal that Beylynn wasn't her real name. Because that is such a girl boss name surely it's fake. Nope, she calls it a New Mexico name...
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book has a great premise. A woman trying desperately to escape the multi-level marketing company that has her in its clutches? I had to read it. Knowing how predatory these companies are, I can definitely imagine situations getting out of hand as they do in this novel.
It’s relatively fast-paced, told in dual timelines with multiple POVs. Revelations about Beylynn’s marriage and relationship with the company come at the right time to keep you wanting to read one more page.
I found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional (as in, it was super easy to tell which people were the villains right off the bat, and they had basically no nuance, no conflicted ideals, no scruples about the evil they were doing). But all in all, it was a book with high stakes, so I was curious enough to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the ARC.
It’s relatively fast-paced, told in dual timelines with multiple POVs. Revelations about Beylynn’s marriage and relationship with the company come at the right time to keep you wanting to read one more page.
I found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional (as in, it was super easy to tell which people were the villains right off the bat, and they had basically no nuance, no conflicted ideals, no scruples about the evil they were doing). But all in all, it was a book with high stakes, so I was curious enough to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Certain aspects of the modern-day influencer lifestyle bear an uncomfortable similarity to the encouragement of cult-like behaviour among followers, but with a decidedly commercial spin to it.
Beylynn is entirely up for that when she becomes the face of SHL aka Skinny Happy Life, a range of "well being" products for women desperate to lose weight. But when she suddenly disappears, her handlers are in a panic because they don't know if she has gone AWOL, or her disappearance is due to some mishap. What they do know is that they have to figure out a cover story and find a solution asap...
This is a darkly humorous and very sharp take on the preoccupations of this media obsessed era and its hidden costs. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Beylynn is entirely up for that when she becomes the face of SHL aka Skinny Happy Life, a range of "well being" products for women desperate to lose weight. But when she suddenly disappears, her handlers are in a panic because they don't know if she has gone AWOL, or her disappearance is due to some mishap. What they do know is that they have to figure out a cover story and find a solution asap...
This is a darkly humorous and very sharp take on the preoccupations of this media obsessed era and its hidden costs. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you @risingactionpublishingco @katesheltonauthor #partner for the gifted copy of this book!
Okay, this book was every bit as addictive as the pills, powders and potions at the center of the story. 😳 I absolutely flew through this one and never wanted to put it down.
I may be a little biased because I think Kate Shelton is a genuinely sweet, funny, and kind human...but thankfully her books are pretty kick ass too! What really worked for me was how relatable this story felt. Women are constantly bombarded with messages about how they should look, act, eat, dress, and present themselves online, and Kate takes those very real pressures and weaves them into a fascinating story about a woman who gets pulled into the glamour and promises of a cultish MLM. But alas friends, she quickly discovers things aren’t exactly what they seem.
I felt SO bad for the main character because nobody would listen to her. Every concern was brushed aside, every red flag explained away, and the gaslighting had me wanting to scream on her behalf. At the same time, the book does such a great job showing how people get sucked into these organizations in the first place. It never felt unrealistic. In fact, it felt a little too believable at times and I could totally see this happening!
If you are like me and cannot say no to stories about cults and influencer culture then be like me and add this one to your TBR! Kate absolutely nailed it with this one! 🔥📚
Okay, this book was every bit as addictive as the pills, powders and potions at the center of the story. 😳 I absolutely flew through this one and never wanted to put it down.
I may be a little biased because I think Kate Shelton is a genuinely sweet, funny, and kind human...but thankfully her books are pretty kick ass too! What really worked for me was how relatable this story felt. Women are constantly bombarded with messages about how they should look, act, eat, dress, and present themselves online, and Kate takes those very real pressures and weaves them into a fascinating story about a woman who gets pulled into the glamour and promises of a cultish MLM. But alas friends, she quickly discovers things aren’t exactly what they seem.
I felt SO bad for the main character because nobody would listen to her. Every concern was brushed aside, every red flag explained away, and the gaslighting had me wanting to scream on her behalf. At the same time, the book does such a great job showing how people get sucked into these organizations in the first place. It never felt unrealistic. In fact, it felt a little too believable at times and I could totally see this happening!
