What do you think?
Unravel
THE DEEPER SHE DIGS FOR THE TRUTH,
THE DEADLIER THE DECEPTION GROWS.
Hannah Crawford built the kind of life other women dream about, and kill for. She knows because she's done exactly that.
For twelve silent years, Hannah's secrets have slept peacefully beneath the surface of her perfect existence: the grand house behind locked gates, the wealthy husband who provides everything but love, and two children raised on flawless lies.
But when a doll surfaces from the past, Hannah's carefully curated life begins to fracture. Cracks spread, exposing the ruthless woman she thought she'd left behind.
As Ethan's distance deepens into betrayal, and an unseen watcher draws dangerously close, what's hidden in the dark will finally come to light.
Some wives bend under pressure.
Hannah shatters everyone who stands in her way.
Unravel is Book Two in the Smother Series.
THE DEADLIER THE DECEPTION GROWS.
Hannah Crawford built the kind of life other women dream about, and kill for. She knows because she's done exactly that.
For twelve silent years, Hannah's secrets have slept peacefully beneath the surface of her perfect existence: the grand house behind locked gates, the wealthy husband who provides everything but love, and two children raised on flawless lies.
But when a doll surfaces from the past, Hannah's carefully curated life begins to fracture. Cracks spread, exposing the ruthless woman she thought she'd left behind.
As Ethan's distance deepens into betrayal, and an unseen watcher draws dangerously close, what's hidden in the dark will finally come to light.
Some wives bend under pressure.
Hannah shatters everyone who stands in her way.
Unravel is Book Two in the Smother Series.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Daya Winters
4 books56 followersDaya Winters lives in a small town with her husband and children. A lover of suspense and mind-bending mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 10, 2026
Unravel picks up Hannah and Ethan’s story as they settle into what should look like a normal suburban life, two kids, PTA meetings, and all the everyday chaos that comes with family life. But beneath the surface, things are anything but normal, and sometimes the darker parts of ourselves don't stay quiet for long.
As a mother, Hannah’s fierce determination to do whatever it takes to protect her children hit me hard. I could completely understand that instinct to put your kids above everything, even when the choices aren't easy or pretty. I also appreciated the way the story explored the quieter kind of distance that can happen in a marriage, the feeling of being right next to someone while somehow becoming strangers in your own home.
I loved Hannah’s strength and the lengths she was willing to go to protect her kids. This story doesn't shy away from the messy, uncomfortable, and ugly sides of motherhood, marriage, and the choices we make when we're pushed to our limits.
If you're looking for a twisty read that isn't afraid to get dark and doesn't gloss over the ugly parts, Unravel is one to pick up.
As a mother, Hannah’s fierce determination to do whatever it takes to protect her children hit me hard. I could completely understand that instinct to put your kids above everything, even when the choices aren't easy or pretty. I also appreciated the way the story explored the quieter kind of distance that can happen in a marriage, the feeling of being right next to someone while somehow becoming strangers in your own home.
I loved Hannah’s strength and the lengths she was willing to go to protect her kids. This story doesn't shy away from the messy, uncomfortable, and ugly sides of motherhood, marriage, and the choices we make when we're pushed to our limits.
If you're looking for a twisty read that isn't afraid to get dark and doesn't gloss over the ugly parts, Unravel is one to pick up.
August 18, 2026
An absolute psychological thriller at its finest! I immediately jumped into this book after I finished the first. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down until I finished, trust me I tried. But sleep and chores had to be put on the back burner.
This takes place 12 years after the first book and it’s just as dark and twisted as the first if not more. The insane amount of plot twists and edge of your seat tension was everything I could have wanted. Hannah and Ethan will take you on such a mind blowing journey and you will be eating it up. I need this as a TV show asap. I will binge watch it again and again. I will definitely be reading more from Daya Winters!
This takes place 12 years after the first book and it’s just as dark and twisted as the first if not more. The insane amount of plot twists and edge of your seat tension was everything I could have wanted. Hannah and Ethan will take you on such a mind blowing journey and you will be eating it up. I need this as a TV show asap. I will binge watch it again and again. I will definitely be reading more from Daya Winters!
August 18, 2026
This was such a good thriller with just the right amount of spice! 🔥 I was sucked in immediately, and I found myself relating to Hannah… but after finishing it, I’m sitting here like DAMN, I hope I’m good. 😅
There were so many twists throughout this story, and every time I thought I knew where it was going, something else had me questioning everything. It definitely kept me on my toes!
Hannah knows her husband is having an affair, she just doesn’t know who with. Meanwhile, she’s receiving mysterious texts from someone watching her who claims to know what she did…and Hannah has a few secrets of her own. 👀
There were so many twists throughout this story, and every time I thought I knew where it was going, something else had me questioning everything. It definitely kept me on my toes!
Hannah knows her husband is having an affair, she just doesn’t know who with. Meanwhile, she’s receiving mysterious texts from someone watching her who claims to know what she did…and Hannah has a few secrets of her own. 👀
August 19, 2026
😵💫 Psychological Thriller
🌪️ Dark & Twisted
This book is 😱 like oh my word! Edge of your seat, staying up way past reason, but it’s was truly hard to put this book down. Why did it take me so long to find the book one. This series draws you in from the very beginning. The twists and turns, one minute you think you’ve figured it out. Then the next, you’re staring confused at what happens. Daya’s writing of her characters makes you feel like you can connect to them on a fundamental level. You’ll be tense, emotional because what the heck?! Hannah is powerful and relatable and you root for her hard. Creepy dolls…. Like come on. This book is 🔥
🌪️ Dark & Twisted
This book is 😱 like oh my word! Edge of your seat, staying up way past reason, but it’s was truly hard to put this book down. Why did it take me so long to find the book one. This series draws you in from the very beginning. The twists and turns, one minute you think you’ve figured it out. Then the next, you’re staring confused at what happens. Daya’s writing of her characters makes you feel like you can connect to them on a fundamental level. You’ll be tense, emotional because what the heck?! Hannah is powerful and relatable and you root for her hard. Creepy dolls…. Like come on. This book is 🔥
July 25, 2026
“Unravel” by Daya Winters absolutely lived up to everything I hoped for after book one. Hannah's story continues in a way that is even darker, more intense, and impossible to look away from. Every chapter is packed with lies, manipulation, and psychological tension that kept me questioning everyone and everything. The constant mind games and suspense had me completely hooked, and I couldn't put it down. If you enjoyed Smother, this sequel delivers everything you'd want and raises the stakes even higher. I hope this series continues!
August 20, 2026
“𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓸𝓫𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓷, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓲𝓽.“
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️ 1/5
Okayyyyy…FEMININE RAGE AND A MORALLY GRAY FMC?!
👀
You have my attention.
Because apparently we’ve spent enough time discussing morally questionable MEN.
Sometimes I need a woman to look at her rapidly deteriorating suburban life and think…
Fine. I’ll handle it myself. 💅🏻🔪
Unravel by Daya Winters was my first book from this author and landed at a solid 4 ⭐️ for me.
And before we go any further…
This is BOOK TWO in the Smother series.
So unlike some of these interconnected standalones we’ve been discussing…
START WITH BOOK ONE.
Because we’re dropping back into Hannah and Ethan’s story, and there is already a LOT happening beneath the surface.
And by a lot I mean…
Trauma. Secrets. M*rder. Marriage problems. More secrets.
You know.
Suburban family activities. 😂🔪
On the outside, Hannah Crawford has basically built the life people put on Pinterest boards.
Beautiful home behind locked gates.
Wealthy husband.
Two children.
PTA meetings.
Family life.
The whole picture-perfect suburban package.
Except…
Hannah has literally k!lled to build and protect that life.
👁️👄👁️
Oh.
Okay.
NOW WE’RE TALKING.
Because Hannah has secrets.
Not “I secretly spent $300 at Target and hid the bags before my husband got home” secrets.
No.
TWELVE YEARS of secrets.
And she’s done a pretty damn good job keeping them buried.
Until a doll from her past suddenly appears.
😐
NO THANK YOU.
Maybe it’s because creepy dolls immediately activate every horror movie I’ve ever watched, but the SECOND that thing surfaced I was like…
Burn the house down. We’re moving. 😂
Because someone knows something.
And Hannah’s carefully constructed little world starts cracking.
Meanwhile, her marriage to Ethan is basically held together by proximity and vibes.
😭
And THAT part of the story actually hit me harder than I expected.
Because not every marriage falls apart through some massive screaming fight.
Sometimes it’s quieter.
You still live together.
Sleep beside each other.
Raise children together.
Handle schedules.
Go through all the motions of being married.
And one day you realize…
When the f*ck did we become strangers?
That kind of emotional distance is terrifying in an entirely different way.
Then Ethan’s distance starts looking suspiciously like betrayal…
Someone is WATCHING…
Hannah’s past is clawing its way back into the present…
And suddenly that perfect little suburban existence isn’t looking quite so perfect anymore.
👀🔪
But my favorite part of this book?
HANNAH.
Because this woman is COMPLICATED.
She’s not necessarily good.
She’s not necessarily bad.
She’s a mother who will do absolutely ANYTHING to protect her children.
And I mean…
ANYTHING.
👏🏻
I love a well-written morally gray FMC because women are so often expected to remain morally palatable even in dark fiction.
She can be strong…
But not TOO ruthless.
Angry…
But still likable.
Protective…
But don’t let her cross THAT line.
Daya basically said:
F*ck the line. Hannah already crossed it.
😂🔪
And I was HERE FOR IT.
Especially because her rage isn’t just thrown onto the page to make her look like some badass girlboss character.
There is trauma underneath it.
Fear.
Motherhood.
Years of choices and consequences.
A woman desperately trying to hold together the life she created while everything underneath it is beginning to rot.
THAT’S INTERESTING.
And as a mother, Hannah’s protectiveness toward her children was probably the part I connected with most.
Because there is a very primal kind of fear that comes with realizing your children could be threatened.
You can debate morality all day long…
But Hannah’s brain basically operates on one very simple rule:
My children come first.
Everything else?
Negotiable.
👀
And that’s where this story gets deliciously uncomfortable.
Because you can understand WHY someone makes a decision without necessarily believing that decision was RIGHT.
Those are my favorite morally gray characters.
Don’t give me someone who supposedly has questionable morals but never actually does anything questionable.
MAKE ME QUESTION THEM.
Make me understand them and then immediately think:
Okay babe…I understand the thought process.
But WHAT THE F*CK?!
😭😂
Hannah absolutely gave me that.
The dark suburbia element also worked SO well.
Because there’s something inherently creepy about putting darkness inside a setting that’s supposed to represent safety.
Big house.
Nice neighborhood.
Family dinners.
School events.
Everything neat and curated.
Meanwhile underneath it all…
Everybody has secrets.
And Hannah’s are particularly deadly. 🔪
The deeper she digs into what’s happening around her, the more the life she’s spent twelve years constructing begins to unravel.
Hence…
UNRAVEL.
Look at us connecting dots. 😂👏🏻
And this book definitely isn’t afraid of the uglier sides of marriage and motherhood.
Hannah isn’t presented as some perfect mother who always makes the emotionally healthy choice.
She’s traumatized.
She’s angry.
She’s scared.
She’s dangerous.
And when she feels cornered?
Someone else should probably start running.
😂
This was definitely darker and more suspense-driven than some of my usual romance reads, but I enjoyed the change.
Because apparently I DO occasionally venture outside my mafia/stalker/psychopath romance habitat.
Granted…
I apparently still require somebody to potentially commit m*rder.
BABY STEPS. 💅🏻😂
There were a few places where I wanted the tension tightened or certain emotional beats pushed a little further, which kept it from hitting that 5-star territory for me.
But for a new-to-me author?
Daya Winters absolutely has my attention.
If you love feminine rage, morally gray FMCs, dark suburbia, marriage in crisis, motherhood, secrets, trauma, psychological suspense, dangerous women and stories that aren’t afraid to let their female characters be MESSY…
Add this series to your list. 🔪🖤
Hannah Crawford really said:
Perfect house. 🏡
Wealthy husband. 💍
Beautiful children. 🖤
PTA meetings. 📋
Twelve years of buried secrets. 🔪
Potentially destroy anyone who threatens her babies. 💅🏻
Women really CAN have it all. 😭😂🔪
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️ 1/5
Okayyyyy…FEMININE RAGE AND A MORALLY GRAY FMC?!
👀
You have my attention.
Because apparently we’ve spent enough time discussing morally questionable MEN.
Sometimes I need a woman to look at her rapidly deteriorating suburban life and think…
Fine. I’ll handle it myself. 💅🏻🔪
Unravel by Daya Winters was my first book from this author and landed at a solid 4 ⭐️ for me.
And before we go any further…
This is BOOK TWO in the Smother series.
So unlike some of these interconnected standalones we’ve been discussing…
START WITH BOOK ONE.
Because we’re dropping back into Hannah and Ethan’s story, and there is already a LOT happening beneath the surface.
And by a lot I mean…
Trauma. Secrets. M*rder. Marriage problems. More secrets.
You know.
Suburban family activities. 😂🔪
On the outside, Hannah Crawford has basically built the life people put on Pinterest boards.
Beautiful home behind locked gates.
Wealthy husband.
Two children.
PTA meetings.
Family life.
The whole picture-perfect suburban package.
Except…
Hannah has literally k!lled to build and protect that life.
👁️👄👁️
Oh.
Okay.
NOW WE’RE TALKING.
Because Hannah has secrets.
Not “I secretly spent $300 at Target and hid the bags before my husband got home” secrets.
No.
TWELVE YEARS of secrets.
And she’s done a pretty damn good job keeping them buried.
Until a doll from her past suddenly appears.
😐
NO THANK YOU.
Maybe it’s because creepy dolls immediately activate every horror movie I’ve ever watched, but the SECOND that thing surfaced I was like…
Burn the house down. We’re moving. 😂
Because someone knows something.
And Hannah’s carefully constructed little world starts cracking.
Meanwhile, her marriage to Ethan is basically held together by proximity and vibes.
😭
And THAT part of the story actually hit me harder than I expected.
Because not every marriage falls apart through some massive screaming fight.
Sometimes it’s quieter.
You still live together.
Sleep beside each other.
Raise children together.
Handle schedules.
Go through all the motions of being married.
And one day you realize…
When the f*ck did we become strangers?
That kind of emotional distance is terrifying in an entirely different way.
Then Ethan’s distance starts looking suspiciously like betrayal…
Someone is WATCHING…
Hannah’s past is clawing its way back into the present…
And suddenly that perfect little suburban existence isn’t looking quite so perfect anymore.
👀🔪
But my favorite part of this book?
HANNAH.
Because this woman is COMPLICATED.
She’s not necessarily good.
She’s not necessarily bad.
She’s a mother who will do absolutely ANYTHING to protect her children.
And I mean…
ANYTHING.
