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Prettier When Still
When psychiatrist Emma Tyler learns that a former patient has died from suicide, unease settles in fast. The woman had been frightened. Guarded. And in their final sessions, she shared secrets that still haunt Emma.
Unable to quell her concern, Emma is drawn back into the life her patient left behind. A volatile marriage. A history riddled with lies. And a growing sense that her curiosity has not gone unnoticed. When a chance encounter brings an unexpected ally into her life, Emma clings to the feeling of safety he offers, even as her instincts warn her otherwise.
Because someone is paying attention.
As Emma digs deeper, the threat around her sharpens, closing in on her and her young daughter. The closer she comes to the truth, the more she is forced to confront a chilling possibility. The danger she fears may not be waiting in the shadows. It may already be inside her life.
Unable to quell her concern, Emma is drawn back into the life her patient left behind. A volatile marriage. A history riddled with lies. And a growing sense that her curiosity has not gone unnoticed. When a chance encounter brings an unexpected ally into her life, Emma clings to the feeling of safety he offers, even as her instincts warn her otherwise.
Because someone is paying attention.
As Emma digs deeper, the threat around her sharpens, closing in on her and her young daughter. The closer she comes to the truth, the more she is forced to confront a chilling possibility. The danger she fears may not be waiting in the shadows. It may already be inside her life.
Paperback
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
O.J. Lovaz
3 books138 followersO.J. Lovaz writes psychological thrillers that explore guilt, obsession, and the darker corners of human behavior. He is the author of Silent Pretty Things and Prettier When Still. With a background in psychology, Lovaz draws on a deep fascination with the human psyche to create stories that linger long after the final page.
He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter.
He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy
3.5
I was really looking forward to this book, especially since its premise and cover caught my eye. I truly wanted to enjoy it, but sadly, it just didn't resonate with me. I did enjoy the writing!
Emma Tyler learns of a former patient's suicide, and she is plagued by unease and drawn into the complicated life the patient left behind, marked by a troubled marriage and deception. As Emma investigates further, she becomes aware that her actions have not gone unnoticed, and an unexpected ally offers her solace, though her instincts caution her. The danger she senses intensifies, threatening her and her daughter...
The main character, Emma, constantly grapples with a whirlwind of thoughts, which often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. I found myself questioning how someone could remain so mentally engaged all the time. This made it challenging for me to connect with Emma and her experiences, which in turn affected my engagement with the plot. I had anticipated a strong female lead, especially since Emma sets out to solve her client’s murder, yet I didn’t quite see that strength coming through.
The initial premise was excellent, and the beginning really hooked me. My heart raced from the start. However, as the story progressed, the uneven pacing made it difficult to stay immersed. The narrative blended elements of women’s fiction with mystery, focusing heavily on Emma’s internal struggles and emotions. While this approach effectively built suspense, I found that the later revelations felt drawn-out and overly detailed, causing my interest to wane at times. I appreciate a bit of emotional description, but I prefer to draw my own conclusions as I read. Although the pacing dragged for me, the ongoing action kept me flipping pages. Still, I believe some of the finer details could have been trimmed without detracting from the overall experience.
Even though this read didn’t fully resonate with me, I encourage you to give it a try. It might appeal to those who enjoy complex female characters grappling with their thoughts and doubts. If you’re a fan of mysteries, particularly stories involving framing, or if you’re looking to discover a new author, this could be for you. The short chapters make it a quick binge-read.
I sincerely appreciate the author reaching out and sharing their work with me. Although this particular book didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I’m eager to read more from them, as not every book resonates with every reader in the same way. Give it a shot, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you, BookSirens, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was really looking forward to this book, especially since its premise and cover caught my eye. I truly wanted to enjoy it, but sadly, it just didn't resonate with me. I did enjoy the writing!
Emma Tyler learns of a former patient's suicide, and she is plagued by unease and drawn into the complicated life the patient left behind, marked by a troubled marriage and deception. As Emma investigates further, she becomes aware that her actions have not gone unnoticed, and an unexpected ally offers her solace, though her instincts caution her. The danger she senses intensifies, threatening her and her daughter...
The main character, Emma, constantly grapples with a whirlwind of thoughts, which often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. I found myself questioning how someone could remain so mentally engaged all the time. This made it challenging for me to connect with Emma and her experiences, which in turn affected my engagement with the plot. I had anticipated a strong female lead, especially since Emma sets out to solve her client’s murder, yet I didn’t quite see that strength coming through.
The initial premise was excellent, and the beginning really hooked me. My heart raced from the start. However, as the story progressed, the uneven pacing made it difficult to stay immersed. The narrative blended elements of women’s fiction with mystery, focusing heavily on Emma’s internal struggles and emotions. While this approach effectively built suspense, I found that the later revelations felt drawn-out and overly detailed, causing my interest to wane at times. I appreciate a bit of emotional description, but I prefer to draw my own conclusions as I read. Although the pacing dragged for me, the ongoing action kept me flipping pages. Still, I believe some of the finer details could have been trimmed without detracting from the overall experience.
Even though this read didn’t fully resonate with me, I encourage you to give it a try. It might appeal to those who enjoy complex female characters grappling with their thoughts and doubts. If you’re a fan of mysteries, particularly stories involving framing, or if you’re looking to discover a new author, this could be for you. The short chapters make it a quick binge-read.
I sincerely appreciate the author reaching out and sharing their work with me. Although this particular book didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I’m eager to read more from them, as not every book resonates with every reader in the same way. Give it a shot, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you, BookSirens, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2026
When psychiatrist Emma Tyler learns that a former patient has died by suicide, she’s pulled into a life filled with secrets, lies, and a growing sense of danger that may already be closer than she realises. Prettier When Still blends psychological suspense with an eerie atmosphere that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The tension in this book was so well done, and I loved the dark, bordering-on-horror feel running beneath the story. The character dynamics were compelling, particularly the exploration of PTSD and the way trauma can shape relationships. I also really appreciated the strong female characters throughout.
I did guess the culprit fairly early on, but that didn’t take away from the experience at all - the ending was still incredibly satisfying and made for a thoroughly enjoyable read overall.
I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on OJ Lovaz’s future work.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The tension in this book was so well done, and I loved the dark, bordering-on-horror feel running beneath the story. The character dynamics were compelling, particularly the exploration of PTSD and the way trauma can shape relationships. I also really appreciated the strong female characters throughout.
I did guess the culprit fairly early on, but that didn’t take away from the experience at all - the ending was still incredibly satisfying and made for a thoroughly enjoyable read overall.
I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on OJ Lovaz’s future work.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2026
Wow what a book! Really enjoyed this, I love a good psychological thriller and this really was one!
Loved the plot, I did have my suspicions on some characters throughout it but I equally loved them too!
A big thank you to the author O.J for sending me a copy in exchange for my review! Make sure you add this to your tbr for 2026!
Loved the plot, I did have my suspicions on some characters throughout it but I equally loved them too!
A big thank you to the author O.J for sending me a copy in exchange for my review! Make sure you add this to your tbr for 2026!
May 26, 2026
The protagonist of this story, Emma Tyler, a psychiatrist, is a character I liked and trusted. The official stance, that seems to fit the facts, that her patient committed suicide, doesn’t feel right to her. The patient had issues she was working through, but wasn’t suicidal in Emma’s professional opinion. So what really happened? Emma starts digging and things get interesting. Some people seem to be trying to cover the truth. Others come out of the woodwork to help Emma. Then she gets an inside scoop on what was going on in her dead patient’s life that she wasn’t aware of that complicates matters even more. Is anything she thought was true actually reality? Or maybe only some of it. It all makes for a tense, engaging story that I didn’t want to put down and kept me guessing what was going on to the very end.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Review of advance copy
This was a wild ride of a psychological thriller that kept me hooked from the first chapter.
I wasn't sure if Dr. Emma Tyler was even sane at the beginning! We open with her texting her patient Kathy Preston who is a no show for an appointment. She is found dead by an overdose of the Ambien that Dr. Tyler prescribed. This is her second patient that has committed suicide and she's having a lot of guilty feelings. But she doesn't believe it was suicide, rather that Kathy was murdered. Almost no one in this book is who they seem to be at first glance except her 9 year old daughter Abby.
“But it’s not just about lying. The hardest part of saying something out loud is accepting it yourself first”, And the lies are everywhere.
I did not anticipate the ending - and that is part of what makes a good thriller.
I wasn't sure if Dr. Emma Tyler was even sane at the beginning! We open with her texting her patient Kathy Preston who is a no show for an appointment. She is found dead by an overdose of the Ambien that Dr. Tyler prescribed. This is her second patient that has committed suicide and she's having a lot of guilty feelings. But she doesn't believe it was suicide, rather that Kathy was murdered. Almost no one in this book is who they seem to be at first glance except her 9 year old daughter Abby.
“But it’s not just about lying. The hardest part of saying something out loud is accepting it yourself first”, And the lies are everywhere.
I did not anticipate the ending - and that is part of what makes a good thriller.
May 31, 2026
ARC Book Review
Prettier When Still by O.J. Lovaz
Thriller
Suicide or Murder
Twist
I loved this fast paced thriller. A therapist, one previous client commits suicide but a second… surely not?!
I devoured this in a few sittings. Loved it!! The chapters have lots of short sentences making it feel fast to read whilst the tension builds.
When I was half way through I guessed who was involved but this didn’t spoil it for me. The story unfolds quickly with lots of finger pointing! A fantastic quick read featuring diary entries on the build up to Kathy’s death.
Thank you Book Sirens for my ARC version of this book.
It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read from me!
#bookreview #bookrecs #book #bookworm
Prettier When Still by O.J. Lovaz
Thriller
Suicide or Murder
Twist
I loved this fast paced thriller. A therapist, one previous client commits suicide but a second… surely not?!
I devoured this in a few sittings. Loved it!! The chapters have lots of short sentences making it feel fast to read whilst the tension builds.
When I was half way through I guessed who was involved but this didn’t spoil it for me. The story unfolds quickly with lots of finger pointing! A fantastic quick read featuring diary entries on the build up to Kathy’s death.
Thank you Book Sirens for my ARC version of this book.
It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read from me!
#bookreview #bookrecs #book #bookworm
June 9, 2026
I wanted to like this book, but it fell short. The writing feels overwritten and weighed down by purple prose and constant introspection. Scenes drag because the author lingers on description and feeling rather than advancing the story; at one point, the air is described so often that it becomes distracting rather than atmospheric. The narrative also reads choppy and disjointed, with frequent emotional overindulgence that stalls pacing and makes the plot feel ridiculous rather than compelling. Overall, not for me; some may enjoy the lush language and deep inner life, but I found those qualities got in the way of a coherent, engaging story.
July 16, 2026
Confusión, traumas, traición, excelente novela de suspenso
Esta novela es muy fluida y logra mantenerte con ganas de seguir leyendo para descubrir qué va a pasar. Tiene varias escenas llenas de suspenso y es fácil sentir las emociones que está viviendo la protagonista. En más de una ocasión, cuando tenía mucho tiempo para leer, terminé leyendo varios capítulos corridos porque simplemente no podía soltar el libro.
Si disfrutas las novelas de suspenso, donde tienes que investigar junto con la protagonista, prestar atención a las pistas e intentar descubrir la verdad antes que ella, creo que vas a disfrutar muchísimo esta lectura.
Esta novela es muy fluida y logra mantenerte con ganas de seguir leyendo para descubrir qué va a pasar. Tiene varias escenas llenas de suspenso y es fácil sentir las emociones que está viviendo la protagonista. En más de una ocasión, cuando tenía mucho tiempo para leer, terminé leyendo varios capítulos corridos porque simplemente no podía soltar el libro.
Si disfrutas las novelas de suspenso, donde tienes que investigar junto con la protagonista, prestar atención a las pistas e intentar descubrir la verdad antes que ella, creo que vas a disfrutar muchísimo esta lectura.
Review of advance copy
Emma is a psychotherapist caring for her patients as she navigates her life with her daughter. When one of Emma’s patients dies, she must find out if the pills that she prescribed were what led to patient Kathy’s death. Will the answers that Emma seeks put her family in danger?
Emma meets Kathy’s husband, Jack. He is angry and unstable. Did he kill his wife?
A must read thriller. You will feel Emma’s anxiety as she digs deeper into the life of her troubled patient. A twisty story, for sure.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Emma meets Kathy’s husband, Jack. He is angry and unstable. Did he kill his wife?
A must read thriller. You will feel Emma’s anxiety as she digs deeper into the life of her troubled patient. A twisty story, for sure.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2026
Prettier When Still had a compelling setup, and I was immediately invested in Emma’s determination to understand what really happened to her former patient. I enjoyed the psychological elements and the growing sense that someone was always watching from the sidelines. The strongest parts for me were the themes of manipulation, trust, and how easily appearances can hide something much darker. While the suspense kept me reading, I found some of the twists more predictable than shocking, and I wanted a deeper connection to a few of the characters. Overall, it was an entertaining psychological thriller with plenty of tension!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Oh My ....
I have to thank the author O.J. for sending me a pdf file of his novel that releases in May, in exchange for my review.
This book was spectacular, kept me guessing, and on the edge of my seat until the very end. A whodunit plot, with a lot of twists and turns, the characters were ah-maz-ing, and the ending was great!
The present is all we have. Tomorrow is just smoke in the air, impossible to hold.
Impossible to put down!
I have to thank the author O.J. for sending me a pdf file of his novel that releases in May, in exchange for my review.
This book was spectacular, kept me guessing, and on the edge of my seat until the very end. A whodunit plot, with a lot of twists and turns, the characters were ah-maz-ing, and the ending was great!
The present is all we have. Tomorrow is just smoke in the air, impossible to hold.
Impossible to put down!
April 20, 2026
I was kindly offered a digital copy of Prettier When Still by OJ Lovaz in exchange for an honest review—and I’m really glad I said yes.
This was a gripping and intriguing read from start to finish. The plot kept me hooked, with plenty of tense, edge-of-your-seat moments that made it hard to put down. While I did find myself figuring out the killer fairly early on (which may well have been intentional), it didn’t take away from the experience—in fact, it added a different kind of suspense as the story unfolded.
Overall, a compelling and well-paced thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy dark, twisty stories.
This was a gripping and intriguing read from start to finish. The plot kept me hooked, with plenty of tense, edge-of-your-seat moments that made it hard to put down. While I did find myself figuring out the killer fairly early on (which may well have been intentional), it didn’t take away from the experience—in fact, it added a different kind of suspense as the story unfolded.
Overall, a compelling and well-paced thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy dark, twisty stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a must read! Kept me on edge from the beginning, great psychological thriller you must add to your list!!
May 26, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and kept me hooked and wanting to know more! The twist was brilliant 🥳
June 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from BookSirens
“A perfectly paced psychological thriller with unforgettable twists and characters you can’t fully trust.”
I loved Emma's story and her determination to uncover the truth about what really happened to Kathy. One of my favorite parts of the book was the diary entries, which allowed Kathy to tell her side of the story and reveal how the events truly unfolded.
This is a tense and suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. As secrets are uncovered, you'll constantly question who the real killer is and who truly wanted Kathy dead. With every character seeming suspicious and having their own motive
“A perfectly paced psychological thriller with unforgettable twists and characters you can’t fully trust.”
I loved Emma's story and her determination to uncover the truth about what really happened to Kathy. One of my favorite parts of the book was the diary entries, which allowed Kathy to tell her side of the story and reveal how the events truly unfolded.
This is a tense and suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. As secrets are uncovered, you'll constantly question who the real killer is and who truly wanted Kathy dead. With every character seeming suspicious and having their own motive
June 1, 2026
A crazy, very entertaining story that kept me guessing and turning pages til the end. Great book!!
June 9, 2026
I loved this book! Kept me locked in through out the entirety of the story! Can’t wait to read more things from this author!!
June 7, 2026
Whatever you do, don't read this book at night. If you do, don't blame me if you wind up having to sleep with all the lights on. Even though the story is a typical "serial killer thriller," Mr. Lovaz creates an atmosphere that will have your heart pounding. And even though I was pretty sure I knew who the "bad guy" was going to be, there were still enough twists and turns that I was never 100% sure.
I will be looking for more of Mr. Lovaz's work to devour. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
I will be looking for more of Mr. Lovaz's work to devour. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
June 4, 2026
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this easy to read thriller. I liked the MC and could really feel her anxiety and fear. It was more predictable than I usually like but still a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank You, to ojlovazauthor for sending me a digital ARC I truly appreciate the opportunity
This was a good read that took me about four days to finish. It started off a bit slow, but once I got past chapter five, it really picked up and became much more suspenseful.
The story follows Dr. Emma Tyler, a psychiatrist haunted by the loss of a former patient to suicide.
When one of her current patients, Kathy Preston, suddenly misses an appointment, Emma immediately senses something is wrong. Soon after, she learns that Kathy has supposedly died by suicide from an Ambien overdose - a prescription Emma herself provided.
But Emma knows Kathy... and she doesn't believe she was suicidal.
Determined to uncover the truth, Emma begins digging deeper, only to receive disturbing messages and threats warning her to stop. As the danger escalates, it becomes clear she may be facing something far more sinister — a serial killer who has done this before
Overall Good Read I do recommend buying the book !
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews