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Libby Lives
This updated edition includes an introduction by Megan Stockton and a Fem Rage playlist compiled by Blaine Daigle.
Everyone in town knows Libby Turner as the sweet waitress at The Rustic Spoon, but they don't know about the bodies buried in her past. After surviving a childhood of brutal abuse, Libby finally has a shot at a normal life—including an unexpected romance with a protective local cop who makes her feel truly safe for the first time.
Then the notes start appearing. Someone is watching her. Someone knows her darkest secrets. And they're determined to make her pay for what she's done.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
Everyone in town knows Libby Turner as the sweet waitress at The Rustic Spoon, but they don't know about the bodies buried in her past. After surviving a childhood of brutal abuse, Libby finally has a shot at a normal life—including an unexpected romance with a protective local cop who makes her feel truly safe for the first time.
Then the notes start appearing. Someone is watching her. Someone knows her darkest secrets. And they're determined to make her pay for what she's done.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
Audible Audio
Published February 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 3, 2025
3.5 stars. Congratulations to Ali Toothman on her debut novel! Welcome to the horror community! This was a really powerful story. Lots of great use of the various themes, including revenge, abuse, trauma, etc. The first portion of the book really was wonderful in so many ways, accompanied by some beautiful writing. What lost me a bit was how things sort of pivoted into more of a thriller instead of maintaining the initial horror focus. And, with that, certain actions by our lead, Libby, seemed to not match up with what someone with her background and mindset would have been able to do. Almost felt like two separate stories put together with the same characters, a la Richard Bachman/Stephen King's Desperation and Regulators. I was guilty of trying to cram too many plot points into my initial book, and many writers do the same, so this is a standard rookie mistake. However, I am very curious to keep an eye on Ali Toothman moving forward as she fine-tunes her writing skills and contributes some more unique works to the horror genre.
January 16, 2025
I received Libby Lives as an advanced read, and when I tell you I couldn’t put it down I honestly couldn’t!
I have to give a round of applause to Ali Toothman on her debut novel. She has provided us with feminine rage revenge, gore, small town horror and mystery, and shockingly a HEA love story which I did not see coming but I’m so happy it happened!
I’m going to keep my review short and sweet because I want to give all the spoilers and I can’t do that! Just go read LIBBY LIVES and keep your eyes and ears open for anything Ali Toothman releases!
Libby Lives releases on 2/28/25!
I have to give a round of applause to Ali Toothman on her debut novel. She has provided us with feminine rage revenge, gore, small town horror and mystery, and shockingly a HEA love story which I did not see coming but I’m so happy it happened!
I’m going to keep my review short and sweet because I want to give all the spoilers and I can’t do that! Just go read LIBBY LIVES and keep your eyes and ears open for anything Ali Toothman releases!
Libby Lives releases on 2/28/25!
August 4, 2025
I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with me. Here are a few points that contributed to my disappointment:
1. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with their struggles and motivations.
2. The story often dragged in places, which made it difficult to maintain my interest. Key events felt rushed, while others seemed to linger unnecessarily.
3. The conversations felt unrealistic and sometimes forced, which detracted from the overall immersion in the story.
4. While the premise had potential, the execution fell flat. Some twists felt far too predictable, and the resolution left me unsatisfied.
Overall, I can appreciate the effort put into the story, but it unfortunately didn’t deliver the engaging experience I was hoping for.
Also what kind of cop takes advantage of and grooms a traumatized young woman??? Yikes. Felt like a Wattpad fanfic from middle school to me.
1. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with their struggles and motivations.
2. The story often dragged in places, which made it difficult to maintain my interest. Key events felt rushed, while others seemed to linger unnecessarily.
3. The conversations felt unrealistic and sometimes forced, which detracted from the overall immersion in the story.
4. While the premise had potential, the execution fell flat. Some twists felt far too predictable, and the resolution left me unsatisfied.
Overall, I can appreciate the effort put into the story, but it unfortunately didn’t deliver the engaging experience I was hoping for.
Also what kind of cop takes advantage of and grooms a traumatized young woman??? Yikes. Felt like a Wattpad fanfic from middle school to me.
February 4, 2025
Ali Toothman's debut novel, "Libby Lives," is a book about victims, abuse, justice, revenge and redemption. It's the story of Libby - a woman who has to discover her own way to live through her own personal hell - live, not merely survive; and live she does. But Libby's story is as much a tale of coming-of-age and self-discovery as an extremely problematic path through morally ambiguous choices, troubling decisions, and morally questionable acts. Because, you see, Libby is also a killer.
I've often wondered if someone killing willingly for personal revenge would count as a serial killer. On the other hand, if that someone could not really live without planning murder and realizing their plans, would they even be able to start living? Libby, as I read her, falls somewhat between these two categories: a serial killer who can stop killing once she can finally start to live. What is she to do when her new life is threatened? And who is this mysterious person who seems to know so much about her past?
Toothman's book is a straightforward read, with precise and flowing prose, relatable characters, a blooming romance (or two) and a strong, if flawed, protagonist; but it's not a easy read - far from it. The book's logic is dreamlike, hovering between Libby the victim of abuse and Libby the killer, planning murder. What's happening felt "dreamlike" to me, in the sense of daydreaming: the dialogue and the situations develop the way one might imagine killing in one's head, the plan realized without surprises or hitches. It's evident from early on that Libby is that rare victim that strikes back; a woman who knows one thing and one thing only: she wants to live, not merely survive. Her dog's presence throughout her life shows she can also love, care, and respond to love - she's no psychopath. This makes for a tough balancing act, one which Toothman carries out brilliantly.
I recommend the book both for the central mystery and the message of empowerment and self-redemption. "I will no longer be a victim". Such difficult words to be spoken meaningfully.
I've often wondered if someone killing willingly for personal revenge would count as a serial killer. On the other hand, if that someone could not really live without planning murder and realizing their plans, would they even be able to start living? Libby, as I read her, falls somewhat between these two categories: a serial killer who can stop killing once she can finally start to live. What is she to do when her new life is threatened? And who is this mysterious person who seems to know so much about her past?
Toothman's book is a straightforward read, with precise and flowing prose, relatable characters, a blooming romance (or two) and a strong, if flawed, protagonist; but it's not a easy read - far from it. The book's logic is dreamlike, hovering between Libby the victim of abuse and Libby the killer, planning murder. What's happening felt "dreamlike" to me, in the sense of daydreaming: the dialogue and the situations develop the way one might imagine killing in one's head, the plan realized without surprises or hitches. It's evident from early on that Libby is that rare victim that strikes back; a woman who knows one thing and one thing only: she wants to live, not merely survive. Her dog's presence throughout her life shows she can also love, care, and respond to love - she's no psychopath. This makes for a tough balancing act, one which Toothman carries out brilliantly.
I recommend the book both for the central mystery and the message of empowerment and self-redemption. "I will no longer be a victim". Such difficult words to be spoken meaningfully.
May 14, 2026
The beginning of this story held a lot of promise but it ultimately fell flat for me and I found myself becoming eager for the book to end. I was interested in this book because it was called a feminine rage and revenge story, but that’s not what I found in its pages. The pacing felt both rushed and too slow at times, which made the story feel disjointed. None of the characters had enough depth to make me care about them, and Libby frankly just grated on my nerves. I avoid a lot of romance because I tire easily of the “I’m so broken (yet beautiful) and no one could ever love me (except all these people falling at my feet to tell me they love me)” — and that situation was a decent chunk of this book. It felt like the author switched gears after the first two murders and wanted to write a romance novel but was still trying to make it fit amongst a horror backdrop.
The frequent name dropping of indie horror authors also took me out of the story and I feel their names are best left in the acknowledgments section of the book. I would definitely give this author a chance again but this one just missed the mark for me.
The frequent name dropping of indie horror authors also took me out of the story and I feel their names are best left in the acknowledgments section of the book. I would definitely give this author a chance again but this one just missed the mark for me.
