Title: Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
From New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson, a twisting novel of domestic suspense in which a group of women play a harmless drinking game that escalates into a war of dark pasts
In this game, even winning can be deadly…
Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasures that come with it—teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant son. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy’s sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.
Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it’s naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way—a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.
When they’re alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn’t give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she’s going to make Amy pay for her sins. One way or another.
To protect herself and her family and save the life she’s built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can’t beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.
A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation, and love filled with dark twists leavened by Joshilyn Jackson’s trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgressions of our past come back with a vengeance.
Review:
Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson is a thrilling domestic mystery that is quite suspenseful.
Amy Whey is happily married to Davis, mom to baby Oliver and stepmom to fifteen year old Maddie. She is best friends with Charlotte Baxter who keeps a firm grip on the neighborhood book club. But when newcomer Anjelica Roux strolls in, she easily takes charge of the meeting. After Charlotte leaves, Roux soon has the neighbors liquored up and spilling their darkest secrets. All except for Amy who clearly sees Roux for what she is. Yet ultimately, Amy feels powerless in the face Roux’s attempts to extort her over something in her distant past. With so much to lose, Amy proves to be a formidable foe but will she be able to defeat Roux’s blackmail scheme?
Although it has taken most of her life, Amy has made peace with the ghosts in her past. She has carved out a happy life with Davis and she treasures her friendship with Charlotte. Amy has overcome her eating disorder and she loves her career as a diving instructor. Although things have been a little off-kilter with Maddie since Olivier’s arrival, she and her stepdaughter have a close relationship. But how far will Amy go to protect the life she so dearly loves?
Roux is quite charismatic and she easily insinuates herself into the book club. She is closemouthed about why she is in town and she reveals scant details about her life. Roux is clearly experienced at uncovering people’s weaknesses and she uses information as a weapon. She genuinely likes Amy, but Roux is ruthless and single-minded as she tries to bend her blackmail victim to her will.
Never Have I Ever is a fast-paced cat and mouse mystery. Despite her past, Amy is an extremely sympathetic and likable character. Roux is an easy to hate character who tries to anticipate and thwart Amy at every turn. The storyline is refreshingly unique and full of unexpected twists and shocking turns. However, Joshilyn Jackson saves one final jaw-dropping revelation that will absolutely stun readers as this clever mystery comes to a jaw-dropping conclusion. Fans of the genre are sure to love this unputdownable, suspense-laden mystery.
