Can You See Me?

by Faye Arcand

Someone, somewhere, is always watching...

High school senior Lynxa Dalton wants to be seen. Bullied for years and desperate to leave the loser label behind, she's determined to reinvent herself before graduation.
Then Damien, the charismatic new student everyone admires, notices Lynxa.

For the first time in her life, she feels chosen. But behind Damien's charm lies something far darker. The relationship she's always dreamed of slowly becomes a nightmare of manipulation, coercive control, and isolation.

As Lynxa struggles to break free, she has no idea that someone is already watching her every move from the shadows.

Set against the damp, lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest, Can You See Me? is a coming-of-age psychological suspense thriller told through three unforgettable voices: a teenage girl desperate to belong, a loyal best friend forced to watch from the sidelines, and a calculating stalker closing in.

Exploring bullying, manipulation, stalking, and the devastating consequences of wanting to be seen, Can You See Me? is an emotionally charged psychological thriller that will keep readers questioning who they can trust—and who may already be watching.

Adult themes. Triggers: abuse, bullying, sexual assault, trauma, gender based violence and more. Always read with care.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

Faye Arcand is an award-winning author of character-driven psychological suspense and thrillers. With a degree in criminology and a professional background in the Canadian criminal justice system, she has a long-standing fascination with human behaviour, manipulation, and the complicated choices and paths people take.

Her debut novel, Inside Outside, explores secrets, obsession, family, and the sometimes-blurred line between helping someone and needing to save them. Her latest novel, Can You See Me?, a YA crossover is a psychological thriller looking at the cost of getting what you so desperately think you want.

Deeply involved within the writing community, she speaks and teaches at conferences while exploring the various corners of storytelling and the state of human-kind through her blog and newsletter "My Twisted Writer Brain". She lives and writes somewhere in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada.

Reviews

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always up for psychological suspense, and this book captures the nightmare that throws down the gauntlet: can you survive high school? Spoiler alert—it captures the nightmare perfectly.

Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the eARC. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

High school senior Lynxa Dalton is tired of being bullied and overlooked, so when Damien takes an interest in her, she finally feels accepted and seen. But Damien becomes controlling, and his attention soon turns suffocating. Arcand strips away the sparkle bit by bit, revealing a chilling darkness beneath. "Can You See Me?" explores manipulation, obsession, and the razor-thin line between care and control.

Told through the eyes of Lynxa, her best friend, and the stalker, the story weaves together longing for acceptance, the desire to be seen, and the helplessness of watching a friend spiral.

Lynxa's vulnerability hits hard. Her longing to be loved makes her choices understandable, even as I wanted to shout for her to wake up. The emotional manipulation is deeply unsettling, and the book shows how isolation creeps in quietly, turning dangerous before you realize it.

A solid four-star read, "Can You See Me?" races along with chilling intensity, toxic relationships, and a raw, authentic look at teen vulnerability beneath all the suspense.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Blue Robin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Can You See Me?” by Faye Arcand starts with a girl who desperately wants to feel seen and turns that desire into a seriously unsettling thriller about manipulation, abuse, stalking, friendship, and survival. Before going into the review, I do want to provide content warnings for abusive relationships, domestic violence and sexual assault/sexual violence.

Lynxa Dalton is heading into Grade 12 and hoping for an amazing final year with her best friends, Charlie and Brayden. After years of being bullied and overlooked, she is thrilled when Damien takes an interest in her. Finally, someone notices her. Finally, she feels wanted.

And then the red flags start waving.

Damien becomes controlling incredibly quickly. He starts making rules about what Lynxa can do, criticizing her appearance, getting angry when she doesn't follow his expectations, hurting her, apologizing, promising to change, and then repeating the cycle. Meanwhile, Lynxa keeps finding reasons to believe that the version of Damien she fell for is still in there somewhere.

And honestly, reading this was frustrating. I just wished she would listen to her friends who kept pointing out all the red flags. But one of the things the book does well is show why leaving an abusive relationship isn't nearly as simple as an outsider might think. Lynxa isn't stupid. She's vulnerable, inexperienced, isolated, and desperately attached to the feeling of finally being loved and chosen. Damien knows exactly how to use that against her.

The book also does a good job showing how abuse doesn't just affect the person experiencing it. Charlie and Brayden see what's happening and try to intervene, but the more Lynxa becomes wrapped up in Damien, the more she pushes them away. Their friendship gets messy, with frustration, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings, but I really appreciated that they never completely give up on her.

Charlie has her own heartbreaking situation at home, too, which adds another layer to the story. Her mother is abusive and struggles with alcoholism, so Lynxa's grandmother becomes an important source of stability for her. When Lynxa's grandmother dies and leaves Charlie an apartment, Charlie finally gets the chance to build a life away from that environment. I wasn't always sure how much I needed this subplot, but I ultimately liked what it added to Charlie's character and to the idea that sometimes the people trying to save someone are struggling to survive their own situations too.

The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Lynxa, her best friend, and Cyril, the stalker watching her from the shadows. I really liked this structure because we know things Lynxa doesn't, which creates this constant sense of dread. You're watching her get deeper into a dangerous relationship while knowing there's another threat lurking nearby.

The stalking storyline was definitely where I had mixed feelings, though. The premise is creepy, and knowing Cyril is watching Lynxa adds a great layer of tension, but this plot felt underused at times.The domestic abuse storyline is clearly the main event, and the stalker plot spends a long time simmering in the background before becoming much more important toward the end. At times, it felt like I was waiting for those two pieces of the story to finally collide.

I appreciated that the book doesn't make the abuse feel easy or straightforward. There are moments where Lynxa knows something is wrong but still stays. She tries to rationalize things. She believes apologies. She hopes counselling means things are getting better. She pushes away people who are trying to help her. That's painful to watch, but it also feels like an important part of showing how manipulation and coercive control actually work.

Overall, this was seriously hard to put down. It's uncomfortable, emotionally exhausting, frustrating, and suspenseful in all the ways a psychological thriller should be. This one is definitely not an easy read, but if you can handle the content, it's a tense and emotionally charged thriller that gives you plenty to think about long after you've finished it.

[•୨୧ brianna grace ୨୧• · Rating 1 out of 5]

⤷⊹started: august 15th, 2026
- finished: August 15th, 2026

Thanks to NetGalley and Faye Arcand for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

RATING: 1 star

I'm usually not the one to give harsh reviews, but unfortunately, this book needs it. While the mystery was intriguing and I loved trying to analyze the stalker's chapters, it got incredibly boring after a while. The crime itself only takes up 5% of the book towards the end, making it feel rushed and messy. The clues and details didn't make too much sense once the stalker's identity was revealed. It felt random and just...wrong, in a way. The ending with Damien was handled in the worst way possible. While I understand that he was a victim, the book still excuses his actions to the very end which is a terrible lesson for teens who may be navigating that sort of scenario in real time. It should've ended with him getting in trouble for his actions and then receiving treatment in the epilogue. As a psych student, this book frustrated me beyond belief. The bullying itself was also minimally addressed, along with Charlie's issues with her family and alcoholism. Not to mention that the dialouge was extremely unrealistic for the teen characters, especially in the texting parts. If you're gonna tackle deep topics, you can't just abandon them or leave them unresolved.

In truth, I feel like this should not have been published as a book. The plot, writing, and psychology is incredibly messy. Kinda crazy that this took seven years to publish, yet it looks like they didn't fix any mistakes. Crazy to think professionals let this one slide. It almost reads as a fanfic written by a 13 year old and not even the good kind that has english as a second language or just got hit by a bus. Some books just aren't meant to be published.

── ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✦ :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧ ───
PLOT:

Can You See Me? follows Lynxa Dalton during her senior year of high school. After years of cruel bullying, she's done being constantly deemed as a loser and reinvents herself to remove that label. While it didn't stop the harassment, it does catch the eye of the new student, Damien. For the first time, Lynxa finally feels seen. But what she struggles to see is the manipulation and narcissism Damien is exerting, not to mention an unknown stalker lurking in the shadows.

CHARACTERS:

Lynxa:
Lynxa is by far the most realistic character in the book. Her obsession with chasing popularity to flee from her bullies is very common with teens today. The portrayal of her inner conflict (freedom vs love) was stunning, and that's about the only thing the author did right here. I mean, she was frustrating at times, like choosing her boyfriend over her best friend in critical condition, but it makes sense given the level of manipulation she received.

