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You'll Be Sorry

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Revenge is a dish best served now.

On the eve of her fortieth birthday, Amelia Montgomery flips through a magazine and freezes at the sight of a familiar face—Ethan Blackmore, the man who shattered her heart more than a decade ago.

What should’ve been her happily-ever-after took a devastating turn that spiraled into the darkest period of Amelia’s life. Blindsided and betrayed, she spent years reinventing herself, building a thriving business, and vowing never to look back.

Until now.

Seeing him again reminds Amelia of the shame and humiliation she endured at the hands of her ex and his family. And Ethan? He’s clearly moved on—new wife, new career, new life—without a thought for the wreckage he left behind.

But Amelia is a different woman now—strong, successful, and resourceful. And she knows exactly what she wants for her birthday: Revenge.

You’ll Be Sorry - the gripping psychological thriller from the best-selling author of You Shouldn’t Have Done That.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2026

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About the author

Liz Alterman

10 books557 followers
Liz Alterman lives in New Jersey with her husband, three sons, and two cats.

Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents, McSweeney's, and other publications.

She spends most days microwaving the same cup of coffee and looking up synonyms.

For information on events and new releases or to have Liz join your bookclub, visit lizalterman.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
Profile Image for Jayne.
1,184 reviews828 followers
September 21, 2026



➡️ You won't be sorry you read "You'll Be Sorry".
It is easily one of the best intricately plotted, twisty, and gripping revenge thrillers of the year. 👏👏👏👏👏

➡️ Adore books about manipulative and unhinged women who will stop at nothing to settle a score?
If so, this is an absolute must-read.

➡️ It's also a book about sisters.
The good sisters and the bad ones.

➡️ Be prepared to LOL and GOL (Gasp Out Loud).
This book will have you doing both—sometimes at the same time. The author's ingenuity and razor-sharp wit were unsurpassed.

➡️ I dare you to guess the ending.
I didn't.

➡️ Kudos to author Liz Alterman.
Liz Alterman's 2025 release earned a dismal two stars from this fastidious reviewer. Whatever formula she unlocked for this 2026 release was pure gold. I sincerely hope she sticks with it!

➡️ I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Christine Lakin and Stacy Carolan.
Both narrators gave outstanding, pitch-perfect performances that brilliantly brought the characters to life.

➡️ One of my besties (if not the best!) of 2026.
All the stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Kaceey.
1,662 reviews4,764 followers
August 8, 2026
Who doesn’t love a revenge thriller!?💁🏻‍♀️
Amelia made a promise to her sister she would move on with her life and not look back. From what you ask? Or in this case, who? Well, her ex-fiancé Ethan, who broke her heart (and so much more).😢

Years later, Amelia has successfully put her life back in order and moved on. But after seeing Ethan’s face in a magazine everything comes rushing back! And now, Amelia can’t see beyond her quest for revenge.

This book is told in multiple timelines from when Amelia first met Ethan, their history and ultimately to the present.

It’s an addictive thriller that will make you want to shake some sense into a few of the characters. (Or was that just me.)😉 Would I have liked to see this get a bit darker? Ummm…yes! I was hoping for a bit more. (Again, what does that say about me?)😇

🎧 The audio was well done, featuring Christine Lakin and Stacy Carolan. Both gave a stellar performance.

✍️ Liz Alterman
🎧 10 hours and 17 minutes
🎤 Christine Lakin and Stacy Carolan
🗓️ Available Now
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense

Thank you to Libro.fm and Simon Maverick
Profile Image for Bo.reads.
499 reviews79 followers
October 6, 2026
My first Liz Alterman and wow, what a fun, messy and addictive intro to her books.

My October TBR apparently has a revenge problem. Here we are again with someone holding a grudge and making increasingly questionable life choices.

After spending thirteen years trying to put her past behind her, Amelia spots her former fiancé, Ethan Blackmore, in a magazine. One innocent little Google search later, she’s down the rabbit hole and ready to settle a very old score.

The story jumps between past and present, slowly showing us how Amelia and Ethan went from loved-up to this absolute shitshow. Ethan’s twin sister Whitney is right in the middle of it all too, and for a good part of the book I wasn’t sure who to believe or what had actually happened all those years ago. Ethan was hopelessly oblivious half the time, Whitney was manipulative as hell, and Amelia wasn’t exactly making herself easy to root for either.

This one didn’t just go off the rails. It lost a carriage at a time until the whole bloody thing was a wreck, and I couldn’t look away. Every time I thought Amelia had surely taken things far enough, she found another way to make things worse. Let an obsession fester for long enough and apparently it really does take on a life of its own. By the end I was basically thinking, girl, aren’t you tired?

There were plenty of twists, but one of the later reveals genuinely got me and made me rethink so much of what I’d read. Somehow, after all that, there was still one last little sting waiting at the end.

Old grudges, obsession, revenge and one very determined woman making terrible decisions. This was exactly the kind of chaotic thriller fun I was hoping for, and I’ll definitely be checking out more from Liz Alterman.
525 reviews69 followers
October 6, 2026
I've read lots of revenge thrillers but this was one of the best, with an emotional aspect that I didn't expect. Told in dual timelines, it became easy to understand Mia's motivations after all the gaslighting, manipulation. and humiliation she experienced at the hands of her ex and his twin sister. Her resulting grief and obsession were relatable, and I found myself rooting for her even when she carried things too far. With a multi-layered, suspenseful and twisty plot, it was hard to put this one down!
Profile Image for Lisa Kusel.
Author 5 books300 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
Thanks NetGalley and Liz Alterman for the free download.

The saying, "Revenge is a dish best served cold" reverberates throughout this deliciously twisty, fast-paced novel where past and present collide in unexpected ways.

Alterman is great at creating strong female mc's but I've got to admit: Amelia is one of her best ever. I fell hard for Amelia's voice, her motivations, her actions.

Another fabulous read from this author. I've been a fan since reading her first book, He'll Be Waiting, and will continue to read anything she writes.
Profile Image for Judy Collins.
3,569 reviews472 followers
August 1, 2026
A Birthday Wish Wrapped in Razor-Sharp Revenge.

"YOU’LL BE SORRY by Liz Alterman (a favorite author), is a masterfully crafted revenge thriller that captivates with its intricate plotting and gripping tension. With a compelling narrative centered on a birthday wish intertwined with a calculated quest for retribution, the story showcases Liz’s extraordinary talent in storytelling."

The High Cost of Ex-Files and Old Scores.

This highly anticipated thriller proves that a decade of intensive therapy can instantly be undone by a single glossy magazine feature.

The Hook
On the eve of her 40th birthday, Amelia Montgomery flips through a magazine and freezes at a photo of Ethan Blackmore—the ex-fiancé who brutally shattered her heart and left her life in ruins over ten years ago. He looks happy, wealthy, and completely untouched by remorse. It sparks a dangerous realization: she knows exactly what she wants for her birthday—and it requires a tactical map, zero mercy, and a serious reckoning for his family.

Elevator Pitch
Reinvented, resourceful, and ready to strike when the past crashes her fortieth birthday, she constructs a meticulous plan to infiltrate his life and systematically dismantle his happiness, proving that a catastrophic breakup isn't a tragedy—it's a long-term investment in revenge.

Setting
~The Present 2025, Mia, now a successful business owner is 40 yrs old and decises wants vengence after changing her identity and much loss.

~The Past 2011: Amelia (Amy), a teacher, meets Ethan Blackmore and save his grandmother (Violet) from being hit by a car and ends up with a broken leg.

Vibe
~Unhinged and Chaotic: A dark, fast-paced, and unpredictable psychological revenge thriller driven by a deeply obsessed protagonist.

~Addictive & Binge-worthy: Features short chapters that keep the tension high, creating an edge-of-your-seat, impossible-to-put-down reading experience.

~Intimate & Immersive: Written with a unique style where the main character speaks directly to you, pulling you straight into her plot.

Genre
Psychological Revenge Thriller / Domestic Suspense.

Themes
~The Twin Sabotage: How blood ties can create the ultimate weapon or the perfect shield in a game of deception.

~Masterclass Gaslighting: The terrifying, yet darkly comical ease with which manipulative people can rewire your reality until you're apologizing for being stabbed.

~The High Cost of Ex-Files and Old Scores: How hunting your monsters and digging up deep-buried wreckage inevitably turns you into the project manager of your own downfall.

Standout Characters
~Amelia/Mia Montgomery: A deeply complex protagonist who transitions from a naive girl to an elite mastermind of payback. She is reinvented, resourceful, and ready to strike when her past collides with her future.

~Whitney Blackmore: Ethan’s fiercely manipulative twin sister. Whitney had it out for Amelia from day one, serving as the ultimate architect of the early gaslighting and the ultimate roadblock to Amelia's current revenge plan.

~Ethan Blackmore: The golden-boy ex whose smooth exterior hides a devastating trail of emotional wreckage and cold indifference.

Author Writing Standout
Liz Alterman shines by addressing the reader directly, drawing the audience into Amelia's psyche like an accessory to a crime. The dialogue is incredibly sharp and fast-witted. She takes the harrowing, heavy reality of extreme domestic gaslighting and laces it with a dark, observational humor that makes the tension practically sparkle on the page.

Takeaway
Unresolved trauma never truly disappears; it merely waits for a single trigger to spark a wildfire that can destroy both the guilty and the innocent.

Title Significance
"You’ll Be Sorry" functions as both a lethal promise from Amelia to Ethan and Whitney, and a tragic warning to the reader about the devastating collateral damage of living for vengeance.

Metaphor
The story operates like a slow-acting poison poured into a pristine suburban well—invisible at first, but bound to make everything toxic over time.

Why You Should Read
Perfect if you love unreliable narrators, unhinged female leads, and slow-burn twists. It forces you to reconsider your own digital footprint and how much you share on social media. It delivers a more substantial, brilliantly scheming character study than your average popcorn thriller.

My Thoughts
Talk about a birthday wish wrapped in razor-sharp revenge! It takes the suburban unease of The House on Cold Creek Lane and the dark bite of A Different Type of Poison and cranks them to an eleven! Amelia is reinvented, resourceful, and ready to strike when the past crashes her fortieth birthday. It’s got the ultimate recipe: a hyper-calculated revenge plot, a chaotic twin dynamic with the villainous Whitney, masterclass gaslighting, and that signature razor-sharp wit only a comedian/author like LIz can deliver! Plus, the dual audiobook narration by Stacy Carolan and Christine Lakin is an absolute masterclass performance!

The dual-timeline structure builds fantastic momentum, making it nearly impossible not to finish this book in a single sitting. Watching Amelia evolve from a victim of intense psychological humiliation into an elite mastermind is deeply satisfying. The toxic twin dynamic involving Whitney adds an entirely fresh layer of chaos to the upcoming revenge plot.

Verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 Stars)
"A flawless, wicked revenge thriller that grips you from the very first page, showing us a side of Liz's talent that is bolder and sharper than ever!"

Audio 🎧 Standout
“Christine Lakin and Stacy Carolan deliver a phenomenal dual performance. They hit the razor-sharp comedic beats with genius deadpan precision while keeping the manipulative gaslighting elements incredibly unsettling. Their effortless pacing turns this thriller into an addictive, cinematic listening experience.”

I have a deep appreciation for how Liz's text translates to the mic. The duo raises the bar even igher, turning a physical reading experience into a tense, deeply immersive dialogue between the characters and the listener.

If you love unhinged female main characters and revenge served with a side of absolute wit, add YOU'LL BE SORRY TO YOUR to your fall reading list!

Recs or Readalikes: (have interviewed and read them all)
~A Different Type of Poison by Liz Alterman
~She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
~For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
~Someone Else's Husband by Kimberly McCreight
~The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
~The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda
~Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone

Special thanks to the author, Inkubator Books, Simon Maverick, and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Book Pub Date: Aug 2, 2026
Audio: Aug 4, 2026
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Profile Image for Danielle.
860 reviews300 followers
August 20, 2026
What a RIDE! Liz is an automatic read for me but she's outdone herself this time. This is a villain origin story like no other.

Mia wears many hats and has many aliases. She's a successful entrepreneur with plenty of time on her hands now that she's sold her lucrative business. So when she stumbles across a picture of her ex, memories flood her and she finally breaks her rule and looks him up.

He's not doing well but that simply isn't enough for Mia. After all he took from her, he needs to feel as bad as she does. Some of this revenge will be planned, some of it she will figure out on the fly. One thing is for sure, all of it will be painful.

I haven't rooted for a "bad guy" this much in a while. I laughed a lot, I shrieked a little, I felt sadness for their shared pasts. I had an amazing time and read this in 3 sittings. This is a well-crafted book that makes you feel a range of emotions. I'm not even doing it justice.. just read it!
Profile Image for Denise.
2,535 reviews108 followers
October 6, 2026
Satisfying and suspenseful domestic thriller.

On the eve of her 40th birthday, successful and wealthy Amelia (Mia) Montgomery spots an advertisement featuring Ethan Blackmore, the ex-fiancé who shattered her life and left her humiliated over a decade ago. Mia rebuilt her entire identity from scratch to escape her past so she’s totally not meant to look deeper into what Ethan has been doing. She can’t help herself. Mia finds that he married well and has a couple of kids, but has lost his fortune and has had some trouble. While she’s happy he’s not on top of the world, she still has unresolved trauma and a deep desire for revenge. Mia can’t leave it alone and now it’s on. She’s going to dismantle everything in his life.

This was fast and fun and kept me engaged. This is definitely one of those where the main character walks that line between seeking justice and becoming obsessed to her own detriment. Mia was easy to understand, especially at first, but as she went deeper into her dark desires to destroy him, she became unlikeable. Enough is enough. She definitely went too far, and she sort of missed her target (no spoilers) but I don’t think anyone was sorry about that. Mia was malicious and single minded losing sight of the end goal and carried things just a bit too far. I do think she got what she deserved and I doubt she got the closure she wanted, but it goes to show how retaliation can backfire.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the ebook ARC provided by the publisher. The narrators, Christine Lakin and Stacey Carolan, did an excellent job of voicing the characters and bringing appropriate dramatic flair. Their performances really enhanced the immersive effect and increased my enjoyment of the story.
Profile Image for Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot).
596 reviews88 followers
August 2, 2026
Thank you Inkubator Books & Netgalley for the e-ARC and to Liz Alterman & Simon Maverick Audio for the ALC of the audiobook...this is my honest review.

🎧📱 You'll Be Sorry 📱🎧
Author: Liz Alterman
Pub Date: August 2, 2026
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Audiobook Publisher: Simon Maverick Audio
Narrators: Christine Lakin & Stacy Carolan
Length: 10 hours, 17 minutes

MY RATING: 4.75/5⭐
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)

Happy Pub Day to You'll Be Sorry by Liz Alterman, a brilliantly clever revenge thriller that I could not stop listening to! I absolutely loved how the main character became more and more unhinged as the story went on, and I found myself captivated by the way this story was told. 

This story is told by our female main character, Amelia, in two different timelines through alternating chapters. In the past she's called Amy, and in 2025 she's going by Mia, but she's the same person throughout the book. We do get a few chapters from the POV of Ethan later too, which added a whole new layer of depth & suspense to the story. 

I absolutely loved how Mia's POV in the present spoke directly to the reader! That was so clever and original, and a brilliant format for this story because Mia's drop-by-drop revelations made it feel as if we were being let in on a big secret, one suspenseful story at a time. She'd share memories set in the past timeline to provide context, and then she'd reveal just a little bit about her current situation, which would leave me clamoring for more answers about what happened in the past to bring us to her present situation. It really kept me engaged in both timelines and kept me guessing as I tried to predict what happened. 

The twists and turns in these pages as more of Amy's past came to light and Mia became more unhinged in her plans for revenge....Phenomenal. Mia's commitment to her revenge was almost admirable in the most diabolical of ways. No spoilers, of course, so I will simply say this ending left me side-eyeing Mia in the most unsettled of ways. I loved it. 

If you're a fan of revenge thrillers, dual timelines, and really clever storytelling, You'll Be Sorry is a book you're going to really love! Narrators Christine Lakin & Stacy Carolan kept me so intrigued as they perfectly captured these characters to bring them to life. If you're a fan of audiobooks, this is definitely one to give a listen to! 

Liz Alterman's books are always entertaining and written in such clever ways -- grab your copy of You'll Be Sorry today and then dive into her backlist immediately! She's such a kind & genuine person who takes time to connect with her readers, and I highly recommend giving her a follow on Instagram! 

#YoullBeSorry #LizAlterman #InkubatorBooks #eARC #SimonMaverickAudio #audiobooks #thrillerreads #revengethrillers #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
Profile Image for Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm).
920 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 30, 2026
4.5 stars!

What an emotional and vengeful plot! We’re talking about revenge that simmers like a fine wine!

This intricate story unfolds in three parts, told from the perspectives of Mia, Amelia, Aimee, and Ethan, weaving together a dual timeline. Once you dive into this book, you'll easily follow the shifts in POV, especially given the intriguing twist on whose voice is really telling the story. It all begins innocently enough when a girl saves an old lady and falls in love with her grandson. Sounds like a perfect fairy tale, right? But hold on—this so-called prince has an evil twin who sets out to ruin the entire fairy tale! To say this book made my blood boil would be an understatement—it’s simply despicable!

