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Love Shots
They're dying for a chance at love.
America’s #1 dating show, Love Shots, gathers young, sexy singles in a tropical villa to compete in cheeky challenges, find love, and win a huge cash prize—with no small amount of drama.
Things go off-script when a recently ejected competitor reappears in the villa. But she isn't the girl the cast remembers... Something is deeply, horribly wrong with her, and she’s not the only danger lurking in paradise.
These 20-year-old influencers must fight to survive against a security team they believed was there to protect them, an onslaught of terror they can barely comprehend, and producers who have a decidedly sinister finale in mind, all while desperately trying to escape an isolated island.
But what chance do they have when hundreds of cameras are aimed at them, watching their every move?
Love Island meets Jurassic Park in this twisted, thrilling satire from the author of Carapace and The Narrows.
America’s #1 dating show, Love Shots, gathers young, sexy singles in a tropical villa to compete in cheeky challenges, find love, and win a huge cash prize—with no small amount of drama.
Things go off-script when a recently ejected competitor reappears in the villa. But she isn't the girl the cast remembers... Something is deeply, horribly wrong with her, and she’s not the only danger lurking in paradise.
These 20-year-old influencers must fight to survive against a security team they believed was there to protect them, an onslaught of terror they can barely comprehend, and producers who have a decidedly sinister finale in mind, all while desperately trying to escape an isolated island.
But what chance do they have when hundreds of cameras are aimed at them, watching their every move?
Love Island meets Jurassic Park in this twisted, thrilling satire from the author of Carapace and The Narrows.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Travis M. Riddle
18 books410 followersTRAVIS M. RIDDLE lives with his girlfriend in Austin, TX, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English Writing & Rhetoric at St. Edward’s University. His work has been published in award-winning literary journal the Sorin Oak Review. His novels "Flesh Eater," "On Lavender Tides," and "Spit & Song" were all semi-finalists in Mark Lawrence's SPFBO.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dating show set in a sun-soaked villa, packed with gorgeous contestants, all of it unraveling into a nightmare where sun-kissed bodies become nightmare fuel. And... a surprising amount of reminders that women have breasts.
The first half is a beach read in the most literal sense. Love Island, but with a shadow lurking just out of sight. Which sounds promising, but it takes a while (about half the book) for anything to really happen. In the meantime, we get a lot of lengthy descriptions. From the exact location of every contestant in the villa to how food sits in a bowl. Don't get me wrong, I want some of these descriptions. I want the vibes. The tropical beach, the villa, and the fruity drinks, but sometimes less is more when it comes to details that, frankly, don’t add anything to the story or the atmosphere. We don't need a play-by-play of someone's breakfast unless the eggs are about to come alive and eat someone. (They don't)
The slow feeling is compounded by the characters. We're dropped into the season late, so we're told who these people are and who they're with, but we never saw any of it develop, which means we kind of just have to believe what we're told. He likes her? Ok. Not sure why or how, but ok. The constantly shifting POVs also contribute to the lack of emotional connection to the characters. Mind you, I don't think we're necessarily supposed to like them, but even disdain is an emotion. Just make me feel something for the characters!! I don't mind being a hater!
But then the horror begins to ooze in. Something wicked simmers beneath the sun and spray tans until, suddenly, the whole illusion shatters and chaos erupts.
The second half is so fun. It's a wild, visceral sprint. The body horror is gloriously grotesque, the characters are vapid and unprepared, and the action barrels forward with a momentum that reminded me of Jurassic Park and Deep Blue Sea. That sense of a controlled environment spiraling into an apex-predator nightmare. I went from a boredom coma to canceling plans to keep reading.
Interestingly, everything I found frustrating in the first half starts working in the book's favor. The shifting POVs now drive the pacing: one person sees something horrifying in the distance, and the next POV drops us right into whatever they saw. In a life-or-death situation, the influencer's vapidity finally becomes apparent, and the satire is obvious: Some are more worried about looking hot while they die than about the actual dying; they check each other out even when they should probably worry about other things. It’s dark, it’s absurd, and it’s really fun.
There’s some commentary here about influencer and hookup culture, and the double standards around sex and love, especially how men and women get praised (or dragged) for the exact same things, and the objectification of women. Even in situations where the men should be using their other head.
My biggest issue is how the women are sexualized in this book. Not by the characters (which would at least fit the reality show MO), but by the narrator. There are so many descriptions of breasts and nipples where it's completely unprompted that it starts feeling like the author just wants to remind you, repeatedly, that women have breasts. The author’s note at the end is thoughtful about representation and marginalized communities, and I could see that care throughout much of the book, which just made the constant breast commentary even more confusing. Every time I thought maybe I was just overreacting, it would happen again, and in the most random, non-sexual moments. If a character is described during a scene that is supposed to be scary and gross, do we really need to know what their nipples are doing at that very moment?
If you can overlook the evident male gaze perspective and the sluggish start, there is a genuinely thrilling, blood-soaked reward waiting for you.
A big thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Travis M. Riddle for the ARC!
The first half is a beach read in the most literal sense. Love Island, but with a shadow lurking just out of sight. Which sounds promising, but it takes a while (about half the book) for anything to really happen. In the meantime, we get a lot of lengthy descriptions. From the exact location of every contestant in the villa to how food sits in a bowl. Don't get me wrong, I want some of these descriptions. I want the vibes. The tropical beach, the villa, and the fruity drinks, but sometimes less is more when it comes to details that, frankly, don’t add anything to the story or the atmosphere. We don't need a play-by-play of someone's breakfast unless the eggs are about to come alive and eat someone. (They don't)
The slow feeling is compounded by the characters. We're dropped into the season late, so we're told who these people are and who they're with, but we never saw any of it develop, which means we kind of just have to believe what we're told. He likes her? Ok. Not sure why or how, but ok. The constantly shifting POVs also contribute to the lack of emotional connection to the characters. Mind you, I don't think we're necessarily supposed to like them, but even disdain is an emotion. Just make me feel something for the characters!! I don't mind being a hater!
But then the horror begins to ooze in. Something wicked simmers beneath the sun and spray tans until, suddenly, the whole illusion shatters and chaos erupts.
The second half is so fun. It's a wild, visceral sprint. The body horror is gloriously grotesque, the characters are vapid and unprepared, and the action barrels forward with a momentum that reminded me of Jurassic Park and Deep Blue Sea. That sense of a controlled environment spiraling into an apex-predator nightmare. I went from a boredom coma to canceling plans to keep reading.
Interestingly, everything I found frustrating in the first half starts working in the book's favor. The shifting POVs now drive the pacing: one person sees something horrifying in the distance, and the next POV drops us right into whatever they saw. In a life-or-death situation, the influencer's vapidity finally becomes apparent, and the satire is obvious: Some are more worried about looking hot while they die than about the actual dying; they check each other out even when they should probably worry about other things. It’s dark, it’s absurd, and it’s really fun.
There’s some commentary here about influencer and hookup culture, and the double standards around sex and love, especially how men and women get praised (or dragged) for the exact same things, and the objectification of women. Even in situations where the men should be using their other head.
My biggest issue is how the women are sexualized in this book. Not by the characters (which would at least fit the reality show MO), but by the narrator. There are so many descriptions of breasts and nipples where it's completely unprompted that it starts feeling like the author just wants to remind you, repeatedly, that women have breasts. The author’s note at the end is thoughtful about representation and marginalized communities, and I could see that care throughout much of the book, which just made the constant breast commentary even more confusing. Every time I thought maybe I was just overreacting, it would happen again, and in the most random, non-sexual moments. If a character is described during a scene that is supposed to be scary and gross, do we really need to know what their nipples are doing at that very moment?
If you can overlook the evident male gaze perspective and the sluggish start, there is a genuinely thrilling, blood-soaked reward waiting for you.
A big thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Travis M. Riddle for the ARC!
May 4, 2026
I went into Love Shots by Travis M. Riddle not entirely sure what to expect—but what I got was a wildly entertaining blend of thriller and horror that completely pulled me in.
At first, everything feels almost deceptively normal. We’re introduced to a glossy, addictive reality dating show set on a stunning island, full of influencers, drama, flirting, and competition. It has that familiar, slightly chaotic “love show” energy—egos clashing, alliances forming, romances sparking. You settle into it thinking you know exactly what kind of story this is going to be.
And then… it shifts.
The horror creeps in slowly at first—just enough to make you uneasy—before everything spirals into something far darker and far more intense. The transition from light, almost satirical reality TV to full-blown survival horror is one of the highlights of the book. It’s done so well that you barely notice the line being crossed until it’s too late, and suddenly the glamorous setting feels claustrophobic and dangerous.
What really makes this book stand out is how sharp and clever it is. Beneath the tension and brutality, there’s a clear commentary on influencer culture, fame, and the idea of constantly being watched. The fact that everything is happening under the eye of the camera adds such an unsettling layer—these characters aren’t just fighting to survive, they’re doing it while being observed, judged, and consumed.
And when the horror fully arrives, it does not hold back. The brutality of the killings is intense and, at times, genuinely shocking—but it never feels pointless. There’s a raw, chaotic edge to the violence that matches the unraveling of the show itself. The creature at the center of it all is especially effective—unpredictable, relentless, and deeply unsettling. What I loved most is how it’s not just a physical threat; it carries this constant sense of dread, like it could appear at any moment, turning even the quietest scenes into something tense. The encounters are written with such urgency and clarity that you can almost feel the panic, the confusion, and the sheer desperation of the characters trying to survive.
The characters themselves are another highlight. At the start, they seem like familiar reality TV archetypes—but as the story unfolds, more depth comes through. Watching them react as the situation unravels is gripping. Some rise to the occasion, some completely fall apart, and others surprise you in ways you don’t expect. I found myself genuinely invested in who would make it through.
And the tension—this book does tension incredibly well. Once it fully leans into horror, it doesn’t hold back. It’s fast-paced, unsettling, and at times brutal, but always engaging. I couldn’t stop turning the pages because it constantly felt like anything could happen.
Overall, this was such a fantastic read. It’s bold, intense, and incredibly entertaining, blending genres in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Travis M. Riddle has created something that’s not only thrilling but also smart and memorable. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and author Travis M Riddle for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: May 29th 2026
June 3, 2026
Note: This review was originally published at FanFiAddict.
Inspired in equal measure by Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park and reality TV’s Love Island, Travis M. Riddle’s Love Shots blends the concepts of beach-ready bodies looking for love (brains optional) and celebrity fame on a tropical island with gory, chompy-stompy monster horror.
Riddle’s premise is certainly an intriguing one, but it suffers under its own hefty weight. Love Shots is overly long, poorly paced, and unsure of what the central focus should be. The first half of the book is essentially a romance that centers almost exclusively around way too many witless, hapless, 20-something influencer-wannabes and their search for love via a streaming game show. After about 200 pages of reality TV fluff, Riddle decides to finally switch gears and deliver on the horror element, introducing the monsters secreted away on the island that he had been only very minimally teasing. This turns Love Shots into an all-out gorefest as doomed romances, battle-tested bonds, and maybe even that one true love rival an inexplicable cadre of carnage-wreaking monstrosities.
Unfortunately, by the time Riddle settles into his groove and delivers on the hook he lured us in with, it’s too little too late. So much of my interest had been squandered with the sophomoric romances and will-they or won’t-theys, and my patience tested with a handful of largely interchangeable young adults, none of whom are nearly as remotely interesting as Riddle has convinced himself they are. This aggravation wasn’t eased by two contestants sharing nearly identical names, Lara and Lauren, who are both vying for the same man, Tom. Tom’s narcissistic, sexist, and manipulative, and like all good manipulators he does a swell job hiding his flaws and fooling others. I was ready to see him violently slaughtered in the good name of catharsis by around page 150. By page 175 I was wondering where the hell the horror elements were and debating if I should tough it out for another 300+ pages (WTF) or call it quits.
The inherent structure of Love Shots doesn’t exactly make for a walk in this not-Jurassic park, either. At nearly 500 pages long, Love Shots has five, count ‘em, five whole chapters. I don’t typically have a preference for chapter length. I’m not on either Team Short Chapters or Team Long Chapters, but I have to admit, I do like to have actual chapters. Love Shots is an overwritten mess as it is, but having chapters that amount to three-plus hours of reading time makes for one long ass, exhausting slog. I didn’t feel any sense of progress working my way through this thing, and after several hundred pages of tepid romance and very little actual sensual island sexiness, I grew to loathe having to pick up this book at all. I was investing a hell of a lot of time in a book that refused to deliver either sex or violence, and readers, I was irate.
But then Riddle finally managed to surprise me on page 209. Love Shots was finally getting good.
For a little while, at least. The monster aspect is creative, original, and fun, and of course much of the horror devolves into stupid people doing stupid things and getting their comeuppance. To Riddle’s credit, there is a smart, and sadly still wholly necessary in this day and age, theme revolving around basic human rights and sexuality, as Love Shot Island is revealed to be a test pool for christofascists, eugenics, and the nightmare of conservative politics writ large. It’s a welcome bit of commentary here in the 21st freaking Century, in an America hellbent on rolling the clock back to the 1800s, if not earlier. Riddle just takes too damn long to get there with the whole point-making.
And that’s the central problem with Love Shots. It’s just all too damn much. The politics are spot-on and the horrors infesting the island are ingenious – they’re just saddled beneath too much mundanity and pointless explorations. The book is overwritten, to the point that we get a four-page long list of all the various things in life one young victim will never be able to experience. This is all laughably capped off with, “The list of things they had never done was endless.” But holy fuck, Riddle certainly gave it the old college try!
There’s a really good book or an absolutely killer novella in here somewhere. It just needs some severe content editing to help trim the loads of extraneous fat and gristle. Kurt Vonnegut advised writers to start their story as close to the end as possible. Riddle ignores this advice to his detriment, opting instead to start as close to the beginning as possible and then dragging every little thing out for as long as humanly, or perhaps inhumanly, possible.
Inspired in equal measure by Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park and reality TV’s Love Island, Travis M. Riddle’s Love Shots blends the concepts of beach-ready bodies looking for love (brains optional) and celebrity fame on a tropical island with gory, chompy-stompy monster horror.
Riddle’s premise is certainly an intriguing one, but it suffers under its own hefty weight. Love Shots is overly long, poorly paced, and unsure of what the central focus should be. The first half of the book is essentially a romance that centers almost exclusively around way too many witless, hapless, 20-something influencer-wannabes and their search for love via a streaming game show. After about 200 pages of reality TV fluff, Riddle decides to finally switch gears and deliver on the horror element, introducing the monsters secreted away on the island that he had been only very minimally teasing. This turns Love Shots into an all-out gorefest as doomed romances, battle-tested bonds, and maybe even that one true love rival an inexplicable cadre of carnage-wreaking monstrosities.
