This was a very twisted read told in three parts, the second of which really explains past events in great depth and adds some great additional personal viewpoints. Mackenzie was a great character and she had a great sidekick in EJ who totally understood just how messed up her family is although neither of them actually truly realised how messed up they actually were. There’s some good twists in this however I did kind of see the direction this was heading in so I guess that took some of the shock factor out of it but it’s still a chilling read with fascinating characters. 7/10

What an amazing book!

I loved every page.

It is so well told and brilliantly laid out.

The twists, turns, and drip, drip of new information is masterful.

I was totally drawn into the story and found all the characters fascinating.

Lots of emotion, but never too much. I loved the ending. Just perfect.

Highly recommended and would love to read more by this author.

Once I reached half way this book had my jaw hit the floor on a fair few occasions the twists and turns on this book were soooo good, Mackenzie the main character was really likeable and there were other characters I would love to punch in the throat but we won't go there 😂 Worth the read for sure though! Only thing that let it down a little for me was the pacing in the first half, sometimes it was good others not so much.

The plot of this was really interesting, I just wish this had been written better. I could've rated it higher but because the writing style felt very basic (for me) I didn't feel as invested, or as interested in the plot twists. Though saying that, the twists were great but I feel they would've landed better had they been executed better.

The beginning is extremely slow and repetitive, then so is the next part until we finally reach the answers we've been waiting for and then it all became rushed and messy. There were parts of this that I enjoyed, such as the characters and the potential of the story but I needed more.

This is my personal taste and opinion though, so take with a pinch of salt. I think other people could absolutely love this book.

It must be me because I just don't Love Mom!

Mackenzie's famous mother, author Elizabeth Casper, dies in a freak accident. I haven't read far enough to know the manner of her death just that it was unexpected and “tragic”. Mackenzie and her mother weren't close in any sense of the word, in fact they both seemed to resent each other. Her father seems be hiding something, but as yet there are only hints, and not very clear ones. So far there isn't one likeable character, in fact they're all caricatures. Written from Mackenzie's point of view, this is so “spoiled teenage brat”, sulking her way through a privileged life.

I like a really good psychological thriller. I've read so many good ones over the years, and maybe this has made me a little more picky than some, but this reads as though it's aimed at the YA market. The writing isn't awful, but the style is just so juvenile; it comes across as a teenager entering a writing competition. I admit I haven't finished this, and I'm unlikely to. No scratch that – I won't finish it, it's just not for me.

Wow this book blew me away, gripped from start to finish and loving the rollercoaster of turns this book put me through. Excellent book for all readers of the thriller genre. This definitely does not disappoint if you like to be kept guessing until the end.

A thrilling read that leaves you guessing until the very end. Highly recommend for all thriller lovers who like a guessing game!

Wow this is some book! It had so many twists I needed a road map! Skilfully written and full of twists, it’s a real rollercoaster of a read. I loved it!

Iliana Xander’s debut novel, Love, Mom, is a psychological thriller that captivated me from start to finish. The narrative unfolds with Mackenzie Casper, a brilliant student and the daughter of a world-renowned thriller author. Upon her mother's sudden death, Mackenzie begins receiving mysterious letters signed "Love, Mom," each revealing unsettling secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about her family.

What struck me most was the author's ability to weave multiple twists into the storyline, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Each revelation felt both unexpected and inevitable, a testament to Xander's skillful plotting. The pacing was relentless, with short chapters that ended on cliffhangers, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

The writing style was engaging and immersive, drawing me into Mackenzie's emotional journey. Her character was well-developed, and I appreciated the depth of her relationships, particularly with her best friend, which added layers to the narrative.

Given that this is Xander's first novel, I was impressed by the maturity and complexity of the storytelling. It's rare to encounter such a polished debut, and I eagerly anticipate her future works. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that delve into family secrets and unexpected twists, Love, Mom is a must-read.

I was very interested by the synopsis of this book. I had a feeling this would be right up my street, full of twists and turns what's not to love. I was not disappointed!
I really enjoyed that the author has given the characters depth and personality as this is what really makes or breaks a novel for me. This book is unique in the thriller genre, it pulls you in right from the get go. What I will say is it starts off as a slow build up but that's all part of building the story/characters, stick with it because that twist in the middle....had me jaw dropped! If you are a thriller lover definitely add this to your TBR!
5⭐️ One of my favourite 2025 reads so far....

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Iliana Xander and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

4.5! Loved this book but I found it slow to get going, which is the reason it isn't a 5 star for me. I was hoping for a twisting, suspenseful thriller and this really delivered.

The characters and plot are both detailed really well, and I enjoyed getting the story from multiple point of views. TFC is relatable, and I really felt for her, I don't find it easy to get emotional about characters but this one I really did. It was nice to see her develop a relationship as well.

The first half of the book really sets the scene, and the second half gets you gripped and keeps you turning the pages with all those fantastic twists. There were lot's of surprises and it kept me invested. I read it in 24 hours as I just needed to know what happened.

The ending wrapped the story up well so you aren't left guessing like you can be with a lot of thriller. If you like a thriller with a bit of family drama and emotions then this one is for you.

Thank you NetGalley, Iliana Xander and the publisher for access to the ARC.

Thank you to the author and publishers for the ARC via NetGalley!

This book was fantastic. There were plot twists that you would have never guessed, and reading this was a rollercoaster. It’s written in a great modern way that doesn’t come across as ‘cringy’, I love the characters, and this book was so incredibly easy to read! The plot was continuously great, the flow of the book was steady and consistent, and I finished this in 24 hours. If you’re looking for a book to blow your mind, this is it!

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Mackenzie has always lived in the shadow of her mother—a legendary author known for her hauntingly dark stories. But after her mother’s death, Mackenzie’s world is turned upside down when she begins receiving mysterious letters… from beyond the grave. The suspense builds beautifully through these letters, which cleverly unravel the past while adding layers of intrigue to the present. With its unique premise and relentless twists, Love, Mom is a gripping and emotional read that absolutely lives up to the buzz it’s been getting on social media.

I had seen this book all over TikTok and one of my book groups and it had been on my TBR list for a few months.
I thought it started off a bit slow then it was bam the twist and turns just kept coming.
Loved the short chapters and it was easy to read ( read the whole thing in a few hours).
Absolutely would pick up another book by the author again for sure.

Family secrets abound in this thriller, as her mother's death opens up a whole new world to Mackenzie.

Her mother may have been a famous author well known for her dark story telling skills, but the last thing
that Mackenzie expects is to start receiving mysterious letters that reveal stories about her mother - through pages torn from her diaries!

And although her mother's death was ruled a tragic accident, Mackenzie finds herself increasingly beginning to wonder if she might in fact have been murdered...

Very entertaining and a gripping tale throughout, this gets 3.5 stars.

I have not read anything by this author but will certainly be looking out for her/him in future. Full of suspense and twists and turns. I would recommend this book.

I really liked it, I was not expecting that twist (one of them, I saw it coming, but the other one left me awed). I'm gloing to read more books by Ilian Xander in the future for sure.

OMG! What an amazing and brilliant book. From page one, right to the end it was a rollercoaster of thrilling surprises! And that mind-blowing twist at the end! If I could give more than five stars, l would!

This was a twisty and jet-fuelled thriller that exploded from page one and had me abandoning work, sleep and life as I raced to get to the stunning end!

I was immediately hooked! It was a whirlwind of a thriller! I loved it!

A massive ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!