Single mom Amy Knoxx thought her new business—posing as a girlfriend, fiancée, or wife—would solve her financial troubles. Instead, it pulls her into a web of obsession and danger.
When wealthy but unstable Nolan hires Amy as his fiancée, things spiral out of control. A stalker’s shadow looms over her life, and things turn deadly when Amy finds a body in her shed.
As Amy and Jordan, a guarded client with his own secrets, try to navigate the fallout, Amy’s son, Sawyer, is kidnapped, leaving her to confront the terrifying Nolan wasn’t the only one stalking her every move. But who else has their eyes set on her?
KEEPING HER CLOSE BY JESSICA LYNN SORENSEN. Release day set for the 4th of May 2025. First off I just want to say I Love the cover of this book. I was drawn straight in by the end of the prologue and couldn't wait to jump straight to chapter one. I think I said out loud a fair few times "Amy this isn't going to end well girl" The storyline was very unique for me I cant say I've read a storyline like this one which kept me gripped and engaged the whole way through. Really great characters. I really really loved this book Roll on the next book
A True Five-Star Experience: Sorensen Delivers Again!
Wow! Where do I even begin? This book is simply amazing and deserves more than five stars, if that were possible. Jessica Lynn Sorensen has done it again, cementing her place as one of my favorite authors. I’ve been a loyal reader since her debut, and it’s clear with each new release that her talent just keeps growing. This novel has officially become my favorite of hers!
The characters are a huge part of what made this book so captivating. Amy and Jordan immediately drew me in, and I found myself completely invested in their journey, rooting for them every step of the way. And then there’s Elaine! Sorensen perfectly captures the nature of a typical nosy neighbor, that character we all recognize and (secretly) love. Elaine provided some much-needed humor, and her presence was a pleasing addition to the story.
But what truly sets this book apart are the twists and turns. Sorensen masterfully weaves a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, desperately flipping pages to uncover the next secret. Just when you think you have it figured out, BAM! Another twist throws you for a loop. The ending? Absolutely shocking! I was completely blindsided in the best possible way.
Jessica Lynn Sorensen, you have outdone yourself! This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping and unforgettable story. If you’re new to Sorensen’s work, don’t hesitate—dive in! You won’t be disappointed, I promise. I’m already eagerly anticipating her next release and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us!
Welcome to the Lit-indie Files. Where I take a chance on small/indie published books and bring you the inside scoop!!
I just finished Keeping you close by Jessica Lynn Sorensen and here are my musings.
Single mom Amy is looking to make money and her new business venture… Professional partner for men and women needing someone to pose as a partner/spouse.
Things chug along swimmingly until she meets wealthy Noah. Things spiral out of control as Noah’s instability begins to rear its ugly head..
The insanity doesn’t end there… Someone is stalking her and when she finds a dead body in her shed.. She knows she is in danger. Things go from bad to worse when her son doesn’t come home from school….
OH MY GAWD Where do I start to unpack all the triggers in this book!! It was a ride. It was the kind of ride you want to get off but can’t because you are weirdly enjoying the horrors that are in store for you.
This novel comes with multiple POVs with short chapters in the first person which makes it easy to follow along and quite gripping in its execution.
Amy is a single mom, been there myself. She definitely didn’t think through her business venture. Or maybe she needed a better vetting system or someone who could deep dive people before saying yes. Noah is the epitome of thinking because he has money and pays money for something.. That there isn’t a boundary. He was quite frightening to me.
There is a bit of spice, not a ton but I’m guessing you aren’t looking for that from a thriller. Stalker vibes were on point and I was mildly disturbed all the way through.
Definitely some solid writing here. A quick enjoyable thriller
4 stars
Thank you to @jessica.lynn.sorensen for my gifted copy of your book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Since Goodreads doesn’t allow half-star ratings, I’m giving this book 3 stars, but I think 3.5 would be more accurate. I genuinely enjoyed reading it and was curious to see how things would unfold.
If you’re looking for a short story to read, this book is for you. I’ve read a few books by Jessica, so I know she enjoys using multiple POVs. In this case, it would have made more sense to me if the book had been longer. The fast pace — and I mean really fast, since it took me just about two hours to finish — made me feel like something was missing from the plot. The FMC’s actions made me want to shake her into consciousness. The book ended on a cliffhanger, so I’m definitely waiting for the second part.
Keeping You Close Part Two by Jessica Lynn Sorensen
After reading Keeping You Close Part One, I was counting down the days until Part Two dropped… and let me tell you; it did not disappoint! I was lucky enough to be an alpha reader for this book, and experiencing the story unfold before release made it even more thrilling.
Jessica Lynn Sorensen has been one of my go-to authors for a while now, and with every new book, she somehow manages to top herself. Keeping You Close Part Two is packed with so many jaw-dropping twists, I found myself gasping out loud. My husband probably thought something was wrong with me. Haha Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next… BOOM! Another twist.
The emotional depth, suspense, and intensity of this installment are on another level. And that ending? I’m still recovering. Absolutely shocking in the best way EVER!
Whether you’re new to Jessica’s work or a longtime fan like me, I highly recommend this book… and honestly, anything she writes. She continues to prove she’s a master at gripping and emotional storytelling.
In the mood for some mayhem, including stalking, lies, murder and more? Well look no further! This book is a must read.
I fell asleep late last night reading and woke up and did nothing but read so I could finish this book. With short gripping chapters this book kept me engaged from the very beginning and left me begging for more. Will impatiently be waiting for the next book!
*ARC Review* just want to say a big thankyou to Jessica Lynn Sorensen for allowing me to read this before the release date in return for an honest review
I was originally drawn to to this book by it’s beautiful cover and after reading the prologue there was nothing else to do but to dive right in!
Amy Knoxx life turned upside down a year ago when her husband Trevor walked out on her and her son, since then she’s been trying her best to move on with her life but after a few disastrous dates and bills piling up she figures out how to mash the two together by becoming a rent-a-partner (platonically) and things end up taking a turn for the worse…
I really enjoyed this read of part 1 and It did leave me wanting to know so much more especially when left on a cliffhanger! I felt myself wanting to give Amy a shake throughout most of it as she constantly puts herself in dangerous situations! So much goes on in this short story and it will definitely keep you on your toes!
Even though I did enjoy this read there were a few things that impacted my rating, firstly the writing itself felt abit more “young adult” for me personally, as well as having a lot going on within the storyline it felt like the author couldn’t decide on a plot or trope so mixed abit of everything into this novel which did feel abit messy by the end, but that is also a personal preference and I would still highly recommend this book especially for a lighthearted inbetween read :)
Keeping You Close is a quick read that is part romance, part thriller, part stalker all rolled into one story. I loved the premise of all of those elements being captured within a novella, but I felt like the execution could have been more refined and less chaotic. Maybe if this story was turned into a longer novel, more themes could have been established and provided more depth to the story, but I felt there was too much happening to only create a novella, which lead to many elements not being properly detailed. I felt myself often frustrated with the decisions the main character makes as she is a single mom but seems to only interact with her child when it's convenient to the storyline.
Readers looking for a quick read, novella, stalker romances, or thrillers will enjoy this, but it missed the mark for me.
Thank you to Jessica Lynn Sorensen and BookSirens for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book from Jessica Sorensen and now I have to order the whole collection.
Amy Knoxx grew up with foster parents. Amy’s husband, Trevor, leaves her and their son, sawyer for another woman. Amy starts doing some sketchy work to make ends meet (as a parent, we have to do what we have to do, so I’m not judging). She then meets Jordan and a few other random guys, but her friendship with Jordan gets stronger by the day and he’s always there for here, but Amy isn’t sure if she can trust him. Honestly, how can we know who we can trust anymore?
All of a sudden Sawyer goes missing, who could it have been that took him? I never saw this one coming! There is a second part, so to be continued!
I loved this storyline. The characters in this story were so realistic. The story of a woman whose husband abandoned her and her son for another woman and she has to get another job to earn extra money to support her son. Only the job finds her meeting people with ideas she was not expecting. This story will leaving you wanting to know more. This author's stories make you not want to put the book down.
Jessica Lynn Sorensen delivers a pulse-pounding psychological thriller in Keeping You Close, blending suspense, emotional depth, and maternal instincts into a chilling, fast-paced ride.
Sorensen masterfully keeps readers guessing, peeling back layers of paranoia and trust, love and fear. The novel’s emotional stakes are as high as its suspense, making Keeping You Close a gripping, unforgettable read for fans of dark, twisty thrillers.
4.5⭐️ This story was fantastic. A fast paced read that I absolutely needed to curb my reading slump. I’ve never read a novella with so many characters!! I’m actually quite impressed at the amount of detail within.
This psychological thriller ends on a cliffhanger; complete with stalkers, nosy neighbors, and a crazy mistress. It was a mystery to me where the story was headed, so bonus points to the author on the plot twists. I’m gonna need book 2 ASAP.
I was got to read an ARC of this book. I cannot wait for the next book. This book had me on the edge of my seat. There are twists in this book that I didn't see coming. And then the end is a real cliff hanger! Is someone stalking Amy? What will she do. Is she crazy to start her new business? Get your copy on May 1st.
To be continued..!?? 😩I hope part 2 doesn’t take too long to come out! Jessica does it again, just when I think I know who has done it and what’s going to happen she throws a wrench in, you don’t see coming! I was an arc for this book, and like I said before I will never skip a Jessica Lynn Sorensen book. She never disappoints!
What a crazy ride! Keeping You Close: Part 1 by Jessica Lynn Sorensen is a rollercoaster of humor and suspense. Amy’s knack for getting herself into trouble is both hilarious and heartbreaking, making for an addictive read. The twists and turns kept me hooked, and the balance between comedy and tension was masterfully done. Sorensen has created a story that’s as entertaining as it is gripping—I can’t wait for Part 2!
Thank you for the ARC. This is my second book by this author and I’m really enjoyed her twisty and fast paced books. They have short chapters, likable characters and twists around every corner. I think Amy’s business idea was brilliant but also super risky and dangerous. I really liked her and her son, Sawyer. I was rooting for Jordan and Amy. This book, being part 1, left on a cliff hanger so I look forward to reading the next one.
“Keeping You Close: Part 2” did not disappoint! Sorensen packed this installment with even more humor and suspense. Amy’s life continues to be an absolute train wreck—she just keeps finding new ways to land herself in trouble, especially as her past continues to haunt her. I really enjoyed watching Amy’s character develop as she navigates one mess after another, growing stronger and more complex with each challenge. The twists and emotional moments kept me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down for a second! If you loved the first book, you’ll be hooked on this one too.
When I tell you I was counting the MINUTES the SECONDS to when I would get to read PART 2!
Oh man, this is the SEQUEL && it DID NOT disappoint. Jessica has the type of writing style that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end of the book. Then the book sticks with you for days after—I’ve never been so glad to be haunted by a book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️OMG! Please tell me there is a part 3 coming??😍😍 Jessica delivers another outstanding book with twists and turns that will make you mad, happy and sad! Don't sleep on this author! Read this one today!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I just finished Keeping You Close, and I’m honestly still reeling—what a wild, addictive ride! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I can confidently say this is one of the most gripping books I’ve read this year.
The story follows Amy Knoxx, a single mom trying to make ends meet with a business that’s definitely outside the box—pretending to be someone’s girlfriend, fiancée, or wife. Things seem manageable until she agrees to play the fiancée of Nolan, a wealthy man with some serious red flags. From there, everything unravels fast—stalkers, threats, a murder, and eventually, Amy’s worst nightmare: her son goes missing.
What I loved most about this book was how layered and intense it felt. Jessica Lynn Sorensen does such a great job at building suspense. Every time I thought I had things figured out, a new twist would completely throw me. There were moments that genuinely gave me chills, and the ending? I didn’t see it coming at all. It left me stunned in the best way.
Amy is such a strong, relatable character. I really connected with her love for her son and how fiercely she fights to protect him. Jordan, another client who gets pulled into Amy’s life, added so much depth to the story. I loved their dynamic—it was tense, emotional, and full of slow-burn chemistry.
Also, I have to mention Elaine, the neighbor. She’s that perfect mix of nosy and oddly endearing. Her character added just the right amount of levity to the story when things got dark.
Overall, Keeping You Close was everything I hope for in a psychological thriller—intense, surprising, emotional, and impossible to put down. I’ve been a fan of Sorensen for a while, and with this book, she’s absolutely cemented her spot on my must-read list. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves thrillers with heart, mystery, and a whole lot of twists.
Jessica Lynn Sorensen has done it again! As a relatively new fan of her writing, I can confidently say that Keeping You Close is yet another thrilling, suspenseful ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The story follows Amy Knoxx, a single mom who starts a "hire a date" business to make ends meet. But what starts as a creative way to pay the bills quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. Not only does Amy feel like she’s being watched, but she soon finds herself in serious trouble—trouble that keeps the reader on edge the whole way through.
One of Sorensen’s greatest strengths is her ability to create well-developed, vivid characters. You can practically see them in your mind, and they feel so real that you become deeply invested in their lives. My favorite character was Jordan—his strange history and phobia made him incredibly intriguing. Sorensen paints such a compelling picture of him that you can’t help but root for him.
What I love most about Sorensen’s writing is her masterful handling of suspense and mystery. She never fails to deliver shocking twists, making her books impossible to predict. As an overthinker, I can usually figure out the culprit in a whodunnit—but never with her books! She keeps me guessing until the very end, and that makes the reading experience all the more exciting.
Speaking of the ending—wow. This book closes on one hell of a cliffhanger, leaving me desperate for the next installment. If you’re looking for a gripping, twist-filled read, Keeping You Close is definitely worth picking up!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Amy Knoxx is a single Mum to her son Sawyer. She's broke and needs to find some extra money - fast. She decides to hire herself out as a 'wife', 'girlfriend', or 'fiancée'. It's easy money, and, no 'horizontal tangos' are required 👀 (that's a hard rule).
It's very lucrative and she can have two or three clients at once! Sounds great right?
No.
It becomes dangerous, a dead body is involved, and an obsessive stalker 😱.
One of her clients is Jordan. He comes with his own trauma and secrets, and is also ONLY interested in a platonic relationship....
Suddenly, Amy's son Sawyer is kidnapped and it would appear that there are a few people closely watching Amy.
Will Amy find Sawyer and who are the people making her life a living nightmare????
BOOM!!! So many jaw-dropping twists and turns. I love that some of your wonderful reader's have a part, that was so cool. There's Jaime and her extremely unhinged provocative behaviour, and Elaine who's a curtain-twitching sticky beak who cracked me up 😂.
The narrative is suspenseful, emotionally charged, and truly gripping. I was completely blindsided by the shocking end, like WTAF???? I've given up on trying to guess your endings, epic fail.
Thanks Jessica, I've now read eight of your books and loved them all. You have the ability to pull me into your stories immediately and I always look forward to continuing my current read of yours after work.
Keeping You Close is like stepping onto a merry-go-round that’s spinning way too fast—and I loved every dizzy second of it. Amy Knoxx, single mom and professional “fake girlfriend,” thought pretending to be rich guys’ fiancées would solve her money problems. Instead, it hands her a one-way ticket to Crazy Town, starring Nolan—a wealthy client with more issues than Vogue—and a dead body hiding in her shed. (Yeah. Her shed. I could practically feel the chill climbing up my spine.)
Amy is tough, real, and totally relatable. She doesn’t always have it together (honestly, who does?), but she’s got grit and enough heart to fight through anything—especially once her son Sawyer is dragged into the danger. Watching her level up from stressed-out mom to full-blown mama bear was chef’s kiss satisfying.
Jessica Lynn Sorensen’s writing is sharp, sensory, and fast-paced. I heard the ominous creaks, felt Amy’s creeping fear, and tasted her panic right alongside her. Plus, the slow-burn tension with Jordan, the guarded client with secrets of his own? Delicious.
Bottom line: If you like your thrillers with a big side of sass, suspense, and heart, Keeping You Close is absolutely worth your next late-night binge.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving my honest feedback:
Keeping You Close - Part 1 by Jessica Lynn Sorensen is a great read, and I recommend everyone grab a copy when it is released on May 4th! I finished this book last night and am eagerly waiting for part 2! Sorensen does an excellent job in developing her characters in a way that makes you truly invested in them. I had to know what crazy shenanigans were going to happen to Amy next! Thanks to the cliffhanger at the end, I know Sorensen has many more in store for her in the future!
Normally, I can predict at least some of the plot twists in store for me, but that was not the case with this book! This one totally had my head spinning! Sorensen provides so many twists and turns that will keep you captivated, on the edge of your seat, and leave you wanting to know more!
The only reason this was not five stars for me is because parts I felt were a little unnecessary and distracted from the overall flow. It could have totally just been me and my opinion. Overall, it's a great book, and I can't wait for the next in this series to see what happens to Amy, Jordan, Elaine, and others!
"has anyone ever written anything for you?" is a classic song from stevie Nicks which as a songwriter who has written about folks, i absolutely love! and it is SPECIAL... unbelievably so to have anything written with you in mind! THIS book and its brilliant author whom I've been lucky to get to know, used the name i have given myself and made Amy Knoxx into the FMC. pretty freaking cool!!!!
this is an awesome book that pulls you right on in! so much is happening it needs your complete attention! and much like watching an episode of the famous Yellowjackets, this book leaves you with more questions than answers!
very much looking forward to and incredibly anxious for PART 2!
*I was on the ARC team and this book releases on May 4, 20205... ADD IT TO YOUR TBR NOW SO YOU DON'T FORGET TO JOIN THE REST OF US WHO ALREADY DOVE IN AND TOOK THE WILD RIDE AND ADVENTURE that is "keeping you close"
Listen. Before you start this book, grab a fork and some napkins and prepare to EAT THIS BOOK UP FOR DINNER!
Let me tell you that I was incapable of setting this book down. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish this masterpiece. Jessica has knocked this one out of the park. There's mystery, intrigue, twists, turns and a jaw dropping ending that left me speechless. I love how Jessica weaves multiple story lines together, so you get a slightly different vantage point. You feel like you see exaclty what she has her sights on, and then in the next chapter your idea bubble is popped. Run, do not walk to grab this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I cannot express how I ate this book up! Such a good, fast paced read that involves juicy twist and turns. We meet Amy going through a rough time after her husband left her and their son for a mistress. Times are tough and they need money to survive so she builds a business. “Rent a partner” is who any man or women who needs someone to show off. Only for a month. Only two rules is that everything stays professional and NO SEX. Nothing stays the same when these men become wild or end up dead in her shed. Such a wild journey trying to figure out who is the stalker, who took her child , and where the hell did her husband go. I cannot wait for part two!! This was an amazing introduction into the author Jessica Lynn Sorensen
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I finished this book last night and still thinking about the ending, I will be eagerly awaiting part two.
Full of twists and turns that keep you on your toes and characters that are interesting and make you want to dig deep into their personal history you will not want to put it down or end.
I don't want to give too much away but this book is a must read especially if you are a fan of Sorensen's previous work. If you are new to her work make this your first you won't be disappointed.
Currently rooting for Jordan but we will see what part two holds.