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Just One Bite: a delicious psychological thriller with a shocking twist
Brittany has gone viral. And not in a good way.
Celebrity chef Brittany Cole has it all. Fame, success, and the perfect family. From her restored Vermont farmhouse, she's built a wholesome brand that is trusted by millions.
But when her four-year-old has a meltdown, a video of Brittany shouting at the little girl goes viral. It’s a PR nightmare that threatens to destroy Brittany’s squeaky-clean image—and her career.
And it’s about to get so much worse.
More videos of Brittany abusing her daughter are released and #bitchmom trends within hours. But Brittany knows something truly terrifying: none of these new videos are real. Someone out there is trying to destroy her with deepfakes. Someone who has been watching her home, her studio, her marriage.
As more damning videos surface, Brittany's perfect life unravels. Her sponsors flee. Her husband files for divorce. And then, when someone close to her is murdered, the police start asking questions Brittany can't answer.
Her only hope is to find out who is behind this campaign to destroy her. Because it’s clear that they don’t just want to ruin her life—they want to end it.
Just One Bite – the gripping psychological thriller from the million-selling author of Don’t Answer the Phone and The Visitors.
Celebrity chef Brittany Cole has it all. Fame, success, and the perfect family. From her restored Vermont farmhouse, she's built a wholesome brand that is trusted by millions.
But when her four-year-old has a meltdown, a video of Brittany shouting at the little girl goes viral. It’s a PR nightmare that threatens to destroy Brittany’s squeaky-clean image—and her career.
And it’s about to get so much worse.
More videos of Brittany abusing her daughter are released and #bitchmom trends within hours. But Brittany knows something truly terrifying: none of these new videos are real. Someone out there is trying to destroy her with deepfakes. Someone who has been watching her home, her studio, her marriage.
As more damning videos surface, Brittany's perfect life unravels. Her sponsors flee. Her husband files for divorce. And then, when someone close to her is murdered, the police start asking questions Brittany can't answer.
Her only hope is to find out who is behind this campaign to destroy her. Because it’s clear that they don’t just want to ruin her life—they want to end it.
Just One Bite – the gripping psychological thriller from the million-selling author of Don’t Answer the Phone and The Visitors.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2026
About the author
Miranda Rijks
43 books1,107 followersMiranda Rijks is the bestselling author of 30 psychological thrillers, with over one MILLION copies sold. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just One Bite by Miranda Rijks
Narrated by Kymberley Cochrane
All eyes are on celebrity chef Brittany Cole and she knows it. She has regular shows, a magnificent home, money, fame, a handsome husband and adorable daughter and she must be on her best behavior, at all times. But, behind the scenes, Brittany is more than doing it all, Her husband travels, he doesn't always seem up front about things in their lives, his parents are always critical of everything about Brittany and there are so many women who seem jealous of Brittany's life. Her "friends" are really employees or co-workers and there are not enough hours in the day to get things done.
Plus there is Brittany's past and guilt she'll never live down. Hopefully most of that is behind her, she's had therapy, she's all good now, isn't she? But on one of her most hectic days, when the nanny doesn't show and her boss is yelling at her as usual, Brittany yells at her four year old daughter in a grocery store, the incident is videoed, and it's all posted online. But, what really happened isn't posted, instead a deep fake that is much worse than just yelling, is posted.
Brittany is now viral and it is not good. Things get worse when there are more videos of Brittany being a horrible mom and the world is against her now. With a marriage that was already shaky, this marriage is going to blow big time. Things continue downhill, there is a body, there are police, and Brittany appears to be the terrible mom she never wanted to be.
I'd never be in Brittany's place because of no fame, no kid, no riches, etc, but if I was in Brittany's place, there is so much I would have done differently than Brittany did. I yelled, NO!, more than once but Brittany wasn't listening. She even knew she shouldn't do what she was doing and did it anyway. But it's all entertaining from my standpoint and it's impossible to see how Brittany is going to untangle herself from this tremendous mess. Spotlighted is that AI and deep fakes can destroy lives and that we can't believe what we see online. And also, there is a line to draw when it comes to success when it means handing over the raising of your kid to others. But that is easier said than done when we aren't all rich like Brittany. This is my first time listening to Kymberley Cochrane and she did a fine job with the narration. She even sounded just like AI when she needed to do so, which is somewhat disturbing.
Publication September 29, 2026
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC
Narrated by Kymberley Cochrane
All eyes are on celebrity chef Brittany Cole and she knows it. She has regular shows, a magnificent home, money, fame, a handsome husband and adorable daughter and she must be on her best behavior, at all times. But, behind the scenes, Brittany is more than doing it all, Her husband travels, he doesn't always seem up front about things in their lives, his parents are always critical of everything about Brittany and there are so many women who seem jealous of Brittany's life. Her "friends" are really employees or co-workers and there are not enough hours in the day to get things done.
Plus there is Brittany's past and guilt she'll never live down. Hopefully most of that is behind her, she's had therapy, she's all good now, isn't she? But on one of her most hectic days, when the nanny doesn't show and her boss is yelling at her as usual, Brittany yells at her four year old daughter in a grocery store, the incident is videoed, and it's all posted online. But, what really happened isn't posted, instead a deep fake that is much worse than just yelling, is posted.
Brittany is now viral and it is not good. Things get worse when there are more videos of Brittany being a horrible mom and the world is against her now. With a marriage that was already shaky, this marriage is going to blow big time. Things continue downhill, there is a body, there are police, and Brittany appears to be the terrible mom she never wanted to be.
I'd never be in Brittany's place because of no fame, no kid, no riches, etc, but if I was in Brittany's place, there is so much I would have done differently than Brittany did. I yelled, NO!, more than once but Brittany wasn't listening. She even knew she shouldn't do what she was doing and did it anyway. But it's all entertaining from my standpoint and it's impossible to see how Brittany is going to untangle herself from this tremendous mess. Spotlighted is that AI and deep fakes can destroy lives and that we can't believe what we see online. And also, there is a line to draw when it comes to success when it means handing over the raising of your kid to others. But that is easier said than done when we aren't all rich like Brittany. This is my first time listening to Kymberley Cochrane and she did a fine job with the narration. She even sounded just like AI when she needed to do so, which is somewhat disturbing.
Publication September 29, 2026
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC
September 28, 2026
The nightmare in Just One Bite begins with a scene many working parents will recognize: celebrity chef Brittany Cole’s substitute nanny doesn’t show up, so she brings her four-year-old daughter, Alyssa, to the studio. Brittany is already stretched thin by a demanding job and a disapproving boss. Then Alyssa runs onto the set, the afternoon ends in a public tantrum, and people record Brittany shouting at her daughter. It’s a parent’s nightmare. . .and everything gets much, much worse.
When the video goes viral, Brittany is quickly branded a terrible mother. She already feels guilty about what happened at the studio; now strangers are judging her from a few seconds of footage. Then more videos appear, seemingly showing her abusing Alyssa. Brittany insists they’re deepfakes, and the story’s most unsettling question takes hold: Is someone manufacturing evidence to destroy her, or could Brittany herself be missing pieces of what happened?
The book taps into how easily online outrage can turn a partial image into a verdict. People see a clip and decide they know the whole story, while the possibility of deepfakes makes even apparently damning evidence feel uncertain. That scrutiny also lands heavily on Brittany as a mother. Her professional image depends on appearing to have everything under control, but the book shows how quickly the public can treat one difficult moment as proof of who she is.
Brittany’s relationships offer little certainty. Her husband, Tyler, was unfaithful about a year earlier, and now he doesn’t believe her. His reaction left me torn between wanting to yell at him for gaslighting her and wondering whether Brittany really has lost her grip on events. Tyler remains a spoiled jerk to me, and his character stays frustratingly one-dimensional throughout the book.
Brittany’s sister, Jasmine, who lives rent-free on the property, suddenly becomes guarded and defensive. Her boss is openly callous, warning that Brittany’s actions could ruin not only her career but the livelihoods of everyone at the company. It feels as if Brittany has no one firmly in her corner. When her boss requires her to see a therapist, though, Brittany is relieved to have someone nonjudgmental to talk to. She reveals that she experienced memory gaps during severe postpartum depression, giving both the therapist and the reader another reason to question what she may or may not have done. The story handles that uncertainty as a source of suspense, while also showing how a painful mental-health history can make it harder for Brittany to trust her own account.
Then someone close to the family is found dead under suspicious circumstances. It’s another escalation in what feels like a multi-targeted attack on Brittany’s reputation and her life. I did find myself questioning how little effort seemed to go into checking Alyssa’s safety after the videos surfaced. Even if a four-year-old’s account might be limited, it seemed plausible that Tyler or another adult would try to speak with her. The online condemnation moves quickly, while the response from people positioned to check on the child feels much less immediate. That gap sharpened the book’s contrast between public judgment and the slower, more meaningful work of finding out what actually happened.
Kymberley Cochrane gives the audiobook a strong performance, using expressive inflections and emotional shifts to distinguish a varied cast. She conveys Brittany’s turmoil convincingly, and the characters’ ages and genders come through clearly. I found most of the accents effective, though a few pronunciations reminded me of Cochrane’s Yorkshire background.
“How much shock can one person sustain in such a short period of time,” Brittany wonders as the revelations keep coming. I had the same thought as her life careened from successful, if stressful, to complete devastation. The plot is packed with secrets upon secrets, like a secret casserole. Everyone seems to have a delicate house of cards, and sorting through them to identify the culprit may require psychic powers. By the final reveal, a certain confection gives you a clue; until then, almost anyone seems capable of wanting Brittany’s life for themselves.
Just One Bite will suit listeners who enjoy domestic thrillers about online shaming, manipulated evidence, and the uneasy gap between what people see and what may actually be true. Its escalating twists kept me guessing, though Tyler’s one-note characterization and the slow-seeming response to Alyssa’s safety gave me pause.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
When the video goes viral, Brittany is quickly branded a terrible mother. She already feels guilty about what happened at the studio; now strangers are judging her from a few seconds of footage. Then more videos appear, seemingly showing her abusing Alyssa. Brittany insists they’re deepfakes, and the story’s most unsettling question takes hold: Is someone manufacturing evidence to destroy her, or could Brittany herself be missing pieces of what happened?
The book taps into how easily online outrage can turn a partial image into a verdict. People see a clip and decide they know the whole story, while the possibility of deepfakes makes even apparently damning evidence feel uncertain. That scrutiny also lands heavily on Brittany as a mother. Her professional image depends on appearing to have everything under control, but the book shows how quickly the public can treat one difficult moment as proof of who she is.
Brittany’s relationships offer little certainty. Her husband, Tyler, was unfaithful about a year earlier, and now he doesn’t believe her. His reaction left me torn between wanting to yell at him for gaslighting her and wondering whether Brittany really has lost her grip on events. Tyler remains a spoiled jerk to me, and his character stays frustratingly one-dimensional throughout the book.
Brittany’s sister, Jasmine, who lives rent-free on the property, suddenly becomes guarded and defensive. Her boss is openly callous, warning that Brittany’s actions could ruin not only her career but the livelihoods of everyone at the company. It feels as if Brittany has no one firmly in her corner. When her boss requires her to see a therapist, though, Brittany is relieved to have someone nonjudgmental to talk to. She reveals that she experienced memory gaps during severe postpartum depression, giving both the therapist and the reader another reason to question what she may or may not have done. The story handles that uncertainty as a source of suspense, while also showing how a painful mental-health history can make it harder for Brittany to trust her own account.
Then someone close to the family is found dead under suspicious circumstances. It’s another escalation in what feels like a multi-targeted attack on Brittany’s reputation and her life. I did find myself questioning how little effort seemed to go into checking Alyssa’s safety after the videos surfaced. Even if a four-year-old’s account might be limited, it seemed plausible that Tyler or another adult would try to speak with her. The online condemnation moves quickly, while the response from people positioned to check on the child feels much less immediate. That gap sharpened the book’s contrast between public judgment and the slower, more meaningful work of finding out what actually happened.
Kymberley Cochrane gives the audiobook a strong performance, using expressive inflections and emotional shifts to distinguish a varied cast. She conveys Brittany’s turmoil convincingly, and the characters’ ages and genders come through clearly. I found most of the accents effective, though a few pronunciations reminded me of Cochrane’s Yorkshire background.
“How much shock can one person sustain in such a short period of time,” Brittany wonders as the revelations keep coming. I had the same thought as her life careened from successful, if stressful, to complete devastation. The plot is packed with secrets upon secrets, like a secret casserole. Everyone seems to have a delicate house of cards, and sorting through them to identify the culprit may require psychic powers. By the final reveal, a certain confection gives you a clue; until then, almost anyone seems capable of wanting Brittany’s life for themselves.
Just One Bite will suit listeners who enjoy domestic thrillers about online shaming, manipulated evidence, and the uneasy gap between what people see and what may actually be true. Its escalating twists kept me guessing, though Tyler’s one-note characterization and the slow-seeming response to Alyssa’s safety gave me pause.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2026
This a quick and addictive thriller! The whole idea of AI and deepfakes being used to completely destroy someone’s life was honestly pretty creepy, especially because it feels like something that could actually happen.
It was interesting to see how Brittany’s life slowly started falling apart and how I was constantly questioning who she could actually trust. There were so many twists and suspicious characters that I kept changing my mind about what was really going on.
A few things were a little predictable for me, and I did feel like some parts could have been developed a bit more, but the short chapters and fast pacing made it really easy to fly through.
I also loved how relevant the social media and AI side of the story felt. Definitely one of those books that makes you think twice about what you see online. The ending caught me off guard too, which is always a win for me!
Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC.
It was interesting to see how Brittany’s life slowly started falling apart and how I was constantly questioning who she could actually trust. There were so many twists and suspicious characters that I kept changing my mind about what was really going on.
A few things were a little predictable for me, and I did feel like some parts could have been developed a bit more, but the short chapters and fast pacing made it really easy to fly through.
I also loved how relevant the social media and AI side of the story felt. Definitely one of those books that makes you think twice about what you see online. The ending caught me off guard too, which is always a win for me!
Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC.
June 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC.
Just One Bite was an engaging and entertaining thriller that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. The story is packed with twists, drama, and timely themes surrounding social media and AI, which made it feel especially relevant and easy to connect with.
The pacing was fast, and I found myself wanting to stay up all night to finish it. The suspense builds steadily throughout, making it a true page-turner that is difficult to put down.
Overall, this was a quick and fun read that I loved. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with modern themes and unexpected developments, Just One Bite is definitely worth adding to your reading list.
Just One Bite was an engaging and entertaining thriller that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. The story is packed with twists, drama, and timely themes surrounding social media and AI, which made it feel especially relevant and easy to connect with.
The pacing was fast, and I found myself wanting to stay up all night to finish it. The suspense builds steadily throughout, making it a true page-turner that is difficult to put down.
Overall, this was a quick and fun read that I loved. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with modern themes and unexpected developments, Just One Bite is definitely worth adding to your reading list.
September 23, 2026
Brittany has it all a loving family, a successful brand built on her wholesome image, a picturesque home and property. Until she doesn't.
Videos go viral proving she's a bad mother and worse.
But when deep fakes are a possibility...is seeing believing?
After enjoying Don't Answer the Phone by this author I took one look at the cover and title and jumped at the chance to review an ARC. However, Just One Bite didn't capture my attention. In fact, the narrator was a total miss for me. The character portrayals were annoying. The main character's daughter was given a shrill voice that had me turning the volume all the way down even while hiking. My advice if this one looks like a good time, is to pass on the audio and grab another version.
My rating was sitting at 2.5 until the ending. In a last-minute surprise, the ending delivered so I bumped the rating up to a full 3 stars. The cleverness of the title became more symbolic as the pages turned which added to the vibe. No spoilers, but I love finding those little moments.
*Now Available*
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Inkubator Books for providing an ALC and ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Videos go viral proving she's a bad mother and worse.
But when deep fakes are a possibility...is seeing believing?
After enjoying Don't Answer the Phone by this author I took one look at the cover and title and jumped at the chance to review an ARC. However, Just One Bite didn't capture my attention. In fact, the narrator was a total miss for me. The character portrayals were annoying. The main character's daughter was given a shrill voice that had me turning the volume all the way down even while hiking. My advice if this one looks like a good time, is to pass on the audio and grab another version.
My rating was sitting at 2.5 until the ending. In a last-minute surprise, the ending delivered so I bumped the rating up to a full 3 stars. The cleverness of the title became more symbolic as the pages turned which added to the vibe. No spoilers, but I love finding those little moments.
*Now Available*
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Inkubator Books for providing an ALC and ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2026
3.5* "Brittany has gone viral. And not in a good way. Celebrity chef Brittany Cole has it all. Fame, success, and the perfect family. From her restored Vermont farmhouse, she's built a wholesome brand that is trusted by millions."
A tense psychological thriller that the main one getting under my skin was Brittany. She has the fame but she doesn't have any family values and when fake AI videos surface with her abusing her 4 year old daughter, she loses everything. Unfortunately, her child suffers from her absence and doesn't respect her. She knows nothing about her child, her school or even her friends. Her husband files for divorce after the videos portray a different person than what he is married to. She does have a fabulous nanny who does well to keep up with the schedule given to her. Then there is a murder of someone close to her. The suspense builds....
The reality is famous people suffer from digital stalkers, judgmental fans and criticism that soon overwhelms everything they have worked for.
I enjoyed it for the most part. Kudos to the narrator Kymberley Cochrane.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A tense psychological thriller that the main one getting under my skin was Brittany. She has the fame but she doesn't have any family values and when fake AI videos surface with her abusing her 4 year old daughter, she loses everything. Unfortunately, her child suffers from her absence and doesn't respect her. She knows nothing about her child, her school or even her friends. Her husband files for divorce after the videos portray a different person than what he is married to. She does have a fabulous nanny who does well to keep up with the schedule given to her. Then there is a murder of someone close to her. The suspense builds....
The reality is famous people suffer from digital stalkers, judgmental fans and criticism that soon overwhelms everything they have worked for.
I enjoyed it for the most part. Kudos to the narrator Kymberley Cochrane.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2026
➡️ "Just One Bite" failed to satisfy my fastidious palate.
😭😭😭
➡️ Delicious premise.
The premise was ambitious and clever—tracking a wholesome celebrity influencer whose pristine reputation is systematically sabotaged by malicious AI deepfakes and defaming online campaigns.
➡️ Tantalyzing book cover.
Loved the book cover. I was salivating!
Yes, this devoted Miranda fan's expectations were sky-high!
➡️ Sour Execution.
Repetitive filler and a self-centered, whiny protagonist slowed the momentum. Midway, the storyline went completely off the rails.
➡️ I listened to the audiobook.
Kymberley Cochrane's narration was good but not great. I had to fast-forward the speed to make it to the finish line.
➡️ Nobody bats 1000% and always gets the recipe right.
I will be eagerly awaiting future releases from this talented author.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🍰 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲
I really liked the originality of this premise, and it kept me interested right through to the end. The story became more tense as it progressed, and the twists weren't predictable, but I never found it truly gripping or bingeable.
I wasn't particularly invested in the characters either, which made some of the intended suspense harder to feel. I just wanted that “I have to know what happens next” feeling.
Still, an enjoyable listen with a genuinely interesting premise. Kymberley Cochrane did a great job differentiating the characters, although most of the voices weren't really to my personal taste.
Thank you to Miranda Rijks, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.
🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝗷𝗸𝘀! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲! 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
I really liked the originality of this premise, and it kept me interested right through to the end. The story became more tense as it progressed, and the twists weren't predictable, but I never found it truly gripping or bingeable.
I wasn't particularly invested in the characters either, which made some of the intended suspense harder to feel. I just wanted that “I have to know what happens next” feeling.
Still, an enjoyable listen with a genuinely interesting premise. Kymberley Cochrane did a great job differentiating the characters, although most of the voices weren't really to my personal taste.
Thank you to Miranda Rijks, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.
🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝗷𝗸𝘀! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲! 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Just One Bite caught my attention straight away with its premise, which taps into very current fears around AI-generated deepfakes and online outrage, alongside the idea that someone's life can be turned upside down overnight, making it an easy one to pick up.
Celebrity chef Brittany Cole seems to be living the dream, with a successful career, a loving family, and a carefully curated public image. That perfect life begins to unravel almost instantly when a video of her shouting at her four-year-old daughter goes viral. As more damaging footage surfaces online, the situation snowballs and it soon becomes clear that someone is determined to bring Brittany down.