👏🏻
I love a well-written morally gray FMC because women are so often expected to remain morally palatable even in dark fiction.
She can be strong…
But not TOO ruthless.
Angry…
But still likable.
Protective…
But don’t let her cross THAT line.
Daya basically said:
F*ck the line. Hannah already crossed it.
😂🔪
And I was HERE FOR IT.
Especially because her rage isn’t just thrown onto the page to make her look like some badass girlboss character.
There is trauma underneath it.
Fear.
Motherhood.
Years of choices and consequences.
A woman desperately trying to hold together the life she created while everything underneath it is beginning to rot.
THAT’S INTERESTING.
And as a mother, Hannah’s protectiveness toward her children was probably the part I connected with most.
Because there is a very primal kind of fear that comes with realizing your children could be threatened.
You can debate morality all day long…
But Hannah’s brain basically operates on one very simple rule:
My children come first.
Everything else?
Negotiable.
👀
And that’s where this story gets deliciously uncomfortable.
Because you can understand WHY someone makes a decision without necessarily believing that decision was RIGHT.
Those are my favorite morally gray characters.
Don’t give me someone who supposedly has questionable morals but never actually does anything questionable.
MAKE ME QUESTION THEM.
Make me understand them and then immediately think:
Okay babe…I understand the thought process.
But WHAT THE F*CK?!
😭😂
Hannah absolutely gave me that.
The dark suburbia element also worked SO well.
Because there’s something inherently creepy about putting darkness inside a setting that’s supposed to represent safety.
Big house.
Nice neighborhood.
Family dinners.
School events.
Everything neat and curated.
Meanwhile underneath it all…
Everybody has secrets.
And Hannah’s are particularly deadly. 🔪
The deeper she digs into what’s happening around her, the more the life she’s spent twelve years constructing begins to unravel.
Hence…
UNRAVEL.
Look at us connecting dots. 😂👏🏻
And this book definitely isn’t afraid of the uglier sides of marriage and motherhood.
Hannah isn’t presented as some perfect mother who always makes the emotionally healthy choice.
She’s traumatized.
She’s angry.
She’s scared.
She’s dangerous.
And when she feels cornered?
Someone else should probably start running.
😂
This was definitely darker and more suspense-driven than some of my usual romance reads, but I enjoyed the change.
Because apparently I DO occasionally venture outside my mafia/stalker/psychopath romance habitat.
Granted…
I apparently still require somebody to potentially commit m*rder.
BABY STEPS. 💅🏻😂
There were a few places where I wanted the tension tightened or certain emotional beats pushed a little further, which kept it from hitting that 5-star territory for me.
But for a new-to-me author?
Daya Winters absolutely has my attention.
If you love feminine rage, morally gray FMCs, dark suburbia, marriage in crisis, motherhood, secrets, trauma, psychological suspense, dangerous women and stories that aren’t afraid to let their female characters be MESSY…
Add this series to your list. 🔪🖤
Hannah Crawford really said:
Perfect house. 🏡
Wealthy husband. 💍
Beautiful children. 🖤
PTA meetings. 📋
Twelve years of buried secrets. 🔪
Potentially destroy anyone who threatens her babies. 💅🏻
Women really CAN have it all. 😭😂🔪
August 19, 2026
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The prologue had me drawn in and the rest of the story didn't disappoint. First of all, the doll coming back after 12 years would have had me packing up and leaving. There's a decent amount of mystery and unanswered questions as the story progresses which made me want to keep reading. I was definitely skeptical of Mrs. Henderson from the start and for good reason. She was giving off weird vibes from the start.
I feel like things really took a turn to the worst when Hannah accepted the manuscript from Cynthia since it started to take up too much of her time. It felt like that was the beginning push that set everything else to start snowballing. Between the cheating, especially who both the main characters were cheating with, the mess with Mrs. Henderson, poor Isabella, and the behavior Allie was starting to exhibit, it was hard to put this book down. I would definitely recommend giving it a read! Thank you Daya Winters for giving me access to the ARC of this book! These are all my own thoughts and opinions.
I feel like things really took a turn to the worst when Hannah accepted the manuscript from Cynthia since it started to take up too much of her time. It felt like that was the beginning push that set everything else to start snowballing. Between the cheating, especially who both the main characters were cheating with, the mess with Mrs. Henderson, poor Isabella, and the behavior Allie was starting to exhibit, it was hard to put this book down. I would definitely recommend giving it a read! Thank you Daya Winters for giving me access to the ARC of this book! These are all my own thoughts and opinions.
August 18, 2026
This book had me questioning absolutely everyone from beginning to end! Hannah may appear to have the perfect life but beneath the surface secrets are slowly threatening to destroy everything. The multiple perspectives, questionable decisions, lies, manipulation, and psychological mind games kept me completely hooked and suspicious of every character.
Every time I thought I had finally figured out what was happening, another twist completely destroyed my theories. The tension continued to build, making it nearly impossible to put this book down. I love a psychological thriller that keeps me second guessing every assumption, and this one definitely delivered. Now I absolutely have to go back and read the first book!
Thank you, Daya and The Space Network for the opportunity to read and review this book! I am officially a Daya fan! I went back and also loved Smother & am ready for the next installment!
Every time I thought I had finally figured out what was happening, another twist completely destroyed my theories. The tension continued to build, making it nearly impossible to put this book down. I love a psychological thriller that keeps me second guessing every assumption, and this one definitely delivered. Now I absolutely have to go back and read the first book!
Thank you, Daya and The Space Network for the opportunity to read and review this book! I am officially a Daya fan! I went back and also loved Smother & am ready for the next installment!
August 18, 2026
WOW is all I can say. 😂
Psychological thrillers are completely outside my normal reading comfort zone, and Unravel was actually my first one. I read a summary of Smother before jumping into this one so I would have the background going in.
Hannah was seriously messed up. I wasn’t really a fan of hers, but I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what she was going to do next. The secrets, lies, betrayals, murders, cover-ups, and increasingly unhinged decisions just kept coming.
And Ethan? He seemed completely clueless half the time!
This was definitely not my usual cup of tea, but it was genuinely really good and kept me interested all the way through.
Did I enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone? Absolutely.
Do I think I’ll stick with romance? Also absolutely. 😂
Thank you to Daya Winters and The Space Network for the opportunity to read Unravel!
Psychological thrillers are completely outside my normal reading comfort zone, and Unravel was actually my first one. I read a summary of Smother before jumping into this one so I would have the background going in.
Hannah was seriously messed up. I wasn’t really a fan of hers, but I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what she was going to do next. The secrets, lies, betrayals, murders, cover-ups, and increasingly unhinged decisions just kept coming.
And Ethan? He seemed completely clueless half the time!
This was definitely not my usual cup of tea, but it was genuinely really good and kept me interested all the way through.
Did I enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone? Absolutely.
Do I think I’ll stick with romance? Also absolutely. 😂
Thank you to Daya Winters and The Space Network for the opportunity to read Unravel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Daya Winters writes it, I'll read it 🔪 Thank you for trusting me with this ARC 💖
I went from being Smothered to Unravel(ed) in the second book.
Unravel takes place 12 years after the events of Smothered and all is not what you see. A carefully crafted suburban image has been created.
Witnessing Hannah's identity and struggles, plus the flashbacks of her childhood give the reader a bigger picture as to why she is the way she is. Her intrusive thoughts just made her more relatable as we all have such thoughts 😂🫢
I stayed up past midnight finishing this because I needed to know what happens!
Tropes you will see in this:
-Feminine Rage
-Dark Suburbia
-Trauma, lots of trauma
-A very dangerous, well crafted morally gray FMC.
I went from being Smothered to Unravel(ed) in the second book.
Unravel takes place 12 years after the events of Smothered and all is not what you see. A carefully crafted suburban image has been created.
Witnessing Hannah's identity and struggles, plus the flashbacks of her childhood give the reader a bigger picture as to why she is the way she is. Her intrusive thoughts just made her more relatable as we all have such thoughts 😂🫢
I stayed up past midnight finishing this because I needed to know what happens!
Tropes you will see in this:
-Feminine Rage
-Dark Suburbia
-Trauma, lots of trauma
-A very dangerous, well crafted morally gray FMC.
August 18, 2026
Thank you for the advance copy of Unravel! I could not wait to tell everyone about it!! I was questioning my own sanity throughout this book. Hannah would say or do something and five chapters later she would be confused when that thing came back into the story saying she had no idea how that came to be. I wasn’t sure if she was crazy or if I was lost or if she was manipulating people or being manipulated by them! While Unravel is a continuation of Daya’s first book, Smother, you do not need to read it first to enjoy this story. You will, however, want to read it after you finish Unravel just to find out more about Hannah and Ethan’s past. Great psychological thriller that definitely had me feeling unsettled and intrigued!
August 19, 2026
"UNRAVEL" impossibly tense, every chapter left me desperate for more. I love that we got more of Hannah's back story throughout Unravel. Watching all the twists and turns of Unravel after reading Smother was mind blowing. I really hope Daya continues on with this story because I feel like so much more can be added, especially with Allie, William and Mrs. Henderson. I would also like more on Josh as I feel that there is more there than what we were able to see! This was a seat gripping, jaw dropping, amazing book. If you love psychological thrillers that have a family drama element, people who aren't what they seem, and revelations that will blow you away - pleaseeee start Smother and Unravel! DAYA WINTERS is an auto-buy author for me now. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 25, 2026
This continues from the first book, Smother even though it's 12 years after the events. Hannah and Ethan are trying to live a normal life being parents in a suburban neighborhood. But they're relationship is rocky and she doesn't feel like he cares about her anymore. Actually she is more than sure he is having an affair and she doesn't know if she even cares. Things start to happen like strange texts, feeling like she's being watched, the doll coming back, and she can't run away from her past. It felt pretty eerie at times and you didn't know who to trust at all. Hannah completely spiraled and she didn't know what was real anymore. The ending was a complete surprise and I loved this one more than the first book, but they were both amazing!
August 18, 2026
Absolutely brilliant. To be honest I have not read book 1 but I was able to understand and get into this book very easily. Hannah and Ethan's story was written in such a way that you feel like you know them. The twist and turns that happened I was not expecting obviously because I didn't read book one but it made this one so much better not knowing. Will history repeat itself? Will Hannah believe she is insane or something else in the works
Absolutely loved the story thank you to The Space network for the opportunity to read this book
Absolutely loved the story thank you to The Space network for the opportunity to read this book
August 18, 2026
Daya did not disappoint in this psychological thriller. I was hooked from the very beginning! I enjoyed her writing style and the pacing was perfect.
It was filled with twists & turns and the FMC was just crazy! I loved it! When I thought I had it figured out, I get hit with something else! I definitely see this opened for a book 3. We need to know what Allie turns out like!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Daya Winters. Huge thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an early copy. I’m leaving my honest thoughts completely voluntarily!
It was filled with twists & turns and the FMC was just crazy! I loved it! When I thought I had it figured out, I get hit with something else! I definitely see this opened for a book 3. We need to know what Allie turns out like!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Daya Winters. Huge thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an early copy. I’m leaving my honest thoughts completely voluntarily!
August 19, 2026
Unravel is a dark and twisty thriller with a sprinkle of spice!
Hannah is back and this go around we get to see a darker, more sinister side. The mind games being played throughout this entire book is scary but also extremely well thought out.
I loved seeing Hannah as a mother and I think most mothers may relate to her in more ways than they care to admit.
Between the nosey neighbor, the PTA snobs, a mystery texter, and affair partners I did not trust a single person in this book! I was completely clueless how this book would end!
Hannah is back and this go around we get to see a darker, more sinister side. The mind games being played throughout this entire book is scary but also extremely well thought out.
I loved seeing Hannah as a mother and I think most mothers may relate to her in more ways than they care to admit.
Between the nosey neighbor, the PTA snobs, a mystery texter, and affair partners I did not trust a single person in this book! I was completely clueless how this book would end!
August 18, 2026
In your basic stepford wife neighborhood, Hannah seemed like your typical type B mom that didn’t fit into the PTA mom group.. little did you know that her family was hiding major secrets.. all culminating to ending an innocent persons life and seemingly making a deal that her daughter doesn’t end up like her.. this book has so many twists and turns, I’m still reeling over the ending. A little spice to get you through and thrills to last a lifetime..
August 18, 2026
Thank you to SPACE, the author, and the publisher for the review copy of this book.
This was an interesting read not in my “typical” genre. I’m usually a romance/fantasy girlie, but this one sounded interesting; let me tell you, I’m glad I picked it up! If you into dark books, psychological thrillers, and books where your main characters are all…not great humans…this one might be for you!!
This was an interesting read not in my “typical” genre. I’m usually a romance/fantasy girlie, but this one sounded interesting; let me tell you, I’m glad I picked it up! If you into dark books, psychological thrillers, and books where your main characters are all…not great humans…this one might be for you!!
August 18, 2026
Honestly loved this book from the start. The book starts off with a bang and just keeps going. I loved the “creepy doll” part of the book while I assume most people would have hated it. If you are not afraid of that type of stuff I highly recommend the book.
August 10, 2026
5/5⭐️
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I’m unwell. You could say I’m unraveled. Returning to Hannah and Ethan 12 years after the events of Smother, I wasn’t sure what I expected but it certainly was not this. I absolutely loved getting more of Hannah’s backstory and how her upbringing led her to Ethan and beyond. Just like Smother, the building tension kept me on the edge of my seat and I never expected each twist and turn.
At this point, if Daya Winters writes it, I will read it.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I’m unwell. You could say I’m unraveled. Returning to Hannah and Ethan 12 years after the events of Smother, I wasn’t sure what I expected but it certainly was not this. I absolutely loved getting more of Hannah’s backstory and how her upbringing led her to Ethan and beyond. Just like Smother, the building tension kept me on the edge of my seat and I never expected each twist and turn.
At this point, if Daya Winters writes it, I will read it.
July 31, 2026
Unravel takes place 12 years after the events of Smother. Hannah and Ethan have built what seems like the perfect life in a quiet suburban neighborhood, raising their son and daughter. But when Hannah’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel, the cracks reveal that nothing—and no one—is quite what they seem.
This is the kind of psychological thriller that keeps you glued to the pages, constantly questioning who you can trust. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, the story pulled the rug out from under me. I was completely wrong—and I loved every second of it.
Daya Winters masterfully builds tension while crafting an immersive, twist-filled story that had me rooting for Hannah, even as she was willing to do whatever it took to protect her family. If you love thrillers packed with unreliable perspectives, shocking reveals, and suspense that doesn’t let up, Unravel is one to add to your TBR.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an advance review copy. I received this ARC for free, and all opinions expressed are my own.
This is the kind of psychological thriller that keeps you glued to the pages, constantly questioning who you can trust. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, the story pulled the rug out from under me. I was completely wrong—and I loved every second of it.
Daya Winters masterfully builds tension while crafting an immersive, twist-filled story that had me rooting for Hannah, even as she was willing to do whatever it took to protect her family. If you love thrillers packed with unreliable perspectives, shocking reveals, and suspense that doesn’t let up, Unravel is one to add to your TBR.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an advance review copy. I received this ARC for free, and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - 𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🔥🔥🔥🔥 - 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽
🩸- 𝓰𝓸𝓻𝓮
🖤 𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼🖤
Hannah and Ethan
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼🖤
📕stalking
📕harassment
📕emotional manipulation
📕explicit sexual content
📕drug addiction
🖤𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼🖤
“The real threat is always the person you think is on your side.”
“But tonight? I’m done editing someone else’s story. Tonight, I’m writing my own.”
“Mommy says the world doesn’t give you choices. You take them.”
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤
First of all, that ending! I did not see that coming and I was absolutely seated! Unravel is a dark, fast-paced, and highly addictive psychological thriller that builds on the extremely tense foundation laid in her debut novel, Smother. The lies. The deceptions. The secrets that hide between Hannah and Ethan even after being married for twelve years just spirals the both of them into a darkness neither can escape from. Everyone is connected to their past whether they’d like to believe or not.
*spoilers*
It’s been twelve years since the events of the first book, Smother, took place. Hannah and Ethan are still married with a daughter and a son of their own. But something off happens. Her daughter finds a doll. Not just any doll but Margaret’s doll, Rosey, that she distinctively remembers tossing out in a garbage bag. And their relationship isn’t all that happily ever after they had hoped to have after leaving Massachusetts. In fact, Ethan has a secret of his own he meets up causally every week. And Hannah has been receiving messages from an unsettling stalker. On top of all that, she begins to feel as if her own children have become distant with her over the new caretaker she hired for help so that she could focus on her work.
The more their connection starts to dwindle, the more she falls apart and decides to invite her stranger into her life in a more intimate matter. Making it more a part of her daily routine after finding out about her husband’s infidelity. But it’s not until the friendly neighbor expresses concerns over Hannah’s daughter that things start to dive a little more darker. See, her neighbor is actually the half sister of Margaret, and she remembers all the times of her corrupt childhood that she soon displays her worries over her little girl, worried that she’ll fall into the same footsteps.
As the text massages continue to come in, expressing Hannah at her most vulnerable, she starts developing fear that maybe Ethan had opened up about their last to his mistress. And questions of who his mistress spiral through her mind. Enough to make vast decisions that could change their lives forever. But Hannah is smart. Extremely intelligent to the t. She is always one step ahead of everyone else and the ending to this will have you absolutely floored! The secrets. The mishaps. The UNRAVELing. Everything is paced perfectly as it could absolutely be set up for a third book if needed because there’s so much more story to tell!
🖤𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵🖤
I was absolutely drawn to this as Smother was one of my favorite reads! The dynamic between Hannah and her mother-in-law’s overbearing and over protective character drew me into the first book and as soon as Winters announced the second, I was ready. This book absolutely delivers an intense exploration of marital secrets, feminine rage, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her family. It’s an incredible psychological thriller with more spice than the first book had to offer and ends with suspenseful questions left answered.
**no AI was used to generate any part of this review**
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - 𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🔥🔥🔥🔥 - 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽
🩸- 𝓰𝓸𝓻𝓮
🖤 𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼🖤
Hannah and Ethan
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼🖤
📕stalking
📕harassment
📕emotional manipulation
📕explicit sexual content
📕drug addiction
🖤𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼🖤
“The real threat is always the person you think is on your side.”
“But tonight? I’m done editing someone else’s story. Tonight, I’m writing my own.”
“Mommy says the world doesn’t give you choices. You take them.”
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤
First of all, that ending! I did not see that coming and I was absolutely seated! Unravel is a dark, fast-paced, and highly addictive psychological thriller that builds on the extremely tense foundation laid in her debut novel, Smother. The lies. The deceptions. The secrets that hide between Hannah and Ethan even after being married for twelve years just spirals the both of them into a darkness neither can escape from. Everyone is connected to their past whether they’d like to believe or not.
*spoilers*
It’s been twelve years since the events of the first book, Smother, took place. Hannah and Ethan are still married with a daughter and a son of their own. But something off happens. Her daughter finds a doll. Not just any doll but Margaret’s doll, Rosey, that she distinctively remembers tossing out in a garbage bag. And their relationship isn’t all that happily ever after they had hoped to have after leaving Massachusetts. In fact, Ethan has a secret of his own he meets up causally every week. And Hannah has been receiving messages from an unsettling stalker. On top of all that, she begins to feel as if her own children have become distant with her over the new caretaker she hired for help so that she could focus on her work.
The more their connection starts to dwindle, the more she falls apart and decides to invite her stranger into her life in a more intimate matter. Making it more a part of her daily routine after finding out about her husband’s infidelity. But it’s not until the friendly neighbor expresses concerns over Hannah’s daughter that things start to dive a little more darker. See, her neighbor is actually the half sister of Margaret, and she remembers all the times of her corrupt childhood that she soon displays her worries over her little girl, worried that she’ll fall into the same footsteps.
As the text massages continue to come in, expressing Hannah at her most vulnerable, she starts developing fear that maybe Ethan had opened up about their last to his mistress. And questions of who his mistress spiral through her mind. Enough to make vast decisions that could change their lives forever. But Hannah is smart. Extremely intelligent to the t. She is always one step ahead of everyone else and the ending to this will have you absolutely floored! The secrets. The mishaps. The UNRAVELing. Everything is paced perfectly as it could absolutely be set up for a third book if needed because there’s so much more story to tell!
🖤𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵🖤
I was absolutely drawn to this as Smother was one of my favorite reads! The dynamic between Hannah and her mother-in-law’s overbearing and over protective character drew me into the first book and as soon as Winters announced the second, I was ready. This book absolutely delivers an intense exploration of marital secrets, feminine rage, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her family. It’s an incredible psychological thriller with more spice than the first book had to offer and ends with suspenseful questions left answered.
**no AI was used to generate any part of this review**
Review of advance copy received from Author
📖 Unravel
✍️ By Daya Winters | @dayawinters
📚 Smother Series, Book 2
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
First, I want to thank Daya Winters for trusting me with another ARC. I was lucky enough to be on the ARC team for Smother (Book 1), and I couldn't wait to dive into Unravel. It absolutely did not disappoint.
I don't read many books that have me rooting for someone who isn't exactly the "good guy." Hannah may not technically be a villain, but she's undeniably manipulative, vindictive, and willing to cross lines most people wouldn't. And somehow... you can't help but root for her. One of my favorite parts of this sequel was seeing just how much she's grown since Book 1.
After finishing Smother, I couldn't understand why Hannah would stay with her husband. In Unravel, we finally get the answers. We dive into her past, discover what shaped her into the woman she is today, and it all makes so much more sense. I remember mentioning in my review of Book 1 that I wanted Hannah's backstory, and I'm so glad we got it.
One thing I especially appreciated was the pacing of the twists. There are enough surprises to keep you completely engaged, but not so many that the story feels over-the-top or unrealistic. Around Chapter 50, everything starts to unravel one after another.
We also discover just how much Hannah has in common with her mother-in-law. That said, Hannah's sense of justice feels far more deliberate. I found myself completely invested in the way Hannah handles things... even if her methods are definitely extreme.
I also loved the way Mrs. Henderson and Hannah's work as Cynthia's book editor were woven into the story. Neither subplot felt forced, and both added meaningful layers to Hannah's character.
And the creepy doll Rosie? I loved that callback. I was so glad Allie found her and managed to put her to good use. 😉
Now I'm left with so many questions. How will Allie's story develop? Will Cynthia write another book? And, most importantly... will there be a Smother Book 3? Because I am absolutely ready for it.
Thank you to @booksandbloompr for sending this ARC my way!
#BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerBooks #ARCReader #Bookstagram
✍️ By Daya Winters | @dayawinters
📚 Smother Series, Book 2
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
First, I want to thank Daya Winters for trusting me with another ARC. I was lucky enough to be on the ARC team for Smother (Book 1), and I couldn't wait to dive into Unravel. It absolutely did not disappoint.
I don't read many books that have me rooting for someone who isn't exactly the "good guy." Hannah may not technically be a villain, but she's undeniably manipulative, vindictive, and willing to cross lines most people wouldn't. And somehow... you can't help but root for her. One of my favorite parts of this sequel was seeing just how much she's grown since Book 1.
After finishing Smother, I couldn't understand why Hannah would stay with her husband. In Unravel, we finally get the answers. We dive into her past, discover what shaped her into the woman she is today, and it all makes so much more sense. I remember mentioning in my review of Book 1 that I wanted Hannah's backstory, and I'm so glad we got it.
One thing I especially appreciated was the pacing of the twists. There are enough surprises to keep you completely engaged, but not so many that the story feels over-the-top or unrealistic. Around Chapter 50, everything starts to unravel one after another.
We also discover just how much Hannah has in common with her mother-in-law. That said, Hannah's sense of justice feels far more deliberate. I found myself completely invested in the way Hannah handles things... even if her methods are definitely extreme.
I also loved the way Mrs. Henderson and Hannah's work as Cynthia's book editor were woven into the story. Neither subplot felt forced, and both added meaningful layers to Hannah's character.
And the creepy doll Rosie? I loved that callback. I was so glad Allie found her and managed to put her to good use. 😉
Now I'm left with so many questions. How will Allie's story develop? Will Cynthia write another book? And, most importantly... will there be a Smother Book 3? Because I am absolutely ready for it.
Thank you to @booksandbloompr for sending this ARC my way!
#BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerBooks #ARCReader #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 Unravel by Daya Winters 🖤
Smother Series — Book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Psychological thrillers are definitely outside of my normal reading genre, but apparently Daya Winters has decided I’m going to be a thriller girlie too because I am INVESTED in this series. 😂
After finishing Smother, I had QUESTIONS. Most importantly… HANNAH, GIRL?! WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU AGREE TO STAY WITH THAT MAN AFTER EVERYTHING YOU WERE PUT THROUGH?! 😩😂 Thankfully, Unravel starts giving us some of those much-needed answers while also providing so much more insight into Hannah’s past. The deeper we got into her story, the more things began clicking into place—and somehow that only made me need MORE answers.
ROSIE!! 👀 I absolutely love that creepy little doll! And was so excited that she made a reappearance. There’s just something about that doll that immediately has me thinking, ohhhh, something is about to go down.
The twists, shocking turns, and unexpected tension-filled moments were SO GOOD. Every time I thought I had things figured out, Daya basically said, “Cute theory. Anyway…” and sent me in another direction. 😂 The pacing was great, the characters felt well developed, and practically every chapter ended with me needing to know what happened next.
Then we meet Allie… and EXCUSE ME?! 👀 I loved her introduction, but now I need more of her story. Like yesterday. Immediately. Please and thank you. 😂
This was absolutely one of those “just one more chapter” books… except suddenly it’s well past my bedtime, I’ve said “one more” about seven times, and apparently sleep is no longer important. 😂
Dark, twisty, tension-filled, and addictive, Unravel answered lingering questions from book one while simultaneously giving me a whole new list of questions I NEED answered. If psychological thrillers normally aren’t your thing either, the Smother series might just surprise you. 🖤🔪👀
Huge thanks to Daya for trusting me with an ARC of Unravel and allowing me to experience Hannah’s story before release! 🖤 I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read and review it—and now I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting because I NEED MORE! 😂👀
Smother Series — Book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Psychological thrillers are definitely outside of my normal reading genre, but apparently Daya Winters has decided I’m going to be a thriller girlie too because I am INVESTED in this series. 😂
After finishing Smother, I had QUESTIONS. Most importantly… HANNAH, GIRL?! WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU AGREE TO STAY WITH THAT MAN AFTER EVERYTHING YOU WERE PUT THROUGH?! 😩😂 Thankfully, Unravel starts giving us some of those much-needed answers while also providing so much more insight into Hannah’s past. The deeper we got into her story, the more things began clicking into place—and somehow that only made me need MORE answers.
ROSIE!! 👀 I absolutely love that creepy little doll! And was so excited that she made a reappearance. There’s just something about that doll that immediately has me thinking, ohhhh, something is about to go down.
The twists, shocking turns, and unexpected tension-filled moments were SO GOOD. Every time I thought I had things figured out, Daya basically said, “Cute theory. Anyway…” and sent me in another direction. 😂 The pacing was great, the characters felt well developed, and practically every chapter ended with me needing to know what happened next.
Then we meet Allie… and EXCUSE ME?! 👀 I loved her introduction, but now I need more of her story. Like yesterday. Immediately. Please and thank you. 😂
This was absolutely one of those “just one more chapter” books… except suddenly it’s well past my bedtime, I’ve said “one more” about seven times, and apparently sleep is no longer important. 😂
Dark, twisty, tension-filled, and addictive, Unravel answered lingering questions from book one while simultaneously giving me a whole new list of questions I NEED answered. If psychological thrillers normally aren’t your thing either, the Smother series might just surprise you. 🖤🔪👀
Huge thanks to Daya for trusting me with an ARC of Unravel and allowing me to experience Hannah’s story before release! 🖤 I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read and review it—and now I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting because I NEED MORE! 😂👀
August 19, 2026
I legit needed a minute to collect myself when I finished this book because I wasn’t sure how to feel. This story was so addicting that once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. This was my introduction to author Daya Winters and I am very impressed. This book will have you on the edge of your seat; you’ll be needing to know what happens next, but at the same time not wanting to read what’s coming because you know it’s not going to be sunshine and roses for everyone. By the middle of the book I wasn’t sure who was telling the truth or who to trust.
Hannah and Ethan have what appears to be a great life from the outside looking in, but Hannah is finding out quick that some secrets don’t stay buried. She’s dealing with an anonymous stalker, catty women at the PTA, infidelity in her marriage, and a new client that is demanding all her focus. No wonder she’s got some anger and frustration within her; we get to follow along as her anger & rage slowly gets the upper hand until things go too far. Watching, or reading, her come to terms with what she has to do to fix her problems and the way she handles everything so easily, at least it seems that way, was a bit scary if I’m being honest. She might not be the role model you’re looking for, but she is definitely someone who knows how to survive even the darkest moments.
Normally any kind of infidelity is an instant ‘no’ from me but I really wanted to give this one a chance because it sounded so appealing. I do not regret it at all. The pacing of the story was good, the cast of characters was varied and really played into the feelings of ‘are they out to get me?’ paranoia that we see Hannah struggle with, and Hannah herself, as the protagonist, was a woman of many faces. We get to see her as a mother, as a wife, as a frenemy - and with each one you got a different personality shown. I loved that we also got some flashbacks into Hannah’s youth so we could see why she thinks the way she does or acts the way she does. Overall, it was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a good psychological thriller to get their blood pumping.
