Never Have I Ever

Joshilyn Jackson

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In "Never Have I Ever" by Joshilyn Jackson, the story revolves around Amy, a woman with a dark secret from her past that is threatened to be exposed by a newcomer named Roux. As Roux manipulates and blackmails Amy, a dangerous game of cat and mouse ensues, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful narrative. The book explores themes of secrets, deception, and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones, all while keeping readers engaged with unexpected plot twists and well-developed characters.

The writing style of Joshilyn Jackson in "Never Have I Ever" is described as captivating and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns. The book delves into complex relationships and moral dilemmas, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that builds towards a thrilling conclusion. Readers are drawn into a web of secrets and deviousness, making it difficult to put the book down until the final page is turned.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, showcasing a blend of relatable flaws and motivations that drive the emotional and psychological stakes of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and character-driven, effectively blending suspense with emotional depth and relatable dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a suburban mother whose past transgressions come back to haunt her when a threatening neighbor begins to exploit these secrets for blackmail, resulting in a thrilling struggle for control and safety.

Setting:

The setting is a suburban neighborhood in Florida, providing a relatable backdrop for the unfolding domestic thriller that contrasts ordinary life with extraordinary conflict.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow, allowing for character development, but accelerates into a gripping suspense-filled narrative that's hard to put down.

The Game was Roux’s idea. More than an idea. A plan. She made it up herself, this shotgun of a game. She packed it tight with salt and metal, counting on collateral damage, too, but she aimed it strai...

Notes:

The main character, Amy Whey, is a diving instructor and mother of two.

Amy has a troubled past involving a tragic car accident from her teenage years.

The new neighbor, Angelica Roux, disrupts a book club meeting and initiates a dangerous game called 'Never Have I Ever'.

Roux threatens to reveal secrets about Amy's past unless she is paid off, leading to a high-stakes confrontation.

The book explores themes of family, friendship, guilt, and forgiveness.

This novel marks Joshilyn Jackson's first foray into the suspense thriller genre.

The story is set in a suburban neighborhood and delves into domestic life while also incorporating thrilling elements.

The narrative contains plenty of unexpected plot twists that keep readers guessing.

The dynamic between Amy and Roux showcases a battle of wits and strategies, making it a psychological thriller.

Jackson is known for her complex female characters, and both Amy and Roux are richly developed.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include issues related to mental health, trauma, past guilt, blackmail, and discussions surrounding a tragic event from the protagonist's past.

From The Publisher:

Never Have I Ever... done something I shouldn't.

'I couldn't turn the pages fast enough' CLARE MACKINTOSH

'Absolutely immaculately done, to be read in one breathless sitting' INDIA KNIGHT, SUNDAY TIMES

'Wonderful - suspense and surprises, real characters and a scary, ominous backbeat' LEE CHILD

It starts as a game at a book group one night. Never Have I Ever... done something I shouldn't.

But Amy Whey has done something she shouldn't. And Roux, the glamorous newcomer to Amy's suburban neighbourhood, knows exactly what that is.

Roux promises she will go away - if Amy plays by her rules.

But Amy isn't prepared to lose everything. She's going to fight back, and in this escalating game of cat and mouse, there can be only one winner.

'Once I started, I couldn't put this one down'

CHRISTINA DALCHER

'Wow - what a book! I devoured it in one day'

RACHEL ABBOTT

The perfect summer thriller from Joshilyn Jackson - Mother May I - is out now.

Ratings (12)

Loved It (4)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (2)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (31):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (14)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (3)

1 comment(s)

ehanut203

Loved It

5 months

This is totally different from anything I've read from Joshilyn Jackson. It's set in the south; that's about it. Amy Whey is a very interesting heroine in that part of her is not a heroine. She's not a bad person, although she has done bad things; but she lives in a world of lies, interacting with people for reasons they don't fully understand, even if they love having her in their lives. When she comes up against blackmailer Angelica Roux, we see Amy's darker side surfacing. The side that will protect the life she's built no matter what.

There are a few major twists in this novel, and I have to say I only kind of saw one of them coming. Unfortunately that plot twist feels a little too convenient, because it ultimately allows Amy to be the woman her family and neighbors see while saving a little bit of that darkness. It has to come late in the novel, but at the same time, when it pops up it feels contrived because it's at the end of the novel....perhaps more foreshadowing on this plot point would make it more satisfying.

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