I liked the way the explores anxieties surrounding AI and deepfakes. It's not hard to imagine something like this happening in real life, which made the whole thing uncomfortably plausible. Watching Brittany's charmed life crumble around her definitely kept me engaged, and I found myself keen to figure out who was orchestrating it all.
Unfortunately, despite really wanting to get into this one, I never quite got there. The setup was strong and the mystery was enough to keep me reading, but I never felt fully immersed in the story or particularly connected to the characters.
The ending was the biggest letdown for me. The premise had so much potential, and while I was eager to see how everything would come together, the final reveal didn't quite hit the mark. It felt a little too clichéd for my tastes and left me wishing for something with a bit more depth.
In the end, Just One Bite raises some interesting questions about AI, online outrage, and how fragile a public reputation can be. While it didn’t fully work for me, readers who enjoy domestic thrillers centred on social media, influencer culture, and modern technology may get more out of it.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Celebrity chef Brittany Cole seems to be living the dream, with a successful career, a loving family, and a carefully curated public image. That perfect life begins to unravel almost instantly when a video of her shouting at her four-year-old daughter goes viral. As more damaging footage surfaces online, the situation snowballs and it soon becomes clear that someone is determined to bring Brittany down.
I liked the way the explores anxieties surrounding AI and deepfakes. It's not hard to imagine something like this happening in real life, which made the whole thing uncomfortably plausible. Watching Brittany's charmed life crumble around her definitely kept me engaged, and I found myself keen to figure out who was orchestrating it all.
Unfortunately, despite really wanting to get into this one, I never quite got there. The setup was strong and the mystery was enough to keep me reading, but I never felt fully immersed in the story or particularly connected to the characters.
The ending was the biggest letdown for me. The premise had so much potential, and while I was eager to see how everything would come together, the final reveal didn't quite hit the mark. It felt a little too clichéd for my tastes and left me wishing for something with a bit more depth.
In the end, Just One Bite raises some interesting questions about AI, online outrage, and how fragile a public reputation can be. While it didn’t fully work for me, readers who enjoy domestic thrillers centred on social media, influencer culture, and modern technology may get more out of it.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
September 21, 2026
Thank you Miranda Rijks and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of this novel.
This is one of those books you wanna pull your hair out because if people just listened it wouldn't be so frustrating. However, it also makes sense why they didn't believe the main character.
The ending was the best part. Definitely a twist I wasn't expecting but wrapped everything up nicely.
Good read
This is one of those books you wanna pull your hair out because if people just listened it wouldn't be so frustrating. However, it also makes sense why they didn't believe the main character.
The ending was the best part. Definitely a twist I wasn't expecting but wrapped everything up nicely.
Good read
Want to Read
September 15, 2026Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Domestic Thrillers / Psychological / Suspense / Thriller & Suspense
Release date: 09-29-26
Narrated by Kymberley Cochrane. Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
When Brittany Cole's four-year-old has a meltdown, a video of Brittany shouting at the little girl goes viral. More videos of Brittany abusing her daughter are released and #bitchmom trends within hours. It’s a PR nightmare that threatens to destroy Brittany’s reputation, her marriage and her career as a celebrity chef. Her only hope is to find out who is behind this campaign to destroy her.
When you pick up something from Miranda Rijks, you can be assured that the main character will be thrown into the middle of some horrible set of events that will slowly start to destroy her perfectly set up life. It is interesting to see who is behind the setup and why they want to hurt the main character.
Release date: 09-29-26
Narrated by Kymberley Cochrane. Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
When Brittany Cole's four-year-old has a meltdown, a video of Brittany shouting at the little girl goes viral. More videos of Brittany abusing her daughter are released and #bitchmom trends within hours. It’s a PR nightmare that threatens to destroy Brittany’s reputation, her marriage and her career as a celebrity chef. Her only hope is to find out who is behind this campaign to destroy her.
When you pick up something from Miranda Rijks, you can be assured that the main character will be thrown into the middle of some horrible set of events that will slowly start to destroy her perfectly set up life. It is interesting to see who is behind the setup and why they want to hurt the main character.
June 28, 2026
Happy Publication Day to Miranda Rijks.🥳
Another fast paced and twisty thriller that has me hooked. This author’s books are always a fun ride and impossible to stop reading. The ending shocked me, didn’t see that coming at all.
A celebrity chef goes viral for all the wrong reasons. Nobody believes her that the videos of her abusing her 4 year old daughter are fake and her life is suddenly in shambles . Even her husband thinks they are real and things just go from bad to worse.
How great is this cover! Just jumps out at you.
Thanks Miranda for having me on your team again and sending me this book. Out today and available on Kindle Unlimited.
Another fast paced and twisty thriller that has me hooked. This author’s books are always a fun ride and impossible to stop reading. The ending shocked me, didn’t see that coming at all.
A celebrity chef goes viral for all the wrong reasons. Nobody believes her that the videos of her abusing her 4 year old daughter are fake and her life is suddenly in shambles . Even her husband thinks they are real and things just go from bad to worse.
How great is this cover! Just jumps out at you.
Thanks Miranda for having me on your team again and sending me this book. Out today and available on Kindle Unlimited.
July 21, 2026
My sixth read by Miranda Rijks and I see no need to stop now! I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat on this journey with Brittany as she is involved in a cat and mouse game. I had no idea who to trust in this one and quite frankly I trusted no one. Miranda did a great job at keeping readers engaged. Definitely recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just One Bite, is a psychological thriller by Miranda Rijks. This is a fast paced novel where a modern day media technology causes public shaming.
Brittany Cole is a celebrity chef who sis living the best life. She has successfully built a wholesome, multi-million dollar lifestyle brand trusted by families across the nation and represents the ultimate aspiration of fame, professional success, and a picturesque, perfect family. But in the digital age, perfection is highly volatile. While out in public, Brittany’s four-year-old daughter throws a standard toddler meltdown. Frustrated and exhausted, Brittany snaps, yelling at the little girl. A bystander captures the brief outburst on camera, uploads it, and within hours, Brittany has gone viral, and her squeaky-clean image is plunged into a total public relations nightmare.
Brittany becomes the focus of an online attack, as videos begin to appear on social media feeds. Each video shows Brittany as an abusive mother which is far from the persona that she has adorned. The video’s depict Brittany as a bad mother and causes the hashtag #bitchmom to trend globally. Brittany is distraught, especially as she knows she never recorded those videos, and she never hurt her child.
An anonymous predator is attacking her image with sophisticated AI deepfakes to systematically dismantle her existence. This isn’t a random internet troll, it is a calculated attack by someone who has been closely monitoring her home, her cooking studio, and her marriage to gather the raw data needed to fake her life. The digital assassination places Brittany’s life in a tail spin, corporate sponsors cancel contracts, causing potential financial ruin. Her husband, unable to handle the toxic fallout and public shame, abruptly files for divorce. The psychological warfare turns bloody when someone close to Brittany is brutally murdered. With her digital reputation in tatters, the police look at the viral footage and begin asking hard questions that Brittany cannot realistically answer.
