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Hooked: An OBX Suspense Novel
A SECRET RELATIONSHIP.
A STALKER IN THE SHADOWS.
Lexi Martin thought the Outer Banks would be a refuge—an escape from her anxiety and the ache of long-distance love. A place of peace carried in on the familiar Hatteras tides.
But then the messages begin. An anonymous admirer. Photographs taken too close for comfort. Someone is watching. Someone who always seems one step ahead.
At the same time, an old friend steps back into her life. His steady presence stirs up the past, forcing Lexi to face memories she thought she’d buried.
Danger escalates and now Lexi is caught between a secret relationship, a stalker in the shadows, and her brother’s best friend. As the secrets multiply and fear threatens to consume her, she questions who she can really trust and whether she can rediscover the faith she’s long abandoned.
Because the stalker isn’t just watching anymore—he’s setting the hook.
***
Stephanie Sanders's debut novel Hooked includes character-driven suspense brimming with emotional tension and carefully layered secrets. With flawed, relatable characters and a redemptive arc, Hooked blends themes of faith, anxiety, and trust with suspense and hints of closed-door romance. Perfect for fans of Colleen Coble and Lynette Eason.
A STALKER IN THE SHADOWS.
Lexi Martin thought the Outer Banks would be a refuge—an escape from her anxiety and the ache of long-distance love. A place of peace carried in on the familiar Hatteras tides.
But then the messages begin. An anonymous admirer. Photographs taken too close for comfort. Someone is watching. Someone who always seems one step ahead.
At the same time, an old friend steps back into her life. His steady presence stirs up the past, forcing Lexi to face memories she thought she’d buried.
Danger escalates and now Lexi is caught between a secret relationship, a stalker in the shadows, and her brother’s best friend. As the secrets multiply and fear threatens to consume her, she questions who she can really trust and whether she can rediscover the faith she’s long abandoned.
Because the stalker isn’t just watching anymore—he’s setting the hook.
***
Stephanie Sanders's debut novel Hooked includes character-driven suspense brimming with emotional tension and carefully layered secrets. With flawed, relatable characters and a redemptive arc, Hooked blends themes of faith, anxiety, and trust with suspense and hints of closed-door romance. Perfect for fans of Colleen Coble and Lynette Eason.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Sanders
1 book8 followersSTEPHANIE SANDERS is a Christian fiction author who writes stories of suspense, faith, and redemption. She strives to create authentic characters who face real-world struggles and discover lasting hope in Jesus.
She started writing stories when she was 12 years old and earned a BA in English from Kent State University in 2020. After several years of teaching high school, she became a stay-at-home mom to two little girls and started focusing on her writing again.
Stephanie is an avid reader who loves drinking coffee, hiking, and getting lost in her many artistic hobbies. She and her husband live in Canton, Ohio with their two daughters, a cat named Melvin, and fifteen chickens.
She would love to connect with readers through her Instagram account @stephaniesandersauthor or on her website, stephaniesandersauthor.com
She started writing stories when she was 12 years old and earned a BA in English from Kent State University in 2020. After several years of teaching high school, she became a stay-at-home mom to two little girls and started focusing on her writing again.
Stephanie is an avid reader who loves drinking coffee, hiking, and getting lost in her many artistic hobbies. She and her husband live in Canton, Ohio with their two daughters, a cat named Melvin, and fifteen chickens.
She would love to connect with readers through her Instagram account @stephaniesandersauthor or on her website, stephaniesandersauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 24, 2025
•She didn’t know he was watching. She didn’t know he was waiting. She didn’t know his plan.•
This debut novel has wonderful characters, an amazing setting, a good dose of faith, lots of suspense, and a creepy stalker. I had my suspicions of the stalker and I was right in the end.
Lexi is struggling. She’s hiding her relationship and having anxiety attacks. Her battle with her anxiety was huge. It is honestly and tactfully written. I loved the reminder that God may not take away the anxiety but He will give you strength to face it because He is the Prince of Peace. Lexi is brave concerning her stalker. I loved the relationship between Lexi and Reed. Reed is the perfect big brother. He is protective and always looking out for Lexi. He tries to draw her out of her tiny world she’s built. He encourages her and tries to understand her anxiety. Cole seems to care for Lexi in his own way. I found him overbearing and controlling, just what I expected from a secret (and toxic) relationship. Jordan is a true friend. He honestly wants Lexi to be happy. His encouragement and directing her to God was fantastic.
A few more quotes:
“I know, and I want you to be happy.” Reed paused. “But?” Lexi knew there was more. “Just don’t let him make you forget everything else that’s important to you.” “I won’t,” Lexi promised.
“I’m about ready to go hunt down that guy and beat his scumbag face into the sand.” Reed pounded his fist into his palm, emphasizing his point. “Probably not a good idea, buddy.” Jordan’s brow pinched. “But I understand the sentiment.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
This debut novel has wonderful characters, an amazing setting, a good dose of faith, lots of suspense, and a creepy stalker. I had my suspicions of the stalker and I was right in the end.
Lexi is struggling. She’s hiding her relationship and having anxiety attacks. Her battle with her anxiety was huge. It is honestly and tactfully written. I loved the reminder that God may not take away the anxiety but He will give you strength to face it because He is the Prince of Peace. Lexi is brave concerning her stalker. I loved the relationship between Lexi and Reed. Reed is the perfect big brother. He is protective and always looking out for Lexi. He tries to draw her out of her tiny world she’s built. He encourages her and tries to understand her anxiety. Cole seems to care for Lexi in his own way. I found him overbearing and controlling, just what I expected from a secret (and toxic) relationship. Jordan is a true friend. He honestly wants Lexi to be happy. His encouragement and directing her to God was fantastic.
A few more quotes:
“I know, and I want you to be happy.” Reed paused. “But?” Lexi knew there was more. “Just don’t let him make you forget everything else that’s important to you.” “I won’t,” Lexi promised.
“I’m about ready to go hunt down that guy and beat his scumbag face into the sand.” Reed pounded his fist into his palm, emphasizing his point. “Probably not a good idea, buddy.” Jordan’s brow pinched. “But I understand the sentiment.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2025
I loved this story and was “hooked” from the beginning! The characters were relatable, the suspense was thrilling and the story of faith was authentic.
If you love a good Christian suspense story with loveable characters, romance, side characters with really good advice, and a sweet sibling relationship, then this book is for you.
Lexi is a very modern college student, struggling with knowing what to do with her life, anxiety that tests her faith, and a secret boyfriend that she cannot wait to hang out with on her family’s yearly Outer Banks vacation trip.
With her winsome brother by her side, she must face a stalker that grows increasingly bold and decisions of truth and trust before her secrets overwhelm her.
A great debut novel but a wonderful new author!
(I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this for review, but my opinions are my own!)
If you love a good Christian suspense story with loveable characters, romance, side characters with really good advice, and a sweet sibling relationship, then this book is for you.
Lexi is a very modern college student, struggling with knowing what to do with her life, anxiety that tests her faith, and a secret boyfriend that she cannot wait to hang out with on her family’s yearly Outer Banks vacation trip.
With her winsome brother by her side, she must face a stalker that grows increasingly bold and decisions of truth and trust before her secrets overwhelm her.
A great debut novel but a wonderful new author!
(I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this for review, but my opinions are my own!)
December 7, 2025
4.5 stars!
What a cleverly written suspense by debut author Stephanie Sanders! She totally had this amateur armchair sleuth in a confusing dither—I knew who the stalker was, changed my mind at least ten times—then put all the clues together anddd . . . guessed the wrong guy. Ugh. Time to retire from my detective day job. 🕵
I was really impressed by Ms. Sanders' picturesque, descriptive imagery of The Outer Banks and the intricate fishing scenes. The author compassionately deals with generalized anxiety and panic attacks—a disorder often misunderstood by the church. I started to dock a star because the main character's actions and personality were more befitting a high school teen than college-aged. However, she's only 20 years old, so there is that.
I'm really anxious to read the next twisty suspense in the series! Great debut novel, Stephanie Sanders!
What a cleverly written suspense by debut author Stephanie Sanders! She totally had this amateur armchair sleuth in a confusing dither—I knew who the stalker was, changed my mind at least ten times—then put all the clues together anddd . . . guessed the wrong guy. Ugh. Time to retire from my detective day job. 🕵
I was really impressed by Ms. Sanders' picturesque, descriptive imagery of The Outer Banks and the intricate fishing scenes. The author compassionately deals with generalized anxiety and panic attacks—a disorder often misunderstood by the church. I started to dock a star because the main character's actions and personality were more befitting a high school teen than college-aged. However, she's only 20 years old, so there is that.
I'm really anxious to read the next twisty suspense in the series! Great debut novel, Stephanie Sanders!
December 3, 2025
3.25 stars
Completed: Dec. 02/25
Series: OBX Suspense, #1
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #9 of 50 — “2025 Debut Novel” — Dec. 02/25
Book #166 of 2025: I think teen girls and young women should read a book like this for safety reasons. The groomers and control freaks are out there and they use a lot of manipulation, lies, and fake love-bombing to get their way. This is a book to learn from.
The FMC is rather naive and overly dependent on her boyfriend. Far too trusting. And keeping a relationship a secret is never a good idea. I found myself so frustrated with her many times over. She made him into an idol and put God on a very distant back burner. Then she gets a stalker on top of it all and doesn’t tell anyone until toward the end of their vacation. For someone struggling with high anxiety, she does not do herself any favours.
This novel had a YA feel to me but the FMC is in college. She seemed rather immature for her age and made some very poor decisions. It’s so important to teach our girls and young women the current realities of the world, to be very aware, and to use critical thinking skills.
I didn’t feel engaged with the FMC as a character. I think the boyfriend was well done, as well as Reed and Jordan.
The identity of the stalker did not come as a surprise to me at all — means and motivation bring quick clarity. The story is okay but it does have a strong safety message.
Completed: Dec. 02/25
Series: OBX Suspense, #1
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #9 of 50 — “2025 Debut Novel” — Dec. 02/25
Book #166 of 2025: I think teen girls and young women should read a book like this for safety reasons. The groomers and control freaks are out there and they use a lot of manipulation, lies, and fake love-bombing to get their way. This is a book to learn from.
The FMC is rather naive and overly dependent on her boyfriend. Far too trusting. And keeping a relationship a secret is never a good idea. I found myself so frustrated with her many times over. She made him into an idol and put God on a very distant back burner. Then she gets a stalker on top of it all and doesn’t tell anyone until toward the end of their vacation. For someone struggling with high anxiety, she does not do herself any favours.
This novel had a YA feel to me but the FMC is in college. She seemed rather immature for her age and made some very poor decisions. It’s so important to teach our girls and young women the current realities of the world, to be very aware, and to use critical thinking skills.
I didn’t feel engaged with the FMC as a character. I think the boyfriend was well done, as well as Reed and Jordan.
The identity of the stalker did not come as a surprise to me at all — means and motivation bring quick clarity. The story is okay but it does have a strong safety message.
December 8, 2025
Stephanie Sanders's debut novel literally had me "hooked" from start to finish. Lexi, a college student, struggles with anxiety, her faith, and not knowing what she wants to do major wise. She has a secret boyfriend she can't wait to hang out with during her family's vacation to the Outer Banks.
Hooked has a well-crafted storyline with relatable characters, a strong message about being in an unhealthy relationship, and a strong sibling relationship. I did figure out who the stalker was. Excellent read.
Hooked has a well-crafted storyline with relatable characters, a strong message about being in an unhealthy relationship, and a strong sibling relationship. I did figure out who the stalker was. Excellent read.
December 7, 2025
Excellent debut suspense with faith
I really enjoyed this debut Christian suspense novel. Somebody is stalking her while on vacation with her family and friend. Who can she trust? Will she learn to trust God before it’s too late? Very realistic!
I really enjoyed this debut Christian suspense novel. Somebody is stalking her while on vacation with her family and friend. Who can she trust? Will she learn to trust God before it’s too late? Very realistic!
December 22, 2025
I was excited to read a debut novel that was endorsed by Colleen Coble! The storyline had a really good premise, and I dove right in. An Outer Banks family vacation gets a rocky start when Lexie makes some poor choices that will eventually endanger her life. All of the characters were warm and relatable except for the main character, Lexie. She made such terrible choices and hid things from her family and friends to her own detriment and placed herself in danger. Her character really read like a young adult novel, but she is college aged and should be more mature. So, I suppose that the author did her job in view of the fact that I did not appreciate her character and wanted to chastise her.
This is Stephanie Sanders debut novel which has a wonderful endorsement from a well-known author. I will be interested in seeing what she writes next.
I received a copy of this book from a blog give-away, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
This is Stephanie Sanders debut novel which has a wonderful endorsement from a well-known author. I will be interested in seeing what she writes next.
I received a copy of this book from a blog give-away, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
November 22, 2025
Great debut novel. Confession: The author is the young lady who first made me an uncle 30 years ago, and has twice made me a great uncle. I admit to being a bit nervous about reading an advanced copy of this book.....what if it wasn't that great...how would I handle that?
But I had no reason to be nervous, and can honestly - maybe with a tad bit of bias - say this is a great suspense novel I can recommend with no fear of readers being disappointed. Great cast of characters, and I love a good stalker story. Stephanie did a terrific job on the stalker, and I was completely surprised when the identity of the stalker was revealed.
The book is endorsed by Colleen Coble, and I can happily add my endorsement. Looking forward to the second book in this trilogy.
But I had no reason to be nervous, and can honestly - maybe with a tad bit of bias - say this is a great suspense novel I can recommend with no fear of readers being disappointed. Great cast of characters, and I love a good stalker story. Stephanie did a terrific job on the stalker, and I was completely surprised when the identity of the stalker was revealed.
The book is endorsed by Colleen Coble, and I can happily add my endorsement. Looking forward to the second book in this trilogy.
December 10, 2025
I love checking out books by new authors, and this story grabbed my attention from the first page. The first thing I enjoyed about this story was that it is set in my home state and my parents would take me to the outer banks growing up. Just like Lexi Martin in the story going on vacation with her family. Lexi is happy and anxious about going back this year, because she met a boy whom she has been talking to since the previous year. One big problem, she hasn't told her parents. Then she starts getting messages and someone is taking pictures of her. Has someone followed her from her home state or is someone on the outer banks stalking her? Grab your copy today and find out what happens. I am looking forward to reading more books from this up and coming author.
January 18, 2026
Gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down
Hooked pulled me in from the first page and never let go. The suspense builds steadily, the tension feels real, and Lexi’s anxiety is portrayed with honesty and care. A powerful debut.
Hooked pulled me in from the first page and never let go. The suspense builds steadily, the tension feels real, and Lexi’s anxiety is portrayed with honesty and care. A powerful debut.
December 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this one and was impressed that it’s the authors first novel! The characters and the story have stuck with me. I thought it was a really good suspense novel with a great Christian message. It was both enjoyable and inspiring. I’m definitely excited to read what comes next!
December 23, 2025
I really got sucked into the story, especially in the second half. Im not usually a thriller fan, but this book may have influenced me to explore the genre more.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews