Author: Joshilyn Jackson
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: William Morrow
Published: July 30, 2019
Book Description: 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.
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Review: For those of you who know me, I am a huge fan and follower of The Modern Mrs Darcy Blog. One of my favorite things that she does it put together a Summer Reading Guide that she spends months curating. I would say I have over a 90% hit rate when it comes to her selections, and I have been reading these books for several years now. Never Have I Ever is no exception. If you are fans of Liane Moriarty then this is book for you.
This feels like a departure for Jackson, because this has a psychological thriller element. The story is narrated by Amy who is married with a step-daughter and an infant son. The book begins at the neighborhood book club and we meet Roux who has just came to town on business. She quickly takes over with a game of Never Have I Ever with her own twist. This escalates and some things are said that could ruin some of the families in this middle-class neighborhood.
Roux holds a lot of cards especially about something she happens to know about Amy that nobody else knows. This quickly escalates to blackmailing. Amy decides she wants to play back and get herself out of this situation. This book has a bit of cat and mouse, but there are some elements of this book that will catch you off guard, whether in a good or bad way.
This book was excellent. Jackson had amazing timing and knew how to perpetuate this story without going overboard. I found myself trying to take every free second I had to read this book. I took my time and read slowly and sometimes reread passages because it was so good. If you like Big Little Lies than run and grab this book. I have a lot of praise for that big and I think this one is even better.
Obsessed Bookaholic 