REVIEWS
Kathleen Fine ★★★★★ (5 stars) | May 9, 2026 | NetGalley — Audiobook
The HOA by Tanya Smith was a fun and suspenseful domestic thriller with plenty of drama, secrets, and tension. The neighborhood setting made the story feel especially relatable, and the idea of an HOA hiding so many layers of conflict and mystery kept me completely entertained.
I enjoyed how the suspense unfolded alongside the complicated relationships between neighbors, and there was always a feeling that something bigger was happening beneath the surface. The pacing kept the story moving, and the twists made it hard to stop reading. If you enjoy neighborhood thrillers filled with gossip, secrets, and psychological tension, this is definitely a good one to pick up.
Interested in connecting with author: No
Likes the narrator: Yes
Would purchase audiobook: Yes
Would recommend: Yes
Moods: Suspenseful
Jessica Cantrell (Librarian) ★★★★★ (5 stars) | May 7, 2026 | NetGalley
I don’t think I’ll be looking to move to Vellamar Estates anytime soon after reading the HOA. Having family thag works heavily in HOA communities, I really enjoyed this dark twist on it!
Library likely to purchase: Yes
Will recommend through Readers’ Advisory, book clubs and events: Yes
Nominated for the LibraryReads List: No
autyde ★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 20, 2026 | Amazon — Kindle
Title: "psychological thriller"
I love a psychological thriller. I want to be strapped into my chair in the first chapter, ready for the twists and turns. I like when the author pulls me into the story as if I was one of her characters. This story did not disappoint me. Loved it!
Kelsey Vogeney
★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 15, 2026
I went back and forth between this and the audio, and I was completely taken away by how good it was! I loved the characters, the intensity, and the ending. Wonderfully done!
Denise Little
★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 15, 2026
Wow!! Talk about neighborhood drama!! I loved it! Nice twist and plot. I had no clue who to trust or who to be suspicious of!
Mackenzie Maczko
★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 11, 2026
Tanya Smith is a new author for me and now I have to go read her memoir because the way this book was written and executed and described was flawless. I was on the edge of my seat at every step of the way, even though we knew what was going on as the reader the suspense of the characters made me feel like I was in the depths of suspense with them. The HOA gave me everything that I look for in this type of a book. It had mystery. It had thriller. It had suspense. The only thing that I can critique on is the fact that I now have to wait for her to release the release date of the sequel. And just like her book, I am at the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next and I can genuinely say that I full heartedly believe book 2 is gonna be even more mind blowing and incredible than book one is!
This was such a quick read because of how fast paced it was and the fact that I couldn't put it down without continuously thinking about it, speaks volumes for itself let alone how intricate the plot was, and the characters themselves. The fact that I live in an HOA and I could completely see the potential for the elements in this book to be completely brought to life and potentially real life issues made it even harder to put the book down! 10 out of 10 would highly recommend!
Shardae ★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 2026
Brilliant!!! Very well written. A thriller that will stay with you forever. I will never look at a smoke detector the same way again. Tanya is such a gifted writer. I hope to read more of her work in the future.
L. Larry
★★★★★ (5 stars) | March 25, 2026
This is the most unsettling thriller I've read in years — and I don't say that lightly. From the very first page, you feel like you're watching. Not reading. Watching. The surveillance is suffocating, the kind that sits on your chest and doesn't let up. Every character is fully realized — no cardboard cutouts here — and the villain? One of the most chilling I've encountered in fiction. Cold, calculated, and disturbingly plausible.
Tanya Smith writes with the authority of someone who understands exactly how systems of power are weaponized against people — how rules become weapons, how community becomes control, how silence becomes complicity. This isn't just a thriller. It's a mirror.
The ending didn't close the book for me. It kicked the door wide open. I'm not requesting Book 2 — I'm demanding it. If you pick this up, clear your evening. You won't put it down.
jj Wiley
★★★★★ (5 stars) | March 25, 2026
The HOA absolutely wrecked me in the best way. From page one there's this creeping feeling that someone is watching you, and it never goes away. The dread is relentless from start to finish, building so slowly you almost don't notice until you're completely consumed by it. Every single character feels like a real person. And the villain? Genuinely one of the most unsettling I've read. Like I'm still thinking of these characters.
What really got me is how the author shows the way everyday systems, the kind designed to keep people safe, can be twisted into something truly sinister. It feels so plausible it's almost uncomfortable. Honestly, I thought I was watching a movie in my head. Tommy was everything. Absolutely my favorite. And that ending, I literally put the book down and just stared at the wall. Can't wait for book 2 of this series.
Rane Sterling
★★★★★ (5 stars) | March 13, 2026
Most of us fear a fine for long grass, but The HOA takes suburban dread to a whole new level. This book is a masterclass in building tension; what starts as a series of bureaucratic annoyances quickly spirals into a suffocating, psychological nightmare. The writing is sharp, making the 'perfect' neighborhood feel increasingly claustrophobic. If you've ever felt like your neighbors were watching you, this book will confirm your darkest suspicions. A chilling, addictive read that I couldn't put down until the final page.
Terri Beachum
★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 10, 2026
This was such an addictive read! The HOA delivered a gripping plot with perfectly timed twists that kept me on edge the entire time. The tension built steadily, and every reveal made me question what I thought I knew. I'm already impatiently waiting for the next installment!
Kacidreads
★★★★★ (5 stars) | March 31, 2026
One of the best audio books I have listened to so far, and I am an avid audio listener. I loved the change in characters and voices, I thought this book was perfect and the narrator did a great job. I love this book in print and the audio was a perfect cherry on top.
Dani
★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 7, 2026
I'd have happily listened to this in one sitting if I could, it's a long audiobook, but it really pulls you in over time.
Set in a gated community run by a very controlling HOA, it starts off feeling quite familiar with the rules, routines, keeping everything looking perfect, but there's an underlying sense of something not quite right. The longer it goes on, the more that feeling builds. There's a real theme of being watched, of neighbours keeping tabs on each other, and it becomes properly unsettling.
The characters are what make it. There are some you root for, but also plenty you don't. Patricia in particular starts as being annoying and becomes sinister in that very believable way. She's so sure she's justified, which somehow makes her worse. The tension between residents, especially as some start to push back against the rules, is done really well.
It's not fast-paced, but that didn't matter to me. The suspense creeps up on you, and there were points where I wanted answers because it all felt so tightly wound. It's more about that slow build and the atmosphere than big shocks.
The narration works really well too. It suits the tone of the story and adds to that sense of unease without overdoing it, which made it easy to stay completely absorbed.
Overall, this is one that really stays with you. Slightly uncomfortable in places, but in a good way, clever, tense, and very easy to get drawn into.
Mo
★★★★★ (5 stars) | April 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book — where do I even begin? At first, it seemed like it would be a more surface-level psychological thriller, but it quickly became clear that it was tackling much deeper themes of systemic discrimination.
One of the reasons I love psychological thrillers is that the scariest thing is often other people — not just in the sense of serial killers, but in the more unsettling, everyday ways people can harm one another. This book explores that idea powerfully, especially in how systems can marginalize, wear down, and silence minority groups.
I loved how the story unfolded through multiple perspectives, allowing me to really get to know each character and understand their experiences. Watching these perspectives come together — and seeing a group of people ultimately band together — was incredibly compelling.
By the end, I was completely on the edge of my seat, anxiously waiting to see how everything would turn out.
Amy B ★★★★★ (5 stars) | NetGalley — Audiobook
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
HOA by Tanya Smith was a twisty, character-driven read that kept me engaged the whole way through. I really enjoyed the variety of perspectives — getting inside different characters' heads added layers to the story and made the shifting dynamics within the neighborhood feel especially compelling. The twists were well-timed and kept me guessing, which is exactly what I look for in this kind of book.
That said, it did feel a bit longer than necessary at times, with some sections that could have been tightened to keep the pacing sharper. Even so, the strong character work and steady stream of surprises made it an enjoyable read overall.
If you like neighborhood drama with multiple POVs and plenty of secrets, this one is worth picking up.
Interested in connecting with author: No
Likes the narrator: Yes
Would purchase audiobook: Yes
Would recommend: Yes
Moods: Suspenseful, Mysterious, Dark
★★★★★ Lori Peterson — Goodreads Review (1,256 reviews)
You’ll NEVER look at your home the same way again… after reading this extraordinary, twisted psychological thriller. The HOA by Tanya Smith presents the elite gated community of Vellamar Estates where residents pay enough you’ll earn not only a luxurious home but privacy for your deepest, darkest secrets that the outside world won’t know about. And despite the world around them feels something taken from The Stepford Wives; it was home and all of them fought to be their- and are desperate to hold onto their protected lives. For those that run and rule this Utopian kingdom, these people don’t fit the world they want- and the dark, secret war begins to weed “the undesirables” out no matter the cost or consequences the achieve their goal. As the game of survival unfolds behind protected walls, the secrets become currency, leverage and determination to the people whose they belong to, know them and the shadows willing to abuse them. The HOA is a nightmare war for personal privacy and accepting the terrible scars that come with its. Highly recommended.
★★★★★ Leanne — Goodreads Review (1,038 reviews)
The HOA is a deliciously unsettling dive into the dark underbelly of suburban perfection—the kind of thriller that makes you look twice at every neatly trimmed hedge and overly friendly neighbour. Vellamar Estates promises safety, order, and peace of mind, but from the very first chapter it’s clear that what residents are really buying is surveillance wrapped in a smile. The story follows four families, each carrying secrets heavy enough to crack the glossy veneer of their gated haven. A mother living two lives to keep her daughter safe, a former athlete slipping deeper into dangerous debt, a landscaper laundering money out of desperate loyalty, and a couple simply trying to exist without apology. Their struggles feel raw and human, and that emotional grounding makes the tension hit even harder. What really elevates The HOA is the way Vellamar itself becomes a character—quiet, watchful, and far too informed. Hidden cameras, secret files, and an unspoken understanding that shame is the sharpest tool in the box. The atmosphere tightens page by page, until the neighbourhood feels less like a refuge and more like a beautifully maintained trap. This is a story about the cost of belonging, the weight of secrets, and the terrifying ease with which safety can become control. It’s gripping, atmospheric, and surprisingly tender in its portrayal of flawed people trying to protect what matters most. A smart, unsettling suburban thriller that lingers long after you close the book. For the paranoid, you were right.
Valery Elias ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | May 11, 2026 | NetGalley
The HOA by Tanya Smith is a fun read and a fast one, too. If you've ever dealt with an HOA, it's not a fun experience. I thought this book was a good one, kind of an escape read with a fast pace and solid tone. Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Interested in connecting with author: No
Would purchase book: Yes
Would recommend: Yes
Moods: Suspenseful
Leslie Chatman ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | May 10, 2026 | NetGalley
This slow-burn mystery is rather suspenseful, but I do caution readers that there are a lot of characters. That said, I highly recommend.
Interested in connecting with author: No
Would purchase book: Yes
Would recommend: Yes
Katherine Eileen ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | May 7, 2026 | Goodreads + NetGalley
Title: “Safeguarding you... or watching you?”
The HOA really makes you stop and look at those cameras hanging off the cloud around your own home. We tell ourselves they are there to keep an eye on things — they were cheap, they were easy to install, and they’re “hidden in plain sight.” But this book begs the question: are we just kidding ourselves?
Tanya Smith crafts a tense narrative that pulls you into the different worlds and lives of neighbors, all while making you wonder if your own cameras are ever truly safe. It’s a gripping look at modern security and the thin line between protection and surveillance.
A chilling, thought-provoking read that will have you glancing twice at your doorbell cam!
Interested in connecting with author: Yes
Would purchase book: Yes
Would recommend: Yes
Moods: Reflective, Informative, Mysterious, Suspenseful
Shelton Kiana ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | April 30, 2026
The HOA by Tanya Smith is a sharp, unsettling thriller that turns suburban life into something quietly terrifying. What starts as a familiar setting — rules, neighbors, and community expectations — quickly becomes a tense exploration of control, secrecy, and how far people will go to protect appearances. Smith does an excellent job building atmosphere. One of the strongest aspects of the novel is how it taps into very real fears: loss of privacy, abuse of power, and the pressure to conform. The HOA itself becomes more than an organization — it’s a symbol of how authority can be weaponized when rules matter more than people. The suspense builds effectively, with moments that are genuinely chilling because they feel plausible.
One element that makes The HOA especially unsettling is how believable it feels. The story isn’t far-fetched at all, particularly for people from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds who have experienced increased scrutiny, coded hostility, or unequal enforcement of “community standards” in affluent neighborhoods no matter their income, education, or social status. The novel reflects how respectability and financial success don’t always protect someone from bias or from systems designed to exclude rather than support. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Vanessa ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | April 30, 2026
THE HOA by Tanya Smith and narrated by Robin Miles is the first book in the new The HOA Series. This book got my attention from the very beginning and I loved it. . . . especially as it was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout and scary in places.
Welcome to Vellamar Estates, this is a wonderful place to live and it is the kind of neighbourhood where the lawns are perfectly mowed, the neighbours always wave to say Hello. This is a kind of place where you pay a little extra for peace of mind, for your safety, for the comfort of knowing that someone is looking out for you. A Perfect place to bring your family up and feel 100% safe all the time!
But someone is also looking in.
Behind the big gates, there are four families that are keeping secrets, these are the kind of secrets that could destroy careers, marriages, and even lives.
💙 A woman living a double life to keep her daughter fed.
💙 A former athlete bleeding money to the wrong people.
💙 A landscaper laundering cash to save the grandmother who raised him.
💙 A couple who just want to exist without apology.
They have all came to Vellamar to build something. Plus, to protect what matters to them and most of all to finally breathe and feel Safe!
SSHHHHH . . . . . . there are cameras everywhere and where no one thinks to look. Plus, there are files on every resident since the day they moved in, with an understanding that the best leverage isn’t money. . . . . . . . it’s Shame!!
Now, the families of Vellamar must decide what they’re willing to lose everything to protect what they’ve hidden, bit they do not know who’s watching, who’s listening, and who they can trust among them all
Now, some neighbourhoods have rules. But, Vellamar has leverage and lots of it!.
Now, . . . . . once you’re inside, getting out will costs more than getting in.
WoW. . . .Give me Book 2 now!!!!!! This audiobook was so good I was hooked and did not want to turn it off!
Big Thank you NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Audacious Press for my ARC and audiobook.
Rebecca O’Sullivan ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | April 30, 2026 | NetGalley — Audiobook
I have never in my life hated a character like i hate John literally never, he was the creepiest mfkr ever, Anyway I thought it was a good book, it went on a bit longer than needed and a lot of repetition which was unnecessary but overall i thought it was good, i listened on audiobook which might have helped, i think if i was reading the words i wouldnt have stuck it out. Also no closure at the end i wanted John dead that was the only way I was going to be happy
Received early from netgalley etc etc actual rating 3 1/2 stars
Interested in connecting with author: Yes
Likes the narrator: Yes
Would purchase audiobook: Yes
Would recommend: Yes
Moods: Suspenseful, Dark
Shellie Zeigler (Librarian) ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | April 24, 2026 | NetGalley — Audiobook
I went into The HOA expecting a light, slightly dramatic neighborhood story… and instead got something way more unsettling in the best way. At the center of the story is Vellamar Estates, a gated community that looks perfect on the surface — immaculate lawns, friendly neighbors, and rules that are supposed to keep everything running smoothly. But it doesn’t take long before that polished, picture-perfect vibe starts to feel a little off. Like, everything is just a bit too controlled, a bit too watched — and suddenly that “safe neighborhood” energy doesn’t feel so safe anymore.
This audiobook really works. The narrator nails that overly polite, slightly fake tone that makes everything feel just a little “off.” You know that feeling when people are being nice but you don’t quite trust it? That’s the whole vibe here, and it builds so well over time.
What I liked most is how realistic it feels. The rules start out annoying but believable, and then they slowly cross a line. Before you know it, you’re fully invested and a little uncomfortable — and honestly, that’s what made it hard to stop listening.
The pacing is steady, not rushed, which works for the format. It lets the tension simmer instead of throwing everything at you at once. There were a few moments where I wanted to shake the characters and tell them to make better choices, but at the same time… it felt true to how people act when they’re trying to fit in.
Will recommend through Readers’ Advisory, book clubs and events: Yes
Library likely to purchase: No
Likes the narrator: Yes
Nominated for the Library Reads List: No
Jennifer TW ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | April 23, 2026 | Goodreads
I really enjoyed this book. A great premise: An HOA that takes 'management' to a new extreme. They make your life hell until you give up and leave. Extortion, murder, it's all there. A great plot and brilliant characters. But the book was very long and son's detail was probably unnecessary — filler that wasn't needed. And the ending was a little unresolved but then this is the start of a series so I understand the need to hook the reader. Overall a promising series. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mallory Ducatte ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | April 22, 2026
Wow. I did not expect to like this as much as I did. Super twisted and terrifying and not at all out of the realm of possibility to be more than fiction. I really enjoyed this and am excited to follow this story.
LaSha Bennington ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | April 21, 2026
The HOA by Tanya Smith is a tense, addictive thriller that proves 'perfect neighborhoods' are anything but. Set in the eerie, polished world of Vellamar Estates, the story pulls you in with multiple perspectives and keeps the pressure high as secrets begin to collide.
Each character feels layered and real, with motivations that blur the line between right and wrong. The atmosphere is where this book really shines — there's a constant sense of being watched that lingers on every page.
Gripping, dramatic, and full of tension.
Chantal Segreto
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 16, 2026
I was SO excited to pick this one up after reading the blurb and honestly, it delivered.
Welcome to Vellamar Estate — everything looks perfect on the outside, top tier security, pristine homes, the kind of place you'd feel 'safe' in. But the security system comes with extras — think tracking, monitoring, and basically having your life watched a little too closely. Nothing is really private here and everything is used as leverage.
The neighbours are full of secrets and they're not the harmless kind! The HOA itself is just straight up awful. The story dives into some pretty heavy themes too, which definitely had me reacting while reading.
It really plays on that 'big brother is watching' paranoia and left me thinking how far would you go to protect your own secrets?
I loved the multiple POVs and I especially enjoyed the epilogue. Knowing this is only book one, it makes sense. I'm definitely keen to see where it goes next.
Tiana Bouchard
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 15, 2026
This one was such a fun, addictive read for me. The HOA taps into that very real, slightly unhinged fear of neighborhood dynamics and turns it into something tense, dramatic, and honestly a little too believable at times. As someone who loves thrillers that revolve around everyday settings, I really appreciated how this took something as normal as an HOA and made it feel claustrophobic and intense.
The pacing kept me hooked — I flew through this way faster than I expected. The chapters were quick, the drama kept building, and there was always just enough going on to make me want to keep reading 'one more.' It had that bingeable quality that I look for in a good thriller.
I also liked how messy and layered the characters were. Nobody felt completely innocent, and I found myself constantly questioning motives and trying to figure out who I could actually trust. That kind of uncertainty always works for me in this genre.
Overall, this was a super entertaining, drama-filled thriller that I could easily see a lot of readers flying through in a day or two
Caitlin Van Dette
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 13, 2026
This concept was wild. Honestly, loved it so much. HOAs are such a nightmare to begin with so it being a thriller was fun. I enjoyed the twists and turns and did not see the ending coming!.
Samantha Kirkwood (Educator)
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 12, 2026
Oooh...this one was the perfect mix of creepy, suspenseful, and fun! If you're someone like me who tries to stay as far away from any HOA as possible, you're going to love it. Smith did an excellent job creating a creepy, dangerous atmosphere that makes your average life in the suburbs feel totally claustrophobic.
I'm also a sucker for any kind of rich/entitled housewives type tropes — the neighborhood drama is impossible to put down every time. That combined with the alternating POVs and well-developed characters, the pacing was solid and made this easy to finish in only a few sittings.
Without giving too much away, Smith sure knows how to write a villain — think Joe from "You" in cahoots with Professor Umbridge...it's a combo you won't forget.
I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to the next!
Holly Gillum (Librarian)
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 12, 2026
This was a very long book, but I stuck with it through the end. The narration was wonderful and the story kept me on my toes. It was creepy in all the best ways!
Will recommend through Readers' Advisory, book clubs and events: Yes
Nominated for the Library Reads List: Yes
Likes the narrator: Yes
Janaya Kabamba
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 10, 2026
A sharp, unsettling thriller that turns suburban perfection into something quietly sinister. Set in a gated community where privacy is an illusion, the story builds tension through multiple characters, each hiding secrets that could ruin them. With themes of surveillance, control, and power, it's a gripping, modern read that makes you side-eye your neighbours just a little more.
Francisca Ashley
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 10, 2026
The HOA is really good. There are a lot of characters, but they're so dissimilar that it made it easy to follow. I love the cat-and-mouse aspect the most and can't wait to see what's in store for book 2. There were a couple of plot holes that did take me out of the book, and I had to suspend reality to continue enjoying it. Robin Miles was good but spoke a bit slowly for me. I listened at 1.25x speed, which helped.
Rosa Nava
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 9, 2026
Please give me more of Vellamar Estates! I was not ready for the book to end. This is a neighborhood that gives the illusion of safety with its rule enforcement and security, but it is anything but safe. The book takes you through the lives of those living there while they juggle their own struggles. The HOA is sure to use that to its advantage as they target families and use their secrets to extort them for money or force them to sell their homes. You will feel paranoid and vulnerable to how easy it is to have your privacy violated.
This is a must-have on audiobook as the narrator was extraordinary, juggling many diverse characters. She brought life to each one of them.
Overall, I could not put this book down.
Check your thermostats and smoke alarms before you sit down to read this.
Bekah's Books
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 9, 2026
Welcome to Vellamar Estates, where property is anything over $5 million, perfect to those on the outside who don't know anything of the secrets simmering underneath. From an athlete in serious debt to dangerous people, to a woman living a double life to feed her daughter, Vellamar is watching. Watching through the secret cameras installed in each and every home on the estate.
From blackmail to racism throughout, the families start to question who is behind all of this, and if they can even trust one another.
Being from the UK, and what I have read or seen previously about HOA, this is exactly how I imagine it is! A bunch of up their own behinds, trying to dictate and run the place... no thank you! That's probably why this book sucked me in, because why would anyone want to live this way. Robin Miles did a great job with this narration, at times I did have a little trouble realising which character we switched to, but nothing that didn't make me struggle to finish! Definite Wisteria Lane vibes throughout!
I can't wait for book #2!!
Tammi
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 4, 2026
Whew. I had to take NOTES at the beginning just to keep everyone straight! This one throws you into a neighborhood full of big money, big secrets, and a HOA that is way too involved in everyone's lives. Multiple storylines, lots of characters, and at first it feels a little chaotic... but once it starts clicking, it really clicks.
The tension builds in such a messy, addictive way. Everyone has something to hide, and the deeper you get, the more everything starts overlapping. I was fully locked in trying to figure out how it was all going to connect.
