What do you think?
Rate this book
Ask Sam
"Giving advice is easy. Surviving it is another story.
Some questions are better left unanswered."
Dating advice columnist Samantha Carter is an expert at guiding others through the complexities of modern love—but her own love life remains a disaster. When she starts receiving emails from Daniel, a charming but troubled man seeking help with a crush, Sam thinks nothing of it. Until her dates begin mysteriously disappearing.
As Daniel's emails grow increasingly sinister, Sam realizes she's not just dealing with a troubled reader—she's the object of his dangerous obsession. Each message brings her deeper into his twisted world, forcing her to confront the chilling Daniel isn't just a fan. He's watching her every move.
Ask Sam is a fast-paced, psychological thriller with shocking twists and an ending that lingers long after the final tick.
Some questions are better left unanswered."
Dating advice columnist Samantha Carter is an expert at guiding others through the complexities of modern love—but her own love life remains a disaster. When she starts receiving emails from Daniel, a charming but troubled man seeking help with a crush, Sam thinks nothing of it. Until her dates begin mysteriously disappearing.
As Daniel's emails grow increasingly sinister, Sam realizes she's not just dealing with a troubled reader—she's the object of his dangerous obsession. Each message brings her deeper into his twisted world, forcing her to confront the chilling Daniel isn't just a fan. He's watching her every move.
Ask Sam is a fast-paced, psychological thriller with shocking twists and an ending that lingers long after the final tick.
Audible Audio
Published May 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Daya Winters
2 books9 followersDaya Winters lives in a small rural town in Kentucky with her husband and three children. When she isn’t running around cleaning up messes, she’s behind her screen, crafting the next twist in her latest psychological thriller. A lover of suspense and mind-bending mysteries, she enjoys diving into the dark corners of human nature and keeping readers on edge. Ask Sam is her debut novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 5, 2025
Ask Sam by Daya Winters
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Such a fast paced gripping psychological thriller! I love the storyline and crazy intensity that started from the beginning through the end! I did not want to stop reading until I knew how the book was going to end! It is very well written and filled with lots of suspense and twists!
The story follows Sam whose profession is to give relationship advice to others. Sam starts to worry about her own life when Daniele, a man who contacted her for his own relationship advice, begins sending strange emails to her. She soon realizes he is becoming scary and obsessed with her!
This is the author’s debut novel and it’s fantastic! I can’t wait to read more!!
I was lucky to listen to the audio version and it was great!! The narrator did an excellent job.
*It’s out now and I highly recommend it!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Such a fast paced gripping psychological thriller! I love the storyline and crazy intensity that started from the beginning through the end! I did not want to stop reading until I knew how the book was going to end! It is very well written and filled with lots of suspense and twists!
The story follows Sam whose profession is to give relationship advice to others. Sam starts to worry about her own life when Daniele, a man who contacted her for his own relationship advice, begins sending strange emails to her. She soon realizes he is becoming scary and obsessed with her!
This is the author’s debut novel and it’s fantastic! I can’t wait to read more!!
I was lucky to listen to the audio version and it was great!! The narrator did an excellent job.
*It’s out now and I highly recommend it!!*
March 23, 2025
Ask Sam by Daya Winters
5⭐️
Is it ever really over??
Sam is a dating advice columnist who gives relationship advice to people but when she starts getting strange messages she realizes something is amiss. The messages turn into an obsession and Sam has to try and make it out alive!! The twists in this book just kept coming and coming. There was so many jaw dropping moments and it kept me hooked wanting to know what was next. It was very unpredictable with an amazing twist at the end. The MMC is diabolical and the descriptions of his thought process throughout the book is very well written. It was well written and I really enjoyed it being a shorter novel with short chapters. It was easy to read and there was no boring parts. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
5⭐️
Is it ever really over??
Sam is a dating advice columnist who gives relationship advice to people but when she starts getting strange messages she realizes something is amiss. The messages turn into an obsession and Sam has to try and make it out alive!! The twists in this book just kept coming and coming. There was so many jaw dropping moments and it kept me hooked wanting to know what was next. It was very unpredictable with an amazing twist at the end. The MMC is diabolical and the descriptions of his thought process throughout the book is very well written. It was well written and I really enjoyed it being a shorter novel with short chapters. It was easy to read and there was no boring parts. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
March 22, 2025
From the debut of a promising new author emerges a psychological thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. Expertly crafted, the narrative weaves a tapestry of suspense, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The author masterfully sets the scene, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension that draws the reader deep into the protagonist's unraveling world.
March 28, 2025
This is a fast paced, psychological thriller, with multiple twists that hooks you from beginning to end! I really enjoyed the short chapters making it a fast and easy read and I am looking forward to reading more books published by this new and upcoming author, Daya Winters!
I was honored to be chosen as an advanced copy reader for this book , this was my first ever ARC!
I was honored to be chosen as an advanced copy reader for this book , this was my first ever ARC!
May 18, 2025
Had potential, but completely lost the plot.
Ask Sam started with a solid premise—a dating columnist receives strange emails that spiral into something dangerous. I was intrigued. It felt like the setup to a chilling psychological thriller. But very quickly, the problems became hard to ignore.
We’re constantly told Sam feels a sense of dread from the emails… but the emails themselves? Completely ordinary. There was no tension, no foreshadowing, no sinister tone. The author kept telling us something was “off” without actually showing us why. It made it hard to feel invested or even believe in Sam’s fear.
When the threat finally emerges, I hoped for a solid twist. Instead, it felt forced and over-the-top. The villain’s ability to predict everything and manipulate every situation was just not believable. It reminded me of the You series on Netflix—but like one of the weaker episodes.
Then the story shifts into a sort of continuation—and that’s when it completely jumped the shark. Suddenly, everyone Sam interacts with is unhealthily obsessed with her. Why? Is she a movie star? A secret siren? It made zero sense. And the ending? I actually guessed it as a joke, and when it turned out to be true, I was more annoyed than surprised.
It gave off major low-budget zombie movie vibes. Just replace the zombies with stalkers and boom—you’ve got the same formula. No nuance, no subtlety, just escalation for the sake of drama.
Disappointed, because this could’ve been something really clever. Instead, it felt like a mess of clichés and unbelievable choices.
Ask Sam started with a solid premise—a dating columnist receives strange emails that spiral into something dangerous. I was intrigued. It felt like the setup to a chilling psychological thriller. But very quickly, the problems became hard to ignore.
We’re constantly told Sam feels a sense of dread from the emails… but the emails themselves? Completely ordinary. There was no tension, no foreshadowing, no sinister tone. The author kept telling us something was “off” without actually showing us why. It made it hard to feel invested or even believe in Sam’s fear.
When the threat finally emerges, I hoped for a solid twist. Instead, it felt forced and over-the-top. The villain’s ability to predict everything and manipulate every situation was just not believable. It reminded me of the You series on Netflix—but like one of the weaker episodes.
Then the story shifts into a sort of continuation—and that’s when it completely jumped the shark. Suddenly, everyone Sam interacts with is unhealthily obsessed with her. Why? Is she a movie star? A secret siren? It made zero sense. And the ending? I actually guessed it as a joke, and when it turned out to be true, I was more annoyed than surprised.
It gave off major low-budget zombie movie vibes. Just replace the zombies with stalkers and boom—you’ve got the same formula. No nuance, no subtlety, just escalation for the sake of drama.
Disappointed, because this could’ve been something really clever. Instead, it felt like a mess of clichés and unbelievable choices.
May 14, 2025
This is a very suspenseful story, which is told in first person.
The story centres around Samantha Carter, who is a relationship advisor columnist offering advice to people as well as helping them navigate the precious world of dating (hence the title of the book - Ask Sam). However, a helpful reply to someone seeking Sam's advice soon pulls her down a dangerous route. As things begin to escalate, Sam's world is turned upside down. But that this is not the whole story, I don't want to spoil it but all I can say is what happens next takes the story down a terrifying direction.
The author's style is quite interesting and unusual, shifting the story from Sam's POV to another character's POV whose intentions at first seem quite benign.
Very intense and suspense filled story, which has everything from deception, manipulation, horror and scenes of peril. Story flows quite well, but is also quite short, so you should be able to finish it in a couple of days. However, one thing I found frustrating was the ending. The story finishes with a very ambiguous cliff hanger, which I really hope the author addresses in the next book.
If you like thrillers which have plenty of twists, then this you will definitely like this.
The story centres around Samantha Carter, who is a relationship advisor columnist offering advice to people as well as helping them navigate the precious world of dating (hence the title of the book - Ask Sam). However, a helpful reply to someone seeking Sam's advice soon pulls her down a dangerous route. As things begin to escalate, Sam's world is turned upside down. But that this is not the whole story, I don't want to spoil it but all I can say is what happens next takes the story down a terrifying direction.
The author's style is quite interesting and unusual, shifting the story from Sam's POV to another character's POV whose intentions at first seem quite benign.
Very intense and suspense filled story, which has everything from deception, manipulation, horror and scenes of peril. Story flows quite well, but is also quite short, so you should be able to finish it in a couple of days. However, one thing I found frustrating was the ending. The story finishes with a very ambiguous cliff hanger, which I really hope the author addresses in the next book.
If you like thrillers which have plenty of twists, then this you will definitely like this.
March 31, 2025
I received an advanced pi copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Ask Sam was, by all accounts, a thoroughly enjoyable read. The things holding me back from giving it a five star review are both minor.
The first being character development, I wanted a deeper dive into the main characters. While I was able to basically grasp each character, a better relationship with the main character would have helped me get more into the book.
The second minor issue that I had was the timeline in the first half. When I was reading the book, it didn't feel like months had gone by between emails, more like days.
Overall, as I mentioned earlier I did enjoy reading this book and have already recommended it once it is available. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Ask Sam was, by all accounts, a thoroughly enjoyable read. The things holding me back from giving it a five star review are both minor.
The first being character development, I wanted a deeper dive into the main characters. While I was able to basically grasp each character, a better relationship with the main character would have helped me get more into the book.
The second minor issue that I had was the timeline in the first half. When I was reading the book, it didn't feel like months had gone by between emails, more like days.
Overall, as I mentioned earlier I did enjoy reading this book and have already recommended it once it is available. I look forward to reading more from this author!
March 29, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving my honest feedback:
Overall, I think the story is pretty good. I loved the short chapters and alternating viewpoints. This is definitely a fast-paced, quick read. I really felt AWEFUL for Sam and wonder if it is ever going to be truly over for her or if there is a follow-up in store?
I think this story reads more like a YA book than an adult thriller, mostly due to the writer's style and some of the main character's dialogue. At times, it was a little outlandish and unrealistic. However, in the end, it was an enjoyable, easy read. I did not see that ending coming at all, and I think other readers are in for a big surprise as well!!
Overall, I think the story is pretty good. I loved the short chapters and alternating viewpoints. This is definitely a fast-paced, quick read. I really felt AWEFUL for Sam and wonder if it is ever going to be truly over for her or if there is a follow-up in store?
I think this story reads more like a YA book than an adult thriller, mostly due to the writer's style and some of the main character's dialogue. At times, it was a little outlandish and unrealistic. However, in the end, it was an enjoyable, easy read. I did not see that ending coming at all, and I think other readers are in for a big surprise as well!!
March 23, 2025
📚ARC : Ask Sam // Daya Winters 📚
I have been honored to be able to read Ask Sam before its released!!
And DAAAAAANG what a book !!! I was hooked from the beginning to the end and I read it in one shot !!! It was so captivating, stressful, fearful, it has everything a good psychological thriller need !!
You learn to love the characters even when they make mistakes !
And the end, OH the end !!!
I need more of this !!
When they say “good things happen to good people” think twice now !
Rating : a huge 5⭐️
I have been honored to be able to read Ask Sam before its released!!
And DAAAAAANG what a book !!! I was hooked from the beginning to the end and I read it in one shot !!! It was so captivating, stressful, fearful, it has everything a good psychological thriller need !!
You learn to love the characters even when they make mistakes !
And the end, OH the end !!!
I need more of this !!
When they say “good things happen to good people” think twice now !
Rating : a huge 5⭐️
April 1, 2025
What I thought was going to be a scandal and rumor type storyline was nothing close to that. There was questionable friendship, obsession, stalking fear, and all this caused the worse nightmare anyone would want to experience. When your trust is gone and you fear what is around the corner, it can make one perhaps not make the most logical decisions. Fight for your life and trust no one but yourself. This is something Sam learned the hard way. What I wonder now is will she learn from her previous mistakes and choices, can we count on Daya to continue this life journey et for Sam
April 3, 2025
3.7/5 This is a debut psychological thriller with twists and turns that keep you engaged and wondering what comes next. The chapters are very short with a lot going on.
What kept me from giving more stars was that the text was a bit repetitive and some parts lacked important details that I feel would have helped shape the story/ending. It was hard to distinguish the time line and there were a few bits and pieces that we’re kind of left hanging. I also wish there was a bit more background on the characters and a bit more character development. I do hope there is more to Sam’s story, though.
What kept me from giving more stars was that the text was a bit repetitive and some parts lacked important details that I feel would have helped shape the story/ending. It was hard to distinguish the time line and there were a few bits and pieces that we’re kind of left hanging. I also wish there was a bit more background on the characters and a bit more character development. I do hope there is more to Sam’s story, though.
April 8, 2025
I loved this book! I was so excited when I got this arc. I have a thing for email messages in thrillers! I don't know what it is about them but I cant wait to read more from this author.
I had to come back and edit this review. I decided to go back and book mark some of my favorite parts. I am in the middle of a re-read though. This book was GRIPPING psychological thriller status. Like I couldn't read it in the dark. Never have i came across am actual gripping thriller that had me, the reader, on edge. This was one of the best books I've ever read and I wish with everything I had that I could give it a solid 100 stars
I had to come back and edit this review. I decided to go back and book mark some of my favorite parts. I am in the middle of a re-read though. This book was GRIPPING psychological thriller status. Like I couldn't read it in the dark. Never have i came across am actual gripping thriller that had me, the reader, on edge. This was one of the best books I've ever read and I wish with everything I had that I could give it a solid 100 stars
March 27, 2025
I finished this book in like 1-2 hours. It is the definition of a page-turner. The main character Sam was awesome, and I felt so bad for her. I am an author, and I think this character was put through the grinder more times than I have put my characters through combined haha. But the author did a great job of making Sam a great character to root for. Daya did a great job of getting the reader (that's me) hooked. Felt more like a psychological horror than a psychological thriller.
March 27, 2025
Thank you for the ARC. This book fell a bit short for me. When I read, I like to envision the characters but it really didn’t describe how anyone looked. It was a very fast paced novella with very short chapters which I enjoyed. It did have a level of nostalgia as I did my share of online dating, luckily no stalkers but plenty of ghosters. I didn’t see that twist at the end so I’m intrigued to read the next book if there is one.
March 28, 2025
My first ARC!!!
I was so super excited to be picked to read this book. I am a big thriller fan and the book didn’t disappoint in that area.
From the get go I was hooked, it was super fast paced and kept you on the edge of your seat.
The ending….I’m literally shook! I need more because this ending isn’t going to cut it 🤣
I’m proud to have been chosen to be a first reader, this book has been an awesome experience and I look forward to reading more from this Author
I was so super excited to be picked to read this book. I am a big thriller fan and the book didn’t disappoint in that area.
From the get go I was hooked, it was super fast paced and kept you on the edge of your seat.
The ending….I’m literally shook! I need more because this ending isn’t going to cut it 🤣
I’m proud to have been chosen to be a first reader, this book has been an awesome experience and I look forward to reading more from this Author
March 29, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book, which was a fast paced, keep you on your toes read. Overall, I really enjoyed it. At times, I did feel like some of the lines were repetitive, or some words over used, but as I said, overall I enjoyed this book. I loved the short chapters and multiple viewpoints, and I thought it had a great storyline. I was shocked by the ending, and other readers are sure to be just as surprised.
May 26, 2025
I received this as an ARC to read and review.
The story itself had potential but I feel it was trying too hard at times. I loved the short chapters and it was twisty and very pacy.
But I felt the characters lacked depth and the writing was rushed - it was unnecessarily repetitive in places and didn’t explain time too well which made me have to go back and reread parts so I could make sense of them. Also the storyline became a little too far fetched for my liking.
The story itself had potential but I feel it was trying too hard at times. I loved the short chapters and it was twisty and very pacy.
But I felt the characters lacked depth and the writing was rushed - it was unnecessarily repetitive in places and didn’t explain time too well which made me have to go back and reread parts so I could make sense of them. Also the storyline became a little too far fetched for my liking.
March 28, 2025
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be an arc reader for this novel! This book was AMAZING! It kept me interested and on the edge of my seat! It was a quick, easy, suspenseful, and interesting read! I’m looking forward to reading more novels by Daya Winters, and hopefully there’s a sequel to her debut novel!
April 3, 2025
I enjoyed the read, but I felt like something was missing. Some things did not come together smoothly and make sense. It was very entertaining and fast-paced. I would have enjoyed just a little more depth to the plot and more back story on Sam and Lena's friendship. I wasn't expecting the ending, but I'm also not sure if it's believable without a little more history between Sam and Lena.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
Wow! What a fun cat and mouse book this was! Highly recommend reading this. Daya has done an amazing job (so much so that my ADHD brain was able to focus on…and finish this book in two days!).
I cannot wait to see what else Daya comes up with. She’s an amazing first time author.
I cannot wait to see what else Daya comes up with. She’s an amazing first time author.
March 27, 2025
Where do I begin? I actually finished this book in 2 sittings . The twists and turns were great kept me wanting to know more . Very easy read , short chapters which I love . This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more from her .
March 29, 2025
📚I got my hands on an Arc copy and man, this is the perfect antidote to my reading slump! It's twisty and keeps you guessing. Daya Winters, you've earned a spot on my 'I'll read whatever you write' roster!
March 31, 2025
Wow! I absolutely ate this book up. It was full of twists and was easy to read. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and could not believe what was happening. Definitely read it ! I cannot wait for more to come from this author!
March 31, 2025
Wow!!!! This was gripping, I tense from the 1st page. I wanted more, i couldnt stop reading. Who was sending jer threatening emails, who was stalking her. Omg it's not who you think. Down to the epilogue had my mouth dropping and gasping
March 31, 2025
This novella was a great quick read that had me hooked from the beginning! I loved that it started at a quick pace and kept that pace throughout the entire book.
I do feel bad for Sam because it seems like she can never catch a break:(
I do feel bad for Sam because it seems like she can never catch a break:(
April 2, 2025
I received an early copy for an honest review.
This book pulled me in from the first chapter! Such a quick, easy read. Poor Sam, will she ever catch a break?! Loved Part II and the various POV. The twist at the end had me shook and I didn't see it coming.
Congrats on an awesome debut novella.
This book pulled me in from the first chapter! Such a quick, easy read. Poor Sam, will she ever catch a break?! Loved Part II and the various POV. The twist at the end had me shook and I didn't see it coming.
Congrats on an awesome debut novella.
April 16, 2025
Love the concept of the book about a self advice columnist being stalked by one of her readers. I read it in a few hours and it was very fast paced. I also love a funny sidekick to lighten the mood. Definitely fun cat and mouse read!
May 8, 2025
This definitely reads more like YA, but because of that, it is a quick, fun read. I wish there was more character development, and that some parts were less repetitive, but it is a short novel, and a hopeful indication of more great reads to come from Daya Winters.
March 29, 2025
Very good quick read. Was a little confused by near the end. But I got there and it was a good read. Poor sam, can she not get a break lol
April 3, 2025
ARC Read. Great Story. Has MANY twists and turns that you don't see coming. Messes with your head and makes have to ask yourself, "now wait a minute ". Loved everything about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews