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Woman of the Year
A deliciously twisty thriller about the dark side of female friendship and a revenge plot that gets a little out of hand from the New York Times bestselling author of the “intense, captivating, and astonishing” (New York Journal of Books) A Simple Favor.
Twenty years ago, gregarious Lorelei and mousy Holly became fast friends as students in the same college psychology seminar. Taught by an expert in control and human behavior, the two students also grew close to their charismatic professor. But in one twisted moment of gaslighting, their friendship flamed out and Lorelei’s once-promising future fell apart.
Flashforward, Holly has everything Lorelei ever wanted, while Lorelei is a lonely cat lady. Now, Holly is even up for an award at a Woman of the Year ceremony, and Lorelei finally has the perfect opportunity to get the revenge she’s wanted for years. But she’s not the only person who has been obsessively following Holly’s career—and when someone winds up dead, Lorelei realizes she may be in danger, too.
Twenty years ago, gregarious Lorelei and mousy Holly became fast friends as students in the same college psychology seminar. Taught by an expert in control and human behavior, the two students also grew close to their charismatic professor. But in one twisted moment of gaslighting, their friendship flamed out and Lorelei’s once-promising future fell apart.
Flashforward, Holly has everything Lorelei ever wanted, while Lorelei is a lonely cat lady. Now, Holly is even up for an award at a Woman of the Year ceremony, and Lorelei finally has the perfect opportunity to get the revenge she’s wanted for years. But she’s not the only person who has been obsessively following Holly’s career—and when someone winds up dead, Lorelei realizes she may be in danger, too.
Audiobook
First published March 21, 2023
63 people are currently reading
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About the author
Darcey Bell
10 books922 followersDarcey Bell was born in 1981 and raised on a dairy farm in western Iowa. She is a preschool teacher in Chicago. A Simple Favor is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 318 reviews
March 5, 2023
Definitely refreshing and promising, twisty Darcy Bell thriller hooks you up with women’s cat fight theme by emphasizing the power of crazy cat lover ladies:)
In this book,there are some sensitively triggering chapters about animal abuse can disturb the many of the readers including me. But those parts also made me detest the gaslighting villains so much more! A person who can hurt an animal might be the worst kind of psychopath!
And the humans in this story also get their share of psychological torture!
I thought I would read about two college friends who were estranged after betrayal, now one of them sharpened her nails enough to scratch the other one’s eyes out. I was expecting to read a pure revenge story but instead of that I read a story about #metoomovement , human/ animal abuse, gaslighting, mind games. Did I enjoy it? Well, the big twist was good! The big surprise at the end was already mentioned in the beginning of the book ( the real hero who saves the damsel in distress) ! Honestly I wish the author didn’t give the clue about that epic ending so I could give my ovation and enjoy fully the karmic turnout of the story.
Well, it was still entertaining amount of batshit crazy, sarcastic, dark, alluringly gripping reading!
Let’s meet with our heroine or anti heroine Lorelei ( her original name was Laura Lee but she changed after meeting with charming and 20 years younger version of Brad Pitt meets Kevin Costner college professor in cowboy boots, blond, long haired, flirting) who was once upon a time a beautiful and aspiring psychology student with self destructive relationship issues, looking like Belle de Joure’s Catherine Deneuve ( in my opinion she’s French Kim Novak) but something has gone wrong during the classes she has taken.
The classroom which resembled the interrogation rooms where the mysterious senior students watching them as if they were scrutinizing the lab rats.
Professor James Dell Randall changed everything about her perspective and her best friend/ confidante Holly did something unforgivable.
Now 20 years later, Lorelei living with her dearest Catzilla, harboring resentment, getting sacked from jobs that requires to sack people ( she’s not resourceful enough to work in HR).
When she reads on the newspaper her arch enemy made an interview, telling people she’s been abused at the college, she gets pissed off because Holly intentionally excluded the things she’s done to her and in addition to that, she will be given the woman of the year award for the accomplishments she’s achieved to save so many young and miserable girls’ lives.
She decides to attend to the ceremony to take her revenge. She’s seeing red. She wants everything Holly has. They are two girls from same college. Holly is rich, famous, well respected as Lorelei is broke, jobless, friendless, alone, abandoned.
Somebody has to pay! But unfortunately another person takes action quicker than her. Somebody already punishes Holly!
Lorelei keeps telling herself that she never wanted to kill her. She just wanted to make her taste her own poison by humiliation but somebody has gone too far. And it seems like that person not only comes after Holly but also is threatening Lorelei’s life. What will she do? How can she save herself!