Damien:
Damien's character is psychologically intriguing. His actions did make sense given what was going on with his family, but that DOES NOT excuse anything he did nor does it mean he should've been let off easily. I hated how the author spent the whole book just building him up to be this villian before turning it on it's head to make him a victim. Totally inappropriate. As someone who has dealt with people similar to him and has empathized with them too deeply to save myself, this truly sends all the wrong messages.
── ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✦ :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧ ───
✦ pre-read:

I'm currently obsessed with true crime, thrillers, and all things psychologically scary as of right now and I couldn't think of a better read. The exploration of bullying and social media in this read really peaked my interest. So excited to start!

[Jine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was very very intense! This story is about Lynxa she’s starting grade 12 and she wants a epic year she’s starting the year with her best friends Charlie and Brayden
When a new boy starts school Damien she’s instantly attracted and they start seeing each other
But in the background she’s also being watched by Cyril who has sinister plans for her
It’s so creepy because it switches back and forth with different POVs and we also see Cyril who’s planning on taking her
Lynxas relationship with Damien gets intense fast he’s not great for her and Charlie and Brayden both try to warn her but she thinks they are jealous but everyone can see the warning signs
Damien has rules for her he reacts badly then tries to smooth it over he leaves bruises then apologizes he criticizes her looks her lipstick then promises to change
Lynxa ignores all the red flags and she ignores Charlie the most which is sad because Charlie’s home life is atrocious her mother is abusive and a drunk and the only relief Charlie has is lynxs gran who when she dies leaves Charlie her apartment so she can start over
Despite ignoring them Brayden and Charlie never give up on her which ultimately saves her
She was planning on breaking up with Damien but he had agreed to counselling and it was working so she decided to go over to his apartment which was a mistake! She cleaned everything up because it was always disgusting there but when Damien came back from counselling he started again but the worst it’s ever been he beat her up pretty bad and she tried to escape and she did only right into Cyril’s waiting arms! Luckily she called Charlie and even though she was slurring her words she was able to get her a single!
Cyril had her and took her to the woods where he had prepared for her arrival but despite being beat up she still fought back! She hit him and he fired a gun which signalled the cops! She was found finally and was in bad shape but she survived! The kicker was Cyril was Damien’s dad! When he took her he set fire to the garage where Damien lived and it exploded so in the end Damien got what was coming to him too!
This story is a story of survival of what happens when you ignore the red flags because of love!
I’m happy that we’re getting another book I would love to see Lynxa flourish and explore her relationship with Brayden and her friendship with Charlie!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for an e-arc of this book. Unfortunately this book had no plot and the main characters were very unlikable. We follow a high school girl, her abusive boyfriend and a pedophile who is stalking her. This book was hard to read due to these intense topics and I didn’t like how the situations were handled.

[Gare Billings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faye Arcand combines a coming-of-age thriller with a stalker novel that will chill you to the core and scare the living hell out of you while it tugs on your heartstrings. With a fantastic main character at the forefront, Arcand explores the relationships of toxic romance, friendships, and family. Providing multiple POVs each with breakneck pacing, you don’t want to miss out on this story perfect for fans of Robyn Harding and Freida McFadden.

[Faiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can You See Me? by Faye Arcand

Can You See Me? was one of those thrillers that had me feeling uneasy from the very beginning. It takes the kind of warning signs you might normally hope a character notices early and slowly turns them into something much darker. The result is an intense story about manipulation, abuse, friendship, survival, and what can happen when someone becomes trapped in a situation they can't easily see their way out of.

Lynxa is heading into grade 12 hoping for a memorable year with her best friends, Charlie and Brayden. Then Damien arrives, and Lynxa becomes completely caught up in him. Unfortunately, while she's falling for Damien, someone else is watching her from the shadows. Cyril has his own plans for Lynxa, and knowing that while reading made even the quieter moments feel threatening.

I really liked the way Faye handled the different perspectives. Getting glimpses into Cyril's thoughts meant we weren't simply waiting for something terrible to happen—we had enough information to know that danger was already moving closer. That made the tension much stronger because I was constantly wondering when everything would finally collide.

Lynxa and Damien's relationship was incredibly frustrating to watch, but in a way that felt intentional. The warning signs are there. Damien becomes controlling, decides what Lynxa should and shouldn't do, criticizes her appearance, hurts her, apologizes, and then promises he'll do better. It's the kind of cycle that makes you understand why leaving isn't always as simple as outsiders might think.

What made it even harder was watching Lynxa push away Charlie and Brayden, especially when they were trying so desperately to help her. Their friendship felt like one of the strongest parts of the book because they weren't perfect either. There was hurt, frustration, misunderstandings, and tension between them, but underneath all of that was genuine loyalty. Even when Lynxa didn't want to listen, they never stopped caring about her.