Amelia is a relatable, easygoing character, and so is Ethan, until we meet Whitney, who will keep you on your toes! Just how far can someone push gaslighting, taunting, and bullying to get what they want? You’ll have to read to find out! As Amelia's world crumbles, she faces unimaginable events, and grief profoundly changes her. The question is, does it change her for better or worse? You’ll have to read to discover that!

The sheer amount of gaslighting, manipulation, and resentment in this book will certainly keep you entertained. It’s a cleverly crafted, well-thought-out story that will have you turning pages late into the night. The main twist and everything leading to the conclusion exceeded my expectations! You can genuinely feel the dread and grief that Amelia experiences, making you want to scream at Ethan to open his eyes! The narrative reads like someone’s life played out on the pages. You won’t be surprised by how far Amelia goes once she takes matters into her own hands!

If you enjoy watching a sweet, kind, and easygoing character transform into an unrecognizable force of menace, you’ll love this. It's a fast-paced, revenge-driven thriller that’s easy to binge in one sitting. You can’t help but root for the underdog, who faces the greatest betrayal of her life and starts small, only to see things spiral out of control! This narrative has it all, and many readers will find elements they relate to. But the whole book feels like a nightmare coming to life! Let’s hope I don’t attract any bad juju after reading this! Ha!

Thank you, Inkubator Books and NetGalley, for the gifted DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dee.
130 reviews12 followers
September 8, 2026
Bravo👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 What an insane ride that was!! This was the best kind of storytelling and the revenge plot was epic. The MC is completely out of her mind and for good reason, don’t get me wrong. There was an underlining humor to this unbelievable story that kept it even more interesting and enjoyable to follow. Once again I couldn’t put it down and the thrill of it all had me on the edge of my seat.

This is an adventure ride that will have you shaking your head and dropping your jaw at times. It is cleverly written with a unique factor that I truly enjoyed, and for that I say….Well done and thank you very much!
Profile Image for Shae Bentley.
395 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 15, 2026
5⭐️ - Ooooh I had so much fun with this one! I LOVEEEE an unhinged woman on a revenge mission! Amelia's life was destroyed years earlier and when she discovers the man responsible is out there living his happily ever after, she decides it's finally time to settle the score. Let's just say... she commits to the bit. 🤣

I loved the way this story was told. The dual timelines slowly peeled back what happened in Amelia's past, while the present-day chapters had me in a CHOKEHOLD! I was constantly torn between feeling sorry for Amelia and thinking, "Girl... what the heck are you doing?!" 🫪

This was such a clever revenge thriller with twists that genuinely caught me off guard. If unhinged women making terrible decisions are your favourite thriller trope too, I highly recommend picking this one up! I listened to the audiobook and it was brilliant.

Thank you so much Libro.fm and Simon Maverick for the ALC!
Profile Image for Lauren Self.
629 reviews68 followers
July 27, 2026

You’ll Be Sorry by @lizalterman
📖/ 🎧 book/audiobook review • out 08.02.26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

thank you @inkubatorbooks and @librofm for my advanced copies

i have a book by this author on my shelf, but I hadn’t gotten to this yet… and let me tell you I’ll now be reading her entire backlist 👏 I was SO INVESTED in this story. my favorite thrillers are the most unhinged females doing some wild stuff, and it was a wild ride being in Amelia Montgomery’s mind

oh Amelia.. a woman scorned. her entire life turned upside down because of one man.. and his twin sister who had it out for her from day one. Years later, she sees him (Ethan) in a photo, and that sparks her to becoming obsessed with what he’s up to now.. messing with him and his wife.. and seeking her ultimate revenge.

🖤 🔪 this has the whole recipe for a perfect thriller in my opinion. I highly recommend the read (and listen!) @yolakin + Stacy scar plan narrate this and Christine Lakin brings Amelia’s character to LIFE 🤌🏻
Profile Image for Lori Martin.
479 reviews266 followers
August 8, 2026
You'll Be Sorry is a story of revenge and the depths people will go to settle the score. Amelia had it all years ago. She was engaged to the man of her dreams and she would never want for anything ever again, or so she thought! Her fiance' Ethan was a twin and his sister was constantly doing things to sabotage Amelia. That time in Amelia's life turned to tragedy and the marriage never happened. Amelia lost more than her marriage and it haunts her to this day. Amelia has tried to move on and now goes by Mia. She looks totally different than she did then due to surgery required following a bad accident. She started and sold an app for millions of dollars and has done very well for herself. When Mia sees Ethan's face in a magazine all the memories come rushing back. Ethan broke her heart and Mia now wants revenge. Will Mia be able to get revenge for what Ethan did to her? Will Ethan know who she is? Will Mia be able to get revenge and still be okay? This book is told in multiple POV's and is one of those books that's very hard to put down. I enjoyed You'll Be Sorry very much and rate it 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an advanced copy of You'll Be Sorry in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,626 reviews
August 16, 2026
The revenge storyline had me interested from the start and was easily the best part of this one for me. I just wish the rest of the book had kept me there because I wanted a lot more from everything surrounding it. Amelia sees the man who completely devastated her years ago apparently living this wonderful life, and instead of just reopening old wounds, it sends her down a path of revenge. I liked that angle and thought it gave the story a little something different from the typical missing person/murder setup. Unfortunately, the rest was more of a miss for me. The characters weren’t very memorable and even with the revenge angle, the plot never really had anything that made it stand out from other psychological mysteries I’ve read. Amelia also made some frustrating decisions and as things escalated I definitely had to suspend disbelief more than a few times. This was presented as a “gripping psychological thriller,” but gripping isn’t how I would describe it. A little over a year ago I read Liz Alterman’s A Different Type of Poison and felt similarly about that one. Both were more of a slow psychological mystery. Not intense, but more of a gradual reveal. And like my first read by Alterman, this one focused a lot on secrets, perception and questioning how much of what we think we know is actually true. There were things I liked here, especially the revenge premise, but overall I just wanted more from it. (Audio)
Profile Image for Susan Belman.
655 reviews44 followers
July 28, 2026
Ohhh, this was deliciously unhinged. If you love a good revenge story, buckle up because Amelia is on a mission, and she is absolutely committed.

Years after her life was turned upside down by Ethan, and thanks in no small part to his awful twin sister, Amelia stumbles across a photo of him living his picture-perfect life. Instead of moving on, she decides it's finally time to settle the score. What follows is a twisty, obsessive game of revenge that had me eagerly turning the pages to see just how far she'd go. I couldn't stop reading. Amelia's mindset is fascinating because you know she's spiraling, yet you can't help but root for her at times. And Ethan's sister? Ugh. I wanted revenge right alongside Amelia. Perfectly balanced psychological tension with dark, satisfying "what would you do?" moments. I never knew exactly where the story was headed, and every new revelation pulled me in even further.

If you're looking for a fast-paced psychological thriller featuring obsession, betrayal, and a main character who's completely willing to embrace her unhinged side, this one absolutely delivers.
Profile Image for Corinne’s Chapter Chatter.
1,449 reviews65 followers
August 24, 2026
I love when complex thriller storylines are done really well, when all the moving pieces eventually fit together with minimal plot holes and without requiring you to suspend disbelief just to make everything work. This is definitely one of those books.

I also love a good revenge scenario, probably because it’s so completely opposite from my own personality. There’s something incredibly satisfying about diving into that kind of escapism and watching someone else go to lengths I would absolutely never consider!

Liz Alterman does a great job balancing the various timelines and slowly revealing how everything connects. This is definitely a book you need to pay attention to, but thankfully, it never becomes stressful or feels like you need to take notes just to keep everyone and everything straight. The pacing keeps things moving at just the right speed, allowing you to piece things together without feeling overwhelmed.

What really worked for me was how all of those seemingly separate pieces eventually come together. There are enough twists and layers to keep you engaged, but the story never feels unnecessarily complicated just for the sake of being complicated. When a thriller manages to make me think while still keeping me invested in the story, that’s a win for me.

I am so thankful to have received the complimentary eARC from Inkubator Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts. Somehow, my review didn’t get posted when I originally wrote it, so this one is a little behind schedule. But hey, better late than never!

If you’re looking for an engaging thriller that’s going to make you think and actually requires you to pay attention, rather than a quick popcorn thriller you can breeze through, this is a great choice to sink your teeth into.
Profile Image for Louis (audiobookfanatic).
538 reviews42 followers
July 12, 2026
BLURB:
Mia Montgomery saves wealthy Violet Blackmore from a near-fatal accident, but her connection to Violet’s grandson, Ethan, destroys her future. Years later, Mia returns to exact revenge.

REVIEW:
This is my third book from Liz Alterman, and it’s my favorite one yet. It’s a slow-burn psychological revenge thriller with multiple timelines, morally gray characters, and a female protagonist that I was so invested in—even though I was questioning how far she was willing to go for revenge! There are also so many great tropes, including a woman with a new identity, revenge years in the making, heroic rescue, family secrets, an unhinged FMC, and more!

This is a dual POV story, mostly following Mia, who’s living under a new identity in 2025, with interspersed chapters from Ethan’s POV. As the story jumps back to 2011, we discover Mia was originally Amy Montgomery and learn that she went to great lengths to change her identity and appearance. The reasons why are slowly revealed and will have you flipping pages, needing to know all the details!

I loved how Mia speaks directly to the reader throughout the book. She almost becomes your guide to her revenge plan, giving tidbits on what it takes to plan the perfect revenge and how to become a convincing liar. She also warns you to “hold on” before major reveals, and those moments are so entertaining!

For me, one of the most fascinating aspects of the story is seeing how different Amy/Mia is in the 2011 timeline compared to 2025. It almost feels like you’re reading about two completely different women. What happened to her changes far more than her appearance—it changes her personality, how she interacts with people, and the way she views the world. The transformation is truly day and night!

The other POV comes from Ethan Blackmore, the wealthy man who sweeps Amy off her feet after she saves his grandmother. Another key character in the 2011 timeline is his twin sister, Whitney, who’s the most unhinged and manipulative character. I literally got angry at some of the events that unfolded, but there’s also some delicious drama, so have your popcorn ready!

The short chapters, many ending with mini cliffhangers, combined with the immersive dialogue and Mia’s conversations with the reader, make this the ultimate binge-read! The final 25% is where the pacing really ramps up as Mia puts her final plans into motion. Even when unexpected events force her to adjust her plans, she’s confident that everything is still going exactly as she planned. And of course, there are twists that make the climax and ending very interesting!

While I didn’t find the ending entirely satisfying, I loved how realistic it was. I actually got emotional during the final scenes, and it almost felt like a cliffhanger, leaving me wondering if there’s more story left to tell. I would absolutely read it because I became so invested in these characters!

If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy thriller with the perfect balance of domestic drama, revenge, good writing, and original storytelling, grab a copy of this one ASAP!
Profile Image for Carys Megan.
82 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2026
What a wild ride👏🏻 The plot kept me second-guessing throughout the entire book & the extremely clever writing style had me hooked🙂‍↕️

The FMC had my head in spin!🤯Do I love her? Do I hate her? Is she unhinged? Is she the victim? I was constantly asking myself all of this until the final penny dropped…

“Revenge is a dish best served now”

A fantastic psychological thriller & I’ll definitely be reading more of Liz Alterman’s books in the future! Huge thank you to NetGalley, the author & Inkubator Books for the ARC✨
66 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2026
If you’re looking for an unreliable narrator who slowly becomes more unhinged as the story progresses, You’ll Be Sorry could very easily be your next read.

The story unfolds across two distinct timelines, with impeccable pacing that leaves you constantly asking questions and desperate for more.

Following a morally grey, deeply unlikeable main character akin to hits such as Yesteryear and Sometimes I Lie, this psychological thriller delivers equal measures of thrills and awe.

Reading mood:
✨ love to hate the main character
✨ jaw-dropping climax
✨ revenge-fuelled fury

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Amy.
150 reviews
August 3, 2026
Book Review – You’ll Be Sorry by Liz Alterman

You’ll Be Sorry was my first book by Liz Alterman, and it definitely won’t be my last. I was completely hooked by this addictive psychological thriller and found myself flying through the pages to uncover how everything would unfold.

I loved the way the story was told through dual timelines, gradually revealing Amelia’s past while Mia’s present-day narration kept building the suspense. The pacing was spot on, with each chapter dropping just enough information to make it impossible to stop reading.

Amelia/Mia was such a compelling main character. Watching her transformation and trying to work out just how far she’d go kept me invested from beginning to end. She was intelligent, determined, and completely fascinating to follow, making her one of those characters you can’t stop thinking about.

The twists were brilliantly executed, and just when I thought I had a handle on where the story was heading, another revelation pulled me right back in. It all came together in a thoroughly satisfying ending that left me thinking about it long after I’d finished.

If you enjoy revenge thrillers, dual timelines, morally complex characters, and stories that keep you guessing until the very end, I’d highly recommend You’ll Be Sorry. A fantastic first introduction to Liz Alterman’s writing, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her.
Profile Image for Chellsvibes.
194 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2026
One magazine article was all it took to reopen old wounds, and from that moment I was completely invested.

What I loved most about You’ll Be Sorry was the dual timeline. Instead of simply building suspense, it slowly revealed Amelia’s past and the relationship that shaped her into the person she became. With every chapter, I understood a little more about what she had endured.

Amelia isn’t an easy character to like, and she certainly isn’t perfect. She’s obsessive, makes questionable decisions, and at times had me shaking my head. But that’s what impressed me most about Liz Alterman’s writing. She has a way of making you understand a character’s emotions, even when you don’t agree with their choices.

The dual time lines kept me turning the pages, and each chapter made me want to know more about the past and how it all led to the present. While I personally would have loved one final unexpected twist at the end, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers with dual timelines, morally gray characters, obsession, betrayal, and revenge, I definitely recommend adding You’ll Be Sorry to your TBR.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTAtdquxU/
Profile Image for Sandra (TheInkSyringe).
139 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2026
OMG what a fantastic audiobook!!! This was an absolute blast to read. Seriously unputdownable, I listened to the entire book in one sitting (one long three hour drive!) and enjoyed it so much. I was literally mad that it was over. Amilia is SUCH a badass. I want to be her when I grow up!! There is truly nothing better than a female revenge story, and Liz Alterman has done it justice. Pure hatred, rage and carefully laid plans make this book a truly phenomenal read.
Now, Let's talk about the audio production.
Christine Lakin and Stacy Carolan have done a beautiful job bringing the story to life. Their narration is so vivid and full of life, it's so easy to find yourself immersed in the book like its real life.

Five full syringes for this one! (I wish they were full of Ethan's blood, lol)
Profile Image for Amy King.
15 reviews
October 5, 2026
You’ll Be Sorry is a complete page-turner! I consumed this audiobook over a two-day binge, neglecting all housework and even instituting a "no talking" rule for my husband in the car so I wouldn't miss a second. I was even listening to it while working out. This was my introduction to the author, and I am officially a massive fan. Highly recommend the audio version!
Profile Image for Gianna.
241 reviews200 followers
August 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

Honestly, this may now be my favorite thriller. The revenge plot had me hooked from page one, until the last sentence. & I need more!

Thank you to Simon Maverick an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy for review 💓
Profile Image for Charlotte Cake .
437 reviews
October 4, 2026
Really enjoyed You’ll Be Sorry! 👀 Such an easy, twisty read that kept me guessing and made me want to keep reading to find out what was actually going on. Some bits had me questioning everyone 😂 Definitely a good choice if you like a quick psychological thriller with plenty of secrets and twists!
Profile Image for ♡Joan Vegas♡.
185 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2026
Rating 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
WTF! Did I just read? 😅

Mia was such an unhinged FMC, and absolutely nothing could have prepared me for her. This is a revenge thriller, and I was completely invested in the story from beginning to end.

What an amazing story from this author! Needless to say, I’ll be adding all her Blacklist books to my TBR. 🙌

I highly recommend this if an unhinged FMC and a revenge trope are your thing. 😏

Happy reading, y’all! 📚❤️

The end. 🔪
Profile Image for Suzi Winter.
143 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2026
NetGalley and Liz Alterman… Thank you for the ARC😊😊!! This is such an incredibly interesting and refreshing way that this thriller’s plot was written. Definitely one of a kind and I LOVED IT😁😁!!
The characters were so entertaining and expressive, especially Amelia, et al… She, by herself, was such an amazing magician and if you read this book you will understand what I mean.
The reason I am giving this a 4.5 star review and not a 5 is because the ending was predictable with no surprise twist or two. Other than that, it was definitely worth the read!!
Enjoy 😊😊!!
8 reviews
July 15, 2026
Holy smokes, what a ride!

I thoroughly enjoyed You’ll Be Sorry by Liz Alderman. From the very beginning, this story had me hooked. Every chapter left me on the edge of my seat with anticipation and curiosity, constantly wondering what was going to happen next. The suspense was expertly paced, and I found it nearly impossible to put the book down.

This was my first novel by Liz Alderman, and it definitely won’t be my last. Her storytelling kept me completely engaged, and I loved how the tension continued to build until the very end.

If you’re looking for a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing and eager to turn the next page, I highly recommend this one.

Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy.
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