May 14, 2026
2 stars and one BIG eyeroll 🙄
August 8, 2025
On my end, if I tell you that I finished a book quickly, that’s a compliment coming from me considering how slow of a reader I am (it’s the lack of attention span 🤷🏻♀️) And this took me two days to read. I am a sucker, especially nowadays for a good feminine rage story, and this was no exception. It had that tangled with quite a bit of mystery that kept you guessing up until the very end. Every time the rage came into play I let out an audible “f*ck yes,” for the MC.
Not to mention that I spent most of the story as well concerned our lovable side character Harvey. I was very impressed with this debut book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Not to mention that I spent most of the story as well concerned our lovable side character Harvey. I was very impressed with this debut book and look forward to reading more from this author.
August 29, 2025
“Libby Lives” by Ali Toothman gets a 1.5 out of 5 stars.
Similar to the other few low ratings, this story felt mashed together, dragged out in some areas and the execution fell flat. The dialogue and interactions between characters didn’t seem “organic” and almost forced. The characters didn’t have any depth and twists were predictable.
Similar to the other few low ratings, this story felt mashed together, dragged out in some areas and the execution fell flat. The dialogue and interactions between characters didn’t seem “organic” and almost forced. The characters didn’t have any depth and twists were predictable.
March 27, 2025
Great book! Just wish it was longer so I could read how the rest of Libby and Zeb’s life together went! Gory at times but not too much, and no spicy scenes, which I’m thankful for! Can’t wait to see what Ali has in store next!
June 1, 2026
Zipped right through this one, I will say I think feminine rage is one of my favorite tropes. Libby is a bad bitch that don't take no shit from anyone. If you cross her, well you better get on your knees and pray-not that it would do you any good.
December 23, 2025
In "Libby Lives," by Ali Toothman, Libby Mae Turner (such a fantastic name - I just loved saying it in my mind) waits tables at a greasy spoon in the quiet small town where she's spent her entire life. Now a young woman in her twenties, she reflects on the troubled past she keeps a carefully guarded secret: an alcoholic, abusive father and, more tragically, a boy who brutally assaults her as a teenager.
Such horrible beginnings may have broken other girls, but instead, Libby somehow summons an inner store of not just strength, but ruthless resolve as well. Rather than run from her abusers, she ultimately fights back. Along the way, Libby finds the confidence to make friends for the first time, and even dares to fall in love. Everything seems to be going well enough until she discovers a curious note on the floor at the diner where she works with her name scrawled on it.
I didn't realize this was author Ali Toothman's first book until I finished reading it. I never would have guessed. She writes with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller, and she deftly moves the story in unexpected directions the reader never sees coming. While there are certainly trigger moments, the gore is never over-the-top or gratuitous. Libby is a wonderfully realized character, and even though she does some very terrible things, the people she does them to have it coming, and the reader can't help but cheer for her -- and worry as well, as the police begin to grow suspicious, the investigations creeping ever closer to Libby's front door.
(And don't get me started on the gorgeous cover artwork and what has to be the most beautiful layout design I've ever seen in either ebook or print! I am a sucker for a beautiful book, and "Libby Lives" doesn't disappoint.)
"Libby Lives" is a dark fable reminding us that sometimes peace of mind and security aren't things we're guaranteed, and are often goals we must fight tooth and nail for. Or, in Libby's case, with a knife and baseball bat.
Such horrible beginnings may have broken other girls, but instead, Libby somehow summons an inner store of not just strength, but ruthless resolve as well. Rather than run from her abusers, she ultimately fights back. Along the way, Libby finds the confidence to make friends for the first time, and even dares to fall in love. Everything seems to be going well enough until she discovers a curious note on the floor at the diner where she works with her name scrawled on it.
I didn't realize this was author Ali Toothman's first book until I finished reading it. I never would have guessed. She writes with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller, and she deftly moves the story in unexpected directions the reader never sees coming. While there are certainly trigger moments, the gore is never over-the-top or gratuitous. Libby is a wonderfully realized character, and even though she does some very terrible things, the people she does them to have it coming, and the reader can't help but cheer for her -- and worry as well, as the police begin to grow suspicious, the investigations creeping ever closer to Libby's front door.
(And don't get me started on the gorgeous cover artwork and what has to be the most beautiful layout design I've ever seen in either ebook or print! I am a sucker for a beautiful book, and "Libby Lives" doesn't disappoint.)