The surveillance angle added such a creepy layer. Like nobody is safe and nobody has privacy.
And then that ending... I needed just a little more. But seeing this is the start of a series, it makes sense. Definitely left things wide open for what's next. Still hooked enough that I'd keep going... but yeah, I have thoughts!
Mya Joan Emma
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 2, 2026
The HOA delivers the kind of suburban suspense that keeps you leaning in — perfect lawns, perfect houses, and absolutely imperfect secrets simmering underneath. Tanya Smith builds tension with a steady, unsettling rhythm that makes every chapter feel like you're inching closer to something dangerous.
The atmosphere is sharp and immersive, and the mystery kept me hooked from the start. My only real gripe is the length; a few sections felt stretched out, and tightening them would've made the tension hit even harder.
But that ending? It opens the door to so many possibilities. I'm genuinely excited to see what unravels in book 2 and where the story heads next.
Elizabeth
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 1, 2026
The racism and bigotry in this book is not for the weak. I spent most of this book wanting to fight that old broad of an HOA President because tf ma'am? That said, unfortunately I do feel this book is a representation of how certain people really do think and that makes it so much worse. In that sense it sort of reads like a horror to me.
I did feel there was a bit too much going on that made the book go on a bit longer than it needed to. However, the character development was fabulous. You really got to know each of them and their story all while being absolutely enraged at their situations.
I'm pleased to see there is a book 2 because that ending made me want to scream.
Kristin List
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 2026
The HOA by Tanya Smith is one of those books that creeps up on you. It starts off feeling like a peek into a polished, picture-perfect neighborhood—and then slowly, almost quietly, everything starts to feel… off.
What I loved most is how real it all feels. If you've ever lived in (or even considered) an HOA, this will hit a little too close to home. The rules, the politics, the subtle power plays, the petty disputes that somehow aren't so petty—it's all written in a way that feels completely believable. That's what makes it unsettling before the thriller side even fully kicks in.
The characters are a huge strength here. Everyone has something going on beneath the surface, and the shifting perspectives keep you guessing. Just when you think you've got someone figured out, another layer gets pulled back. No one feels flat, and honestly, that's part of what makes the tension build so well.
There's definitely a Desperate Housewives vibe—but darker. Much darker. It has that same 'perfect on the outside, messy underneath' energy, but with a sharper edge. And as things unravel, it becomes less about neighborhood drama and more about control, surveillance, and how easily power can be abused.
This is one of the more unsettling thrillers I've read in a while. It feels less like you're reading and more like you're watching everything unfold in real time. The sense of being watched, of never quite knowing who to trust, really sticks with you.
And that ending… it doesn't wrap things up neatly. It kind of blows the door open. I'm not just hoping for a second book—I need one.
Bossmanaries Smith
★★★★ (4.25 stars) | March 31, 2026
A page-turner that actually deserves the term. Get this book now! Welcome to Vellamar Estates where houses are worth $5 million, beautiful lawns but run by wolves over sheep who will engine more than their precious wool. We have four families trying to live but end up targeted by a corrupt HOA board. There is so much to enjoy about this sinister novel especially the tension that is created and characters that you want to drop in the ocean with just a 3,000 lb safe to stay afloat.
This is the beginning of a series of HOA books and I can understand the author giving a cliffhanger with an open ended conclusion. It's very unsettling as machines and systems last longer than people, the author gives you more to think about than just surface discussion but this book deals with surveillance, power, corruption, blackmail, racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Robin Miles does a great job of delivering the story on audio. Sometimes, you have to pay very close attention to the switches between so many characters whereas with an ensemble cast it would have been easier to handle the voice changes.
I highly recommend thriller lovers and others to take this book for a spin.
Jeff Jones
★★★★ (4 stars) | March 30, 2026
This was a fun listen. The HOA by Tanya Smith and narrated by Robin Miles went well beyond my expectations. The highlight to me is how well written each family is. And no matter where you think this novel is headed, I guarantee you that you are wrong.
Robin Miles does an excellent job narrating this novel. She draws you into every character.
Doug Yonce
★★★★ (4 stars) | March 30, 2026
Good start to the series; would like to see it make the screen. HOAs have a bad rep. The purpose is good, but the people always seem to mess things up. This book takes it beyond our fears.
snoy13
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 2026
This audiobook kept me hooked. All of the different people and their personal lives were very accurately described. Seeing how the discrimination they were faced with affected their lives in so many different ways. The HOA was awful! I can't believe the false statements and watchful eyes.
I felt like I was involved in the neighborhood getting all of the gossip on the neighbors from the way this was written.
The ending was definitely not what I expected. I do wish it was tied up differently but I still would recommend.
Lee
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 5, 2026
Tanya Smith is a new author to me, but after tearing through this book in a single day, I already know she's going to become a firm favourite. Vellamar Estates hooked me from the very first page with its unsettling blend of luxury, secrecy, and creeping paranoia. On the surface, it's the kind of neighbourhood where the lawns are immaculate, the neighbours always wave, and you pay extra for the illusion of safety. But beneath that glossy exterior, four families are hiding secrets that could shatter their lives, a woman living a double life to feed her daughter, a former athlete drowning in debt to dangerous people, a landscaper laundering money to save the grandmother who raised him, and a couple simply trying to exist without apology. Smith weaves their stories together with such tension, emotion, and atmosphere that I found myself completely immersed, unable to look away as the facade of perfection began to crack.
What makes the book so gripping is the chilling realisation that someone inside Vellamar isn't just watching over the residents, they're watching through them. Hidden cameras, secret files, and a system built not on rules but on leverage turn this gated community into a pressure cooker of fear and suspicion. As each family fights to protect what they've hidden, the question becomes not just who's watching, but who can still be trusted. The twists are sharp, the pacing relentless, and the emotional stakes sky high. By the final page, I wasn't just impressed, I was desperate for the next in the series. For the paranoid, you were right: in Vellamar, getting in costs money, but getting out costs far more.
Anisha Choudhury
★★★★ (4 stars) | April 8, 2026
Tanya Smith's The HOA is a chilling, high-stakes exploration of what happens when 'neighborhood standards' are weaponized as a tool for systematic discrimination. Vellamar Estates is not just a gated community; it is a pressure cooker of surveillance where the ultimate currency is shame.
The Diagnosis: The strength of this narrative lies in its unflinching look at the audacity of gatekeepers. Smith expertly weaves a story of four families — each harboring secrets — who are systematically targeted by an HOA leadership that demands total conformity. For the paranoid, this book is a validation; it illustrates how surveillance is often less about safety and more about gathering the leverage necessary to destroy lives.
As a reviewer, I found this story deeply moving and provocative. It highlights the disturbing reality that racism and homophobia remain potent tools for those in power. Watching the consistent torture of residents who do not 'fit the bill' was a difficult but necessary experience that left me 'seeing red' on behalf of the characters.
The Verdict: While the story itself is a 5-star masterclass in domestic suspense and social commentary, the narration did not entirely align with my personal preferences. However, the provocative nature of the plot serves its purpose perfectly. This is a story I won't soon forget.
Katie Phipps ★★★★☆ (4 stars) | NetGalley — Audiobook
This book started out slow to me but when it picked up it really brought on the suspense. I loved it. Judging by the ending there will be a sequel?!
Interested in connecting with author: Yes
Likes the narrator: Yes
Would purchase audiobook: Yes
Would recommend: Yes
Moods: Suspenseful, Mysterious, Tragic
Notes: "The narrator for this in my opinion is perfection!"
★★★★ TJ — Amazon & Goodreads Review
“The Horrors of an HOA”
The HOA by Tanya Smith is a richly layered, character-driven story that pulls you into a seemingly perfect neighborhood and slowly reveals everything simmering beneath the surface. From the outside, the community feels polished and orderly, but it does not take long before the cracks begin to show and the tension starts to build. If you have ever considered buying into an HOA, this book might make you pause and look a little closer. The day-to-day realities of HOA life are depicted in a way that feels incredibly authentic. The rules, the politics, the power struggles, and even the smaller, almost petty disputes all feel very real. It adds an extra layer of unease because so much of it feels believable, even before the mystery elements fully take hold. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its cast of characters. Each resident brings their own perspective, baggage, and secrets to the story, and the shifting viewpoints keep things engaging throughout. I really enjoyed how the different storylines intertwined, gradually revealing deeper connections and hidden motivations. No one feels one-dimensional, and just when you think you understand someone, another layer is peeled back. There is a strong Desperate Housewives vibe here, and I mean that in the best way. It has that same blend of drama, intrigue, and dark undercurrents lurking beneath a picture-perfect setting. The pacing keeps things moving, and the steady unraveling of secrets makes it hard to put down. Overall, this was an entertaining and immersive read with plenty of twists, compelling characters, and a setting that feels both familiar and unsettling.
★★★★ Eileen Murphy-Schmehl — Goodreads & Amazon Review
Welcome to Vellamar Estates- An exclusive neighborhood that is as beautiful as it is safe. People go about their lives not knowing they are being watched. The secrets that they carry will be leveraged against them. Patricia, the HOA president walks the streets and looks for violations, but will the residents catch on and fight for their lives? A must read thriller that definitely made me glad that I live in the country on a dead end street….
Sarah Zohorzarea ★★★☆☆ (3 stars) | May 6, 2026 | NetGalley
This book had a unique storyline and I really enjoyed it!
The twists and turns were unexpected and I was hooked from the beginning
I did expect a little more, but I’ve been in a slump so it may just be me expecting too much! I do recommend giving this a read!!
Alicia ★★★☆☆ (3 stars) | May 3, 2026 | NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley & Audacious Press for a digital copy of this book.
3.5 stars, rounded down. This book was just OK. What I liked was the strong storyline. A wealthy neighbourhood with surveillance everywhere. Residents constantly being monitored and scanned for flaws or weaknesses without their knowlege. Very reminiscent of the digital age we are in where iPhones and wearables are tracking you. Every purchase leaves a trace. Digital IDs, facial recognition software. We’re never truly alone and this ratchets that up to another level by moving inside the homes of the Vellamar estates.
Mzquai ★★★☆☆ (3 stars) | April 25, 2026 | Amazon — Audiobook
Title: “The HOA was watching, and I couldn’t look away!”
Dear Readers,
I went into The HOA by Tanya Smith not really knowing what I signed up for. I knew it was about a corrupt Homeowners Association, but that didn’t prepare me for what it actually turned into.
This wasn’t your everyday “welcome to the neighborhood” type of story. Not even close. 🚫🏡
From the beginning, something felt off, and it stayed that way the entire time. The suspense is what carried me through, because if I’m being real, I’m still not even sure this book was for me. But I couldn’t stop reading. I needed to understand the why behind it all. 🤔
And that’s where it got unsettling.
Voyeurism doesn’t even fully cover it. This was deeper than that. Cameras. Hidden electronics. Every corner of these homes being watched. Nothing unseen. Nothing unheard. Privacy? Gone. Completely.
What really stuck with me is how realistic it felt. That’s the part that didn’t sit right. Because in today’s world, this doesn’t feel that far off. HOAs already have a reputation... complaints about trash cans, grass height, noise, parking… all of that is real. We’ve seen it. Some of us have lived it.
But this? This took it to a level that made me pause.
Because we already accept cameras and ring cameras watching us. Security systems inside our homes. And the idea that something meant to “protect” you could actually be used to watch you… without your knowledge… for the wrong reasons?
Yeah. That’s what kept me reading.
Each character had something to lose. And their secrets? They were worth keeping — at least to them. But the real question was: how much are you willing to pay to keep your life from being exposed? 🤫
Money. Reputation. Acceptance.
The HOA wasn’t just enforcing rules, they were controlling people. Blackmailing them into maintaining this perfect image of a community that wasn’t perfect at all.
And that’s where I started to feel conflicted.
Because while the author did a solid job breaking down each character — their secrets, their choices, even their justifications — I kept coming back to one thing: Who gave anyone the right to dig that deep into someone else’s life? And for what? Appearances? Money?
There’s an underlying message here about what’s done in the dark eventually coming to light. But honestly… I’m not even sure the book fully answers that. Some things felt like they stayed in the shadows.
What didn’t sit right with me was the willingness of these characters to bend. To sacrifice their integrity for comfort. For money. For status. For belonging.
And maybe that’s personal for me. Because I’ve always been the type to believe if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. And watching people fold like that, Nope ain’t gonna do it!
Still, I can’t deny this: the book makes you think. It makes you question what you allow into your space. What you trust. What you assume is safe.
Would I recommend it? I think it’s a good read, but not an easy one. It’s the kind of book that lingers a little too long and makes you second guess the quiet noises in your own home.
And maybe that’s the point.
From Love, The Letters
April M ★★★☆☆ (3 stars) | April 23, 2026 | Amazon — Kindle
Title: "This HOA did not come to play!"
This is one HOA that was brutal, deadly and simply a menace!! The residents of Vellamar Estates in Eldorado Hills, CA simply want to pay their way, HOA dues and live privately! But in this case they had to deal racism and bigotry along with the everyday struggles of life! Patricia Sterling, head of the HOA left me speechless an unfathomable amount of times. Meanwhile John Lee-Jing made me cringe and his antics were scary as this could happen to anyone! Overall, a decent read.
Peter Thorburn (Educator)
★★★ (3 stars) | April 6, 2026
Thriller set in an HOA in America. Who's watching and why? That's the question. The residents? Not really, though their secrets and bank balances are under threat. But when they start to battle back things heat up.
There's lots of action, but at times too much detailed description which had me skipping ahead. But I was caught wanting to find out how everything was going to play out.
The bottom line - trust no one. Or maybe don't live in a HOA in the first place. The price of a house is no indication of your safety.
Lynn Brooks (Librarian)
Library Review | April 8, 2026
Library likely to purchase: Yes
Will recommend through Readers
Advisory, book clubs and events: Yes
Nominated for the Library Reads List: Yes