If you are like me and cannot say no to stories about cults and influencer culture then be like me and add this one to your TBR! Kate absolutely nailed it with this one! 🔥📚
July 17, 2026
💊 A soapy, summer thriller about the dark side of MLM schemes. Thank you @risingactionpublishingco for my sneak peek at @authorkateshelton’s latest thriller! It’s out 7/14!
💊 Beylynn is at the top of the pyramid for a health supplement company. But when she realizes the products are actually making her sick, the people at the top won’t let her step down— lest the whole pyramid crumble. She can no longer trust her boss, her husband, or even her best friend.
💊 This was a great poolside read, especially the last third which was ALL nonstop action that was written so well! I was hooked and had to know how it would all play out. It would be a great book to throw in your beach bag this summer.
💊 Lastly, I’m just so proud of Kate! We first connected here because we were both writing. She’s since published two books and I’m still working on my first. Great job, Kate!
💊 Beylynn is at the top of the pyramid for a health supplement company. But when she realizes the products are actually making her sick, the people at the top won’t let her step down— lest the whole pyramid crumble. She can no longer trust her boss, her husband, or even her best friend.
💊 This was a great poolside read, especially the last third which was ALL nonstop action that was written so well! I was hooked and had to know how it would all play out. It would be a great book to throw in your beach bag this summer.
💊 Lastly, I’m just so proud of Kate! We first connected here because we were both writing. She’s since published two books and I’m still working on my first. Great job, Kate!
July 21, 2026
* late post, my beloved Kindle has been sad off and on since June, limiting some reviews and reading
I loved this book! It had great pacing, solid page-turning moments, and the kind of well-crafted themes that I will always return to. Kate Shelton has a flair for good mystery/suspense writing.
Standouts in this read are the examination of MLMs, how they latch onto insecurities, our desires for quick fixes or fast, easy money (things that never happen), and often somehow hold out the false hope of fitting in, looking better, conforming... indeed, conforming, right?
Shelton gets the mindsets of cults and women's lives, the push and pull of insecurities, the whispered promises of better things, and the way readers want to be pulled into a good story with mystery but also relatable themes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book Is about the MLM from hell. It should hit hard for any millennial woman who has been forced to sit through a “party” which is really a sales pitch.
Beyelynn is new to Atlanta and lonely. She only has her husband Keenan to keep her company while she tries to become an influencer. When she is invited by a stranger to a “girls night” she accepts no questions asked. But that night is going to change her life… for the worse.
Beyelynn’s meteoric rise in the SHL company brings her money, status, friends but a whole host of other things she’s never wanted. Now Beyelynn wants out but her partner, boss and husband will do anything to make sure they don’t lose their cash cow.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
Beyelynn is new to Atlanta and lonely. She only has her husband Keenan to keep her company while she tries to become an influencer. When she is invited by a stranger to a “girls night” she accepts no questions asked. But that night is going to change her life… for the worse.
Beyelynn’s meteoric rise in the SHL company brings her money, status, friends but a whole host of other things she’s never wanted. Now Beyelynn wants out but her partner, boss and husband will do anything to make sure they don’t lose their cash cow.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just finished A Cult of a Different Kind by Kate Shelton and it definitely kept me thinking. This one dives into the complexities of belief, belonging, and influence in a way that feels both intriguing and a little unsettling. The story slowly pulls you in, revealing layers of tension and making you question what’s really going on beneath the surface. I appreciated how it balances suspense with deeper themes identity, control, and the human desire to be part of something bigger. It’s not a fast-paced thriller, but more of a slow build that sticks with you. If you enjoy thought-provoking stories with a darker edge and psychological depth, this one is worth checking out.
June 13, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, Rising Action and Kate Shelton for the ARC!
Beylynn is a top earner in an MLM that sells the promise of a “Skinny, Happy Life,” built on influencer culture, wellness branding, and toxic positivity. But during a company retreat, Beylynn goes lives on her IG, stating she needs a break right before she vanishes - those around (and her millions of followers - known as “Beylynn’s babes”) wonder if her disappearance is really a self-imposed break or is it a crime?
I love Kate Shelton so I dashed off to request this immediately when it went up on Netgalley. It certainly didn’t disappoint! I love the influencer angle, and could relate to it on a much smaller scale. Beylynn craved a skinnier, happier life - and I crave books so I totally get the appeal of when someone offers you what you want most, you go for it - lol! I was also a victim of a MLM about a decade ago, though luckily my misfortune only had me $500 in debt instead of fighting for my life. Told in alternating viewpoints, Beylynn and her jerk of a husband Keenan live through the aftermath of Beylynn’s disappearance. And don’t get me started on Bob, the CEO of Beylynn’s company. My heart went out to her, as she had been ignored, manipulated and used by all those around her. The pacing was perfect and had me turning pages quickly to see what was going to happen next!
“A Cult of a Different Kind” releases July 14, 2026. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Beylynn is a top earner in an MLM that sells the promise of a “Skinny, Happy Life,” built on influencer culture, wellness branding, and toxic positivity. But during a company retreat, Beylynn goes lives on her IG, stating she needs a break right before she vanishes - those around (and her millions of followers - known as “Beylynn’s babes”) wonder if her disappearance is really a self-imposed break or is it a crime?
I love Kate Shelton so I dashed off to request this immediately when it went up on Netgalley. It certainly didn’t disappoint! I love the influencer angle, and could relate to it on a much smaller scale. Beylynn craved a skinnier, happier life - and I crave books so I totally get the appeal of when someone offers you what you want most, you go for it - lol! I was also a victim of a MLM about a decade ago, though luckily my misfortune only had me $500 in debt instead of fighting for my life. Told in alternating viewpoints, Beylynn and her jerk of a husband Keenan live through the aftermath of Beylynn’s disappearance. And don’t get me started on Bob, the CEO of Beylynn’s company. My heart went out to her, as she had been ignored, manipulated and used by all those around her. The pacing was perfect and had me turning pages quickly to see what was going to happen next!
“A Cult of a Different Kind” releases July 14, 2026. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Shelton, and the publisher for granting me access to this ARC.
This premise sounded SO interesting to me - I am always interested in learning more about MLMs and cults, so combining the two into a thriller fiction novel sounded right up my alley. However, the execution lost me. I was not a big fan of the writing style and, although the characters were all supposed to be unlikeable, it crossed the line a bit too much for me. I'm also not a fan of too much POV switching, and that happened quite a bit here. Overall, not really for me, though I do still love the premise.
This premise sounded SO interesting to me - I am always interested in learning more about MLMs and cults, so combining the two into a thriller fiction novel sounded right up my alley. However, the execution lost me. I was not a big fan of the writing style and, although the characters were all supposed to be unlikeable, it crossed the line a bit too much for me. I'm also not a fan of too much POV switching, and that happened quite a bit here. Overall, not really for me, though I do still love the premise.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A wonderful mystery full of twists and turns. Bey is the top earner for a sketchy mlm. She’s surrounded by horrible people: her philandering, abusive husband; her greedy, manipulative boss; and her jealous best friend. When she tries to escape the cult, she finds herself more alone than ever. Every where she turns, her boss is one step ahead of her. After being forced to go on a brand vacation that she wants no part of, she finds her perfect opportunity to escape. But, it can’t be as easy as she planned. This book shows how greed changes people, and what the internet and mlm companies end up doing to a woman.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ooof.
I was excited about this book and the premise but it failed to launch.
It started like any other thriller/mystery: main character speaking vaguely about making a choice. Dual POV corresponding to a dual timeline.
And then immediately goes downhill.
Early on when the cops show up the dialogue and their characters were so bad I could only think it was part of the plot, part of the mystery, this book is actually satire! But no, it was actually that bad. And it doesn't stop with the cops, Beylynn with her business partner. Keenen in general.
I could not get past it, I could not care what happened to Beylynn. I could not finish this.
I was excited about this book and the premise but it failed to launch.
It started like any other thriller/mystery: main character speaking vaguely about making a choice. Dual POV corresponding to a dual timeline.
And then immediately goes downhill.
Early on when the cops show up the dialogue and their characters were so bad I could only think it was part of the plot, part of the mystery, this book is actually satire! But no, it was actually that bad. And it doesn't stop with the cops, Beylynn with her business partner. Keenen in general.
I could not get past it, I could not care what happened to Beylynn. I could not finish this.
July 14, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc
this was a quick and enjoyable read. it felt quite generic and non original but I enjoyed the plot twist at the end.
beylynn was very stupid and way too trustworthy in my opinion, the fact that she trusted rachel until the end even though it was clear that rachel was involved in everything and didn't care about her.
I appreciated the "cult" aspect of the story and how everybody around her was suspicious and trying to get her to behave. her husband kennan was. the worst and kinda deserved everything that happened to him.
I wasn't a fan of the writing style, and the pov alternating and the different timelines were quite annoying.
this was a quick and enjoyable read. it felt quite generic and non original but I enjoyed the plot twist at the end.
beylynn was very stupid and way too trustworthy in my opinion, the fact that she trusted rachel until the end even though it was clear that rachel was involved in everything and didn't care about her.
I appreciated the "cult" aspect of the story and how everybody around her was suspicious and trying to get her to behave. her husband kennan was. the worst and kinda deserved everything that happened to him.
I wasn't a fan of the writing style, and the pov alternating and the different timelines were quite annoying.
July 17, 2026
This was much darker than I expected. Diving into the world of MLMs, it would’ve been easy to let this get cheesy and eye roll inducing. But, rather than going that route, Shelton went the opposite way and gave us an unflinching look at how dark these cult-like schemes could become. Our MC was in a dangerous situation from the get-go, it just went further than she expected. The tension was high the entire journey to figure out what she would endure, and I enjoyed the pacing. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs and dual timelines, and appreciated the work that Shelton put in to keep it clean and easy to follow.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ✨
I personally liked the cast of self-absorbed characters, they brought a level of drama that felt like a behind the scenes look at a messy reality TV show. Kate Shelton perfectly captured the dark side of pyramid schemes and MLM culture. The setting was the perfect backdrop for a thriller, and I honestly couldn't put it down. While the whodunnit was a bit predictable and I guessed the culprit early on, it didn't take away from the fun. A solid, bingeable read.
thank you Netgalley and rising action publishing for the ARC !
I personally liked the cast of self-absorbed characters, they brought a level of drama that felt like a behind the scenes look at a messy reality TV show. Kate Shelton perfectly captured the dark side of pyramid schemes and MLM culture. The setting was the perfect backdrop for a thriller, and I honestly couldn't put it down. While the whodunnit was a bit predictable and I guessed the culprit early on, it didn't take away from the fun. A solid, bingeable read.
thank you Netgalley and rising action publishing for the ARC !
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely LOVED Kate's debut novel, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to grab her sophomore novel and jump right in! Head first of course, never reading the synopsis because I knew it was going to be great.
Dual timelines and multiple povs always have my heart but this one sets up the perfect timeline and story.
Wow. This was epic. I finished this in 1 sitting. I just HAD to know what happened to Beylynn and who was responsible. Each chapter got better and better. This one has it all between MLMs, cult vibes, characters you love to hate, marital issues and justice its a slam dunk.
Dual timelines and multiple povs always have my heart but this one sets up the perfect timeline and story.
Wow. This was epic. I finished this in 1 sitting. I just HAD to know what happened to Beylynn and who was responsible. Each chapter got better and better. This one has it all between MLMs, cult vibes, characters you love to hate, marital issues and justice its a slam dunk.
July 26, 2026
3.5/5
May a love like Beylynn & Keenan's never find me. It is one rooted in misogyny, lies and deception. This is my second book by this author and I overall liked the premise. Beylynn unknowingly falls into a "Cult of a Different Kind" otherwise known as a MLM scam.
The story is told in multiple POVS and duo-timeline. I wasn't vastly connected with any of the characters but did think it was a interesting storyline overall.
May a love like Beylynn & Keenan's never find me. It is one rooted in misogyny, lies and deception. This is my second book by this author and I overall liked the premise. Beylynn unknowingly falls into a "Cult of a Different Kind" otherwise known as a MLM scam.
The story is told in multiple POVS and duo-timeline. I wasn't vastly connected with any of the characters but did think it was a interesting storyline overall.
August 17, 2026
Really fun and fast paced book. So entertaining. However, gave this a 2 because there are SO many typos, misspellings, grammatical issues, etc etc it’s like it didn’t actually get a proper proofreading and it eventually became unforgivable! For copy / grammar - this gets a 1, I’ve never read anything so sloppy. But plot and entertainment value it would be a 4. Fast paced and quick read, great book for a vacation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews