We are delighted to share that Stephanie Wrobel‘s hugely anticipated, unputdownable second novel This Might Hurt is published in the UK today (Penguin Michael Joseph).

We cannot wait for readers in the UK to get their hands on this latest offering from the Sunday Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author of The Recovery of Rose Gold (UK) / Darling Rose Gold (US), which saw instant success when it published in 2020 and was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick (February 2021).

Described as ‘jaw-dropping’ and ‘twisted in all the right places’, This Might Hurt is a thrilling novel about power, secrecy, and guilt, set against the backdrop of a menacing cult and exploring the complex relationship between two sisters. It was Amazon’s ‘Best of the Month’ in Thriller and Mystery (March 2022), and has been featured in an impressive number of roundups, including Refinery29, Shondaland, Bustle, Buzzfeed, Newsweek, Parade, PopSugar, Bookbub, Crime Reads, Betches, and Criminal Element, to name just a few.

In the countdown to publication, Stephanie has written a guest blog post on CrimeReads on books about cults, and did a fantastic interview with The Big Thrill where she talks about her writing process, cults, and how to create a good villain. The early reviews of This Might Hurt have been nothing short of incredible, and you can read a selection of them below:

‘Outstanding…the action builds to final bombshell revelations. Fans of Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers will want to check this out.’ Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

‘This Might Hurt is a mesmerizing and original ride…Expertly paced, hugely unsettling, and perfectly dark, you’ll be gripped in this clever exploration of fear and vulnerability right until the flawless ending’ Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push

‘A genius, ripped-from-the-headlines masterpiece with a cult at its center. Inventive, disturbing, and tense, This Might Hurt hypnotizes the reader, until we realize, too late, what is truly happening. The very definition of suspense, this extraordinary novel will steal your breath away.’ Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 national bestselling author of Woman on the Edge

‘Wrobel once again proves to be a master at crafting thrillers.’ Shondaland

‘Dark, hypnotic, and mesmerizing, This Might Hurt is a masterwork in family dynamics and the ties that bind–along with the ones that tear us apart. Prepare to be unsettled in the best possible way.’ Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, bestselling author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here

‘I don’t know if blood is thicker than water, but I know that my blood ran cold at several points reading this book. Filled with menace, this was a gripping and compulsive read from first page to last.’ Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Little Cruelties

‘A gut wrenching, propulsive story about vulnerability and power. It was impossible to put down.’ Tarryn Fisher

‘Wrobel has honed her writing style even more sharply since her strong debut novel Darling Rose Gold (2020), and is again delivering her readers a “ripped from the headlines” story. This Might Hurt contains moments and characters recognizable to those familiar with the NXVIM cult and its downfall, although the twists and turns are all Wrobel’s own, and will leave readers guessing until the very end.’ Booklist

‘Stephanie Wrobel’s latest thriller is a riveting exploration of sisterhood, suffering, and secrecy. With its unforgettable characters, spectacular setting, and intricate plot, This Might Hurt will take you on a journey to the heart of fear.’ Rose Carlyle, author of The Girl in the Mirror

‘Original, sinister and compelling, this was a great read.’  Prima Magazine

‘It’s hard not to fall under the spell of Wisewood, or Wrobel’s mesmerizing, edge-of-your-seat storytelling. A deep dive into psychological abuse and manipulation and their long-lasting emotional and mental tolls; will certainly leave a mark.’ Library Journal, starred review

Meet the Collins sisters…

Natalie Collins always has a plan. Her troubled younger sister Kit rarely does.

Until Kit finds Wisewood, a secretive self-help retreat on a secluded island. It promises you’ll leave a better, braver version of yourself.

But why does it forbid contact with the outside world? Why are there no testimonies from previous guests? Natalie fears it is some kind of cult.

Then, after six months of silence, she receives an email from Wisewood:

Would you like to come tell your sister what you did – or should we?

Who is digging into the sisters’ past? How did they discover Natalie’s secret? A secret that will destroy Kit.

She has no choice but to go to Wisewood, to find out if this place of healing has more sinister motives.

But as she’s about to discover, Wisewood is far easier to enter than to leave…

Many congratulations, Stephanie, on your UK publication! UK readers can buy their copies here.