I really enjoy Miranda Rijks novels, they are fast paced, addictive and entertaining. Just One Bite is a little bit different because the weapon isn’t a knife or a gun, it’s an attack using media technology. An online attack that leaves Brittany fighting for her survival, and it becomes crystal clear that the internet hacker doesn’t just want to cancel Brittany online, they want her dead.
I really enjoyed this novel and found it difficult to put it down.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Brittany Cole is a celebrity chef who sis living the best life. She has successfully built a wholesome, multi-million dollar lifestyle brand trusted by families across the nation and represents the ultimate aspiration of fame, professional success, and a picturesque, perfect family. But in the digital age, perfection is highly volatile. While out in public, Brittany’s four-year-old daughter throws a standard toddler meltdown. Frustrated and exhausted, Brittany snaps, yelling at the little girl. A bystander captures the brief outburst on camera, uploads it, and within hours, Brittany has gone viral, and her squeaky-clean image is plunged into a total public relations nightmare.
Brittany becomes the focus of an online attack, as videos begin to appear on social media feeds. Each video shows Brittany as an abusive mother which is far from the persona that she has adorned. The video’s depict Brittany as a bad mother and causes the hashtag #bitchmom to trend globally. Brittany is distraught, especially as she knows she never recorded those videos, and she never hurt her child.
An anonymous predator is attacking her image with sophisticated AI deepfakes to systematically dismantle her existence. This isn’t a random internet troll, it is a calculated attack by someone who has been closely monitoring her home, her cooking studio, and her marriage to gather the raw data needed to fake her life. The digital assassination places Brittany’s life in a tail spin, corporate sponsors cancel contracts, causing potential financial ruin. Her husband, unable to handle the toxic fallout and public shame, abruptly files for divorce. The psychological warfare turns bloody when someone close to Brittany is brutally murdered. With her digital reputation in tatters, the police look at the viral footage and begin asking hard questions that Brittany cannot realistically answer.
I really enjoy Miranda Rijks novels, they are fast paced, addictive and entertaining. Just One Bite is a little bit different because the weapon isn’t a knife or a gun, it’s an attack using media technology. An online attack that leaves Brittany fighting for her survival, and it becomes crystal clear that the internet hacker doesn’t just want to cancel Brittany online, they want her dead.
I really enjoyed this novel and found it difficult to put it down.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Celebrity chef Brittany Cole has it all. Fame, success, and the perfect family. From her restored Vermont farmhouse, she's built a wholesome brand that is trusted by millions. But when her four-year-old has a meltdown, a video of Brittany shouting at the little girl goes viral. It's a PR nightmare that threatens to destroy Brittany's squeaky-clean image - and her career. And it's about to get much worse.
Miranda Rijks is one of my go to authors, so I was delighted to get an ARC of her new book. Brittany Cole, is known for her own wholesome brand.But when a video of her four-year-old daughter having a meltdown goes viral, it's a PR nightmare. It could destroy Brittany's squeaky-clean image. Then more fake videos appear online causing a public backlash. Everything goes wrong, her husband wants a divorce, and her sponsor withdraws.
This story gives us a realistic look at what AI can do and how someone can ruin your life with just some clicks on some buttons. There were some good twists in this gripping read. I wasn't keen on sugary sweet Brittany, but I did feel sorry for her. This is a quick and most enjoyable read.
Published 28th June 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #JustOneBite in exchange for an honest review.
Miranda Rijks is one of my go to authors, so I was delighted to get an ARC of her new book. Brittany Cole, is known for her own wholesome brand.But when a video of her four-year-old daughter having a meltdown goes viral, it's a PR nightmare. It could destroy Brittany's squeaky-clean image. Then more fake videos appear online causing a public backlash. Everything goes wrong, her husband wants a divorce, and her sponsor withdraws.
This story gives us a realistic look at what AI can do and how someone can ruin your life with just some clicks on some buttons. There were some good twists in this gripping read. I wasn't keen on sugary sweet Brittany, but I did feel sorry for her. This is a quick and most enjoyable read.
Published 28th June 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #JustOneBite in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2026
*this review is for the audiobook*
The story is fantastic, but the narration kills this. The narrator had several whiny characters that were unbearable to listen to, in addition to pronouncing words strangely. (She "says" this, he "says" to her, etc) The narration of the main part is okay, though incredibly slow, and I appreciated that they tried to differentiate characters, but it was not great. I give the narration a 2⭐
The book itself, however, was pretty good. I very much enjoyed the plot and the cast of characters, though I did find the language of Riley to be obnoxious. The use of AI and deep fakes to ruin lives and ultimately to try to take a child away from a parent was startling and also makes a great point: while AI is currently pretty easy to spot, what will happen as it evolves? What will we be able to trust?
Also Tyler is a dick and deserved everything that happened to him.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Miranda Rijks, and Dreamscape media for my copy of this audiobook.
The story is fantastic, but the narration kills this. The narrator had several whiny characters that were unbearable to listen to, in addition to pronouncing words strangely. (She "says" this, he "says" to her, etc) The narration of the main part is okay, though incredibly slow, and I appreciated that they tried to differentiate characters, but it was not great. I give the narration a 2⭐
The book itself, however, was pretty good. I very much enjoyed the plot and the cast of characters, though I did find the language of Riley to be obnoxious. The use of AI and deep fakes to ruin lives and ultimately to try to take a child away from a parent was startling and also makes a great point: while AI is currently pretty easy to spot, what will happen as it evolves? What will we be able to trust?
Also Tyler is a dick and deserved everything that happened to him.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Miranda Rijks, and Dreamscape media for my copy of this audiobook.
July 17, 2026
A completely bingeable thriller
July 9, 2026
thank you netgalley, inkubator books, and miranda rijks for the copy in exchange for review!
for the most part, this is enticing and fast-paced enough to have its place among (gluten-free) popcorn thrillers, which arent necessarily my favorite though i can appreciate them as palate cleansers in between heavier reads. the concept of a celebrity chef up against cryptically sourced deepfakes was refreshing and intriguing, and i was hoping for a thought-provoking insight of how terrifying ai has become.
unfortunately, the story gradually spirals further and further away from plausibility until it ricochets off the walls entirely by the end, when everything happens all at once and then also happens all at once again. the ultimate reveal(s) felt anticlimactic and like they came out of nowhere due to the overall lack of evidence throughout the first part of the book. its as if we as the reader are told to look the other way while the ending is thrown together behind us and at the end we turn around to see what we missed.
i also dont mind a flawed if not unlikeable main character--i usually prefer one--but i found that i just didnt care for brittany very much. she was under a world of stress, to be fair, and i certainly dont know what i would do if i were in her situation. that said, her perspective felt one-note in its steadfast helplessness as events unfolded around her, making it hard to feel connected to a story that she was barely connected to herself in terms of her proactivity (or lack thereof).
