Raven Books | August 2019 | 352 pgs
Source: Library
Amy Whey's life is a good one. She has a devoted husband, a spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter and her adorable infant son. She has a job teaching scuba diving lessons and when she's free, she'll mingle with her neighbours and help her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club at Charlotte's house. Everything is going on well until Angelica Roux arrives uninvited into their book club one night. Roux has moved into their neighbourhood recently and of course Charlotte didn't have any reason to send her away.
The introduction is harmless initially when everyone introduces themselves before starting their book discussion. But Roux is a charming woman and in no time she has steered away the other women's attention from their book talk, much to Charlotte's and Amy's dismay. And that is only the beginning as Roux starts to keep the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Charlotte by then has left the spot for something else, leaving Amy with Roux and their drunk neighbours. Amy doesn't want to play Roux's game, after all she has a secret past which she intends to keep it solely for herself. But Roux seems to know about her past, and she is relentless and warns Amy that if she doesn't give her what she asks for, she's going to make her pay for her sins, one way or another. Amy isn't proud of her teenage past. She has admitted to herself that she'd done something terrible, but it was a foolish mistake she'd made unintentionally. Now it seems she has to find ways to outwit Roux's games in order to protect herself and her family. After all, everyone has secrets, no matter how big or small it is.
Never Have I Ever was an intriguing tale of secrets and deceptions and it explores one's acts and consequences when his peace and security is comprised. I've to say the premise is an interesting one, but I'm definitely not a fan of any characters, although ultimately I did root for Amy given her past predicament. While the plot and execution was a good one, the pace was slow and there are many interactions and "cat-and-mouse games" between Amy and Roux (which is understandable) before the intensity and excitement really begin. Overall the book was an average read to me and I think it definitely makes a great choice for a book club read and discussion (pun intended).
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Yes, I could see this one being a good book group read. However, I've been wavering about trying it. Part of that genre of books that I've gotten a little tired of. Melody, have you read other books by this author? I know this is her first foray into the 'thriller' realm, but I also know that she is beloved by many. I have not yet read any of her books and just wondered about your opinion. I will admit that my interest has turned a bit for now to some contemporary romance books and also catching up on some mystery series that I love.
Kay - This is my first book by this author. Yes, I'm aware she has written other books of different genre and that many have loved her books. I like her writing style based on this book; it's only that the pacing was a little slow from the beginning but I suppose it's her intention considering the two main protagonists need some background and developments before reaching the climax. But personally I'd have preferred the pace to be a little faster considering this is more of a thriller. That said, I'm still curious of her other books and might give them a try at some point.
Hmmm. I admit to being curious. Years ago, Some friends and I tried to establish a book club, but only a couple of the group actually read the books! Can't imagine what it would be like to have someone trying to pry out your deepest secrets, but in our short-lived book club, they would have probably been pretty boring. :)
Telling secrets is always a dangerous thing. Too bad this book wasn't a better read; the premise is intriguing.
Not too sure about this one but it sounds like it could be a beach-read type book. And, you're right, this would probably fun to read with a book group!
I really like Joshilyn Jackson's writing style, but I think this is her first thriller, isn't it? It's such a departure from her other books. I am curious about this one, and you've addressed some of the concerns I've been wondering about in terms of whether she could pull it off.
Jenclair - I can imagine the challenge if the group is a bit huge for the book club. I've never attend a book club before. I suppose it'd be fun for those book discussions and a little gossips as long as no secrets are exchanged, ha. :)
Lark - I agree, Lark. The overall premise was good; just that the slow pacing got to me in the beginning.
Iliana - It definitely makes for a good beach-read type of book. And I can imagine how fun it would be to discuss this book at a book club. ;)
Wendy - Yes, I think this is her first thriller if I'm not wrong. And I'm really curious about her other books since I've read many readers seem to enjoy reading them.