Charlie's own circumstances made that friendship even more meaningful. Her home life is awful, and her abusive, alcoholic mother leaves her with very little stability. Lynxa's gran becomes an important source of support for Charlie, and when she passes away and leaves Charlie her apartment, it gives her the opportunity to finally start building a life of her own.

The story becomes particularly brutal toward the end. Just when Lynxa believes things with Damien might improve because he's attending counselling, she finds herself facing the worst side of him. Her attempt to escape leads her directly into another terrifying situation when Cyril takes her into the woods.

And despite everything she's already endured, Lynxa fights.

That part really stayed with me. She's terrified, injured, and exhausted, but she still refuses to simply give up. Her struggle to survive becomes the heart of the story, and when Charlie receives Lynxa's desperate call and manages to get help, the tension finally reaches its breaking point.

The revelation that Cyril is Damien's father added another disturbing connection to everything that had happened. Cyril's actions ultimately bring the police to him, while the fire he sets at Damien's home results in the garage exploding, bringing Damien's own story to a fittingly disastrous end.

This isn't an easy thriller, particularly because of the domestic abuse and violence, so readers with those triggers should absolutely go in prepared. But beneath all the darkness, I thought the story had an important message about recognizing unhealthy relationships, the danger of dismissing warning signs, and how desperately important a strong support system can be.

I also really appreciated that Lynxa, Charlie, and Brayden weren't written as flawless people. Their friendship has genuine rough edges, which made it feel much more believable. Charlie especially became someone I wanted to see get her own chance at happiness after everything she's been through.

Overall, Can You See Me? was intense, unsettling, and incredibly hard to put down. The alternating perspectives kept me nervous, the suspense steadily built, and the relationships gave the darker storyline an emotional foundation.

I'm definitely interested in the next book. After everything Lynxa survived, I really want to see her move forward, regain her confidence, and finally get the opportunity to experience something healthier with Brayden while continuing the friendship she has with Charlie. I feel like there's still so much more waiting for these characters.

[Kate Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me access to a complimentary advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinions in review.**

I have feelings about this book. For one, it is VERY well written in terms of style and skill. However, there are two overarching plots at play: the abusive relationship and the stalker. I feel like had the story focused on only one aspect, I would have greatly enjoyed it. As it was though, most of the plot revolves around the abusive relationship. And I think for the most part, this accurately shows the dynamics between abuser and abused.

The fact that there are points that show the FMC, Lynxa, is being stalked by this man, Cyril, lead to the reader anticipating something else happening. That anticipation with little pay off ruined the story for me. Because by 60-70% completion, NOTHING HAS HAPPENED with this storyline. In fact, it lends nothing to the story until 94% completion….only to be resolved at the 95% mark. I kid you not. This layer of the plot added absolutely NOTHING to the overall story. If you cut it out, everything else would still work just fine. And as a nice focusing on domestic/relationship abuse and trauma, it would have been excellent! The time and energy spent on the stalker but could have been better applied to fleshing out that relationship a bit more.

That said, I did find certain aspects of Lynxa to be quite annoying. She is almost-18 and noted to be an academically smart girl. The way she thinks, speaks, and acts in regard to boys and a relationship early on is terribly naive. At one point she is downright giddy in a way that says she is more of a 12 year old than a high school senior. I was torn between understanding how she ended up where she did and just wanting to smack her for being so ignorant and damn near helpless. At one point, I was so put off that I didn’t pick the book back up for 2 days. If I was reading this as an ARC for review, I would have DNF’ed it.

I’m also not really sure how I feel about the subplot of her best friend coming from an abusive household as well and how all of that plays out. It was another aspect that felt like it verged on unnecessary to the overarching story.

Like I said, for what it is, it is very well written. The pacing and multiple plot points left it feeling a bit like a boat just bobbing directionless in the water. It could have been an amazing piece on the trauma and isolation created by partner abuse. Instead, it left me feeling there was a void in storytelling and a target that was never quite reached.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can You See Me? is a haunting, emotionally charged psychological thriller that captures the fragile, dangerous line between wanting to be seen and being watched. Lynxa Dalton, a high‑school senior who has spent years being bullied and overlooked, is desperate to reinvent herself before graduation. When Damien — charismatic, admired, effortlessly magnetic — notices her, it feels like the moment she’s been waiting for. For the first time, she feels chosen.

But the novel makes it clear from the start that Damien’s attention is not a gift. What begins as validation slowly curdles into coercive control, manipulation, and isolation. The author handles this descent with painful precision, showing how easily affection can become a trap when someone knows exactly which vulnerabilities to press. Lynxa’s confusion, hope, fear, and longing are rendered with heartbreaking authenticity.

The dual perspectives add real depth. Her best friend, loyal and increasingly alarmed, watches from the sidelines as Lynxa slips further into Damien’s orbit. And then there’s the third voice — a calculating stalker, patient and methodical, observing Lynxa from the shadows. Their presence adds a chilling undercurrent, a sense that danger is closing in from more than one direction.

Set against the damp, moss‑soft landscape of the Pacific Northwest, the atmosphere is lush and unsettling. The setting mirrors Lynxa’s emotional world: beautiful, shadowed, and full of places where someone could be watching. The mystery builds quietly, tightening with each chapter as the reader begins to question not just who Lynxa can trust, but who has already crossed the line from observer to predator.

The novel’s exploration of bullying, manipulation, stalking, and the devastating consequences of wanting to be seen is handled with care and gravity. It’s a coming‑of‑age story wrapped in psychological suspense, and the emotional stakes feel real and raw.

Dark, gripping, and deeply empathetic, Can You See Me? is a thriller that lingers — a powerful look at vulnerability, visibility, and the dangers that hide behind charm. A compelling, unsettling read told through three unforgettable voices.

With thanks to Faye Arcand, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Valerie Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title & Author: Can You See Me? By Faye Arcand
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Genres & Tropes: Toxic Romance / Abuse-Addictions / If I Can’t Have You, No One Can / Psychological Suspense-Thriller
Pub Date & Format: September 1, 2026/e-book

【 QUICK THOUGHTS 】
• The Vibe: Just a high school senior falling into the traps of what she presumes as love; a toxic romance
• What I Loved: I liked the fact that this was a very realistic view into a manipulative and abusive relationship. And how hard it is to leave. Gives YA a look into what it’s like, and how quickly it can turn into a nightmare. With so much going on, and how vulnerable Lynxa becomes as the story progresses, it’s easy to understand why she clung to some sort of hope. But nevertheless, this book was a hard one. My heart broke more times because I felt for her. Damien was charming, manipulative and terrifying. It’s all such an uneasy reality as some people are going through this. Being isolated and gaslit. It’s a terrifying reminder to always follow your gut and not ignore red flags or warning signs.
• What Didn't Work For Me: just how emotionally unready I was for this.

【 SPICE BREAKDOWN 】
• Heat Level: Flames of Anguish
• Content Warnings: Abuse, Mental Health and Addictions, DV, Trauma, SA, and emotional turmoil

【 FINAL VERDICT 】
• Read this if you like: a good YA high school eye opener. Sort of gives off vibes from The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith. Just heed the warning, because it is a rough read but an amazing story.

ARC Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op on NetGalley. This review contains my honest and voluntary review.

[Nik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens and Faye Arcand for an Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow - what a page turner! Can You See Me? is such an emotionally charged thriller, following the lives of the main characters Lynxa and Damien, making me feel on edge from the very beginning. I found my mind full of lots of questions and trying to second guess where I thought the storyline would take us. What started as a thriller fairly quickly took a sharp turn to include domestic violence and stalking.

The novel is very well written; taking the reader along on the journeys of individuals and their collective experiences. The descriptive nature made you feel as though you were there; you were immersed within the storyline - your story. I really enjoyed the depth of the writing; how each word was carefully selected.

The author did an excellent job of portraying domestic and sexual violence within a relationship, and the deep impact on not only the victim, but those around them. It showed just how difficult it is to escape the cycle, even once the victim has disclosed the abuse to someone they trust.

I was unable to relate to the initial stages of the relationship between the main characters, aged 17 and 18. It felt a little unrealistic for the first time they meet to be the day they become boyfriend and girlfriend, however, this shows how lovebombing by one party just scoops the other up and nothing else matters.

I am very much looking looking forward to the next book already, and following Lynxa's life in college and beyond!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to meet Faye Arcand at Montreal Mystery made me SO excited to get my hands on an early copy of Can You See Me? and it absolutely did not disappoint.

I stayed up late finishing because I needed to know what happened.

This was a really tough and emotional read. At the heart of the story is Lynxa and Damien, two teenagers caught in an incredibly abusive relationship. I found myself getting frustrated thinking, “Lynxa, just walk away!” but we all know that it isn't that simple and thus story reminds us of why. Watching her push away her friends and rationalize what was happening to her was heartbreaking. It was certainly a roller coaster of emotions.

I loved the multiple POVs (my favourite way to read a story) and trying to piece together how the different stories would intertwine. This was not an easy one to figure out. Even though the ending gave some insight into how we got there, it still didn't make it any easier to read.

This was painful, uncomfortable, emotional and completely unputdownable. I would highly recommend this one (with the warnings below) and could not be more excited that this is planned as a series!

Thank you, Faye, for the early copy and for giving me a story I couldn't put down!!

I received an advance review copy (ARC) of this book. All opinions are my own.

Trigger/content warning: As noted by the author: Adult themes. Triggers include abuse, bullying, sexual assault, trauma, gender-based violence and more.

[Stacee Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lynxa is NOT the popular girl in school, but she’s going into the 12th grade and she vows everything will be different this year. She lost weight over the summer, she has become prettier, and she has more confidence. Except as soon as she walks in, the bullying begins….just like always.

But something does change this year, there is a new boy, Damien. He is sooo “HOT”, everyone wants him, including the most popular girl in school! Yet surprising, Damien wants Lynxa. What starts as teen dating quickly turns into manipulative actions, toxic behavior, and sadly has Lynxa question herself, pushing friends away, and changing her goals within school.

While her friends are trying to help her, they are going through their own nightmares with her best friend in her own situation that she is trying to navigate out of. Lynxa finds herself over her head and Damien is able to take advantage of Lynxa inexperience.

I found this book frustrating beyond belief with how accurate it is and the depiction of dating violence. Obviously there were aspects of this book that were exaggerated and I will not spoil anything but the dating violence was not. I found myself overly annoyed with the parents lack of awareness but that was because the author did a great job displaying that.

Please check trigger warnings with this book, while I did enjoy the read, it was heavy and included dating violence, stalking, bullying, and they are hard topics to read about.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Blue Robin Books for the advanced copy for my review.

I really enjoyed Can You See Me?! This was a dark and unsettling psychological thriller that pulled me in pretty quickly.

Lynxa has spent years being bullied and feeling invisible, so when Damien, the charming new boy everyone seems to love, takes an interest in her, she finally feels like someone actually sees her. But their relationship slowly becomes controlling and manipulative, and watching Lynxa get pulled further away from the people who care about her was frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time.

I really liked that the story was told from three different perspectives—Lynxa, her best friend, and the mysterious person watching her from the shadows. The stalker's chapters added such a creepy feeling because you know someone is watching Lynxa, but you don't know exactly who it is or what they want.

This book deals with some pretty heavy topics, including bullying, toxic relationships, manipulation, stalking, and abuse, so it's definitely not a light read. There were a few parts that felt a little slow for me, which kept it from being five stars, but the mystery kept me wanting to know what would happen.

Overall, this was a disturbing and emotional YA thriller with plenty of suspense and some genuinely creepy moments. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you questioning who can actually be trusted.

[Read by Fey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book early.

At first, I thought—based on the title—that this was a fantasy thriller about a person who could disappear and be seen only by certain people (Can You See Me?).

As it turns out, it’s about people who are ostracized and want to be seen. They want to be acknowledged. Well, the moral message is pretty good.

Okay, on to the review. I like the writing style. It’s very to the point, simple, and doesn’t beat around the bush. I could really feel the frustration with the idiotic main character, lol. I absolutely hated Lynxa—she’s so stupid for letting herself be manipulated and abused by men.

Well, but I guess that’s the author’s point, right? It’s just… I expected this stalker to do something even more extreme. Turns out, he didn’t. The climactic conflict only happens at the end of the novel, and it’s not really that climactic.

I think if the stalker had been made more barbaric or creepy, it would’ve been even more suspenseful and interesting.

[immy☁️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Faye Arcand for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a whirlwind! What started as (what seemed like) a thriller quickly devolved into a sad story of domestic violence. Arcand did a fantastic job of portraying the understanding of DV and SA and their profound impact. It’s incredibly hard to break free from this cycle even when you’ve confided in others. These dark themes felt well-thought-out. However, considering Lynxa and Damien are 17 or 18, their behaviour seemed very immature. As someone who started dating at 17, I don’t recall acting that way. That’s the only part that felt a bit cringe and unrealistic – the constant “omg luv u” texts and becoming partners after just one hug and meeting each other. That’s generally my only gripe with the book. I’m looking forward to seeing Lynxa go to university in the next instalment and hope this book helps people struggling to see what’s in front of them.