clearly im in the minority so i wouldnt let my experience dissuade anyone from reading this for themselves. i still give the premise points for originality; i just so wish that it had been more tailored in its execution.
for the most part, this is enticing and fast-paced enough to have its place among (gluten-free) popcorn thrillers, which arent necessarily my favorite though i can appreciate them as palate cleansers in between heavier reads. the concept of a celebrity chef up against cryptically sourced deepfakes was refreshing and intriguing, and i was hoping for a thought-provoking insight of how terrifying ai has become.
unfortunately, the story gradually spirals further and further away from plausibility until it ricochets off the walls entirely by the end, when everything happens all at once and then also happens all at once again. the ultimate reveal(s) felt anticlimactic and like they came out of nowhere due to the overall lack of evidence throughout the first part of the book. its as if we as the reader are told to look the other way while the ending is thrown together behind us and at the end we turn around to see what we missed.
i also dont mind a flawed if not unlikeable main character--i usually prefer one--but i found that i just didnt care for brittany very much. she was under a world of stress, to be fair, and i certainly dont know what i would do if i were in her situation. that said, her perspective felt one-note in its steadfast helplessness as events unfolded around her, making it hard to feel connected to a story that she was barely connected to herself in terms of her proactivity (or lack thereof).
clearly im in the minority so i wouldnt let my experience dissuade anyone from reading this for themselves. i still give the premise points for originality; i just so wish that it had been more tailored in its execution.
July 1, 2026
This is book #14 I’ve read by Miranda Rijks and this one kept me on the edge of my seat like ALL of her thrillers do. Brittany has gone viral, but not in a good way and she has lots to prove to her many viewers and her husband. I could not put this down and was happy with this ending! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. Out in publication now.
September 24, 2026
So this is a rough one for me to review.
I really liked the premise of this one! Reality star personality…married with a little girl. Promoting healthy eating because her daughter has food sensitivities. AND, her husband is on board with the whole thing! He’s the TV executive, if you will… behind the scenes, but in charge… even though she (Brittany) is doing all the work!
And of course, he’s a little sh*t! I myself wanna reach out and smack him in the head!
So, one day Brittany is at the store with her little girl… and she has a bit of a meltdown. And Mom raises her voice (totally understandable)….
BUT, what later shows up as video footage not only shows her raising her voice, but yelling and hitting her girl… which Mom, Brittany, never did!!! What is going on here??
And, being as she’s well known, the comments start flying AND gaining traction and #bitchmom is born…
And this is only the beginning. It gets so much worse from here…
Now, my problem?? I REALLY didn’t care for the audiobook narrator! As a matter of fact, I considered DNF’ing it MULTIPLE times because of this! Instead, I just really sped it up… and motored on. 😮🫣
The whole thing was taking place in VT. With mentions of NY, CT and surrounding areas. BUT… the word ‘been’ was used MANY times and was pronounced beeeeeee…eeeeee…eeeeeennnn. Like it was forty letters and syllables!
And ‘say’ was…. Ssssssssaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Now, I’ve lived in NY my entire life, and I’ve NEVER IN MY LIFE heard anyone pronounce those three and four letter words that way…. As a matter of fact, NONE of the accents were even remotely correct! 😳. And I was cringing throughout the reading…
So, 4 solid stars for the book and insights!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 1/2 stars for the narration. ⭐️💫.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please look 👀 for it on 9/29/26! ***
#JustOneBite by @MirandaRijcks.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖
I really liked the premise of this one! Reality star personality…married with a little girl. Promoting healthy eating because her daughter has food sensitivities. AND, her husband is on board with the whole thing! He’s the TV executive, if you will… behind the scenes, but in charge… even though she (Brittany) is doing all the work!
And of course, he’s a little sh*t! I myself wanna reach out and smack him in the head!
So, one day Brittany is at the store with her little girl… and she has a bit of a meltdown. And Mom raises her voice (totally understandable)….
BUT, what later shows up as video footage not only shows her raising her voice, but yelling and hitting her girl… which Mom, Brittany, never did!!! What is going on here??
And, being as she’s well known, the comments start flying AND gaining traction and #bitchmom is born…
And this is only the beginning. It gets so much worse from here…
Now, my problem?? I REALLY didn’t care for the audiobook narrator! As a matter of fact, I considered DNF’ing it MULTIPLE times because of this! Instead, I just really sped it up… and motored on. 😮🫣
The whole thing was taking place in VT. With mentions of NY, CT and surrounding areas. BUT… the word ‘been’ was used MANY times and was pronounced beeeeeee…eeeeee…eeeeeennnn. Like it was forty letters and syllables!
And ‘say’ was…. Ssssssssaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Now, I’ve lived in NY my entire life, and I’ve NEVER IN MY LIFE heard anyone pronounce those three and four letter words that way…. As a matter of fact, NONE of the accents were even remotely correct! 😳. And I was cringing throughout the reading…
So, 4 solid stars for the book and insights!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 1/2 stars for the narration. ⭐️💫.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please look 👀 for it on 9/29/26! ***
#JustOneBite by @MirandaRijcks.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖
June 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Receiving an ARC from this author always sparks excitement, and “Just One Bite” delivers that excitement right away.
Thank you to the author and Inkubator Books for providing this #ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
“Just One Bite” feels ripped from today’s headlines. This modern thriller brings a dark twist to celebrity culture, family secrets, and AI-fueled lies. It’s perfect for fans of fast-paced psychological drama with a side of techy chaos.
Brittney Cole looks like she’s living the dream. She’s a celebrity chef with a successful TV show, a beautiful family, and a picturesque farmhouse. But beneath the shine, a digital nightmare is brewing, and betrayals are simmering. The novel captures how technology, especially AI-driven deepfakes, can weaponize trust and destroy reputations, weaving this terrifying possibility fluently into a suspenseful plot.
Rijks writes with brisk momentum that kept me flipping pages, but what really sets this story apart is its eerie realism. Brittney's emotional toll is portrayed in a raw, genuine way, avoiding sensationalism despite the drama. The characters are well-drawn, particularly Brittney, whose blend of vulnerability and strong determination makes her worth rooting for.ish
Sometimes the pace speeds ahead, but the story’s fresh take on digital-age dangers more than makes up for it. The title, “Just One Bite,” teases hidden temptations and lurking threats, a clever wink that only clicks as the plot unravels. That ending is absolutely jaw-dropping, and I was completely unprepared.
All in all, “Just One Bite” is a gripping mixture of thriller and sharp social insight, spiced with suspense and heart. If you’re drawn to stories that explore technology’s impact on who we are and who we trust, this one will keep you hooked and leave you thinking. It’s a sharp reminder that sometimes, one bite is all it takes to turn your world upside down.
#newrelease #AIThriller #MustRead #honestreview
Receiving an ARC from this author always sparks excitement, and “Just One Bite” delivers that excitement right away.
Thank you to the author and Inkubator Books for providing this #ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
“Just One Bite” feels ripped from today’s headlines. This modern thriller brings a dark twist to celebrity culture, family secrets, and AI-fueled lies. It’s perfect for fans of fast-paced psychological drama with a side of techy chaos.
Brittney Cole looks like she’s living the dream. She’s a celebrity chef with a successful TV show, a beautiful family, and a picturesque farmhouse. But beneath the shine, a digital nightmare is brewing, and betrayals are simmering. The novel captures how technology, especially AI-driven deepfakes, can weaponize trust and destroy reputations, weaving this terrifying possibility fluently into a suspenseful plot.
Rijks writes with brisk momentum that kept me flipping pages, but what really sets this story apart is its eerie realism. Brittney's emotional toll is portrayed in a raw, genuine way, avoiding sensationalism despite the drama. The characters are well-drawn, particularly Brittney, whose blend of vulnerability and strong determination makes her worth rooting for.ish
Sometimes the pace speeds ahead, but the story’s fresh take on digital-age dangers more than makes up for it. The title, “Just One Bite,” teases hidden temptations and lurking threats, a clever wink that only clicks as the plot unravels. That ending is absolutely jaw-dropping, and I was completely unprepared.
All in all, “Just One Bite” is a gripping mixture of thriller and sharp social insight, spiced with suspense and heart. If you’re drawn to stories that explore technology’s impact on who we are and who we trust, this one will keep you hooked and leave you thinking. It’s a sharp reminder that sometimes, one bite is all it takes to turn your world upside down.
#newrelease #AIThriller #MustRead #honestreview
July 1, 2026
What initially drew me to Just One Bite was Miranda Rijks herself. I’ve really enjoyed her recent releases and have many of her titles sitting on my shelves waiting for me to dive into them. But what really solidified my interest in picking this one up was the exploration of deepfakes and AI.
I thought Miranda handled this aspect of the story incredibly well. It made the entire premise feel especially contemporary and relevant because this is a very real issue in today’s society. The idea that someone’s reputation, relationships and entire life could be destroyed through convincing fake content felt genuinely unsettling, and watching the ripple effects of that play out through blackmail, public scrutiny, fractured relationships, ostracisation and the court of public opinion made for a compelling read.
I also found Brittany to be a really interesting protagonist. Initially, I struggled with her character. She came across as very work-obsessed and often seemed to treat her daughter more as a burden than as her family. Yet somehow, as her world continued to unravel and she became increasingly ostracised both publicly and privately, I found myself feeling more and more empathy for her. Despite my initial feelings towards her, I became completely invested in her story and was absolutely rooting for her by the end.
Miranda kept the pace moving throughout, with each new development escalating the stakes even further. Fast-paced, contemporary and genuinely thought-provoking, this was another really enjoyable thriller from an author whose work I continue to look forward to reading.
4.5⭐️
I thought Miranda handled this aspect of the story incredibly well. It made the entire premise feel especially contemporary and relevant because this is a very real issue in today’s society. The idea that someone’s reputation, relationships and entire life could be destroyed through convincing fake content felt genuinely unsettling, and watching the ripple effects of that play out through blackmail, public scrutiny, fractured relationships, ostracisation and the court of public opinion made for a compelling read.
I also found Brittany to be a really interesting protagonist. Initially, I struggled with her character. She came across as very work-obsessed and often seemed to treat her daughter more as a burden than as her family. Yet somehow, as her world continued to unravel and she became increasingly ostracised both publicly and privately, I found myself feeling more and more empathy for her. Despite my initial feelings towards her, I became completely invested in her story and was absolutely rooting for her by the end.
Miranda kept the pace moving throughout, with each new development escalating the stakes even further. Fast-paced, contemporary and genuinely thought-provoking, this was another really enjoyable thriller from an author whose work I continue to look forward to reading.
4.5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know I’m always excited when this author releases a new book, and I can’t wait to dive in! Watching authors grow and improve with each new installment is such a joy, and this latest one is no exception!
Brittany Cole, a celebrity chef known for her wholesome brand, faces a PR crisis when a video of her yelling at her daughter goes viral. This incident escalates as more deepfake videos emerge, leading to public backlash, sponsor withdrawals, and her husband's divorce filing. As her life unravels, a close associate is murdered, prompting police inquiries. Brittany realizes she must uncover the identity of the person orchestrating this campaign against her before it becomes life-threatening...
Meet Brittany, a successful figure who’s almost like a celebrity. Despite her achievements, she’s working hard and often finds herself stretched too thin. When you’re juggling so many responsibilities, something’s bound to slip through the cracks—especially if it involves your child. In today’s world, the public can be merciless when they see a parent fail. Then there’s her husband, Tyler, who comes off as a bit of a leech, living off Brittany's hard-earned fame and fortune. And we can’t forget Charlene, Brittany’s mother-in-law, who always wanted the daughter she never had. It’s no surprise that family dynamics can get sticky and complicated—who doesn’t know that feeling?
I’ve really grown to love Miranda’s books, having read nearly all of them in the past two years. Each time, they seem to ramp up the suspense and venture into more thrilling territory! It’s exciting to see an author push beyond their comfort zone, and it definitely pays off in this story. Every event is described so vividly that you can truly feel the dread, helplessness, and sheer desperation to put the pieces together before it’s too late. At times, I felt like I was watching everything unfold in real-time but couldn’t quite pinpoint the culprit. After all, what if there’s more than one?
The level of gaslighting and manipulation in this book is astounding! As when you think you have it figured out, the plot thickens! We also tackle a new adversary: AI and its potential to wreak havoc on your life. Just imagine someone gains access to your photos and private moments, manipulating them to their advantage. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not, and technology will only get more sophisticated over time. You really need to think twice about what you share out there, because one wrong move could send your life spiraling out of control!
If you’re up for some family drama, plenty of gaslighting, and unpredictable twists, this book will surely keep you hooked, especially on your vacation. It’s fast-paced and impossible to put down! The tension builds as the plot unfolds, keeping you guessing about what will happen next. The author masterfully hides the clues, and when you think you have it all sorted out, they reveal not one but two major twists! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to toss those cupcakes I got from my mother-in-law, trust me! Ha!
Thank you, Miranda and Booksprouts, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Brittany Cole, a celebrity chef known for her wholesome brand, faces a PR crisis when a video of her yelling at her daughter goes viral. This incident escalates as more deepfake videos emerge, leading to public backlash, sponsor withdrawals, and her husband's divorce filing. As her life unravels, a close associate is murdered, prompting police inquiries. Brittany realizes she must uncover the identity of the person orchestrating this campaign against her before it becomes life-threatening...
Meet Brittany, a successful figure who’s almost like a celebrity. Despite her achievements, she’s working hard and often finds herself stretched too thin. When you’re juggling so many responsibilities, something’s bound to slip through the cracks—especially if it involves your child. In today’s world, the public can be merciless when they see a parent fail. Then there’s her husband, Tyler, who comes off as a bit of a leech, living off Brittany's hard-earned fame and fortune. And we can’t forget Charlene, Brittany’s mother-in-law, who always wanted the daughter she never had. It’s no surprise that family dynamics can get sticky and complicated—who doesn’t know that feeling?
I’ve really grown to love Miranda’s books, having read nearly all of them in the past two years. Each time, they seem to ramp up the suspense and venture into more thrilling territory! It’s exciting to see an author push beyond their comfort zone, and it definitely pays off in this story. Every event is described so vividly that you can truly feel the dread, helplessness, and sheer desperation to put the pieces together before it’s too late. At times, I felt like I was watching everything unfold in real-time but couldn’t quite pinpoint the culprit. After all, what if there’s more than one?
The level of gaslighting and manipulation in this book is astounding! As when you think you have it figured out, the plot thickens! We also tackle a new adversary: AI and its potential to wreak havoc on your life. Just imagine someone gains access to your photos and private moments, manipulating them to their advantage. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not, and technology will only get more sophisticated over time. You really need to think twice about what you share out there, because one wrong move could send your life spiraling out of control!
If you’re up for some family drama, plenty of gaslighting, and unpredictable twists, this book will surely keep you hooked, especially on your vacation. It’s fast-paced and impossible to put down! The tension builds as the plot unfolds, keeping you guessing about what will happen next. The author masterfully hides the clues, and when you think you have it all sorted out, they reveal not one but two major twists! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to toss those cupcakes I got from my mother-in-law, trust me! Ha!
Thank you, Miranda and Booksprouts, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2026
In Miranda Rijks’ psychological thriller Just One Bite, Brittany, a famous celebrity chef, and her TV-director husband, Tyler, juggle a hectic reality-TV life and a busy household.
Their world shatters when AI-generated deepfake videos surface online, falsely showing Brittany abusing her little girl. Racing to uncover who engineered the attack, she’s left not knowing who she can trust—while those around her aren't even sure they can believe her.
I was hooked from page one and couldn't even think of putting it down! I expected a fast, entertaining escape, but it actually left me a bit unsettled, which is EXACTLY how I want a great thriller to make me feel.
Seeing how AI can be weaponized against someone feels less like a fictional plot and more like a scary current reality that isn't easy to ignore—turning out to be just as thought-provoking as it was riveting. The author sets up great twists throughout the story, and that final one left me SOOO stunned!
It’s perfect for readers who love a fast-paced mystery that makes you think about real-world dangers in an AI era, especially if you enjoy stories filled with constant paranoia and family secrets where almost everyone is a suspect!
*I received a free Advance Reader Copy. The opinions expressed are my own.*
Their world shatters when AI-generated deepfake videos surface online, falsely showing Brittany abusing her little girl. Racing to uncover who engineered the attack, she’s left not knowing who she can trust—while those around her aren't even sure they can believe her.
I was hooked from page one and couldn't even think of putting it down! I expected a fast, entertaining escape, but it actually left me a bit unsettled, which is EXACTLY how I want a great thriller to make me feel.
Seeing how AI can be weaponized against someone feels less like a fictional plot and more like a scary current reality that isn't easy to ignore—turning out to be just as thought-provoking as it was riveting. The author sets up great twists throughout the story, and that final one left me SOOO stunned!
It’s perfect for readers who love a fast-paced mystery that makes you think about real-world dangers in an AI era, especially if you enjoy stories filled with constant paranoia and family secrets where almost everyone is a suspect!
*I received a free Advance Reader Copy. The opinions expressed are my own.*
July 3, 2026
This story is a roller coaster on its own, up and down, left and right with a suspense that crawls from under the surface!
The author is careful with the level of suspense and the character building and development.
A very good psychological thriller!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author is careful with the level of suspense and the character building and development.
A very good psychological thriller!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2026
Just One Bite was an interesting read with a strong premise and enough tension to keep me curious.
Miranda Rijks builds a story that starts off with tension and promise, and there were enough twists and uneasy moments to keep me turning the pages. I appreciated the darker edge and the way the story kept hinting that something was always just a little off. It has that unsettling, something brewing, psychological feel that thriller I absolutely enjoy.
For me, the pacing was uneven in spots, which made the momentum dip a few times. A few parts felt a little repetitive – why it didn’t fully win me over BUT the strong twist(s) and pacing at the end were the payoff!
Overall, this was a solid read with a compelling setup and some fantastic tension throughout with a dark, intriguing vibe, and I will recommend it for readers who enjoy twisty suspense with an off kilter feel.
Thank you, Inkubator Books and the author, for gifting me this ARC through NetGalley. As always, this review contains my candid thoughts and opinions.
Miranda Rijks builds a story that starts off with tension and promise, and there were enough twists and uneasy moments to keep me turning the pages. I appreciated the darker edge and the way the story kept hinting that something was always just a little off. It has that unsettling, something brewing, psychological feel that thriller I absolutely enjoy.
For me, the pacing was uneven in spots, which made the momentum dip a few times. A few parts felt a little repetitive – why it didn’t fully win me over BUT the strong twist(s) and pacing at the end were the payoff!
Overall, this was a solid read with a compelling setup and some fantastic tension throughout with a dark, intriguing vibe, and I will recommend it for readers who enjoy twisty suspense with an off kilter feel.
Thank you, Inkubator Books and the author, for gifting me this ARC through NetGalley. As always, this review contains my candid thoughts and opinions.
July 8, 2026
Brittany is the victim of some deepfake videos about her being a bad mom to her 4 yr old. These videos ruin her career and family life. Who has gone this far to ruin Brittanys life? The who done it for me lost a star on this book. And Tyler, her husband, is an ass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2026
Omg this plot was CRAZY. Videos have been leaked showing a mother not treating her little girl well, to say the least. The mother has an empire on TV and everyone around her including her husband believe the videos!!! We all know social media, and fake content is everywhere. Can the mom proved her innocence? Adding to the story she suspects her nanny, who turns up dead on their property! The ending had me STUMPED and I never saw it coming.
June 6, 2026
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC of Just One Bite by Miranda Rijks!!
Just One Bite surprised me in the best way! Once I started it, I didn’t want to put it down!! One of those books that actually stresses you out and makes you frustrated with the characters.
This book wasn’t just a thriller, but a realistic tale of AI and advancing technology and how it can be used for harm. It also highlighted the nature of the media and social privacy in ways I never thought of before.
I really liked Just One Bite and had a very engaging reading experience! I’ve never read anything like this before and I will definitely check out more from this author!
Just One Bite surprised me in the best way! Once I started it, I didn’t want to put it down!! One of those books that actually stresses you out and makes you frustrated with the characters.
This book wasn’t just a thriller, but a realistic tale of AI and advancing technology and how it can be used for harm. It also highlighted the nature of the media and social privacy in ways I never thought of before.
I really liked Just One Bite and had a very engaging reading experience! I’ve never read anything like this before and I will definitely check out more from this author!
July 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this! The ending did surprise me and I was invested in the story. Brittany is a relatable character which I think makes this story all the more entertaining. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Miranda Rijks,Inkubator Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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