Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
**2.5-stars rounded up**
Something wicked this way comes…
When Angelica Roux breezes into Amy and Charlotte’s neighborhood Book Club, you would think she belonged there, or at least that she had been invited.
New to the neighborhood, renting a dilapidated house that sees many short-term tenants, Roux is carefree and mysterious.
The other women seem intrigued by Roux’s vivacious personality, but not Amy. She can’t help but wonder what this woman’s angle is. She seems to be intentionally trying to get under her skin.
When Roux proceeds to get the ladies sloshed, minus Charlotte, who is currently pregnant, Amy’s suspicions begin to grow.
Roux gathers them round and suggests they play a drinking game. The game is basically to confess the worst things they’ve ever done. An adult version of ‘never have I ever’. Amy is not playing.
When the party is over, secrets have been spilled that could alter the course of all their lives, but Roux isn’t done.
Turns out, she has dirt on Amy. Real dirt about the worst night of Amy’s life. One she thought was buried forever.
Now Roux has the goods to blackmail Amy for all she’s got.
There’s one problem, Roux has definitely underestimated Amy. The domestic goddess exterior is not the whole of her person and Amy is willing to do anything to protect what is hers.
Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
The premise, absolutely is compelling. The writing, however, just didn’t work for me.
I found the dialogue to be wonky and had quite a few eye-roll moments.
Additionally, I felt like the pacing was off. It took a long time for me to get into it and then it would fluctuate between being interesting and being boring for the rest of the book.
The ultimate plot twist was gross. It made me super uncomfortable and yeah, it is just my opinion, but it pretty much ruined the whole book for me.
Basically, I am rounding up because I can admit that for many people this will be a good book. It just wasn’t the book for me.
I want to thank the publisher, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity even though it was a miss for me.
I don’t anticipate picking up further books from the author, but if you think there are other books of hers I would enjoy, let me know!