"Libby Lives" is a dark fable reminding us that sometimes peace of mind and security aren't things we're guaranteed, and are often goals we must fight tooth and nail for. Or, in Libby's case, with a knife and baseball bat.
March 3, 2025
Book Review
Book Title: Libby Lives
Author: Ali Toothman
Book Rating: 4.5 Stars
Libby Lives by Ali Toothman is a haunting and unforgettable debut that left me completely shaken. This novel is packed with tension, raw emotion, and a powerful story that lingers long after the final page. Despite the trauma and turmoil woven throughout, it was an incredible read—one filled with passion, soul, and thrills that refuse to let go.
Libby Mae is a young girl who has endured more hardship than most. Abandoned by her mother and raised by an abusive alcoholic father, her life has been nothing short of a nightmare. But when things take an even darker turn one fateful day after school, Libby makes a choice—one that will change the course of her life forever. Determined to take control of her fate, she embarks on a journey of vengeance, resilience, and ultimately, the pursuit of the life she’s always deserved.
This novel masterfully blends heart-pounding suspense, deeply emotional moments, and an engaging whodunit plot. Toothman’s storytelling is both gripping and poignant, balancing the themes of revenge, grief, and forgiveness in a way that feels deeply personal and compelling.
Having followed Ali Toothman on social media, I was excited to see her release her first novel—and Libby Lives exceeded my expectations. As a debut, it showcases incredible promise, and I am eagerly looking forward to what she writes next.
If you’re looking for a revenge thriller that delivers both psychological depth and gut-wrenching horror, Libby Lives is an absolute must-read.
Book Title: Libby Lives
Author: Ali Toothman
Book Rating: 4.5 Stars
Libby Lives by Ali Toothman is a haunting and unforgettable debut that left me completely shaken. This novel is packed with tension, raw emotion, and a powerful story that lingers long after the final page. Despite the trauma and turmoil woven throughout, it was an incredible read—one filled with passion, soul, and thrills that refuse to let go.
Libby Mae is a young girl who has endured more hardship than most. Abandoned by her mother and raised by an abusive alcoholic father, her life has been nothing short of a nightmare. But when things take an even darker turn one fateful day after school, Libby makes a choice—one that will change the course of her life forever. Determined to take control of her fate, she embarks on a journey of vengeance, resilience, and ultimately, the pursuit of the life she’s always deserved.
This novel masterfully blends heart-pounding suspense, deeply emotional moments, and an engaging whodunit plot. Toothman’s storytelling is both gripping and poignant, balancing the themes of revenge, grief, and forgiveness in a way that feels deeply personal and compelling.
Having followed Ali Toothman on social media, I was excited to see her release her first novel—and Libby Lives exceeded my expectations. As a debut, it showcases incredible promise, and I am eagerly looking forward to what she writes next.
If you’re looking for a revenge thriller that delivers both psychological depth and gut-wrenching horror, Libby Lives is an absolute must-read.
February 22, 2025
Libby Lives by Ali Toothman
Thank you so much @alis.booknook for trusting me as one of the first readers of your debut novel!!
Toothman throws you right into in this book. She hooks you from the very beginning and doesn’t hide how dark this book is, it hits you in the first chapter. Despite the brutal nature of this book, the writing is precise and the prose flows. This is a quick read, but don’t let that fool you. This book is packed with feminine rage, revenge, small town horror and a phenomenal twist. Toothman really brings you to care for the characters, and despite their flaws, you root for them. Although I won’t lie, the star of the show was Harvey. Libby is one of the most perfect, imperfect, and slightly unhinged main characters I’ve encountered in a while. This was an excellent debut and it will suck you in, so be prepared to read this one in one sitting. I honestly cannot wait to see what comes next from Ali. 4/5⭐️
𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝟮/𝟮𝟴! Do yourself a favor and grab a copy!
You can preorder a copy on Amazon now!
𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴: After surviving a childhood of brutal abuse, Libby finally has a shot at a normal life - including an unexpected romance with a protective local cop who makes her feel truly safe for the first time. Then the notes start appearing. Someone is watching her. Someone knows her darkest secrets.
Thank you so much @alis.booknook for trusting me as one of the first readers of your debut novel!!
Toothman throws you right into in this book. She hooks you from the very beginning and doesn’t hide how dark this book is, it hits you in the first chapter. Despite the brutal nature of this book, the writing is precise and the prose flows. This is a quick read, but don’t let that fool you. This book is packed with feminine rage, revenge, small town horror and a phenomenal twist. Toothman really brings you to care for the characters, and despite their flaws, you root for them. Although I won’t lie, the star of the show was Harvey. Libby is one of the most perfect, imperfect, and slightly unhinged main characters I’ve encountered in a while. This was an excellent debut and it will suck you in, so be prepared to read this one in one sitting. I honestly cannot wait to see what comes next from Ali. 4/5⭐️
𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝟮/𝟮𝟴! Do yourself a favor and grab a copy!
You can preorder a copy on Amazon now!
𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴: After surviving a childhood of brutal abuse, Libby finally has a shot at a normal life - including an unexpected romance with a protective local cop who makes her feel truly safe for the first time. Then the notes start appearing. Someone is watching her. Someone knows her darkest secrets.
January 22, 2025
"I will no longer be a victim."
In Libby Lives by Alicia Toothman, the titular character has faced abuse at many hands throughout her life. It starts as a rape-revenge tale, but goes on to ask and answer "then what?" How does this new found empowerment impact the rest of her life and relationships? What are the consequences she thought she escaped? And what happens why someone tries to abuse her again?
It's paced quickly, doesn't shy away from the causes of feminine rage, and doesn't blink when it comes to gore. I enjoyed that Libby is a complicated character. While she knows she done with accepting abuse, she struggles with how to accept anything else, which I found relatable and realistic. I'm looking forward to this author's next book!
VIBES
A playdate with offspring of the movies "Revenge" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer
Read if you want to dis-member (iykyk) someone but are just so cozy right now... get that vicarious cathartis!
FAFO
In Libby Lives by Alicia Toothman, the titular character has faced abuse at many hands throughout her life. It starts as a rape-revenge tale, but goes on to ask and answer "then what?" How does this new found empowerment impact the rest of her life and relationships? What are the consequences she thought she escaped? And what happens why someone tries to abuse her again?
It's paced quickly, doesn't shy away from the causes of feminine rage, and doesn't blink when it comes to gore. I enjoyed that Libby is a complicated character. While she knows she done with accepting abuse, she struggles with how to accept anything else, which I found relatable and realistic. I'm looking forward to this author's next book!
VIBES
A playdate with offspring of the movies "Revenge" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer
Read if you want to dis-member (iykyk) someone but are just so cozy right now... get that vicarious cathartis!
FAFO
March 5, 2025
This was a great story of determination and vengeance. And a sweat vengeance at that. Libby has a deep dark secret, and someone knows. The character development is outstanding.
Insert from book... this small paragraph it hard. I think we all can relate to this at some point in our lives.
No one has ever cared enough to step in and save me. They have all made me feel insignificant by ignoring and belittling me at every turn, but never again. I won’t rely on anyone else or wait for someone to save me or keep waiting around for what isn’t coming. This has gone on my entire life, and I hate myself for it. No one who was supposed to save me stepped in and did, but I’m done.
"I will no longer be a victim " is such a powerful sentence.
Ali's writing style is smooth and flawless. I look forward to reading more from this new author.
Insert from book... this small paragraph it hard. I think we all can relate to this at some point in our lives.
No one has ever cared enough to step in and save me. They have all made me feel insignificant by ignoring and belittling me at every turn, but never again. I won’t rely on anyone else or wait for someone to save me or keep waiting around for what isn’t coming. This has gone on my entire life, and I hate myself for it. No one who was supposed to save me stepped in and did, but I’m done.
"I will no longer be a victim " is such a powerful sentence.
Ali's writing style is smooth and flawless. I look forward to reading more from this new author.
February 24, 2025
Libby my QUEEEEEEN! (I’m going to drive Ali crazy by saying that.. I already know 🤣)
Ali sent this to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity, Ali!
