Review: Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an advanced copy via the publisher William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.  I was so surprised when a hardback copy of this showed up on my doorstep.  This will be available on July 30, 2019.  I love the cover, the purple just draws me in, and it is perfect for the thriller aspect of the book.

This is my first book by Joshilyn Jackson, but I'm looking forward to checking out more of her work in the future. I really enjoyed this. It is a solid domestic thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Everytime I thought I had something figured out, that wasn't the answer. Jackson leads you with breadcrumbs, some of which are clearly obvious, some are misleading, and some you just don't see coming.

This starts out in Amy Whey's perfect home in the middle of her perfect life during the monthly ladies book club she and her bestie Char host. Enter new neighbor Angelica Roux who upsets everything and brings Amy's not so perfect past up from the depths where Amy has buried it. Roux starts the familiar game of Never Have I Ever with the ladies of the book club who have perhaps had a few too many drinks at book club, and out start pouring secrets they never intended to share. Amy, the good hostess sends everyone home and doesn't share her dark secrets. She has worked hard to have an ordinary life, a nice family, and she's tried to forget the past that Roux is determined to bring to the present. Roux lets Amy know that she knows her secrets and will either out her to her friends and family ruining her reputation and relationships, or she can pay her off with the money she has in a secret account. Amy must make a decision to play Roux's game to win or to pay and keep her secrets buried.

This book was wild, at every turn what I thought was going to be the big reveal was not the big reveal. This was carefully crafted to keep you guessing as Roux and Amy play their game for keeps. Each one keeps trying to outsmart the next one in a very strategic game of deceit and betrayal, both of them are driven by their own motivations and wanting to protect themselves and those they love. Their interactions were quite enjoyable despite them being negative. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the realistic nature of the story and characters.

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