What is the title of your latest release?
WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly?
Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma Mu:
Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queen
Amelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in tow
Jamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habit
Beth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package deal
Sunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn’t
They’ve been summoned to Roxy’s luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth’s daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it’s not so easy to bury the past…
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I’ve always loved Palm Springs and couldn’t wait to set a book there. This was the perfect setting.
Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Yes.
What are three words that describe your hero?
She is smart, scrappy and loyal.
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I loved reading about all the old Hollywood hideouts in Palm Springs’ movie colony back in the day. I imagined the sisters reuniting in one of those fabulous mansions.
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
Wait until finished.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Cheese
Describe your writing space/office!
It’s the office of my dreams with an ocean view.
Who is an author you admire?
There are truly so many but I’d say Patricia Highsmith, Eudora Welty and Shirley Jackson are some of my favorites.
Is there a book that changed your life?
The Great Gatsby
Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published). Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
For this book, it was via my manager Liza Fleissig. I’d always hoped to publish a book with Sourcebooks/Poisoned Press. Dream come true!
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Psychological suspense
What’s your favorite movie?
The Talented Mr. Ripley
What is your favorite season?
Spring.
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Quietly, and on vacation if possible.
What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
The Hunting Wives
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
French
What do you do when you have free time?
Read.
What can readers expect from you next?
Oh, this is fun. My co-hosts on the Killer Author Club – Kimberly Belle and Heather Gudenkauf and I – have a project out next year, working title Take Back the Night. We’ve been having so much fun!
Beth & Celeste’s Sorority Reunion Drive Playlist
Laguna Beach to Palm Springs – The Drive Nobody Wanted to Make
Here’s a link to the book’s spotify playlist on my website: https://kairarouda.com/ and here are the reasons these songs are a fit!
“Maneater” – Hall & Oates (1982)
Opening the drive with attitude
Why this song: Perfect opener for Beth as she mentally prepares to face her old sorority sisters. The lyrics about a woman who “will only come out at night” and “she’ll chew you up” set the tone for what these women have become after 25 years. It’s catchy enough to sing along to, but with enough bite to remind Beth she’s not the same sweet college girl they remember.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Celeste’s attempt to lighten the mood
Why this song: This is Celeste trying to remind her mom that despite the awkwardness of marrying into this sorority drama, they should try to enjoy themselves. The irony isn’t lost on either of them – these “girls” definitely don’t just want to have fun anymore. They want to judge, compete, and settle old scores. But it’s such a feel-good anthem that it provides temporary relief from the tension.
“Cruel Summer” – Bananarama (1983)
The reality of what they’re driving toward
Why this song: The perfect metaphor for this reunion – it’s going to be a “cruel summer” indeed. The driving beat matches the rhythm of the highway, while the lyrics about hanging around and waiting for something to happen capture the dread of forced social interaction. Plus, the line “it’s a cruel, cruel summer” will definitely make Beth and Celeste exchange knowing looks.
“Tainted Love” – Soft Cell (1981)
Beth reflecting on old rivalries and fake friendships
Why this song: This dark, pulsing track captures Beth’s feelings about her sorority relationships that have clearly soured over the years. The lyrics about running away from someone who’s caused pain resonate with why she’s dreaded this reunion. It’s the perfect song for processing complicated feelings about people who were once close but now feel toxic.
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – Eurythmics (1983)
The cynical wisdom of middle age
Why this song: Annie Lennox’s knowing vocals on “some of them want to use you, some of them want to be used by you” perfectly captures the political dynamics of sorority life that have only intensified with age. This is Beth’s anthem of self-awareness – she knows exactly what game everyone is playing, and she’s ready to play it better than anyone remembers.
“Material Girl” – Madonna (1984)
Calling out the competition
Why this song: Beth knows her sorority sisters have spent the last 25 years competing over who has the best life, the richest husband, the most successful children. This song is her way of acknowledging that she sees right through their materialism while secretly hoping she measures up. Celeste probably rolls her eyes at this one, but secretly enjoys watching her mom get fired up.
“The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats (1982)
The finale – deciding to embrace the chaos
Why this song: As they approach Palm Springs, this becomes their rallying cry. The absurd energy of the song matches the absurdity of the situation – if they’re going to survive this reunion, they might as well dance through it. “We can dance if we want to, we can leave your friends behind” becomes their mantra for handling anyone who brings drama. It’s weird, it’s energetic, and it perfectly captures the “screw it, let’s do this” attitude they need.
The Perfect Driving Soundtrack
This playlist captures the complex emotions of two women – mother and daughter – preparing for a social minefield disguised as a celebration. Each song provides a different lens through which to view their situation: defiance, nostalgia, cynicism, and ultimately, a decision to face it all with attitude and humor. The 1980s synth-pop sound provides the perfect backdrop for their journey through Southern California, while the edgy lyrics acknowledge that this reunion is anything but a simple celebration.
Total Runtime: Approximately 28 minutes – perfect for the scenic drive and mental preparation needed.
WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS by Kaira Rouda
Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly?
Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma Mu:
- Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queen
- Amelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in tow
- Jamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habit
- Beth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package deal
- Sunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn’t
They’ve been summoned to Roxy’s luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth’s daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it’s not so easy to bury the past…
For fans of Shari Lapena, Mary Kubica, and B. A. Paris, We Were Never Friends is an unputdownable, riveting train wreck full of dark humor and bad behavior.
Thriller Domestic | Women’s Fiction Psychological [ Poisoned Pen Press, On Sale: February 3, 2026, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781464244995 / eISBN: 9781464245008 ]
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About Kaira Rouda
Kaira Rouda is an award–winning USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her novels of domestic suspense include The Widow, Somebody’s Home, The Next Wife, The Favorite Daughter, Best Day Ever, All the Difference, Beneath the Surface (optioned for a feature film), Under the Palms, The Next Mrs. Strom, and What the Nanny Saw (November 2024). To date, Kaira’s work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. Three of her novels have been named Amazon Editor’s Picks for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense. The Next Wife was one of Suspense magazine’s Best Books of 2021 and won a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense Novel. It was also a 2022 Silver Falchion first runner-up for Best Book of the Year.
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