I blew through this so quickly. It was fast paced and not only was it great for horror lovers, it was jam packed with suspense for all of you thriller lovers too. Libby is an absolute bada** who has had enough of the sh*t she is put through. She is DONE DONE. Feminine rage.. revenge horror.. this is an absolute BANGER. Debut novel?? Coulda fooled me. I can’t wait to see what else you have for us!
I am a survivor and Ali (and Libby!) has (have) truly motivated me to write the book I’ve been thinking about writing to tell my own story. THANK YOU, ALI!!
Ali sent this to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity, Ali!
I blew through this so quickly. It was fast paced and not only was it great for horror lovers, it was jam packed with suspense for all of you thriller lovers too. Libby is an absolute bada** who has had enough of the sh*t she is put through. She is DONE DONE. Feminine rage.. revenge horror.. this is an absolute BANGER. Debut novel?? Coulda fooled me. I can’t wait to see what else you have for us!
I am a survivor and Ali (and Libby!) has (have) truly motivated me to write the book I’ve been thinking about writing to tell my own story. THANK YOU, ALI!!
March 11, 2025
Libby Lives by Ali Toothman
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a fantastic and truly engaging story of abuse, revenge, love and murder!
Libby has had a horrible life from a very early age. She had to learn to take care of herself in order to survive and this was not easy for her!
This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! The intensity and suspense are fantastic! There are a lot of surprises and twists I didn’t see coming.
The book made me question if killing is sometimes necessary? 🔨🔪
🩸This is the author’s debut novel and all I can say is WOW!🩸I can’t wait to read more from Ali! Her story is very descriptive and well written!
Thank you to Ali Toothman for an arc of this amazing story!
*It’s out now and is a must read!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a fantastic and truly engaging story of abuse, revenge, love and murder!
Libby has had a horrible life from a very early age. She had to learn to take care of herself in order to survive and this was not easy for her!
This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! The intensity and suspense are fantastic! There are a lot of surprises and twists I didn’t see coming.
The book made me question if killing is sometimes necessary? 🔨🔪
🩸This is the author’s debut novel and all I can say is WOW!🩸I can’t wait to read more from Ali! Her story is very descriptive and well written!
Thank you to Ali Toothman for an arc of this amazing story!
*It’s out now and is a must read!!*
March 18, 2025
This is Ali Toothman's debut book. I have to say it was a fun read and quite an intense one. It's a revenge horror story of a young woman named Libby who is tired of being a 'victim', so she takes matters into her own hands. The back story of Libby is tough to handle. A combination of an abusive father and being bullied pushes her to her limits and she resorts to being a murderer.
It's a quick paced read after the first few chapters and the ending was satisfying. You know the expression 'I refuse to be a victim'? Libby Lives takes that saying quite literally. Sometimes justice is blind and one has to obtain justice their own way. A thrilling read that tackles the real-life horrors of domestic abuse.
It's a quick paced read after the first few chapters and the ending was satisfying. You know the expression 'I refuse to be a victim'? Libby Lives takes that saying quite literally. Sometimes justice is blind and one has to obtain justice their own way. A thrilling read that tackles the real-life horrors of domestic abuse.
April 14, 2025
***MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***
I loved it! I feel like I can connect with Libby on SO MANY LEVELS. The abuse, assault, not being able to be loved. I get her. The only difference is she had the guts to fight back. Libby is a badass.
The whole book I was like...is it ellie? Zeb? Does libby have split personalities and it's actually her?
Normally I would feel the ending is rushed, BUT I think what Zeb did actually tied it up perfectly.
also, the music taste is AMAZING. so many good bands listed throughout the book.
also, loved the little bit about turning down the radio to find an address. so relatable 😅.
Great job! Can't wait to read Ali Toothman's next book!
I loved it! I feel like I can connect with Libby on SO MANY LEVELS. The abuse, assault, not being able to be loved. I get her. The only difference is she had the guts to fight back. Libby is a badass.
The whole book I was like...is it ellie? Zeb? Does libby have split personalities and it's actually her?
Normally I would feel the ending is rushed, BUT I think what Zeb did actually tied it up perfectly.
also, the music taste is AMAZING. so many good bands listed throughout the book.
also, loved the little bit about turning down the radio to find an address. so relatable 😅.
Great job! Can't wait to read Ali Toothman's next book!
February 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW!!
Libby lives is simply STUNNING! The way the author paints the picture hits the reader in every single feel. This book is a roller coaster, and I never knew what was coming next. At the end of each chapter, I felt myself yearning for more and had trouble thinking or reading anything else! If o had to pick my favorite thing about this book, it would definitely be the character development. Each character came to life so vividly on the page, no matter how short a time they were with us. Truly a harrowing tale of love, hurt, and revenge, and I HIGHLY recommend!
Libby lives is simply STUNNING! The way the author paints the picture hits the reader in every single feel. This book is a roller coaster, and I never knew what was coming next. At the end of each chapter, I felt myself yearning for more and had trouble thinking or reading anything else! If o had to pick my favorite thing about this book, it would definitely be the character development. Each character came to life so vividly on the page, no matter how short a time they were with us. Truly a harrowing tale of love, hurt, and revenge, and I HIGHLY recommend!
April 24, 2026
Well done to Ali Toothman for her debut book! That everyone needs to check out!! Thank you for the arc copy!! Really enjoyed the whole plot of this book and how everything links up to the mc! Think the book dragged out a bit for me so could be made shorter! But really enjoyed. Would recommend! Love a female rage story and it’s well captured in this along with a thriller aspect, small town murder mystery!! Overall love it!! Congrats Ali!! X
March 10, 2025
Libby Lives is about abuse, justice, revenge, forgiveness of one’s mistakes and redemption. From the get go, my heart hurt for poor Libby. Nobody ever protected her from a child to a young adult. When she finally decided to help her self, it was a bloody mess! I cheered for Libby the whole way through this story.
April 14, 2026
A great story about rage. As a reader, you really feel for Libby. As a victim of abuse, she snaps (more than once, tbh). The first half of the book was amazing: raw, violent, emotionally charged. Imho the second part was a bit less of everything, and I felt like the twist at the end came out of nowhere.
Still a great read, though.
Still a great read, though.
September 7, 2025
I asked for feminine rage and Ali delivered. This is a intense journey following Libby though years of dealing with abuse and learning to handle her own. so glad I picked this one up.
May 31, 2026
What an intense book! Libby has endured so much and you can’t help but to be on her side. Then the twist at the end, I loved! I really enjoyed reading it.
October 13, 2026
Frantic, frenzied, and fucking feral!
This is, really, a book of two halves. The first is a whiplash inducing coming of age story drenched in blood. The second is a journey of self-discovery. It is quieter, but by no means less deadly. Think: Sookie Stackhouse but raw and unfiltered (and without the sexy vampires).
I would have loved this to be longer. To spend more time with the characters and to see more of the connecting scenes. The pacing does not let up: *bam* *bam* *bam*, I'd have liked to see some of the in between moments (the downtime between the *bams*, if you will). I'll definitely pick up more of Ali's books. I'm excited to see her writing career take off!
This is, really, a book of two halves. The first is a whiplash inducing coming of age story drenched in blood. The second is a journey of self-discovery. It is quieter, but by no means less deadly. Think: Sookie Stackhouse but raw and unfiltered (and without the sexy vampires).
I would have loved this to be longer. To spend more time with the characters and to see more of the connecting scenes. The pacing does not let up: *bam* *bam* *bam*, I'd have liked to see some of the in between moments (the downtime between the *bams*, if you will). I'll definitely pick up more of Ali's books. I'm excited to see her writing career take off!
June 10, 2026
i can’t even begin to describe my distain for this book. dedicating a book that starts off with rape to your husband is weird. Libby is so unlikable. she has the awareness of a pencil. you need an editor BADLY.
September 9, 2026
This book was horrible I couldn't finish it
The 5th page of the entire book is a page and a half of a rape scene, which rape scenes are relatively OK in books if they add depth and aren't for weird perversions but its the FIFTH page. You are barely introduced to Libby and barely know the guy who did it to her. After she is raped she basically gets back up and went home and had a crappy sob story on how her dad was horrible to her, went to school, and the rapists girlfriend confronts Libby saying she deserves it. (Also the entire school is judging her for some reason?) Libby then attempts to seduce the rapist to go kill him? This is all in less then 24 hours. This just felt like a weird Wattpad story and you have no time to get attached. Things are happening and you barely know why. I read about 30 pages and put it down. GROSS!! Do not recommend to anyone
The 5th page of the entire book is a page and a half of a rape scene, which rape scenes are relatively OK in books if they add depth and aren't for weird perversions but its the FIFTH page. You are barely introduced to Libby and barely know the guy who did it to her. After she is raped she basically gets back up and went home and had a crappy sob story on how her dad was horrible to her, went to school, and the rapists girlfriend confronts Libby saying she deserves it. (Also the entire school is judging her for some reason?) Libby then attempts to seduce the rapist to go kill him? This is all in less then 24 hours. This just felt like a weird Wattpad story and you have no time to get attached. Things are happening and you barely know why. I read about 30 pages and put it down. GROSS!! Do not recommend to anyone
August 7, 2025
For Taylor—since you desperately need to know why I didn’t like the book:
I picked up Libby Lives because the cover made it seem like it’d be a deep, emotional read, but it just didn’t land for me. The story felt all over the place and dragged on without much direction. I had a hard time connecting with Libby. Her choices didn’t feel grounded in who she was as a character, more like they just moved the plot along. She spends most of the book kind of drifting through vague symbolism and unfinished ideas. It felt like an angsty teens Tumblr that somehow got turned into a novel. The writing style tries to be poetic, but it comes off as overdone and slowed everything down. Between that and all the drawn-out internal monologues, it was tough to stay interested to put it nicely. The overwritten lines truthfully screamed "creative writing workshop dropout." When it comes to “the plot” I kept waiting for something to happen. There were vague hints of drama, but none of it really went anywhere. It felt like the author was actively avoiding clarity or momentum. By the end, I wasn’t cheering for Libby. I was just hoping someone would give her a flashlight and the number of a good therapist. The biggest let down was the book promised big emotions and some kind of powerful transformation, but instead it gave me clichés, shallow self-reflection, and an ending I forgot about five minutes after finishing. This book was a whole lot of nothing wrapped in “pretty”language. Style over substance in the worst way.
I picked up Libby Lives because the cover made it seem like it’d be a deep, emotional read, but it just didn’t land for me. The story felt all over the place and dragged on without much direction. I had a hard time connecting with Libby. Her choices didn’t feel grounded in who she was as a character, more like they just moved the plot along. She spends most of the book kind of drifting through vague symbolism and unfinished ideas. It felt like an angsty teens Tumblr that somehow got turned into a novel. The writing style tries to be poetic, but it comes off as overdone and slowed everything down. Between that and all the drawn-out internal monologues, it was tough to stay interested to put it nicely. The overwritten lines truthfully screamed "creative writing workshop dropout." When it comes to “the plot” I kept waiting for something to happen. There were vague hints of drama, but none of it really went anywhere. It felt like the author was actively avoiding clarity or momentum. By the end, I wasn’t cheering for Libby. I was just hoping someone would give her a flashlight and the number of a good therapist. The biggest let down was the book promised big emotions and some kind of powerful transformation, but instead it gave me clichés, shallow self-reflection, and an ending I forgot about five minutes after finishing. This book was a whole lot of nothing wrapped in “pretty”language. Style over substance in the worst way.
July 7, 2026
heartbreaking & emotional
“Libby Lives” by Ali Toothman is an absolutely heartbreaking, emotionally devastating read. My heart shattered for Libby as she endured unimaginable abuse and fought to survive. The brutality is difficult to read, but it only heightens the intensity and suspense, making it impossible to look away. This story pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. It's raw, powerful, and unforgettable. I absolutely loved it.
“Libby Lives” by Ali Toothman is an absolutely heartbreaking, emotionally devastating read. My heart shattered for Libby as she endured unimaginable abuse and fought to survive. The brutality is difficult to read, but it only heightens the intensity and suspense, making it impossible to look away. This story pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. It's raw, powerful, and unforgettable. I absolutely loved it.
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