Never Have I Ever: A Novel

“Wonderful—suspense and surprises, real characters, and a scary, ominous backbeat.  This feels like the book Jackson was born to write.” —Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author

Named a Best Book by USA Today  People  The Wall Street Journal • Time • Entertainment Weekly  Bustle • and many more!

From New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson, a twisting novel of domestic suspense in which a group of women play a harmless drinking game that escalates into a war of dark pasts

In this game, even winning can be deadly...

Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasures that come with it—teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant son. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy’s sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.

Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it’s naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way—a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.

When they’re alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn’t give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she’s going to make Amy pay for her sins. One way or another.

To protect herself and her family and save the life she’s built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can’t beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.

A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation, and love filled with dark twists leavened by Joshilyn Jackson’s trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgressions of our past come back with a vengeance.

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Published Mar 9, 2021

359 pages

Average rating: 7.26

111 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *Never Have I Ever* by Joshilyn Jackson is a gripping, character-driven mystery with strong, complex women and a vivid southern thriller v...

Cresta McGowan
Dec 25, 2025
6/10 stars
Really a 3.5 stars but not quite 4. Solid though.
Mary Pat Holt
Feb 05, 2026
2/10 stars
Oh how I wanted to give up on this book in the beginning but I stuck with it thinking it would get better. It really didn't. It all starts when new neighbor, Roux, shows up at the arrives at bookclub one evening. Seriously all the names were enough to make me quit reading-Panda, Char, Liddy. When mysterious Roux shows up, she immediately takes over bookclub. So ridiculous and unbelievable. The women seem fascinated by her and go along with her silly game of what animal are you and "never have I ever". But Roux knows something about Amy's past that Amy has long hidden, even from her husband and best friend, Char. The story was very disjointed and quickly turned into a blackmail plot to extortionate money from Amy. It was just too unbelievable for me & too many back stories, too many coincidences. I've already forgotten the shocking twist at the end.
Jenntwinmom
Jan 28, 2026
10/10 stars
If I could give 6 stars I would! This was a one sitting page turner!
anne ducastel
Jan 08, 2026
10/10 stars
that was a real thriller...and I really enjoyed the main protagonist.
Bosky
Dec 30, 2025
8/10 stars
Are you into small town secrets? Do strong women with hidden agendas intrigue you? Do you like fast paced books? Yes? then this book is for you! LOL. Love the interactions between Amy and Roux. The Roux character was GREAT. Just great. The only thing that irritated me was the ending... that's why not 5 stars.

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