Hannah and Ethan have what appears to be a great life from the outside looking in, but Hannah is finding out quick that some secrets don’t stay buried. She’s dealing with an anonymous stalker, catty women at the PTA, infidelity in her marriage, and a new client that is demanding all her focus. No wonder she’s got some anger and frustration within her; we get to follow along as her anger & rage slowly gets the upper hand until things go too far. Watching, or reading, her come to terms with what she has to do to fix her problems and the way she handles everything so easily, at least it seems that way, was a bit scary if I’m being honest. She might not be the role model you’re looking for, but she is definitely someone who knows how to survive even the darkest moments.
Normally any kind of infidelity is an instant ‘no’ from me but I really wanted to give this one a chance because it sounded so appealing. I do not regret it at all. The pacing of the story was good, the cast of characters was varied and really played into the feelings of ‘are they out to get me?’ paranoia that we see Hannah struggle with, and Hannah herself, as the protagonist, was a woman of many faces. We get to see her as a mother, as a wife, as a frenemy - and with each one you got a different personality shown. I loved that we also got some flashbacks into Hannah’s youth so we could see why she thinks the way she does or acts the way she does. Overall, it was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a good psychological thriller to get their blood pumping.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can we start off unprofessional for a sec… because GURL WHAT?! The manipulation... the liesssssss... OMG. & don't even get me started on RUNNING towards the sketch. Some of us didn't learn to move away from red flags, and it shows. Okay, thanks. Moving along:
Unravel is one of those books that reminds you why psychological suspense always hits so hard. Daya Winters refuses to let you settle in or feel safe. Every chapter feels like stepping onto a floor that might crack beneath you, and she does it without ever cheating the reader. You truly never see anything coming, and that unpredictability is my favorite part of her writing.
The unease that washed over me when familiar names resurfaced was something else entirely. Seeing those special someone's names (I won’t spoil that feeling for you) appear again gave me that sudden, unsettling “uhmmm… WHAT… whyyyyyy?” feeling that only Winters can deliver. She knows exactly how to drop a thread of dread that makes the world feel smaller, darker, and far more connected than you expect.. or wanted.
This book is tense, emotional, full of red flags (and some of us sprinting directly toward them…), and deeply character driven. You’re pulled into a world where every detail matters, and every assumption you make becomes a trap. The layers of dread and vulnerability are so seamlessly written that you don’t realize how tightly you’re holding your breath until the moment it hits.
In true Daya Winters fashion, this story gets its hands around you and doesn’t let go. It’s fast paced, addicting, and impossible to put down. It’s the kind of book that leaves you staring at the wall afterward, replaying everything you thought you knew. (Spoiler: you didn’t.)
This was literally everything I didn’t know I needed, and more, following Smother. Thank you so very very much to Daya Winters for allowing me the INCREDIBLE honor of reading this ahead of release. I can’t wait until everyone else gets to experience this!
Unravel is one of those books that reminds you why psychological suspense always hits so hard. Daya Winters refuses to let you settle in or feel safe. Every chapter feels like stepping onto a floor that might crack beneath you, and she does it without ever cheating the reader. You truly never see anything coming, and that unpredictability is my favorite part of her writing.
The unease that washed over me when familiar names resurfaced was something else entirely. Seeing those special someone's names (I won’t spoil that feeling for you) appear again gave me that sudden, unsettling “uhmmm… WHAT… whyyyyyy?” feeling that only Winters can deliver. She knows exactly how to drop a thread of dread that makes the world feel smaller, darker, and far more connected than you expect.. or wanted.
This book is tense, emotional, full of red flags (and some of us sprinting directly toward them…), and deeply character driven. You’re pulled into a world where every detail matters, and every assumption you make becomes a trap. The layers of dread and vulnerability are so seamlessly written that you don’t realize how tightly you’re holding your breath until the moment it hits.
In true Daya Winters fashion, this story gets its hands around you and doesn’t let go. It’s fast paced, addicting, and impossible to put down. It’s the kind of book that leaves you staring at the wall afterward, replaying everything you thought you knew. (Spoiler: you didn’t.)
This was literally everything I didn’t know I needed, and more, following Smother. Thank you so very very much to Daya Winters for allowing me the INCREDIBLE honor of reading this ahead of release. I can’t wait until everyone else gets to experience this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚✨ ARC REVIEW: UNRAVEL by Daya Winters ✨📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved getting the chance to read Unravel as an ARC! 🖤
After Smother, I was so curious to see what happened to Ethan and Hannah, and I loved getting to revisit their story 12 years later. Getting those answers and seeing where their lives had taken them was everything I hoped for!
This book had me hooked with all the twists, turns, and unexpected moments. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would take another turn and leave me questioning everything. 👀 There were definitely moments where I was reading faster because I needed to know what was going to happen next!
And I have to take a moment to talk about Daya Winters herself. 🥹❤️ She has been absolutely amazing throughout this ARC experience. I messaged her several times while I was reading to talk about the book, my reactions, and all the things happening along the way—and she was always so sweet and responsive! Having an author who is willing to interact with readers and share in their excitement makes the reading experience that much more special. 🥰
And now I have ONE very important question… 👀
Can we please get a book about Allie?! Because after everything, I NEED to know how she turns out! 😭 I feel like there is still so much more to uncover there!
If you loved Smother, you absolutely need to add Unravel to your TBR! 📖🖤
💕 Thank you, Daya, for not only writing such an amazing story but for making the ARC experience so much fun. It was an absolute pleasure getting to read Ethan and Hannah’s story and share my reactions with you along the way!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved getting the chance to read Unravel as an ARC! 🖤
After Smother, I was so curious to see what happened to Ethan and Hannah, and I loved getting to revisit their story 12 years later. Getting those answers and seeing where their lives had taken them was everything I hoped for!
This book had me hooked with all the twists, turns, and unexpected moments. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would take another turn and leave me questioning everything. 👀 There were definitely moments where I was reading faster because I needed to know what was going to happen next!
And I have to take a moment to talk about Daya Winters herself. 🥹❤️ She has been absolutely amazing throughout this ARC experience. I messaged her several times while I was reading to talk about the book, my reactions, and all the things happening along the way—and she was always so sweet and responsive! Having an author who is willing to interact with readers and share in their excitement makes the reading experience that much more special. 🥰
And now I have ONE very important question… 👀
Can we please get a book about Allie?! Because after everything, I NEED to know how she turns out! 😭 I feel like there is still so much more to uncover there!
If you loved Smother, you absolutely need to add Unravel to your TBR! 📖🖤
💕 Thank you, Daya, for not only writing such an amazing story but for making the ARC experience so much fun. It was an absolute pleasure getting to read Ethan and Hannah’s story and share my reactions with you along the way!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 18, 2026
The first book in the series gave me exactly what I wanted. My hopes for meeting the characters again were therefore very high, and after finishing this book, I was thoroughly entertained.
Meeting Ethan and Hannah again, 12 years after I left them, sounded like a promising start. Right off the bat, I got a glimpse into Hannah's past, and I did not expect what I learned about her. It was clearly setting the stage for what was to come.
And then we dive into the main story. The couple have moved away and now have two children. From the outside, it looks like an ideal marriage, but a peek behind the curtain makes it clear that their relationship is struggling in various ways. When an old doll suddenly appears in the daughter's room, it becomes clear that what happened in the past is slowly coming back, and bit by bit, everything begins to unravel. And what if the patterns and behaviours learned in their own childhood are inherited by their children?
I wanted Ethan and Hannah to be a happy couple, but that would not have made for a very entertaining story. Problems in their marriage, secrets being kept from each other, and someone watching closely who knows what happened in the past all create an atmosphere filled with tension. Bit by bit, the stakes continue to rise. I was so here for it, and Hannah was my favourite character. I'm not sure what that says about me. 🙂
Were some things a bit over the top and slightly unrealistic for me? Yes, but that did not take away from the fact that this was a very entertaining read, and I certainly did not expect that ending.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Meeting Ethan and Hannah again, 12 years after I left them, sounded like a promising start. Right off the bat, I got a glimpse into Hannah's past, and I did not expect what I learned about her. It was clearly setting the stage for what was to come.
And then we dive into the main story. The couple have moved away and now have two children. From the outside, it looks like an ideal marriage, but a peek behind the curtain makes it clear that their relationship is struggling in various ways. When an old doll suddenly appears in the daughter's room, it becomes clear that what happened in the past is slowly coming back, and bit by bit, everything begins to unravel. And what if the patterns and behaviours learned in their own childhood are inherited by their children?
I wanted Ethan and Hannah to be a happy couple, but that would not have made for a very entertaining story. Problems in their marriage, secrets being kept from each other, and someone watching closely who knows what happened in the past all create an atmosphere filled with tension. Bit by bit, the stakes continue to rise. I was so here for it, and Hannah was my favourite character. I'm not sure what that says about me. 🙂
Were some things a bit over the top and slightly unrealistic for me? Yes, but that did not take away from the fact that this was a very entertaining read, and I certainly did not expect that ending.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2026
Unravel is Book Two in the Smother Series.
Darkly intense with psychological tension as well as lies, manipulation, twists and turns, and a morally grey FMC with the perfect dose of feminine rage and revenge. Embrace your inner monster.
A mother is not just a mother. She is fierce, protective, defiant with feminine rage, sensual with yearnings, smart and strategic. She is vindictive seeking her form of justice and the morally grey villain you rally behind. Is darkness something you feed? Or something you fight?
The main characters and supporting characters were brilliant: Hannah, Ethan, William, Allile, Josh, Isabella, the elderly neighbor, and the creepy Rosie (IYKYK)!
The premise of the FMC being an editor and editing an author's book about a murdering psychopath was a perfect addition to the storyline. Does Hannah become the storyline? Or does the fictional character, Vivian, become Hannah?
I love how some of the past (from book 1) was interwoven throughout this book. This was crucial as I did not read the first book. However, after reading this smashing book 2, I do want to read the first book as I want to know more about their gripping past situations.
Favorite quotes:
"You know the worst part about being invisible? You start to think maybe you deserve to be."
"Hope is cheaper than therapy."
"Every house we pass holds a family that didn't spend the morning digging a grave."
"When did understanding a monster make you one?"
"This is what happens when people touch what is mine."
"Forget love and trust - our marriage is built on secrets and corpses."
Darkly intense with psychological tension as well as lies, manipulation, twists and turns, and a morally grey FMC with the perfect dose of feminine rage and revenge. Embrace your inner monster.
A mother is not just a mother. She is fierce, protective, defiant with feminine rage, sensual with yearnings, smart and strategic. She is vindictive seeking her form of justice and the morally grey villain you rally behind. Is darkness something you feed? Or something you fight?
The main characters and supporting characters were brilliant: Hannah, Ethan, William, Allile, Josh, Isabella, the elderly neighbor, and the creepy Rosie (IYKYK)!
The premise of the FMC being an editor and editing an author's book about a murdering psychopath was a perfect addition to the storyline. Does Hannah become the storyline? Or does the fictional character, Vivian, become Hannah?
I love how some of the past (from book 1) was interwoven throughout this book. This was crucial as I did not read the first book. However, after reading this smashing book 2, I do want to read the first book as I want to know more about their gripping past situations.
Favorite quotes:
"You know the worst part about being invisible? You start to think maybe you deserve to be."
"Hope is cheaper than therapy."
"Every house we pass holds a family that didn't spend the morning digging a grave."
"When did understanding a monster make you one?"
"This is what happens when people touch what is mine."
"Forget love and trust - our marriage is built on secrets and corpses."
August 31, 2026
📖 BOOK TOUR REVIEW 📖
I’m so happy to be part of the Book Tour of Unravel by Daya Winters!
Thank you to @booksandbloompr @dayawinters
📚Book: Unravel (second book in the Smother series)
✍🏻Author: Daya Winters
🌀Genre: Psychological Domestic Thriller
📃Pages: 392
Publication Date: August 18, 2026
THE DEEPER SHE DIGS FOR THE TRUTH, THE DEADLIER THE DECEPTION GROWS.
Hannah Crawford built the kind of life other women dream about, and kill for. She knows because she's done exactly that.
For twelve silent years, Hannah's secrets have slept peacefully beneath the surface of her perfect existence: the grand house behind locked gates, the wealthy husband who provides everything but love, and two children raised on flawless lies.
But when a doll surfaces from the past, Hannah's carefully curated life begins to fracture. Cracks spread, exposing the ruthless woman she thought she'd left behind. Hannah shatters everyone who stands in her way.
💜What I Loved:
🫣Unhinged character(s)
🌪️Twists
🧟♀️Creepy
👿Dark
😱Suspenseful
🤫Secrets & Lies
💨 Fast-paced
📖 Unputdownable
😳Shocking
👀 Multiple POV’s
💔What Didn’t Work For Me:
👍🏻Nothing
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5)
👩🏼⚖️Final Word:
When I think about this book, one word comes to mind…. UNHINGED!! There are some pretty unhinged characters in this book!!!! This book has it all: it’s creepy, dark, fast paced, shocking, and twists!! It reads as a standalone but seems like a better idea to start at book 1 to understand the background. The ending was a little ehh for me but overall 4.5 STARS!!! Great for fans of unhinged characters and nonstop suspense!!
I’m so happy to be part of the Book Tour of Unravel by Daya Winters!
Thank you to @booksandbloompr @dayawinters
📚Book: Unravel (second book in the Smother series)
✍🏻Author: Daya Winters
🌀Genre: Psychological Domestic Thriller
📃Pages: 392
Publication Date: August 18, 2026
THE DEEPER SHE DIGS FOR THE TRUTH, THE DEADLIER THE DECEPTION GROWS.
Hannah Crawford built the kind of life other women dream about, and kill for. She knows because she's done exactly that.
For twelve silent years, Hannah's secrets have slept peacefully beneath the surface of her perfect existence: the grand house behind locked gates, the wealthy husband who provides everything but love, and two children raised on flawless lies.
But when a doll surfaces from the past, Hannah's carefully curated life begins to fracture. Cracks spread, exposing the ruthless woman she thought she'd left behind. Hannah shatters everyone who stands in her way.
💜What I Loved:
🫣Unhinged character(s)
🌪️Twists
🧟♀️Creepy
👿Dark
😱Suspenseful
🤫Secrets & Lies
💨 Fast-paced
📖 Unputdownable
😳Shocking
👀 Multiple POV’s
💔What Didn’t Work For Me:
👍🏻Nothing
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5)
👩🏼⚖️Final Word:
When I think about this book, one word comes to mind…. UNHINGED!! There are some pretty unhinged characters in this book!!!! This book has it all: it’s creepy, dark, fast paced, shocking, and twists!! It reads as a standalone but seems like a better idea to start at book 1 to understand the background. The ending was a little ehh for me but overall 4.5 STARS!!! Great for fans of unhinged characters and nonstop suspense!!
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