Well, this is my favorite Darcy Bell novel. I hope you enjoy it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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In this book,there are some sensitively triggering chapters about animal abuse can disturb the many of the readers including me. But those parts also made me detest the gaslighting villains so much more! A person who can hurt an animal might be the worst kind of psychopath!
And the humans in this story also get their share of psychological torture!
I thought I would read about two college friends who were estranged after betrayal, now one of them sharpened her nails enough to scratch the other one’s eyes out. I was expecting to read a pure revenge story but instead of that I read a story about #metoomovement , human/ animal abuse, gaslighting, mind games. Did I enjoy it? Well, the big twist was good! The big surprise at the end was already mentioned in the beginning of the book ( the real hero who saves the damsel in distress) ! Honestly I wish the author didn’t give the clue about that epic ending so I could give my ovation and enjoy fully the karmic turnout of the story.
Well, it was still entertaining amount of batshit crazy, sarcastic, dark, alluringly gripping reading!
Let’s meet with our heroine or anti heroine Lorelei ( her original name was Laura Lee but she changed after meeting with charming and 20 years younger version of Brad Pitt meets Kevin Costner college professor in cowboy boots, blond, long haired, flirting) who was once upon a time a beautiful and aspiring psychology student with self destructive relationship issues, looking like Belle de Joure’s Catherine Deneuve ( in my opinion she’s French Kim Novak) but something has gone wrong during the classes she has taken.
The classroom which resembled the interrogation rooms where the mysterious senior students watching them as if they were scrutinizing the lab rats.
Professor James Dell Randall changed everything about her perspective and her best friend/ confidante Holly did something unforgivable.
Now 20 years later, Lorelei living with her dearest Catzilla, harboring resentment, getting sacked from jobs that requires to sack people ( she’s not resourceful enough to work in HR).
When she reads on the newspaper her arch enemy made an interview, telling people she’s been abused at the college, she gets pissed off because Holly intentionally excluded the things she’s done to her and in addition to that, she will be given the woman of the year award for the accomplishments she’s achieved to save so many young and miserable girls’ lives.
She decides to attend to the ceremony to take her revenge. She’s seeing red. She wants everything Holly has. They are two girls from same college. Holly is rich, famous, well respected as Lorelei is broke, jobless, friendless, alone, abandoned.
Somebody has to pay! But unfortunately another person takes action quicker than her. Somebody already punishes Holly!
Lorelei keeps telling herself that she never wanted to kill her. She just wanted to make her taste her own poison by humiliation but somebody has gone too far. And it seems like that person not only comes after Holly but also is threatening Lorelei’s life. What will she do? How can she save herself!
Well, this is my favorite Darcy Bell novel. I hope you enjoy it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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February 17, 2023
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As of the writing of this review, this title has a mere 3.02 rating on Goodreads and I do not understand why. I liked this book for how different it was, it is a veryunique strange take on the revenge trope. Now I am not saying this is a literary masterpiece that's going to win awards but I am saying it is a very entertaining read. I found it gripping and read it in a single sitting.
The characters in this are batshit crazy and I loved that and the book gives new meaning to the term crazy cat lady. The ending was weirdly surprising and I found it very satisfying. Often I dislike a book that everyone loves, this is one of those rare times I love a book everyone is giving a low rating to, that was a great surprise. Like A Simple Favour this book is kind of campy (in a very good way) so if you enjoyed that title you'll like this, or if you're into quirky, messed-up characters where you can't trust what anyone is saying then this is the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
As of the writing of this review, this title has a mere 3.02 rating on Goodreads and I do not understand why. I liked this book for how different it was, it is a very
The characters in this are batshit crazy and I loved that and the book gives new meaning to the term crazy cat lady. The ending was weirdly surprising and I found it very satisfying. Often I dislike a book that everyone loves, this is one of those rare times I love a book everyone is giving a low rating to, that was a great surprise. Like A Simple Favour this book is kind of campy (in a very good way) so if you enjoyed that title you'll like this, or if you're into quirky, messed-up characters where you can't trust what anyone is saying then this is the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
April 30, 2023
2⭐
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, cats, r@pe, se*ual abuse, gaslighting, #metoo, animal abuse at a lab
Lorelei & Holly were friends in college and now Lorelei is out to get her. I don't mind a revenge plot, but 20 years later is as crazy as her cat loving self, and boy was Lorelei a doozie of a character.
🥜❌ As a nut allergy mom I really hate how she planned to hurt her by putting her into anaphylaxis. Luckily I don't have too worry too much about this happening to my child since she went through an oral immunotherapy to help her tolerate her allergy but she'll always be allergic.
