She’s Too Pretty to Burn immediately caught my eye with the premise of a sapphic thriller, inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray. When Mick and Veronica meet for the first time, Veronica is fascinated by how Mick hates being photographed. Mick is focused on the swim team and helping her mom pay the rent, while Veronica is focused on her photography and art. A photo that was never supposed to be taken goes viral, creating very different consequences for Veronica and Mick. The photo sends both girls down dangerous paths and they’ll need to fight for their lives before the last page...

Wendy Heard does a fantastic job with incorporating elements from Dorian Gray, along with a murderous stalker and twisty social media exploits. The plot builds until you feel that you can’t possibly look away. She’s Too Pretty to Burn addresses what it means to be a muse, image ownership in a digital age, jealousy, and falling in love! This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved the LGBTQ rep, clever side characters, and masterful unraveling of the menacing climax. Both Veronica and Mick were compelling characters, together and apart, so to see their love story unfold was beautiful.

She’s Too Pretty to Burn is the perfect book for those looking for a thriller and intense romance in one story. A glorious and fast-paced adventure, this is not one to miss. This is my first book by Wendy Heard, but it won’t be my last! You do not need to have read The Picture of Dorian Gray to enjoy this book. Thank you to Wendy Heard, Henry Holt and Co., and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.