Never Knew Her: A fast-paced psychological thriller packed with shocking twists

by Jen Bee

Every secret has a price. They thought money could buy my silence. For a time, it did. Until now.They wanted to use me and throw me away. Unfortunately for them, they picked the wrong girl. I'm not disposable. Turns out, I’m the wildcard they never saw coming. They’re not the only ones who are good at playing games. By the time this is over, they’ll wish they never knew me...

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2024

Reviews

[Anika · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Never Knew Her" by Jen Bee is a departure from her usual style, delving into darker territory that keeps you hooked from start to finish. What sets this book apart is not only its darker tone but also its length—it's longer than her other works, allowing for a deeper dive into the intricate plot.

The story follows a college student who is offered a seemingly harmless deal, only to find herself entangled in deadly secrets and dangerous games.

From the moment I picked up this book, I found it incredibly hard to put down. The plot twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing what would happen next. The protagonist's journey from innocence to cunning strategist is captivating to witness, and I couldn't help but root for her as she navigates the treacherous waters she's been thrown into.

Jen Bee's writing shines in this gripping tale of deception and revenge. The characters are well-developed, the pacing is relentless, and the suspense is palpable throughout.

If you're looking for a thrilling read that will keep you guessing until the very end, "Never Knew Her" is definitely worth picking up.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a much different book than I’d expected, the general premise is a college student is recruited by the DEA to help them turn a friendship with a drug lords’ son into getting them information to prosecute him and his son. Kylie is the young woman who is friends with Ricco Diaz whose father is Miguel Diaz a Cuban drug lord. She was recruited by Beckett a DEA agent. The story is action packed and so full of twists and turns and deception and underhanded dealings that I felt sorry for Kylie and how the DEA was treating her. Lucky for her Beckett is in love with her and helps her with some decisions and does his best to take care of her without letting his superior (in rank only not intelligence) Reardon not get her killed. Reardon is a pencil pushing moron who has exceeded his level of intelligence and makes completely foolish decisions about what he does in a moment of anger or frustration. This is a really good book as you can feel the total gut-wrenching feelings of Kylie as she is pushed by a government entity to make a case, they themselves couldn’t in years. Get the book and enjoy the read it's well worth the time.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really hard for me to put down! I was initially drawn to it by the premise—it gave me a subtle reminder of the TV show "Revenge," which is one of my all time favorites. And it didn't disappoint. I loved the darker tone and subject matter, and the plot twists and excellent pacing kept me guessing throughout the entire story. The characters were all really well and thoughtfully developed, and the plot had a healthy and really well balanced mix of suspense, thrilling moments, and romance. Overall this was a really entertaining read!

I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but not great in my opinion. Just moved too slow and was very unrealistic and moved way too fast in other areas. It was good and you were shown not told the story which I enjoyed. I loved Kylie from the beginning and she was a normal college girl who loved her family and would do anything for her family. I felt Kylie was very naive but turned that around quickly but still made some dumb decisions but I loved what happened in the end. Good book, would recommend if you like books that have mafia, undercover, and a nice but fast-paced loved story. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Oswald · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! I wasn’t sure what to expect, this book was so much more of a page turner than I was expecting. I stayed up late to finish it the same day that I started reading it. Kylie is a college student who finds herself in quite a predicament with an undercover DEA agent needing her help to bring down a Druglord. Mild spice and lots of twists and turns! I didn’t predict the ending. Id recommend this suspenseful book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a different book than I expected. The book was great but unexpected. There are three books within this: Tempted, Taken, and Twisted.

I expected a story more in line with her previous books, such as The Wrong Guy, The Guy Code, Busted, or Hooked, but this is much different. Don't go in expecting that. This story is about Kylie and the secret world that she's about to jump in, as well as Beckett, who is in love with her but responsible for ensuring she is not killed in the process. It's a great book, but don't think it's like her other books because this is not.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was decidedly different from the most recent books I’ve read by Jen Bee. This one was darker and definitely deeper. The storyline was solid; the characters somewhat icky; the plot had twists and turns that kept you guessing; and the HEA was definitely unexpected. It was even somewhat thought provoking. Give this one a shot—you’ll be glad you did! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and definitely enjoyed it.) ❤️

[Shelbymarie159 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of The Minf*ck Series here's a recommendation for you! DEA agent and a college undercover informant team up to bring down a Cuban crime lord while also playing everyone against everyone. Secrets are kept and deceit is the norm. This a wild ride that leaves you shocked at the end and turning the last page with a huge smile.

⭐️ - 4 🌶 - .25

What to expect:
Thriller
Forbidden romance
Undercover informant / DEA agent
Gangs
Crime show style
Twists and turns

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. It’s different. Lots of action and suspense, twists and turns. A bit of romance for good measure. And a pretty satisfying ending. Really hard to put down once you start. I think it’s a worthwhile read. Definitely recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the suspense and twists and turns. This is a different read. and I loved it. I couldn't put it down. Each book in the story wow. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. a must read

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy and full of twists and turns. Never Knew Her is a page-turner that’s has you guessing until the very end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s

[Slynn Bookster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre - College age, mob/fbi, thriller, some romance
Setting - City and college campus
Appropriate Age - 16+ light steam
POV - heroine

This was a well written story and if it was what I expected from the blurb then it would have been been a four. Making the story through her testimony/confession was a unique way of presenting things. I would read something by her in the future.

Story **** World ***
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Moving * Reader Frustration **
Slow burn *** Steam **
Violence ** Humor
Romance ** Ending ***
Deviant/Perverse *

Cons
- Romance was not as believable as I hoped. I started to wonder if it was all an act.
- The way it ended was nicely wrapped up bu unrealistic; I can't say more without giving things away
- With the way people on both sides were watching her she would never have gotten away with that much sneaking around

Pros
- She was smart even when she seemed dumb and naive
- The lawyer
- The brother-in-law is a loser who causes a lot of the problems but he also managed to make me like him
- Kept you guessing and worried
- She managed to make your feel like it was a confusing love triangle until it wasn't

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.