I did like the big reveal at the end and that it was only 236 pages, which didn't take me too long to get through, so I'll give it to 2⭐ instead of 1⭐.
*Thanks to the author, Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration:
Tavia Gilbert ~ 6 hours 27 minutes ~ eh, fine~ish
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Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, cats, r@pe, se*ual abuse, gaslighting, #metoo, animal abuse at a lab
Lorelei & Holly were friends in college and now Lorelei is out to get her. I don't mind a revenge plot, but 20 years later is as crazy as her cat loving self, and boy was Lorelei a doozie of a character.
🥜❌ As a nut allergy mom I really hate how she planned to hurt her by putting her into anaphylaxis. Luckily I don't have too worry too much about this happening to my child since she went through an oral immunotherapy to help her tolerate her allergy but she'll always be allergic.
I did like the big reveal at the end and that it was only 236 pages, which didn't take me too long to get through, so I'll give it to 2⭐ instead of 1⭐.
*Thanks to the author, Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration:
Tavia Gilbert ~ 6 hours 27 minutes ~ eh, fine~ish
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
November 2, 2022
What did I just read?
Absolutely an incredibly weird and original read that will leave a creepy imprint in your brain. This book, like Bell's famous previous novel, starts off focusing on a friendship between two very different women...but the similarities to A Simple Favor end there. Our narrator, Loralei, is at best slightly unreliable, and at worst...well, maybe totally deranged. She appears to be obsessed with her college best friend, a successful feminist named Holly Serpenta, and she is bent on revenge.
And beyond that, there really are no words to describe this book. There are a few pretty disturbing themes here that the casual reader should be aware of, such as animal abuse and testing, mental illness (the old "is she paranoid or is someone really out to get her?" plot is taken to an extreme here), and the #MeToo phenomenon. Basically, if you have any of the usual triggers, at least one of them is probably a theme of this book. The writing style, like the inside of Lorelei's mind, is disjointed and takes some getting used to, but I enjoyed the weirdness and was kind of fascinated by the strange plot.
Where the book lost me a little was the ending. It was very far fetched -- and as some of you know, I don't even mind far fetched, but man, y'all, this one was WAY out there. Absolutely no way anyone could guess this bizarreness, which to me is a little unfair and takes away from the fun of the mystery. I probably would have enjoyed this book better if it had headed toward the more obvious ending rather than ... this.
So in summary, I enjoyed the weirdness and minded the triggers much less than most, but didn't love the ending. Still found it an enjoyable read but would warn most readers to be familiar with the subject matter and to be ready to embrace a bizarre theme (or really, several bizarre themes) before diving into this one. This book is kind of like a science experiment, which is fitting because....well, you'll find out when you read it.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me the wild and fun early read by this always enjoyable writer. 3.5 stars, rounded up for the author taking a fun chance on a totally bonkers idea.
Absolutely an incredibly weird and original read that will leave a creepy imprint in your brain. This book, like Bell's famous previous novel, starts off focusing on a friendship between two very different women...but the similarities to A Simple Favor end there. Our narrator, Loralei, is at best slightly unreliable, and at worst...well, maybe totally deranged. She appears to be obsessed with her college best friend, a successful feminist named Holly Serpenta, and she is bent on revenge.
And beyond that, there really are no words to describe this book. There are a few pretty disturbing themes here that the casual reader should be aware of, such as animal abuse and testing, mental illness (the old "is she paranoid or is someone really out to get her?" plot is taken to an extreme here), and the #MeToo phenomenon. Basically, if you have any of the usual triggers, at least one of them is probably a theme of this book. The writing style, like the inside of Lorelei's mind, is disjointed and takes some getting used to, but I enjoyed the weirdness and was kind of fascinated by the strange plot.
Where the book lost me a little was the ending. It was very far fetched -- and as some of you know, I don't even mind far fetched, but man, y'all, this one was WAY out there. Absolutely no way anyone could guess this bizarreness, which to me is a little unfair and takes away from the fun of the mystery. I probably would have enjoyed this book better if it had headed toward the more obvious ending rather than ... this.
So in summary, I enjoyed the weirdness and minded the triggers much less than most, but didn't love the ending. Still found it an enjoyable read but would warn most readers to be familiar with the subject matter and to be ready to embrace a bizarre theme (or really, several bizarre themes) before diving into this one. This book is kind of like a science experiment, which is fitting because....well, you'll find out when you read it.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me the wild and fun early read by this always enjoyable writer. 3.5 stars, rounded up for the author taking a fun chance on a totally bonkers idea.
