What’s the Hype Wednesday: Secrets Behind the Door

💬 Let’s do something a little different today. Normally I spotlight swoony romances and cozy love stories, but hype comes in all forms—and lately, I’ve been seeing Freida McFadden’s thrillers everywhere. So instead of hearts and happily-ever-afters, we’re stepping into shadows, secrets, and spine-tingles with The Tenant.

✨ The Hype:

Freida McFadden has built a reputation as the go-to author for fast-paced, twisty psychological thrillers. While I usually spotlight swoony romances here, The Tenant caught my attention because sometimes hype isn’t about kisses and HEAs—it’s about goosebumps and late-night page-turning.

🏡 The Story:

Blake Porter thought he had life figured out. A cushy job, a brownstone, and a future with his fiancée. But when he loses his career and the bills pile up, renting out a room seems like the perfect solution. Enter Whitney—smart, charming, too good to be true. Soon, unsettling things start happening: neighbors act strange, decay seems to cling to the house, and eerie noises keep him up at night. Secrets bubble to the surface, and Blake realizes that inviting Whitney in may have been the most dangerous mistake of his life.

☕ Coffee Pairing:

Cinnamon Cold Brew – smooth and refreshing, with that spicy bite that sneaks up on you. Much like this thriller, it seems harmless at first sip, but leaves you buzzing with unease.

💖 What I Loved:

• The domestic, “danger at home” atmosphere—it felt claustrophobic in the best way.

• Short, bingeable chapters that kept me saying “just one more.”

• The shocking reveals (classic McFadden style).

💔 What I Didn’t Love As Much:

• Some character choices felt a little predictable.

• I wanted a bit more depth to Blake’s backstory before things went wild.

💭 Why It’s Everywhere:

Freida McFadden thrives on viral hype—her books are made for BookTok. Quick, twist-filled, and perfect for pulling readers out of a slump. Even if thrillers aren’t your usual genre (they aren’t mine!), The Tenant shows why so many can’t stop binging her backlist.