Review: "Never Let You Go" by Chevy Stevens

Eleven years ago, Lindsey Nash escaped into the night with her young daughter and left an abusive relationship. Her ex-husband was sent to jail and she started over with a new life. Now, Lindsey is older and wiser, with a teenage daughter who needs her more than ever. When her ex-husband is finally released, Lindsey believes she’s cut all ties. But she gets the sense that someone is watching her. Her new boyfriend is threatened. Her home is invaded, and her daughter is shadowed. Lindsey is convinced it’s her ex-husband, even though he claims he’s a different person. But can he really change? Is the one who wants her dead closer to home than she thought?

Thanks to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I first heard of this author several years ago when "Still Missing" was recommended to me by a couple of blog friends. Since then, I've put all of her books on my TBR list and even purchased a couple, but I haven't managed to read one until now. Don't worry, this will not be the last Chevy Stevens title I pick up in the near future.  The suspense had me at the edge of my seat!

I don't read a ton of titles in the suspense/thriller genre, but I thought Stevens did a great job with the fear factor - I was genuinely afraid for Lindsey and her daughter Sophie. Lindsey's husband became more and more creepy with every page turned, every incident recalled. Sometimes, when reading a story of domestic abuse, I think, "Well, why didn't she see that side of him from the beginning? It's so obvious!" or "Why doesn't she just leave? There's got to be some way for her to get out of this situation." But in the case of "Never Let You Go", Stevens had me believing that if I were Lindsey, I would have fallen for Andrew and been trapped in exactly the same way. She really could not make a move for fear of retaliation, not just against herself, but her family too. It truly was horrifying!

Eventually, Lindsey does end up getting away from Andrew when he's charged and sent to jail. (Not a spoiler, it says so in the synopsis!) But once Andrew is released, Lindsey is once again terrified for herself and Sophie. And Sophie, gah! Everything her mom has done her whole life has been for her protection, but Sophie, being the curious, know-it-all teenager she is, only exacerbates the danger both she and her mom are in. I won't say how, because that would indeed be a spoiler, but suffice it to say that you'll probably be yelling at Sophie just like I was when you read this book. 

Does that mean you should read "Never Let You Go"? Does it get Roxy's seal of approval? Absolutely! I loved the Canadian West Coast island setting, all the twists, turns, and tension, and I think most people will agree with me. 

My rating: 4 stars