October 11, 2022
Man I flew through this book! I really like the psychological aspects of it and how the author incorporated it into the story. The main character Lorelei has an incredible bond and love for her pet cats. I can relate to that as I feel the same about my dog. You think you know where this book is gonna go and it ended up heading somewhere completely different.
Lorelei and Holly became friends in college while attending the same psychology class. Their professor whom they called Dell, specialized in control and human behavior. Lorelei and eventually Holly became very close with Dell. Holly and Lorelei’s friendship ended after a tragic event and Lorelei never really recovered.
Twenty years later Holly is the “Woman of the Year”. She has everything that Lorelei every wanted and never got. The “Woman of the Year” gala is the perfect place for her to get her revenge. However, Lorelei isn’t the only person who’s seeking revenge against Holly and before long Lorelei realizes that she’s in danger too.
Woman of the Year is available March 21,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and atriabooks for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Lorelei and Holly became friends in college while attending the same psychology class. Their professor whom they called Dell, specialized in control and human behavior. Lorelei and eventually Holly became very close with Dell. Holly and Lorelei’s friendship ended after a tragic event and Lorelei never really recovered.
Twenty years later Holly is the “Woman of the Year”. She has everything that Lorelei every wanted and never got. The “Woman of the Year” gala is the perfect place for her to get her revenge. However, Lorelei isn’t the only person who’s seeking revenge against Holly and before long Lorelei realizes that she’s in danger too.
Woman of the Year is available March 21,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and atriabooks for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2023
Mmmmmmm, there’s nothing like the smell of a little gaslighting in the morning!
I’ll be the first to admit Darcey Bell is an acquired taste – in fact, I gave A Simple Favor a 1 Star myself. And then the movie came out and I realized there really IS such a thing as being a wrongreader, because I had taken the print version waaaaaay too seriously. If I would have read it as dark humor I would have had a much more enjoyable time.
While this is certainly not going to win a Pulitzer (but, good grief, freaking Demon Cottonmouth (and yes I know it’s Copperhead) won that so I’m not exactly sure what’s happening there), at less than 250 pages this is a perfectly fine way to spend an evening with a bottle of vino out on the deck. A little gaslighting, a little revenge and one hell of a faithful feline friend.
3 Stars for the story – eleven trillion for Catzilla.
March 11, 2023
If anyone sees me reading this author again please stop me. 🗑️🗑️🗑️
March 10, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW: Discussions of animal abuse and testing
Oh my, this book ALMOST killed me! I don't mind when a book is a slow burn and I love revenge stories, but this one didn't really work for me. This is also not my first Darcey Bell read. I know that the author writes deplorable and eccentric characters. Our main protagonist, Laura Lee/Lorelei was certainly eccentric. Bell also enjoys exploring the dark and twisty cores that lie with us. That can definitely be felt in many of the situations that are described in this book. That Thanksgiving scene- SHUDDER! The last few chapters were probably the very best parts of the book. I am going to try and grasp those positive points and compile that to make a 2-star rating but I was really disappointed.
Expected Publication Date 21/03/23
Goodreads Review Published 06/03/23
TW: Discussions of animal abuse and testing
Oh my, this book ALMOST killed me! I don't mind when a book is a slow burn and I love revenge stories, but this one didn't really work for me. This is also not my first Darcey Bell read. I know that the author writes deplorable and eccentric characters. Our main protagonist, Laura Lee/Lorelei was certainly eccentric. Bell also enjoys exploring the dark and twisty cores that lie with us. That can definitely be felt in many of the situations that are described in this book. That Thanksgiving scene- SHUDDER! The last few chapters were probably the very best parts of the book. I am going to try and grasp those positive points and compile that to make a 2-star rating but I was really disappointed.
Expected Publication Date 21/03/23
Goodreads Review Published 06/03/23
March 11, 2023
Review coming soon.
February 4, 2024
This was weird. This was like a rough draft of a story idea that wasn't fully completed.
This felt like it had all the brainstorming ideas, but then the meat of the novel still needed to be added.
Was this a deadline novel, where Darcey Bell had a novel due and had to turn in an unfinished book?
I enjoy the idea itself and the psychological potential. I wanted a lot more from this, though. I hope some of these concepts can emerge in future works because there was a golden idea here!
In its current state, I can't rate it higher than just ok. 2 Stars.
This felt like it had all the brainstorming ideas, but then the meat of the novel still needed to be added.