Unfortunately, by the time Riddle settles into his groove and delivers on the hook he lured us in with, it’s too little too late. So much of my interest had been squandered with the sophomoric romances and will-they or won’t-theys, and my patience tested with a handful of largely interchangeable young adults, none of whom are nearly as remotely interesting as Riddle has convinced himself they are. This aggravation wasn’t eased by two contestants sharing nearly identical names, Lara and Lauren, who are both vying for the same man, Tom. Tom’s narcissistic, sexist, and manipulative, and like all good manipulators he does a swell job hiding his flaws and fooling others. I was ready to see him violently slaughtered in the good name of catharsis by around page 150. By page 175 I was wondering where the hell the horror elements were and debating if I should tough it out for another 300+ pages (WTF) or call it quits.
The inherent structure of Love Shots doesn’t exactly make for a walk in this not-Jurassic park, either. At nearly 500 pages long, Love Shots has five, count ‘em, five whole chapters. I don’t typically have a preference for chapter length. I’m not on either Team Short Chapters or Team Long Chapters, but I have to admit, I do like to have actual chapters. Love Shots is an overwritten mess as it is, but having chapters that amount to three-plus hours of reading time makes for one long ass, exhausting slog. I didn’t feel any sense of progress working my way through this thing, and after several hundred pages of tepid romance and very little actual sensual island sexiness, I grew to loathe having to pick up this book at all. I was investing a hell of a lot of time in a book that refused to deliver either sex or violence, and readers, I was irate.
But then Riddle finally managed to surprise me on page 209. Love Shots was finally getting good.
For a little while, at least. The monster aspect is creative, original, and fun, and of course much of the horror devolves into stupid people doing stupid things and getting their comeuppance. To Riddle’s credit, there is a smart, and sadly still wholly necessary in this day and age, theme revolving around basic human rights and sexuality, as Love Shot Island is revealed to be a test pool for christofascists, eugenics, and the nightmare of conservative politics writ large. It’s a welcome bit of commentary here in the 21st freaking Century, in an America hellbent on rolling the clock back to the 1800s, if not earlier. Riddle just takes too damn long to get there with the whole point-making.
And that’s the central problem with Love Shots. It’s just all too damn much. The politics are spot-on and the horrors infesting the island are ingenious – they’re just saddled beneath too much mundanity and pointless explorations. The book is overwritten, to the point that we get a four-page long list of all the various things in life one young victim will never be able to experience. This is all laughably capped off with, “The list of things they had never done was endless.” But holy fuck, Riddle certainly gave it the old college try!
There’s a really good book or an absolutely killer novella in here somewhere. It just needs some severe content editing to help trim the loads of extraneous fat and gristle. Kurt Vonnegut advised writers to start their story as close to the end as possible. Riddle ignores this advice to his detriment, opting instead to start as close to the beginning as possible and then dragging every little thing out for as long as humanly, or perhaps inhumanly, possible.
May 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eARC.
‘Love Island meets Jurassic Park’ is absolutely the perfect summary for this book, btw.
We join the cast of Love Shots as they experience the final two recouplings of the season and get more drama than they bargained for. The first section of the book brings you into the middle of it, where you are inundated with people who would definitely make mind-numbingly good hate-watch TV.
The twist? The summer of love promised by the producers is actually the cover for an underground lab where voted off contestants are sent.
I adored how the book 1984-ified heteronormative stereotypes and the continuation of pushing for traditional gender roles and interests whilst simultaneously being the opposite of conservative. Being able to do this in a comedy-horror writing style with an increasingly batsh*t crazy plot was kinda perfect.
Each character personality (especially those who were increasingly horrifyingly evil) shone through exceptionally well and made it so difficult to put the book down!
At some points I did question where else this could be heading before it ended but you just have to embrace the chaotic energy.
The ending made me incredibly happy. Karma. I love good Final Girl(s).
‘Love Island meets Jurassic Park’ is absolutely the perfect summary for this book, btw.
We join the cast of Love Shots as they experience the final two recouplings of the season and get more drama than they bargained for. The first section of the book brings you into the middle of it, where you are inundated with people who would definitely make mind-numbingly good hate-watch TV.
The twist? The summer of love promised by the producers is actually the cover for an underground lab where voted off contestants are sent.
I adored how the book 1984-ified heteronormative stereotypes and the continuation of pushing for traditional gender roles and interests whilst simultaneously being the opposite of conservative. Being able to do this in a comedy-horror writing style with an increasingly batsh*t crazy plot was kinda perfect.
Each character personality (especially those who were increasingly horrifyingly evil) shone through exceptionally well and made it so difficult to put the book down!
At some points I did question where else this could be heading before it ended but you just have to embrace the chaotic energy.
The ending made me incredibly happy. Karma. I love good Final Girl(s).
May 15, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for this arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶
4.25 ⭐️
I had absolutely no clue what I was expecting but it definitely wasn’t this, in the best way.
It was weird, disturbing, bizarre, and addicting just like reality tv. You’re dropped in the middle of production following the contestants and producer’s on the show Love Shots, and things just get weirder and weirder. This book was wild and entertaining, it kept me on my toes to the very last page. You’ll love this if you watch Love Island and other reality tv dating shows and also love horror/ thriller novels with some good body horror.
I loved the diverse cast of characters. I also loved and thought that the author did a great job discussing the underlying theme and social commentary on homophobia and heteronormativity in reality shows like Love Island and our government. Since it is so prevalent with everything going on today.
The reason this wasn’t closer to a 5 star read for me was probably more of a reader error. The start of the book we are introduced to so many characters that it got a little muddied in my brain trying to differentiate between everyone. Once I really got into it and understood everyone’s names, traits, and personalities it made it a far more enjoyable read. Again reader error haha.
4.25 ⭐️
I had absolutely no clue what I was expecting but it definitely wasn’t this, in the best way.
It was weird, disturbing, bizarre, and addicting just like reality tv. You’re dropped in the middle of production following the contestants and producer’s on the show Love Shots, and things just get weirder and weirder. This book was wild and entertaining, it kept me on my toes to the very last page. You’ll love this if you watch Love Island and other reality tv dating shows and also love horror/ thriller novels with some good body horror.
I loved the diverse cast of characters. I also loved and thought that the author did a great job discussing the underlying theme and social commentary on homophobia and heteronormativity in reality shows like Love Island and our government. Since it is so prevalent with everything going on today.
The reason this wasn’t closer to a 5 star read for me was probably more of a reader error. The start of the book we are introduced to so many characters that it got a little muddied in my brain trying to differentiate between everyone. Once I really got into it and understood everyone’s names, traits, and personalities it made it a far more enjoyable read. Again reader error haha.
July 11, 2026
this book was so perfect, it’s like travis read my mind and made this book exactly what i wanted it to be. very excited to read more of his books!
July 8, 2026
Cette histoire est inspirée de la télé serie Love Island. Nous suivons l’histoire de participants dans une téléréalité qui se nomme Love Shots. Les célibataires profitent de leur dernière semaine juste avant la grande finale jusqu’à ce qu’un événement terrible arrive…
J’ai ADORÉ ce livre. Les personnages étaient exactement comme les vrais participants de Love Island. Les dialogues, les personnages sont très réalistes… jusqu’à temps que l’élément horreur embarque.
Ce livre était vraiment comme un film d’horreur goofy style slasher des années 90. Le rythme est rapide et intense, ce qui le rend vraiment difficile à déposer parce qu’on veut toujours en lire plus.
J’ai adoré l’élément horreur, qui était aussi vraiment drôle. J’ai ri à voix haute quelques fois.
Je recommande vraiment ce livre aux fans de téléréalités et aux fans de films d’horreur et de comédie d’horreur.
J’ai ADORÉ ce livre. Les personnages étaient exactement comme les vrais participants de Love Island. Les dialogues, les personnages sont très réalistes… jusqu’à temps que l’élément horreur embarque.
Ce livre était vraiment comme un film d’horreur goofy style slasher des années 90. Le rythme est rapide et intense, ce qui le rend vraiment difficile à déposer parce qu’on veut toujours en lire plus.
J’ai adoré l’élément horreur, qui était aussi vraiment drôle. J’ai ri à voix haute quelques fois.
Je recommande vraiment ce livre aux fans de téléréalités et aux fans de films d’horreur et de comédie d’horreur.
June 7, 2026
I really wanted to like this one. Especially because I love the concept of a reality tv show with a dark twist.
I DNF'd at 30%.
This unfortunately was not for me. Lack of chapters and second guessing myself on whose pov I was reading. Some characters rambled on, and although there was a shock element where I was curious about what was happening behind the scenes, it wasn't enough for me to keep going.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy. I hope this finds the right readers.
I DNF'd at 30%.
This unfortunately was not for me. Lack of chapters and second guessing myself on whose pov I was reading. Some characters rambled on, and although there was a shock element where I was curious about what was happening behind the scenes, it wasn't enough for me to keep going.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy. I hope this finds the right readers.
July 23, 2026
as a first time horror reader, i loved this book. it was such an interesting concept and kept me hooked all the way through!
April 29, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
Okay, yes! I’ve watched the shows the story parodies, so I fully get the horror twist 😂 Imagining those same kinds of shows but with a horror perspective is hilarious.
Honestly, what makes it so good is that the first solid 40% of the book really builds the relationships and sets the tone. Then you add in the monster hybrids, and you get pure horror comedy. Even the characters’ dialect felt on brand 😂👏🏻 When they were processing their situation, I honestly felt a kind of wicked joy 😈
It feels like an honest, chef’s kiss blend of macabre humor with a modern twist.
And the ending? Totally nailed it 👏🏻
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, yes! I’ve watched the shows the story parodies, so I fully get the horror twist 😂 Imagining those same kinds of shows but with a horror perspective is hilarious.
Honestly, what makes it so good is that the first solid 40% of the book really builds the relationships and sets the tone. Then you add in the monster hybrids, and you get pure horror comedy. Even the characters’ dialect felt on brand 😂👏🏻 When they were processing their situation, I honestly felt a kind of wicked joy 😈
It feels like an honest, chef’s kiss blend of macabre humor with a modern twist.
And the ending? Totally nailed it 👏🏻
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2026
With Love Island finished, needed something to fill my time and this was it. It was good and loved the twists and turns of the gore horror.
May 31, 2026
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If you love dating show and horror/thrillers, then this is going to be your new perfect match made in heaven... or maybe hell? It's a satire that Riddle pitched to me as "Love Island meets Jurassic Park" and honestly, that's a very apt description. Last year, I read Riddle's previous release while traveling, and this year I had another trip coming up so I figured, why not make it a tradition and read a Travis M. Riddle book while traveling again? And what a good idea that was, because this book kept me absolutely hooked.
Love Shots is inspired by the popular TV show with a very similar name, and if you are familiar with that show then you'll find yourself very familiar the general format and workings of the show portrayed in this book. We've got beautiful people in a beautiful setting... and yet, somehow, it ends up being a bit of a nightmare.
The story sets out fairly normally in the middle of a current season of the show, Love Shots, and we quickly get to know the many characters that are a part of it this time around. Riddle always puts a lot of time and development into his characters, so despite there being quite a large cast, I felt like I had a pretty good grasp of the main players due to the detailed introductions for each of them. Admittedly, I did mix up a few here and there, but no more than I usually would with a larger cast size. The relevant characters were are portrayed with layers and depth (though some may have had personalities that were, perhaps, slightly less naturally "deep" than others, but, you know...) and I liked getting to know all of them. Their backgrounds were all unique enough that I was engaged in learning about their personalities and how it affected their behavior on the show, and especially in seeing how they ended up reacting to different scenarios as the more intense events of the story unfolded.
The narrative is split among many different POVs from the contestants, as well as glimpses behind the scenes from the producer, editors, and a few others working on the show. These behind the scenes POVs are where we really first start getting hints that things might not be quite what they seem. From the beginning, we don't know exactly what is going to be happening to these contestants, and I think Riddle's slow trickle of clues worked extremely well for building that tension and anticipation as we slowly learned more and more about the more sinister aspects of this production.
I was actually a little surprised by how much time the book spent letting us readers settle into the "normal" life of the villa before things really kick off, but I didn't mind it at all because it gave me more time to get to know the character and better understand the dynamics among them and their within their current relationships. I also shouldn't have been surprised because one of my favorite things about Riddle's writing is how it never feels rushed and he really takes his time to describe thing and set a scene, and this is exactly what it felt like was happening here--something that I still really appreciate about his writing.
Love Shots does a fantastic job with its exploration of reality dating shows themselves and just how manufactured they can be. How much editing is done to tell narratives that are perhaps the exact opposite of what's actually happening? How do producers make sure fans are shocked by something that wouldn't really be shocking if they knew the reality? How is the outcome ensured to be exactly what the producer wants? There's much manipulation behind the scenes of these shows in real life, and I loved how Riddle explored all of that in this book. It really highlights the predatory nature of the show in some very intense and literal ways that I found excellently and cleverly done.
I also appreciated the commentary on and highlighting of some larger societal issues that are found within these types of shows. For example, he touches on things like the heteronormativity of dating shows (I mean, when you think about it, isn't it actually quite wild how aggressively straight these shows are in how they act like nothing else exists?) as well as the unique pressures and expectations placed on men and women alike, especially in the influencer era of these shows.
Without going into too many details to avoid spoilers, once sh*t hits the fan, there's truly no going back. This book absolutely basks in its violence and body horror, and I think that will make it a huge hit for fans of the genre. Once the story crossed a certain point, it was incredibly action-heavy for the remainder of the novel. It basically felt like a constant spiral into chaos that left me feeling almost as overwhelmed as the contestants themselves. At first, it's almost so weird or unbelievable that skepticism feels warranted, but then suddenly you can't look away as pure havoc is unleashed. The shifting POVs worked especially well because each character experienced some different aspect of what happened, and this really allowed for more variety in the storytelling itself. This also, of course, only added to the feeling of confusion and panic. It's brutal, relentless, and showed very little (if any?) mercy to anyone.
The book also doesn't take itself too seriously, and the satire is evident throughout. While it stands on its own, there are plenty of absurd and darkly funny moments woven into the narrative that keep things lighter and entertaining--after all, it is a reality dating show. People are expected to be at least a little vain, shallow, dramatic, and entertaining, and some of the decisions made throughout the story are exactly the kind of behavior that reality TV thrives on.
One last note I wanted to make was that I don't usually read too many reviews for books before writing my own because I don't want to be accidentally influenced, and I very rarely see reviews for Riddle's before writing my own reviews (since in the past I read them too early for there to be many reviews yet), but this time I noticed a couple comments mentioning some oversexualization of the women in this book. I completely understand where those readers are come from, and if that's how the book made them feel then that's absolutely valid and I'd never argue that or tell them they're wrong to feel that way. That being said, for me, having read many of Riddle's works, I personally felt like this oversexualization was actually very intentional and done to reflect how much these shows (and society itself) oversexualizes women in these absurd, uncomfortable ways as well. It felt more self-aware than accidental, and I think my own interpretation of this to me highlighted how much these shows do stuff that is just as egregious as some of what is written, if not more. That doesn't mean everyone will enjoy it or feel comfortable even knowing that, but I felt it could be worthwhile to note why it didn't bother me as much, since it felt like the book knew what it was doing and was commenting on those attitudes rather than embracing them and enforcing them.
While this wasn't my favorite of Riddle's work (and given how much I love so many of his books, that'd be a hard feat to accomplish!), it was still an absolute blast. I'd recommend this to fans of satire, thrillers, a little bit absurdity, and a hearty appreciation for some bloody moments.
If you love dating show and horror/thrillers, then this is going to be your new perfect match made in heaven... or maybe hell? It's a satire that Riddle pitched to me as "Love Island meets Jurassic Park" and honestly, that's a very apt description. Last year, I read Riddle's previous release while traveling, and this year I had another trip coming up so I figured, why not make it a tradition and read a Travis M. Riddle book while traveling again? And what a good idea that was, because this book kept me absolutely hooked.
Love Shots is inspired by the popular TV show with a very similar name, and if you are familiar with that show then you'll find yourself very familiar the general format and workings of the show portrayed in this book. We've got beautiful people in a beautiful setting... and yet, somehow, it ends up being a bit of a nightmare.
The story sets out fairly normally in the middle of a current season of the show, Love Shots, and we quickly get to know the many characters that are a part of it this time around. Riddle always puts a lot of time and development into his characters, so despite there being quite a large cast, I felt like I had a pretty good grasp of the main players due to the detailed introductions for each of them. Admittedly, I did mix up a few here and there, but no more than I usually would with a larger cast size. The relevant characters were are portrayed with layers and depth (though some may have had personalities that were, perhaps, slightly less naturally "deep" than others, but, you know...) and I liked getting to know all of them. Their backgrounds were all unique enough that I was engaged in learning about their personalities and how it affected their behavior on the show, and especially in seeing how they ended up reacting to different scenarios as the more intense events of the story unfolded.
The narrative is split among many different POVs from the contestants, as well as glimpses behind the scenes from the producer, editors, and a few others working on the show. These behind the scenes POVs are where we really first start getting hints that things might not be quite what they seem. From the beginning, we don't know exactly what is going to be happening to these contestants, and I think Riddle's slow trickle of clues worked extremely well for building that tension and anticipation as we slowly learned more and more about the more sinister aspects of this production.
I was actually a little surprised by how much time the book spent letting us readers settle into the "normal" life of the villa before things really kick off, but I didn't mind it at all because it gave me more time to get to know the character and better understand the dynamics among them and their within their current relationships. I also shouldn't have been surprised because one of my favorite things about Riddle's writing is how it never feels rushed and he really takes his time to describe thing and set a scene, and this is exactly what it felt like was happening here--something that I still really appreciate about his writing.
Love Shots does a fantastic job with its exploration of reality dating shows themselves and just how manufactured they can be. How much editing is done to tell narratives that are perhaps the exact opposite of what's actually happening? How do producers make sure fans are shocked by something that wouldn't really be shocking if they knew the reality? How is the outcome ensured to be exactly what the producer wants? There's much manipulation behind the scenes of these shows in real life, and I loved how Riddle explored all of that in this book. It really highlights the predatory nature of the show in some very intense and literal ways that I found excellently and cleverly done.
I also appreciated the commentary on and highlighting of some larger societal issues that are found within these types of shows. For example, he touches on things like the heteronormativity of dating shows (I mean, when you think about it, isn't it actually quite wild how aggressively straight these shows are in how they act like nothing else exists?) as well as the unique pressures and expectations placed on men and women alike, especially in the influencer era of these shows.
Without going into too many details to avoid spoilers, once sh*t hits the fan, there's truly no going back. This book absolutely basks in its violence and body horror, and I think that will make it a huge hit for fans of the genre. Once the story crossed a certain point, it was incredibly action-heavy for the remainder of the novel. It basically felt like a constant spiral into chaos that left me feeling almost as overwhelmed as the contestants themselves. At first, it's almost so weird or unbelievable that skepticism feels warranted, but then suddenly you can't look away as pure havoc is unleashed. The shifting POVs worked especially well because each character experienced some different aspect of what happened, and this really allowed for more variety in the storytelling itself. This also, of course, only added to the feeling of confusion and panic. It's brutal, relentless, and showed very little (if any?) mercy to anyone.
The book also doesn't take itself too seriously, and the satire is evident throughout. While it stands on its own, there are plenty of absurd and darkly funny moments woven into the narrative that keep things lighter and entertaining--after all, it is a reality dating show. People are expected to be at least a little vain, shallow, dramatic, and entertaining, and some of the decisions made throughout the story are exactly the kind of behavior that reality TV thrives on.
One last note I wanted to make was that I don't usually read too many reviews for books before writing my own because I don't want to be accidentally influenced, and I very rarely see reviews for Riddle's before writing my own reviews (since in the past I read them too early for there to be many reviews yet), but this time I noticed a couple comments mentioning some oversexualization of the women in this book. I completely understand where those readers are come from, and if that's how the book made them feel then that's absolutely valid and I'd never argue that or tell them they're wrong to feel that way. That being said, for me, having read many of Riddle's works, I personally felt like this oversexualization was actually very intentional and done to reflect how much these shows (and society itself) oversexualizes women in these absurd, uncomfortable ways as well. It felt more self-aware than accidental, and I think my own interpretation of this to me highlighted how much these shows do stuff that is just as egregious as some of what is written, if not more. That doesn't mean everyone will enjoy it or feel comfortable even knowing that, but I felt it could be worthwhile to note why it didn't bother me as much, since it felt like the book knew what it was doing and was commenting on those attitudes rather than embracing them and enforcing them.
While this wasn't my favorite of Riddle's work (and given how much I love so many of his books, that'd be a hard feat to accomplish!), it was still an absolute blast. I'd recommend this to fans of satire, thrillers, a little bit absurdity, and a hearty appreciation for some bloody moments.
August 4, 2026
4.75/5
As a seasoned Love Island fan, this book is everything you want and more. The book mirrors the show almost perfectly (without catching a lawsuit). At times I thought that I was reading a script for the actual show. The story line was damn good and the horror aspect was amazing. The horror element honestly played in alot better than I thought it was going to. When I read the description and thought “Love Island - horror, how the hell” but Travis pulled it off beautifully. The kills were brutal at times and couldn’t help but laugh at others, IFYKYK. The antagonist was a bit … weird. I wish that it was a bit better in what it was but, it made sense … I guess. That’s my only complaint in the book.
I think the brightest spot of the book is the characters and how uncanny they are to the actually LI contestants that apply/go onto the show. As I was being introduced to the characters I was pairing them up with their most likely real life counterparts. For a second I thought that the characters were pulled from this season but found out the book came out before the newest season. The characters personalities played out perfectly with the events; Tom, Harris, Rhul, Lauren, Ana. The core group played really well with each other and never felt like it was awkward. The backstories were explained extremely well and gave us an insight in to why the characters acted the way they do. Also, on the flip side, seeing productions POV on things was a really fun take.
The book started fast and seemed to keep that pace which I loved. There was never any filler or unneeded dialogue or content. It felt like everything played a role in the plot and building into the characters themselves.
Overall, the book was REALLY good and definitely worth a read, especially if you watch Love island.
As a seasoned Love Island fan, this book is everything you want and more. The book mirrors the show almost perfectly (without catching a lawsuit). At times I thought that I was reading a script for the actual show. The story line was damn good and the horror aspect was amazing. The horror element honestly played in alot better than I thought it was going to. When I read the description and thought “Love Island - horror, how the hell” but Travis pulled it off beautifully. The kills were brutal at times and couldn’t help but laugh at others, IFYKYK. The antagonist was a bit … weird. I wish that it was a bit better in what it was but, it made sense … I guess. That’s my only complaint in the book.
I think the brightest spot of the book is the characters and how uncanny they are to the actually LI contestants that apply/go onto the show. As I was being introduced to the characters I was pairing them up with their most likely real life counterparts. For a second I thought that the characters were pulled from this season but found out the book came out before the newest season. The characters personalities played out perfectly with the events; Tom, Harris, Rhul, Lauren, Ana. The core group played really well with each other and never felt like it was awkward. The backstories were explained extremely well and gave us an insight in to why the characters acted the way they do. Also, on the flip side, seeing productions POV on things was a really fun take.
The book started fast and seemed to keep that pace which I loved. There was never any filler or unneeded dialogue or content. It felt like everything played a role in the plot and building into the characters themselves.
Overall, the book was REALLY good and definitely worth a read, especially if you watch Love island.
July 19, 2026
I wasn't completely sure what to expect with Love Shots. I was intrigued by the love island style plot, mixed with murder and mayhem. I honestly ate this up. It was an adrenaline filled read, full of suspense, drama, romance, humour, friendship, and murder.
I loved Lauren, Amani, Ana, and Lara. They were all charismatic, smart, strong, determined, and likable.
The storyline was crazy, clever, addictive, and unique. I was completely enthralled.
I didn't think I was going to like the more unrealistic, science fiction aspect of it, but I actually did. It was wildly entertaining.
I'm not normally a big fan of horror, but this was done so well. There wasn't a single boring moment in the entire novel.
This is the first book I've read from Travis M. Riddle, and it definitely won't be the last. I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
I highly recommend.
4.5 stars from me.
For fans of Nick Cutter, Darcy Coates, and Delilah S. Dawson.
Thanks to Netgalley, Victory Editing, and Travis M. Riddle.
I loved Lauren, Amani, Ana, and Lara. They were all charismatic, smart, strong, determined, and likable.
The storyline was crazy, clever, addictive, and unique. I was completely enthralled.
I didn't think I was going to like the more unrealistic, science fiction aspect of it, but I actually did. It was wildly entertaining.
I'm not normally a big fan of horror, but this was done so well. There wasn't a single boring moment in the entire novel.
This is the first book I've read from Travis M. Riddle, and it definitely won't be the last. I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
I highly recommend.
4.5 stars from me.
For fans of Nick Cutter, Darcy Coates, and Delilah S. Dawson.
Thanks to Netgalley, Victory Editing, and Travis M. Riddle.
May 5, 2026
Review of advance copy received by NetGalley
Thank you so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC!
3.5 stars. I went into Love Shots as a dedicated Love Island fan, and the reality TV elements were painfully accurate in the best way. The first 40% is very character heavy, and while I get the setup, I did find myself wanting to skip some of the banter and get straight to the drama (very on-brand for reality TV, honestly).
But once things hit that halfway point? Absolute chaos. The mix of slasher horror with a dating show setting was wild and so entertaining. I was genuinely surprised by several twists and character fates…. I did not see some of that coming.
A few plot points didn’t fully make sense, and the ending felt a little underwhelming compared to the buildup. I would have loved a “where are they now” style epilogue (give me the reunion episode, please).
Overall, this was a super unique, messy-in-a-good-way read. If you love reality TV and don’t mind a little blood with your romance, I’d definitely recommend it.
Thank you so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC!
3.5 stars. I went into Love Shots as a dedicated Love Island fan, and the reality TV elements were painfully accurate in the best way. The first 40% is very character heavy, and while I get the setup, I did find myself wanting to skip some of the banter and get straight to the drama (very on-brand for reality TV, honestly).
But once things hit that halfway point? Absolute chaos. The mix of slasher horror with a dating show setting was wild and so entertaining. I was genuinely surprised by several twists and character fates…. I did not see some of that coming.
A few plot points didn’t fully make sense, and the ending felt a little underwhelming compared to the buildup. I would have loved a “where are they now” style epilogue (give me the reunion episode, please).
Overall, this was a super unique, messy-in-a-good-way read. If you love reality TV and don’t mind a little blood with your romance, I’d definitely recommend it.
May 7, 2026
Thanks to Travis M Riddle and Netgalley for a copy of this arc
I don’t know what I was expecting with Love Shots exactly but it wasn’t this gracious of a take on the contestants of a reality show.
This book balances its large cast with a surprising ease and care thats a delight to read. I think it would be easy to lean into the in to the inherent campiness of the setting and deliver flat outlines of characters but thats not what Riddle chose to do here.
The plot is familiar enough to have nostalgic story beats, self aware enough to be a little silly and gory enough to pack a punch.
I had a really nice time reading this one and preordered it the second I finished.
Perfect for fans of life times unREAL and fans grady hedrix
I don’t know what I was expecting with Love Shots exactly but it wasn’t this gracious of a take on the contestants of a reality show.
This book balances its large cast with a surprising ease and care thats a delight to read. I think it would be easy to lean into the in to the inherent campiness of the setting and deliver flat outlines of characters but thats not what Riddle chose to do here.
The plot is familiar enough to have nostalgic story beats, self aware enough to be a little silly and gory enough to pack a punch.
I had a really nice time reading this one and preordered it the second I finished.
Perfect for fans of life times unREAL and fans grady hedrix
May 14, 2026
This book genuinely surprised me!
Admittedly I only read the beginning of the synopsis and gathered it’s a thriller that takes place on the set of a dating show. Perfect! Sign me up!
It ended up being WAY more than that.
Part thriller, part sci-fi, part horror… and it worked. A long-winded book yet it was still a quick and easy read, but don’t let the message get lost! This original and entertaining take on America’s desire for heteronormativity was refreshing and I’m very glad I read it. The whole book played like a movie in my head, and it was fun!
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something different and niche! And read the acknowledgments!!
Thank you so much to Victory Editing for the ARC!
Admittedly I only read the beginning of the synopsis and gathered it’s a thriller that takes place on the set of a dating show. Perfect! Sign me up!
It ended up being WAY more than that.
Part thriller, part sci-fi, part horror… and it worked. A long-winded book yet it was still a quick and easy read, but don’t let the message get lost! This original and entertaining take on America’s desire for heteronormativity was refreshing and I’m very glad I read it. The whole book played like a movie in my head, and it was fun!
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something different and niche! And read the acknowledgments!!
Thank you so much to Victory Editing for the ARC!
Did Not Finish
July 14, 2026I really wanted to love this as it mixes my love of horror with the guilty pleasure of reality tv but once the actual horror started it was hard to keep engaged.
We are introduced to the characters towards the end of their time on the island so all relationships seem to be established but without chapter names it was confusing keeping track of whose prospective we were seeing things from.
I enjoyed the 'behind the scenes' action of the tv crew, especially as they were more relatable
I may come back to this in the future with fresh eyes but for now it is a soft dnf at 32%
We are introduced to the characters towards the end of their time on the island so all relationships seem to be established but without chapter names it was confusing keeping track of whose prospective we were seeing things from.
I enjoyed the 'behind the scenes' action of the tv crew, especially as they were more relatable
I may come back to this in the future with fresh eyes but for now it is a soft dnf at 32%
June 25, 2026
reading this while simultaneously getting updates about the villa on love island usa was an absolute trip lmao
campy, trippy, queer (happy pride y'all 🌈) and quite enjoyable. it was charming and i think I'm gonna pick up some more of Travis M Riddle's work.
campy, trippy, queer (happy pride y'all 🌈) and quite enjoyable. it was charming and i think I'm gonna pick up some more of Travis M Riddle's work.
June 18, 2026
Love Island meets UnREAL meets Jurassic Park (ish)
Love Island:
the setting is a dating reality show in which contestants are on a remote island under video surveillance to find love. at the end of each day/episode, contestants must be coupled up (or recouple) in order to continue on to the next episode.
UnREAL:
the readers gets a little bit of behind the scenes look at production for the show. it’s very messy, very money-oriented. the producer, Elizabeth, IS Quinn from UnREAL. you cannot convince me otherwise. like, visually, I only ever saw Constance Zimmer.
Jurassic Park:
it’s a fucked up world where rich people and organizations do whatever the fuck they want because they can. and we all have to suffer because of it.
I’ll be honest, I almost DNFd this at 5%. There are SO many POVs and quick cuts between scenes that it was so incredibly hard to keep up and follow along. After a couple of weeks of not reading it, I picked it back up while on vacation and was hooked.
This book was gloriously gory and I could so clearly see this as a slasher film. The multi-POVs and quick cut scenes that annoyed me at first really helped me visualize the storytelling in my head. I really do think that film would be the best format for this.
As for characters, all the men fucking SUCK. Honestly, not one good one out of the lot. But also, that was the point. Love Shots is a commentary on the heteronormativity of reality dating shows and twists it on its head. While we do have some LGBT characters, I really wish Riddle would have put more focus on these characters and their arcs. I understand that’s difficult with such a large cast of characters, but if a major part of this story is criticizing the hetero culture of reality dating shows, I would have wanted at least one specific change to have been made.
Overall, I really did like this book and was thoroughly entertained!
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy!
Love Island:
the setting is a dating reality show in which contestants are on a remote island under video surveillance to find love. at the end of each day/episode, contestants must be coupled up (or recouple) in order to continue on to the next episode.
UnREAL:
the readers gets a little bit of behind the scenes look at production for the show. it’s very messy, very money-oriented. the producer, Elizabeth, IS Quinn from UnREAL. you cannot convince me otherwise. like, visually, I only ever saw Constance Zimmer.
Jurassic Park:
it’s a fucked up world where rich people and organizations do whatever the fuck they want because they can. and we all have to suffer because of it.
I’ll be honest, I almost DNFd this at 5%. There are SO many POVs and quick cuts between scenes that it was so incredibly hard to keep up and follow along. After a couple of weeks of not reading it, I picked it back up while on vacation and was hooked.
This book was gloriously gory and I could so clearly see this as a slasher film. The multi-POVs and quick cut scenes that annoyed me at first really helped me visualize the storytelling in my head. I really do think that film would be the best format for this.
As for characters, all the men fucking SUCK. Honestly, not one good one out of the lot. But also, that was the point. Love Shots is a commentary on the heteronormativity of reality dating shows and twists it on its head. While we do have some LGBT characters, I really wish Riddle would have put more focus on these characters and their arcs. I understand that’s difficult with such a large cast of characters, but if a major part of this story is criticizing the hetero culture of reality dating shows, I would have wanted at least one specific change to have been made.
Overall, I really did like this book and was thoroughly entertained!
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy!
June 1, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC!!
This book was fun to read. I watched the most recent season of Love Island so all the things relating between Love Island and Love Shots were things I recognized and I really enjoyed that aspect. I really loved who I thought was the main character Lauren, she was a great main girl and she was smart about most of her decisions and I appreciate that in a main character. I loved the setting and the monsters and how the monsters were made was really interesting. The Mimic was a cool like side villain and a cool creature to learn about. Also the bomb giving The Mimic a tummy ache did make me giggle.
Travis M. Riddle has a really great writing style in my opinion and some of the things that happened to these characters were very funny and ironic, it was an incredibly fun read.
The reason I’m giving this book four stars instead of five is a reason I have given quite a few books four stars and it’s because there are too many characters. Most of the side characters I didn’t care about really at all, they were just deaths I knew were coming and I didn’t care to read about them. I didn’t care for their perspectives much, the deaths were fine since I wasn’t attached to them at all. I liked Ana as a character and loved her and Lauren’s friendship, but honestly everyone else was just whatever to me. I was happy about Elizabeth’s ending, she was the actual worst. Also, I feel this book was a little too long, it was extremely detailed and I love a detail, but in my opinion there was just too much going on.
I look forward to reading more from Travis M. Riddle in the future!!
This book was fun to read. I watched the most recent season of Love Island so all the things relating between Love Island and Love Shots were things I recognized and I really enjoyed that aspect. I really loved who I thought was the main character Lauren, she was a great main girl and she was smart about most of her decisions and I appreciate that in a main character. I loved the setting and the monsters and how the monsters were made was really interesting. The Mimic was a cool like side villain and a cool creature to learn about. Also the bomb giving The Mimic a tummy ache did make me giggle.
Travis M. Riddle has a really great writing style in my opinion and some of the things that happened to these characters were very funny and ironic, it was an incredibly fun read.
The reason I’m giving this book four stars instead of five is a reason I have given quite a few books four stars and it’s because there are too many characters. Most of the side characters I didn’t care about really at all, they were just deaths I knew were coming and I didn’t care to read about them. I didn’t care for their perspectives much, the deaths were fine since I wasn’t attached to them at all. I liked Ana as a character and loved her and Lauren’s friendship, but honestly everyone else was just whatever to me. I was happy about Elizabeth’s ending, she was the actual worst. Also, I feel this book was a little too long, it was extremely detailed and I love a detail, but in my opinion there was just too much going on.
I look forward to reading more from Travis M. Riddle in the future!!
June 9, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!
If I had a nickel for every phenomenal reality dating show horror novel I'd read this year, I'd have two nickels. It's not a lot but I'm so grateful and hope more are on the way!
I really appreciated the sincerity and depth with which Riddle crafted this world and its characters. Patricia Wants to Cuddle (the other reality dating show horror I mentioned above) focused on the absurdity of the show's premise as filtered through the protagonist's feelings and ultimate rejection of it, though it was clear the author knew their stuff from the minute show-accurate details. In contrast, the first third or so of Love Shots is basically a straight reality TV script (with compelling hints at spooky experiments and science corruption) which, along with the many POVs and the time/space taken to know each character, set the novel up as a more serious and intensive examination of the genre. This seems to match the author's intent (according to the afterword) to highlight the toxic heteronormativity of these shows while also providing space for queer love and joy. Fantastic creature design, too! PLEASE release a physical copy so I can have this on my shelf!!!
If I had a nickel for every phenomenal reality dating show horror novel I'd read this year, I'd have two nickels. It's not a lot but I'm so grateful and hope more are on the way!
I really appreciated the sincerity and depth with which Riddle crafted this world and its characters. Patricia Wants to Cuddle (the other reality dating show horror I mentioned above) focused on the absurdity of the show's premise as filtered through the protagonist's feelings and ultimate rejection of it, though it was clear the author knew their stuff from the minute show-accurate details. In contrast, the first third or so of Love Shots is basically a straight reality TV script (with compelling hints at spooky experiments and science corruption) which, along with the many POVs and the time/space taken to know each character, set the novel up as a more serious and intensive examination of the genre. This seems to match the author's intent (according to the afterword) to highlight the toxic heteronormativity of these shows while also providing space for queer love and joy. Fantastic creature design, too! PLEASE release a physical copy so I can have this on my shelf!!!
June 21, 2026
I saw a TikTok describe this as “Love Island but make it horror” and was sold on reading what I assumed would be a cheesy, shallow read, but this was a genuinely great book.
If you’ve unfortunately seen Love Island before, you know the setup: a ridiculously beautiful group of strangers spend time on an island where they partner up and compete to be the number one best couple in the villa. There are challenges that always involve making out, ceremonies to couple up or dump whoever ends up single, and the contestants have no phones and no way of tracking time or any knowledge of what is going on in the outside world. It’s already kind of a dystopian horror in and of itself, but this book adds in an actual monster and a gruesome body count.
The horror in this is actually scary, as the type of monster involved is inherently creepy and unsettling. There were moments where I finally relaxed, thinking the character being followed during that chapter was finally safe, only to be absolutely wrong as they were killed.
The writing style in this also surprised me by how actually great it was. Every character, no matter how minor, had a distinct personality and detailed enough backstory to make me feel for them when they perished.
I also loved the ending!
If you’ve unfortunately seen Love Island before, you know the setup: a ridiculously beautiful group of strangers spend time on an island where they partner up and compete to be the number one best couple in the villa. There are challenges that always involve making out, ceremonies to couple up or dump whoever ends up single, and the contestants have no phones and no way of tracking time or any knowledge of what is going on in the outside world. It’s already kind of a dystopian horror in and of itself, but this book adds in an actual monster and a gruesome body count.
The horror in this is actually scary, as the type of monster involved is inherently creepy and unsettling. There were moments where I finally relaxed, thinking the character being followed during that chapter was finally safe, only to be absolutely wrong as they were killed.
The writing style in this also surprised me by how actually great it was. Every character, no matter how minor, had a distinct personality and detailed enough backstory to make me feel for them when they perished.
I also loved the ending!
May 12, 2026
I want to start off by saying that this book has a lot of positive reviews, but my opinion differs from them. I strongly believe I’m just not the right reader for this book.
I went into this novel thinking it would be fun to read a horror story surrounding a Love Island style reality show. Since I don’t personally enjoy those types of shows, I thought a horror version would be entertaining. What I didn’t anticipate was reading a book that felt so much like an actual reality show, complete with characters heavily leaning into reality TV tropes, and nearly 50% of this 511 page novel feeling like watching the show unfold.
I found myself forcing my way through the book just to reach the end. I dreaded picking it up and sadly just wasn’t having any fun while reading this one.
I don’t want to say much more than that because I really don’t like heavily criticizing books I didn’t enjoy. The author clearly put a lot of work into this story, and I know there will be readers who love it (The reviews prove it)
Sadly, this one just wasn’t for me.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Star
I went into this novel thinking it would be fun to read a horror story surrounding a Love Island style reality show. Since I don’t personally enjoy those types of shows, I thought a horror version would be entertaining. What I didn’t anticipate was reading a book that felt so much like an actual reality show, complete with characters heavily leaning into reality TV tropes, and nearly 50% of this 511 page novel feeling like watching the show unfold.
I found myself forcing my way through the book just to reach the end. I dreaded picking it up and sadly just wasn’t having any fun while reading this one.
I don’t want to say much more than that because I really don’t like heavily criticizing books I didn’t enjoy. The author clearly put a lot of work into this story, and I know there will be readers who love it (The reviews prove it)
Sadly, this one just wasn’t for me.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Star
May 25, 2026
Well I can honestly say I’ve never read a book like this before😳 I was definitely drawn to this for the Love Island element filled with drama, love interests, forced proximity and character development! Then when you throw in some horror, terror and suspense 🤯
I had a great time reading this, the first half of the book throws you right into what feels like your watching love island. Straight away you connect with characters with multiple POVs and I was discovering who I liked and who I DID NOT! Then when things take a turn for the worst, they get severely bad 🤣 as the reader you’re trying to work out to the ‘clubbers’ can trust. I was HOOKED till the very end.
Round of applause to the author writing multiple male and female POV’s, couldn’t have been an easy task and I was genuinely laughing out loud to how relatable the things they characters were thinking and saying👏
Thank you @Netgalley and the author was this ARC!!!
I had a great time reading this, the first half of the book throws you right into what feels like your watching love island. Straight away you connect with characters with multiple POVs and I was discovering who I liked and who I DID NOT! Then when things take a turn for the worst, they get severely bad 🤣 as the reader you’re trying to work out to the ‘clubbers’ can trust. I was HOOKED till the very end.
Round of applause to the author writing multiple male and female POV’s, couldn’t have been an easy task and I was genuinely laughing out loud to how relatable the things they characters were thinking and saying👏
Thank you @Netgalley and the author was this ARC!!!
July 20, 2026
Finally having the time to give Love Shots a review. I loved the book so much and it was one of my fastest reads, it’s really well written, easy to follow for someone with dyslexia! The characters are well written and i clearly have my favourites! The only thing I didn’t like was describing someone’s outfit in detail, but i do love the slow buildup! I Ioved the concept so so much and I can’t wait for the next one 4,5/5
July 22, 2026
As a huge Love Island and Jurassic Park fan, this absolutely was for me. From the realistic and differentiated characters, to the interwoven storylines that keep me guessing about what was really going down on the island, to the uniquely crafted creatures I was ALL in on this one. I read this on kindle but ordered a physical copy and was shocked at the size of the book because it was such a breeze to get through! Such a fan of Travis Riddle’s mind.
July 8, 2026
Love island but make it horror…absolutely loved it and refuse to listen to any slander on it. Enjoyed all the little fan details of the show being portrayed in the book (the photobooth, challenge, recoupling,etc), and the producers POV. The author being a fan of the show made it such a fun read. The horror aspect was well done, weird and at times hilarious.
July 12, 2026
As someone who's never watched Love Island or any similar show before starting this book, I had no idea what I was getting into. But having read a couple of the author's books prior I knew I was in for a ride. It definitely keeps you on your feet and I'll definitely be recommending to my friends that I know love, Love Island as well as thrillers.
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