[Emily Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Faye Arcand for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Plot: Lynxa and Charlie are starting their senior year of high school. Little do they know, a stalker is watching them from the parking lot on the first day. Follow along with both characters as they struggle with relationship and family problems, all while being unknowingly watched.

I'm giving this book 3 stars. The beginning chapter from Cyril's point of view immediately drew me into this read, and I finished it in one sitting. Arcand did a great job building the suspense & making you anxious for Lynxa throughout. While I enjoyed the plotline & mystery side, I found the texting & interactions a bit too cringey for high school seniors. I guessed the main "twist" within the first few chapters, which was a bit disappointing. I also wish Cyril played a larger role at the end, because it seemed like a rushed ending.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a tough read. At one point in time I lived Lynxas life. The violence, enotional manipulation, and the promise of change. It was like reading parts of my own past. And while I'm far removed from those horrors, the triggers still creep up every now and again.

I enjoy multiple povs and liked the fact we got to see inside the minds of Lynxa, her best friend, Charlie, as well as the stalker. A part of me wishes we could have seen into Damien's pov as well, but I imagine it would have been extremely dark and twisted.

The writing was great, and the storyline though fictional was very real.

I certainly appreciated the content warnings at the beginning of the book.

If you, or someone close to you has experienced domestic violence, please be gentle with yourself and proceed with caution.

My thanks to the author herself for the gifted copy. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a deeply disturbing story at times, so if you’re a person who needs trigger warnings, I suggest reading them before you start.

I read most of this in one night b/c I was dying to see how it played out. The author did a great job showing how easy it is for a young person to find themselves in a toxic relationship. There were a few plausibility issues for me, both in the relationship and some other things, but in fiction I tend to have a lot of grace and suspension of disbelief, so that didn’t ruin the overall experience. Having read it, I absolutely love the choice for the cover art.

One thing I wasn’t crazy about was I was expecting the interaction with Cyril much much sooner. The way things played out, it was almost like 2 different books, only one of which was fully developed.

I would definitely read more thrillers from this author. Thanks BookSirens for the ARC.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told through multiple POVs, including the villain, yes, you heard me right!Can You See Me? is creepy, dark, intense, and completely chilling!

I had goosebumps more than once, and there were moments when I was practically holding my breath. The suspense kept building, the twists kept coming, and the sinister atmosphere made this impossible to put down.

This was my first book by Faye Arcand, and I’m so thrilled I got my hands on this one! I really enjoyed her writing style, it was sharp, flawless, and incredibly effective. She had me turning the pages faster and faster because I needed to know what was coming next.

Dark, unsettling, twisty, and seriously creepy, this one definitely got under my skin!

Thank you so much to Faye Arcand for the eARC., and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for putting this one on my radar. All opinions are my own.

[Anne Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting read and in some ways brought me back to my high school days. Lynxa reminds me of many of my school friends in that she is trying so hard to fit in. On the surface she appears to have made changes so that she can fit in with the 'popular' kids. They don't seem to see who she really is. On the other hand her close friends are going through alot and she doesn't really see them either. In her attempt to fit in she falls for the charismatic Damien. As the book progresses we realize that there is so much going on behind the surface of all the characters. The psychological aspects of domestic violence is very disturbing. In the background of all of this is the creepy stalker pursuing Lynxa. I enjoyed the book but in many ways it is very disturbing - so much going on below the surface and not all of it is pleasant.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for providing the copy of Can You See Me? by Faye Arcand. The writing style drew me into the story right away, and Lynxa was an intriguing character. This book is intended for Teens, YA, and an NA audience, so having some guidance on the themes in the book would be appreciated. If my teenage daughter read this book, I would want to discuss the warning signs about Damien's treatment of Lynxa; how the lovebombing and the control issues are a forerunner to the anger and the violence. I loved how Lynxa’s friends saw the danger and tried to warn her, but was disappointed that her parents were clueless. This is an important cautionary tale, especially if it is supplanted by further discussion. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Marion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

2,5 stars.

I think this story has a lot of potential, but at the same time it was also a lot, and honestly most of the time just too much. I was immediately intrigued when the story started off with Cyril, but in the end it he would've 'deserved' a bigger stage. I also think the author did a good job writing the story of Damian and Lynxa, but while my head was continuously screaming RED FLAG, RED FLAG, it just took too long before things developed further.
Beside this, there where multiple side stories (Charlie, the friendship with Brayden) that made it just a lot.

Like I said, this book has a lot of potential, but it wasn't for me this time.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author

Okay, this book had me STRESSED (a reflection of a great author). Lynxa is young, wants so badly to feel seen, and then Damien comes along with all the charm and approximately 47 flags. GIRL! RUN!

The three POVs worked so well, especially getting inside the stalker’s head because that man was seriously twisted. I was over here biting my nails and yelling at the pages while Lynxa made some questionable choices. Her friends could see what was happening, and I kept wishing someone would shake her!

Dark, disturbing, and definitely intense (read that as amazzzing), but do check those trigger warnings first.

Someone, somewhere, is always watching….

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the Pacific Northwest, Can You See Me? follows high school senior Lynxa Dalton, who has spent years going unnoticed, until she finally gets the attention she’s always wanted, only to discover it comes with a steep price.

I was rooting for Lynxa throughout as she and her friends faced some seriously tough challenges during her senior year of high school. The stalker element kept the tension high; I never knew what would happen next. The specific situations Lynxa faces may not be familiar to every reader, but they emotionally ring true. This books sends a powerful message.

[Sashurna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can You See Me by Faye Arcand
E-ARC Copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read the E-Arc Copy of ‘Can you see me’ by Faye Arcand!

This was intense, dark, and heavy at times 😭. If you have triggers, please make sure to read the trigger warnings before diving in to this one.

I really liked the story and how it showed the emotional rollercoaster of a toxic and emotionally abusive relationship. The fact that Lynxa was so young and naive added another layer of just how heavy it was for me. It accurately depicted how much it can cost when you lose yourself in the hope of wanting to be “truly seen” by everyone.

Sometimes Lynxa was frustrating, but I was honestly reading this as a mother 😭 she had me stressed!!! I was talking to her and scolding her through my kindle because her decisions had me fuming at times lol.

The characters’ struggles were intense! I felt it for all of them, honestly 😔.

The psychological thrilling element of this books was also interesting. The narration from the villains point of view, was disturbing at times, and had me biting my nails at the edge of my seat. He was twisted, reading his thoughts and his plans was next level. The twist, was also really good!!

I really enjoyed this book! 😊

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this book. I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for the abduction to happen. It was really at the end of the book almost as an afterthought, like oh I am almost at the end, I need to add in the abduction. In the beginning I liked Lynxa but after she met Damien, she pushed all her friends away. And I realize that is what he was doing, grooming her to get her under his control but I didn't like that. I also felt like Charlie could have helped her little more. Told someone in authority what she was seeing. but she just let Lynxa push her away and buried herself in her own troubles. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

After years of being bullied, Lynxa can't believe it when she catches the eye of the charismatic new student in their school. But while she initially blossoms under the warmth of Damien's attention, there is a catch.

Because vulnerable people often tend to attract one other kind of personality as they frequently do kind hearted potential rescuers. And those are predators. So, which type is Damien?

This is a suspenseful thriller told from three different POVs, and it is both authentic and entertaining. Definitely worth checking out.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, publishers, and NetGalley, for an advanced copy of Faye Arcand's; Can You See Me?

Where to start with this. The writing was great, the characters were related able, the story was interesting.

Now, I did guess the outcome of the book within the first 20% of the book. Even with that, I still couldn't put it down.

I hope that in the next book, I hope we learn a few things:
1. Was there a reason D didn't want "El" to wear lipstick;
2. Why was she chosen? Did D have something to do with it?
3. Does Charlie get help? What does Charlie do after high school?

I will be looking forward to booking #2.

[Lillian Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Faye Arcand for this ARC! The following is my honest opinion.

"Can You See Me?" shines in its more dark and disturbing moments, luckily there are many of these moments throughout the novel and each is as delightful and spike tickling as the last. Weaving these moments together is equal parts intriguing character drama and highschool drama, all coming together to push the story forwards and the main character Lynxa down a winding and thorny path.

I was very engaged throughout the whole novel, if you're a fan of thrillers or dramas, I can wholeheartedly reccomend "Can You See Me?."