Was this a deadline novel, where Darcey Bell had a novel due and had to turn in an unfinished book?
I enjoy the idea itself and the psychological potential. I wanted a lot more from this, though. I hope some of these concepts can emerge in future works because there was a golden idea here!
In its current state, I can't rate it higher than just ok. 2 Stars.
March 26, 2023
This was my first book from this author, and while I didn’t love it, it was a pretty unique plot line. Told from one (quasi-crazy) woman’s perspective, this book focuses on complex psychological concepts such as conditioning and eugenics. While I enjoyed the first person narration with dual timelines, and the original plot line, this story felt at times like a bit of a hot mess. I did not fully understand the motivations behind a number of character’s actions and the ending fell flat for me.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tavia Gilbert, and I think it may have increased my enjoyment. She did a masterful job portraying the nuanced psychological disturbances quite a few of the characters had. Her narration was clear and concise and very easy to follow. I think given the reviews, the audiobook is probably the best way to go with this one.
Thank you {partner} Simon & Schuster for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tavia Gilbert, and I think it may have increased my enjoyment. She did a masterful job portraying the nuanced psychological disturbances quite a few of the characters had. Her narration was clear and concise and very easy to follow. I think given the reviews, the audiobook is probably the best way to go with this one.
Thank you {partner} Simon & Schuster for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2023
I have zero trigger warnings except when it comes to ANIMAL ABUSE.
I wish the author would have saved me the time by stating the trigger warning upfront so I wouldn’t bothered even reading it.
Unfortunately, I had no idea but the animal abuse absolutely ruined the book for me! 🤬
If animal abuse is your trigger, definitely DON’T READ THIS ONE!
⭐️
I wish the author would have saved me the time by stating the trigger warning upfront so I wouldn’t bothered even reading it.
Unfortunately, I had no idea but the animal abuse absolutely ruined the book for me! 🤬
If animal abuse is your trigger, definitely DON’T READ THIS ONE!
⭐️
March 12, 2023
I’ve never been more sure that I am not a cat person.
February 8, 2023
My second Bell book and I fear that maybe her writing style just is not for me. I love the premise of this but felt it was repetitive and Laura Lee/Lorelei annoyed the ever living piss out of me. Some things just did not make sense to me and I feared dislocating an eyeball with how much I rolled them.
HOWEVER, I would absolutely watch an adaptation of this. I think it would come across brilliantly on screen like A Simple Favor did.
At only 240 pages, this is a quick read so if you need a fun popcorn thriller about revenge, pop pop y'all.
HOWEVER, I would absolutely watch an adaptation of this. I think it would come across brilliantly on screen like A Simple Favor did.
At only 240 pages, this is a quick read so if you need a fun popcorn thriller about revenge, pop pop y'all.
March 21, 2023
This first person POV crazy cat lady psychological revenge thriller started off a bit weird and just got weirder. Sadly it was not for me. I managed to stick it out to the end (and thankfully it wasn't a long one) but yeah, just a bit too wacky. The protagonist wasn't particularly likeable and there was a lot of sexual abuse/gaslighting I didn't enjoy much. Okay on audio narrated by Tavia Gilbert but even her performance couldn't redeem Lorelei (the MC) for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2022
There is some good stuff here, but it's absolutely overwhelmed by a nasty pet abuse current. I have limits. Don't put me in the mind of someone witnessing a beloved companion being tortured. Just don't.
April 23, 2024
2.75
Unfortunately this book ended up not really working for me. I love the concept of the book but it took so long to set things up and then it was all wrapped up in a few pages.
Unfortunately this book ended up not really working for me. I love the concept of the book but it took so long to set things up and then it was all wrapped up in a few pages.
March 3, 2025
This was an ok read but honestly not one that will leave a lasting impact on me. A scorned woman seeks revenge on a rival until someone else gets to her first. The plot was far-fetched at times but did hold my interest. I’ve liked other books by this author better.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Darcey Bell for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Darcey Bell for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2022
I received an ARC of this one, which I was okay with because while I enjoyed A Simple Favor, Bell's other books were royal let downs, and hey, one more shot for free, right? This book lacked cohesion. The characters lacked depth, the plot was barely there, and the whole thing read like an outline. It's a very short book, so I kept reading, hoping it would get better, but it never did.
February 28, 2023
Before I go anywhere with this I have to point out there are several triggers in this, including animal abuse and if that is something you can’t cope with DO NOT read this book.
Lorelei and Holly met in a college psych class and became friends, although their friendship became strained when Lorelei began a relationship with the professor after he pursued her. Later we find out that he also had a real with Holly when she becomes famous and publishes an article in the #metoo movement. Twenty years later and Lorelei is still seeking revenge against Holly, who she believes ruined her life back in college and sets out to make her finally pay for what she thinks she did all those years ago.
The problem is, Lorelei is an unreliable narrator so you have to question everything she says and does, especially since she was a psych student in college and was groomed by her psych professor which snowballed the whole situation that brought us to the night of the Woman on the Year dinner where Holly is named and Lorelei is ready is make her move.
This was a short but fast read and I felt myself sucked in and wanting to know where in the world this story was going to go.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Lorelei and Holly met in a college psych class and became friends, although their friendship became strained when Lorelei began a relationship with the professor after he pursued her. Later we find out that he also had a real with Holly when she becomes famous and publishes an article in the #metoo movement. Twenty years later and Lorelei is still seeking revenge against Holly, who she believes ruined her life back in college and sets out to make her finally pay for what she thinks she did all those years ago.
The problem is, Lorelei is an unreliable narrator so you have to question everything she says and does, especially since she was a psych student in college and was groomed by her psych professor which snowballed the whole situation that brought us to the night of the Woman on the Year dinner where Holly is named and Lorelei is ready is make her move.
This was a short but fast read and I felt myself sucked in and wanting to know where in the world this story was going to go.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
December 25, 2022
Woman of the Year by Darcey Bell. Thanks to @atriabooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lorelei does not like how ex-friend, Holly, is being honored as Woman of the Year. She’s determined to ruin it for her. She soon finds out she’s not the only one watching Holly, and she may be in danger too
I don’t know why this one is getting such low ratings. I thought it was entertaining and fun! If you’re a cat lover, you’ll enjoy the main character, although there are some hints of animal cruelty (nothing too graphic). I liked the psychological aspect. It got into behavioral psychology without getting too complicated or confusing.
“The big lie was pretending to like people as much as I liked my cat.”
Women of the Year comes out 3/21.
Lorelei does not like how ex-friend, Holly, is being honored as Woman of the Year. She’s determined to ruin it for her. She soon finds out she’s not the only one watching Holly, and she may be in danger too
I don’t know why this one is getting such low ratings. I thought it was entertaining and fun! If you’re a cat lover, you’ll enjoy the main character, although there are some hints of animal cruelty (nothing too graphic). I liked the psychological aspect. It got into behavioral psychology without getting too complicated or confusing.
“The big lie was pretending to like people as much as I liked my cat.”
Women of the Year comes out 3/21.
March 25, 2023
Thank you to Atria Books for my advanced copy I won here on goodreads.
This book was a quick, suspenseful read. Overall it was enjoyable. I did not like the main character (especially at the beginning) but she became more easy to empathize with as the story went on. She is super self centered but it makes sense in the trajectory of the story.
This felt like brain Candy (not a criticism). I liked the length because as soon as the backstory dropped I had SO many questions and really wanted to see how it would end up. My questions were answered and the story came to a satisfying end where things made sense and questions were answered.
I am a little (read: a lot) traumatized by Pyewacket. If you cannot handle ambiguous and likely BAD endings for animals, there is a main plot line that is likely going to be REALLY difficult for you.
This book was a quick, suspenseful read. Overall it was enjoyable. I did not like the main character (especially at the beginning) but she became more easy to empathize with as the story went on. She is super self centered but it makes sense in the trajectory of the story.
This felt like brain Candy (not a criticism). I liked the length because as soon as the backstory dropped I had SO many questions and really wanted to see how it would end up. My questions were answered and the story came to a satisfying end where things made sense and questions were answered.
I am a little (read: a lot) traumatized by Pyewacket. If you cannot handle ambiguous and likely BAD endings for animals, there is a main plot line that is likely going to be REALLY difficult for you.
December 27, 2023
Two women became friends in college, but had a major falling out. Twenty years later, one of them is ready to get her revenge.
Woman of the Year is a story with female friendship and psychological manipulation. This is one wild ride with some outrageous characters. A fun and twisted thriller.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Woman of the Year is a story with female friendship and psychological manipulation. This is one wild ride with some outrageous characters. A fun and twisted thriller.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2024
I liked the way the book and its unreliable narrator forces you to question your own adherence to the concept of believing women and victims in general. I liked how the book leads the reader to reconsider how we all might villianize the wrong people in an attempt to cope with trauma and make sense of mentally and emotionally abusive dynamics. But the beginning was slow and the end went too fast and yet there was no major plot twist at any point to delineate the two. It’s a quick read but you’ll likely predict what’s going to happen.
It felt like the storyline/mystery weren’t meant to be the part that resonated with a reader, but instead that we should focus on the characters and particularly how her struggles contributed to the state of her mental health. Encouraging us to disengage from the belief in a “perfect victim” as a nonexistent ideal, that shouldn’t detract from the importance of telling people’s stories for the sake of the larger community. Either way at the end of the day not one character was likable and there was no personal development or emotional growth from anyone at any point. If this is your first experience with psychological abuse maybe read it but if not the book may feel somehow both redundant and reductive.
It felt like the storyline/mystery weren’t meant to be the part that resonated with a reader, but instead that we should focus on the characters and particularly how her struggles contributed to the state of her mental health. Encouraging us to disengage from the belief in a “perfect victim” as a nonexistent ideal, that shouldn’t detract from the importance of telling people’s stories for the sake of the larger community. Either way at the end of the day not one character was likable and there was no personal development or emotional growth from anyone at any point. If this is your first experience with psychological abuse maybe read it but if not the book may feel somehow both redundant and reductive.
March 12, 2023
3.5 stars. I've read two of Darcey Bell's previous novels -- A Simple Favor and All I Want -- and I didn't particularly enjoy either of them very much. So imagine my surprise when I started reading Woman of the Year and was immediately captivated by it. And as I devoured it in just a couple of sittings, that feeling didn't go away -- I was utterly entranced by this book from the first page to the last.
Lorelei has shown up at a Woman of the Year benefit dinner, where her former friend Holly Serpenta is being honored. She's there to get revenge on Holly for something that happened way back in college, when they were classmates in a coveted psychology seminar -- but just a little bit of revenge. Nothing major or permanent. Over the course of the novel, Lorelei is going to tell us why she's out for revenge -- but she's going to tell the story in her own way. Go ahead and judge her when you know the whole truth.
Woman of the Year is a creative take on the revenge trope, with the success of the novel relying almost completely on its protagonist. We are in Lorelei's head for the entire book in a narrative that weaves between the past and the present, and the way the story was presented was so inventive, the tone so campy and conversational, that it kept me completely riveted. In Lorelei, Bell has given us a "crazy cat lady" protagonist who is quirky, slightly deluded, and maybe not all that reliable. But she's also funny and wry, and I found myself really enjoying the meandering way she told her story.
As for Lorelei's story itself -- well, there are lots of moving parts that are incredibly unique and fascinating. There's a Thanksgiving dinner that I'm pretty sure will go down as one of the most disturbing, uncomfortable scenes I've ever read. There's a #MeToo plot. There are lots of cats. There's discussion of mind control. There are also some parts of the book that focus on animal experimentation, so if animal harm is a trigger for you it might be a good idea to give this one a skip. I wish Lorelei's friendship with Holly would've been a bit more fleshed-out, but the whole idea is that we're supposed to trust Lorelei's version of events, so I can see why she may have felt the details of their friendship weren't necessary.
I have to say, Bell impressed me with Woman of the Year. The behavioral psychology element was so intriguing, and the entire book -- the plot, the characters -- just felt slightly off in a way that kept me wanting to know what strange turn we'd take next. This is a weird, wild book that stands out in the revenge thriller genre due to its unique plot elements and unforgettable narrator. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the advance reading opportunity.
Lorelei has shown up at a Woman of the Year benefit dinner, where her former friend Holly Serpenta is being honored. She's there to get revenge on Holly for something that happened way back in college, when they were classmates in a coveted psychology seminar -- but just a little bit of revenge. Nothing major or permanent. Over the course of the novel, Lorelei is going to tell us why she's out for revenge -- but she's going to tell the story in her own way. Go ahead and judge her when you know the whole truth.
Woman of the Year is a creative take on the revenge trope, with the success of the novel relying almost completely on its protagonist. We are in Lorelei's head for the entire book in a narrative that weaves between the past and the present, and the way the story was presented was so inventive, the tone so campy and conversational, that it kept me completely riveted. In Lorelei, Bell has given us a "crazy cat lady" protagonist who is quirky, slightly deluded, and maybe not all that reliable. But she's also funny and wry, and I found myself really enjoying the meandering way she told her story.
As for Lorelei's story itself -- well, there are lots of moving parts that are incredibly unique and fascinating. There's a Thanksgiving dinner that I'm pretty sure will go down as one of the most disturbing, uncomfortable scenes I've ever read. There's a #MeToo plot. There are lots of cats. There's discussion of mind control. There are also some parts of the book that focus on animal experimentation, so if animal harm is a trigger for you it might be a good idea to give this one a skip. I wish Lorelei's friendship with Holly would've been a bit more fleshed-out, but the whole idea is that we're supposed to trust Lorelei's version of events, so I can see why she may have felt the details of their friendship weren't necessary.
I have to say, Bell impressed me with Woman of the Year. The behavioral psychology element was so intriguing, and the entire book -- the plot, the characters -- just felt slightly off in a way that kept me wanting to know what strange turn we'd take next. This is a weird, wild book that stands out in the revenge thriller genre due to its unique plot elements and unforgettable narrator. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the advance reading opportunity.
December 29, 2022
Woman of the Year by Darcey Bell
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In true Darcey Bell fashion, Woman of the Year, is weird, dark, and pretty unbelievable. But so good in the strangest way possible. The novel starts out with Lorelei crashing the Woman of the Year awards, where her former college friend, Holly, is receiving the top honor. The story takes us down the bizarre path of Lorelei's college years in a behavioral psychology class with Holly and charismatic professor James "Dell" Randall. When Lorelei and Dell begin a somewhat forbidden romance, the rest of the story just goes batshit. Add in psychological human experiments, a dash of #MeToo and an unhealthy obsession with cats and you have Bell at her finest. This book is definitely not for those who like their plots to be logical, traditional or wholly make much sense. But if you can suspend your believe and accept the weirdness for what it's meant to be, Woman of the Year is a super fun ride.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest feedback.
#bookstagram #booktok #bookreview #NetGalley #DarceyBell #WomanoftheYear #ASimpleFavor #bookworm #read #readwithme #readwithsee #AtriaBooks #fiction #thriller #bookshelf #library
.
In true Darcey Bell fashion, Woman of the Year, is weird, dark, and pretty unbelievable. But so good in the strangest way possible. The novel starts out with Lorelei crashing the Woman of the Year awards, where her former college friend, Holly, is receiving the top honor. The story takes us down the bizarre path of Lorelei's college years in a behavioral psychology class with Holly and charismatic professor James "Dell" Randall. When Lorelei and Dell begin a somewhat forbidden romance, the rest of the story just goes batshit. Add in psychological human experiments, a dash of #MeToo and an unhealthy obsession with cats and you have Bell at her finest. This book is definitely not for those who like their plots to be logical, traditional or wholly make much sense. But if you can suspend your believe and accept the weirdness for what it's meant to be, Woman of the Year is a super fun ride.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest feedback.
#bookstagram #booktok #bookreview #NetGalley #DarceyBell #WomanoftheYear #ASimpleFavor #bookworm #read #readwithme #readwithsee #AtriaBooks #fiction #thriller #bookshelf #library
March 16, 2023
3.75/5 (4 for Goodreads)
Darcey Bell wrote one of my favorite thriller novels, 'A Simple Favor'. Loved that book. I wanted to read her new book. I did not like it as much as I did 'A Simple Favor', but it was enjoyable. I will admit there were some moments where I thought the plot was moving slowly. I will say that the psychological twist did get me and I enjoyed it. And the big reveal, I did not see coming. The reveal left me like "WTF!!". This was a quick read. Took me around 7 hours to read. It's not It is not a big book and the topics are not super heavy where you need to take breaks, which is good for someone in a reading slump.
Darcey Bell wrote one of my favorite thriller novels, 'A Simple Favor'. Loved that book. I wanted to read her new book. I did not like it as much as I did 'A Simple Favor', but it was enjoyable. I will admit there were some moments where I thought the plot was moving slowly. I will say that the psychological twist did get me and I enjoyed it. And the big reveal, I did not see coming. The reveal left me like "WTF!!". This was a quick read. Took me around 7 hours to read. It's not It is not a big book and the topics are not super heavy where you need to take breaks, which is good for someone in a reading slump.
May 17, 2023
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
The story had potential but I really disliked the authors writing style. It seemed all over the place.. main character was rambling a lot. Some parts felt unnecessary to bring up and had no real connection to the plot. The ending was honestly so dumb and extremely unrealistic. Not a story I’d recommend.
The story had potential but I really disliked the authors writing style. It seemed all over the place.. main character was rambling a lot. Some parts felt unnecessary to bring up and had no real connection to the plot. The ending was honestly so dumb and extremely unrealistic. Not a story I’d recommend.
May 15, 2023
2.5, I binged this in a day but it was also a very short book I wanted to know what happened, just wish there’s was more to it as I felt let down that the build up was intense but ending fell flat.
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