Girl Well Read

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Lindsey Nash escapes into the night with her young daughter to leave her abusive ex-husband.  With her ex behind bars, the two start a new life.  Fast forward eleven years and Lindsey and teenage Sophie have settled into their new life.  When Lindsey's ex-husband Andrew is released from prison, things start to unravel: her new boyfriend is threatened, her home and the home of her clients are invaded, and Sophie is followed.  Andrew claims he has changed and that Lindsey and Sophie are in danger.  

The book opens with the family on vacation.  Lindsey is doing everything in her power to keep Andrew's temper in check and her daughter unaware as to what is going on to protect her innocence.  She keeps her eyes averted to any males, and covers up as much of herself as possible when sunning on the beach—any wrong move will send Andrew into a jealous rage, especially when he is drinking,  and also increase his hold over Lindsey.  Stevens had me at the first page, like Lindsey, I was completely on edge.  The story is told   

This fast-paced ride was exactly what I was looking for and I devoured the book in one sitting.  Stevens' writing is gritty, suspenseful, raw, and haunting.  By far her best book to date.