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Selena Bailey #1
Not Like Her
A battered mother. A possessive boyfriend. Can she save herself from a similar fate?
Selena longs to flee her uneasy home life. Prepping every spare minute for a college escape, the headstrong, high school senior vows never to be like her alcoholic mom with her string of abusive boyfriends. So when Selena finds her beaten nearly to death, she knows safety is slipping away...
With her mother's violent lover evading justice, Selena's cute new beau's offer to move in seems Heaven-sent. But jealous rage and a renewed search for her long-lost father threaten to pull her back into harm's way.
Can Selena break free of an ugly past, or will brutal men crush her hopes of a better future?
Not Like Her is the first book in the suspenseful Selena Bailey series. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you'll love H.K. Christie's new mystery series.
Selena longs to flee her uneasy home life. Prepping every spare minute for a college escape, the headstrong, high school senior vows never to be like her alcoholic mom with her string of abusive boyfriends. So when Selena finds her beaten nearly to death, she knows safety is slipping away...
With her mother's violent lover evading justice, Selena's cute new beau's offer to move in seems Heaven-sent. But jealous rage and a renewed search for her long-lost father threaten to pull her back into harm's way.
Can Selena break free of an ugly past, or will brutal men crush her hopes of a better future?
Not Like Her is the first book in the suspenseful Selena Bailey series. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you'll love H.K. Christie's new mystery series.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2019
923 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
H.K. Christie
54 books468 followersH. K. Christie watched horror films far too early in life. Inspired by the likes of Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, true crime podcasts, and a vivid imagination she now writes suspenseful thrillers. When not working on her latest novel, she can be found eating & drinking with friends, walking around the lakes, or playing with her favorite furry pal.
She is a native and current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.
The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.
www.authorhkchristie.com
The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.
The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.
www.authorhkchristie.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 12, 2025
Selena doesn’t have a great relationship with her alcoholic mother who has a history of choosing abusive boyfriends. And then one day, comes home to find her mother beat to death in their house. Although, she didn’t see who did it, she suspects her mother’s boyfriend, Fox, because she has witnessed his abusive behavior before. She vows never to be like her mother - putting up with abuse.
And then she meets the perfect man, Zack. They proclaim their love for each other and plan to get married. It’s a whirlwind fast romance that develops, but whirlwinds have been known to turn into F5 tornadoes. Is it just nerves or something more? Suspense follows.
A powerful message is delivered at the book’s end by the author.
And then she meets the perfect man, Zack. They proclaim their love for each other and plan to get married. It’s a whirlwind fast romance that develops, but whirlwinds have been known to turn into F5 tornadoes. Is it just nerves or something more? Suspense follows.
A powerful message is delivered at the book’s end by the author.
July 19, 2020
Just loved this book. Was gripped from the start
March 11, 2021
Don’t have much to say. Seems like a story written for a grade 12 English assignment
November 15, 2021
Gripping Thriller
A well written book about a tough subject. Fast paced, suspenseful and thought provoking, this book keeps you turning pages well into the small hours.
A well written book about a tough subject. Fast paced, suspenseful and thought provoking, this book keeps you turning pages well into the small hours.
June 15, 2025
A young girl in high school struggling to make it finds herself fighting several obstacles to survive. Her father left when she was young, struggling with his addiction. Her mother is no better, dating men that beat on her. Unfortunately, one day she finds her mother murdered by the abusive boyfriend. This leaves the young girl with no where to go. When her older boyfriend of 2 months offers her a place to stay it’s him, she accepts not realizing what she was getting herself into. The nice sweet boyfriend turns into a nightmare. After watching her mom get abused she always vowed not to repeat history. But she soon finds out, things are exactly the same and she prays for an opportunity to escape before she ends up like her mother, killed by someone she loved.
November 26, 2019
What a story as always by this talented writer. Trying to change her life isn’t easy. A battered mother is something no one wants. Can she do better. Realistic.
November 14, 2023
Meh. The main character is only 17 so it is understandable that she is a tad stupid. But having grown up around her mom and boyfriends …
Short book more like a novella. And it reads like a teens book.
I bought the whole 5 book series so we will see how it progresses
Short book more like a novella. And it reads like a teens book.
I bought the whole 5 book series so we will see how it progresses
June 6, 2024
literally cheered when martina showed up my love for that woman runs deep
October 5, 2024
Not Like Her follows Selena Bailey, a senior in high school longing to graduate and leave her troubled childhood behind with the determination to be nothing like her mother. When she finds her mother brutally beaten by her boyfriend, she moves into her new boyfriend’s apartment. He seems perfect until his jealous rage and possessiveness starts to show. Can she avoid the same life her mother led?
Not Like Her is a quick and easy to read, sitting at 124 pages. I was impressed by how the story and character development progressed in such a short amount of time. Growing up seeing similar situations, parts were incredibly hard to read but the author handled them well and realistically. The story is full of suspense as well as twists and turns, I really enjoyed it and immediately picked up the second book in the series.
Not Like Her is a quick and easy to read, sitting at 124 pages. I was impressed by how the story and character development progressed in such a short amount of time. Growing up seeing similar situations, parts were incredibly hard to read but the author handled them well and realistically. The story is full of suspense as well as twists and turns, I really enjoyed it and immediately picked up the second book in the series.
March 13, 2023
Selena was a bright student wanting to get away from her home situation of a drunk mother and all her loser boyfriends. She was waiting for the day she would turn 18 once and for all.
One night, she found her mother nearly beaten to death. She definitely didn’t want to be like her mother. No way, no siree
Soon after, she meets a college man with such aspiration that instantly sweeps her off her feet. A month into their relationship and they were head-over-heels in love. Whoa, talk about fast! But she would still not be like her mother. This relationship was different. It was real love. Mmm, yeah right!
He gives her a promise ring that said, “You belong to me.” Oh, that don’t sound good. This thing with Zeke was happening too fast. Watch out!
After returning home, Selena sees her nightmare come true. The next day, her mom is dead. After she moves in with the boyfriend is when she sees a whole new side to him. Yep, sounds about right.
Jealousy, rage, roughness. I knew it! Looks like he wasn’t Mr. Perfect after all. Her worst nightmare was becoming like HER. She wasn’t like HER.
A plan for escape—not so easy.
This was easy to read and easy to get into. Of course, it wasn’t that suspenseful and it kind of had a convenient ending if you ask me.
Still, this was a good read.
One night, she found her mother nearly beaten to death. She definitely didn’t want to be like her mother. No way, no siree
Soon after, she meets a college man with such aspiration that instantly sweeps her off her feet. A month into their relationship and they were head-over-heels in love. Whoa, talk about fast! But she would still not be like her mother. This relationship was different. It was real love. Mmm, yeah right!
He gives her a promise ring that said, “You belong to me.” Oh, that don’t sound good. This thing with Zeke was happening too fast. Watch out!
After returning home, Selena sees her nightmare come true. The next day, her mom is dead. After she moves in with the boyfriend is when she sees a whole new side to him. Yep, sounds about right.
Jealousy, rage, roughness. I knew it! Looks like he wasn’t Mr. Perfect after all. Her worst nightmare was becoming like HER. She wasn’t like HER.
A plan for escape—not so easy.
This was easy to read and easy to get into. Of course, it wasn’t that suspenseful and it kind of had a convenient ending if you ask me.
Still, this was a good read.
November 24, 2019
A battered mother. A possessive boyfriend. Can she save herself from a similar fate?
Selena longs to flee her uneasy home life. Prepping every spare minute for a college escape, the headstrong, high school senior vows never to be like her alcoholic mom with her string of abusive boyfriends. So when Selena finds her beaten nearly to death, she knows safety is slipping away..
With her mother's violent lover evading justice, Selena's new boyfriend's offer to move in seems Heaven-sent. But jealous rage and a renewed search for her long-lost father threaten to pull her back into harm's way.
Can Selena break free of an ugly past, or will brutal men crush her hopes of a better future?
***Trigger Warning***disturbing subject of domestic abuse and violence.***
This may be a disturbing subject matter to read about but this is a very powerful story.
Well written plot and story line that grips you from the start.
The author has fleshed the characters out well and made them believeable.
Powerful message to be read in this so look beyond the abuse and remember there is hope out there and you can escape.
I did and have moved on.
Recommend reading highly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Selena longs to flee her uneasy home life. Prepping every spare minute for a college escape, the headstrong, high school senior vows never to be like her alcoholic mom with her string of abusive boyfriends. So when Selena finds her beaten nearly to death, she knows safety is slipping away..
With her mother's violent lover evading justice, Selena's new boyfriend's offer to move in seems Heaven-sent. But jealous rage and a renewed search for her long-lost father threaten to pull her back into harm's way.
Can Selena break free of an ugly past, or will brutal men crush her hopes of a better future?
***Trigger Warning***disturbing subject of domestic abuse and violence.***
This may be a disturbing subject matter to read about but this is a very powerful story.
Well written plot and story line that grips you from the start.
The author has fleshed the characters out well and made them believeable.
Powerful message to be read in this so look beyond the abuse and remember there is hope out there and you can escape.
I did and have moved on.
Recommend reading highly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2022
“NOT LIKE HER” IS A GREAT BEGINNING
This is my first read of an H. K. Christie novel, and I was certainly pleasantly surprised by her writing style, character development and the twists & turns her story took to reach its conclusion.
Selena Bailey certainly isn’t your typical protagonist. Only 18 and senior nearing the end of her finals before graduating from high school, Selena has been applying to colleges she’d like to attend the following school year.
Selena has had a life no one - not even your worst enemy - should suffer through. She lives in a hovel of an apartment with her divorced, alcoholic mother and her mother’s abusive boyfriend. All Selena wants to do is focus on her final exams, complete her senior project and get accepted to all the schools she’d applied to.
To find out more, you’re going to have to get the book and read it! I’ve already recommended “NOT LIKE HER” to my relatives, friends and fellow writers.
This is my first read of an H. K. Christie novel, and I was certainly pleasantly surprised by her writing style, character development and the twists & turns her story took to reach its conclusion.
Selena Bailey certainly isn’t your typical protagonist. Only 18 and senior nearing the end of her finals before graduating from high school, Selena has been applying to colleges she’d like to attend the following school year.
Selena has had a life no one - not even your worst enemy - should suffer through. She lives in a hovel of an apartment with her divorced, alcoholic mother and her mother’s abusive boyfriend. All Selena wants to do is focus on her final exams, complete her senior project and get accepted to all the schools she’d applied to.
To find out more, you’re going to have to get the book and read it! I’ve already recommended “NOT LIKE HER” to my relatives, friends and fellow writers.
August 11, 2021
Amazing
It's a wonderful story. Debbie is an alcoholic having affairs with several men. Her relationship with her daughter Selena is further strained by her latest boyfriend, Fox. He fights with her and beats her. One day Selena finds her mom lying unconscious in her room, almost beaten to death. She admits her mother in hospital and both of them don't want to press charges against Fox. This is a huge mistake. Meanwhile, Selena gets distracted by Zeek Tates, who is supposed to a genius scholar and a computer geek. She is devastated by her mother's sudden death and moves in with Zeek, unaware of the horror that is going to be unleashed upon her. Is her choice of boyfriend good? Why does she trust a complete stranger? Watch out what happens to Selena. Brilliant work by the author.
It's a wonderful story. Debbie is an alcoholic having affairs with several men. Her relationship with her daughter Selena is further strained by her latest boyfriend, Fox. He fights with her and beats her. One day Selena finds her mom lying unconscious in her room, almost beaten to death. She admits her mother in hospital and both of them don't want to press charges against Fox. This is a huge mistake. Meanwhile, Selena gets distracted by Zeek Tates, who is supposed to a genius scholar and a computer geek. She is devastated by her mother's sudden death and moves in with Zeek, unaware of the horror that is going to be unleashed upon her. Is her choice of boyfriend good? Why does she trust a complete stranger? Watch out what happens to Selena. Brilliant work by the author.
November 4, 2023
After reading all the Martina Monroe books, I was saddened to start a new series (even if it was by the same author)
The subject matter is sensitive, but and important one to discuss. The story has a fast pace and keeps things interesting.
It's interesting to read this and have Martina make an appearance at the end, especially considering the time line puts us further ahead than the latest Martina book. I'm not sure how I feel about knowing what will happen to Martina and Zoey before actually reading it in her series, but I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles.
Anyway, this isn't that series, so back to Selena. I loved the story and how it shows that oftentimes, even when we desperately try not to live the same way our parents did, some patterns tend to repeat themselves. Thankfully, this one ended happily.
The subject matter is sensitive, but and important one to discuss. The story has a fast pace and keeps things interesting.
It's interesting to read this and have Martina make an appearance at the end, especially considering the time line puts us further ahead than the latest Martina book. I'm not sure how I feel about knowing what will happen to Martina and Zoey before actually reading it in her series, but I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles.
Anyway, this isn't that series, so back to Selena. I loved the story and how it shows that oftentimes, even when we desperately try not to live the same way our parents did, some patterns tend to repeat themselves. Thankfully, this one ended happily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2020
Not Like Her by H. K. Christie, a domestic abuse thriller, sure does tell about how a person can be drawn into an abusive life. Selena Bailey, a seventeen year old, has grown up with a mother who is abused by her boyfriend. Selena escapes by going to Starbucks and meets Zeek, who eventually kidnaps her and takes her to a remote cabin. What happens to Selena is a powerful portrait of domestic abuse. The author captivates how abuse starts, the violence a person goes through and the ways she tries to escape the abusive relationship! A friend of mine lived through an abusive relationship and thankfully escaped after a life of abuse, so I was sure rooting for Selena. Not Like Her is well worth your time reading and I look forward to reading more books by H. K. Christie!
December 29, 2020
This was my first book by this author and I found it to be fairly good. The authors writing style made it a fast paced read with some great details. I found that the characters were well written, but they lacked much back story to really make me connect with them. There were moments that I would start to feel a little connection, but just not enough. I would have liked to have seen the author push a bit more with some details and part of it felt like the storyline was jumpy. I felt that the author did a great job of making Selena relatable and you can tell the author did some research on the matter, which as a reader I appreciated. I see that this is the first in a series and I feel there was enough potential there to give a second book a chance:)
February 5, 2024
A great introduction to the series. This is an easy to digest novella with suspense, depth, and buildable character development. I would have liked it to have been less predictable and left on more of a cliffhanger, seeing as it’s part of a thriller series. I did end up guessing quite quickly what the sequence of events would be, but nonetheless, it still made for a solid read, and it’s a good book to pick up for something short and captivating. I will definitely continue the rest of the series in the coming months.
October 3, 2024
I flew through this book faster than any other, finishing it in just over two hours because I simply couldn’t put it down. The writing flows effortlessly, making it an intense, fast-paced page-turner from start to finish. The storyline is gripping, and the pacing keeps you hooked. However, I do want to mention trigger warnings for domestic violence, assault, and rape. If you’ve read the Martina Monroe series and enjoyed it, you’ll be even more captivated by this one—it takes everything to the next level. It’s a fantastic follow-up that surpasses the original series in many ways.
September 4, 2025
This story has a great message, but I felt like it was a little too dark for a 17-year-old to live through. I also understand that domestic violence has no preferred age, but it was hard to listen to.
Again, even if she was older, it would still be hard to listen to. I guess what’s important is the message and it’s a very important one.
I really enjoy the author’s notes at the end. She talks about the research and signs of domestic abuse. I listened to this on audio so the reader was pretty good also.
I give Not Like Her 4 out of 5 college applications
Again, even if she was older, it would still be hard to listen to. I guess what’s important is the message and it’s a very important one.
I really enjoy the author’s notes at the end. She talks about the research and signs of domestic abuse. I listened to this on audio so the reader was pretty good also.
I give Not Like Her 4 out of 5 college applications
December 31, 2025
I have read a few of the Martina Monroe books so it was nice to see where Selena Bailey started and how she fits in. I was impressed with the way the book was written as it was an easy read and hit on some sensitive topics but did so well. Since it is a short book, it felt a little rushed at times, but I believe that all of the books in the Selena Bailey series are shorter reads. This does make it easier to finish it quicker when needed. While it wasn't a book that kept me glued to it, it was good enough that I will continue the series.
November 15, 2019
This is a horrific topic but a well-thought-out and well-written story. As an abused girlfriend of a jerk, while I was in high school (about 100 years ago), I could identify with Selena (I also came from an abusive home). There is hope as I escaped this life. This book will pull you in and make you a part of the story. Great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2019
*Suspenseful, well-written book about a very disturbing subject of domestic abuse and violence.*
The most eye-opening part of this book is reading and recognizing the red-flags within your own past relationships or someone you know. I found Not Like Her to be fast-paced, powerful and educational. It kept my attention that I read this book within two hours.
This is my unsolicited review of an Arc copy I received from H. K. Christie
The most eye-opening part of this book is reading and recognizing the red-flags within your own past relationships or someone you know. I found Not Like Her to be fast-paced, powerful and educational. It kept my attention that I read this book within two hours.
This is my unsolicited review of an Arc copy I received from H. K. Christie
November 25, 2019
Not Like Her: A suspenseful domestic thriller you won't be able to put down (Selena Bailey Book 1) by H.K. Christie is such a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book now I can not wait to read the next one and I highly recommend this story to all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
February 14, 2021
Great read!
Started this story last night and finished it a short time ago. I'm sorry to have finished it st quickly but stayed up later than usual last night. Unfortunately, I didn't have a lot to read tonight before I was done. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well written book that actually kept me entertained. Not once did I catch myself looking for mistakes in grammar, spelling or punctuation.
Started this story last night and finished it a short time ago. I'm sorry to have finished it st quickly but stayed up later than usual last night. Unfortunately, I didn't have a lot to read tonight before I was done. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well written book that actually kept me entertained. Not once did I catch myself looking for mistakes in grammar, spelling or punctuation.
November 17, 2019
Well written book about a tough subject. Suspenseful and thought provoking, this book keeps you turning pages well past your bedtime.
The characters are dealing with the subjects of abusive relationships and living what we learn even when we are determined not to make the same bad choices our parents have.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily am providing a review.
The characters are dealing with the subjects of abusive relationships and living what we learn even when we are determined not to make the same bad choices our parents have.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily am providing a review.
December 15, 2019
Listen to the inner voice
As humans we enjoy and even crave the feeling of being needed, wanted, protected and loved so sometimes we jump in to relationships head first. Then and there is when it is most important to listen to your inner voice. We all have one. Pay attention to all the signs. An eye opening story. One we should learn from!
As humans we enjoy and even crave the feeling of being needed, wanted, protected and loved so sometimes we jump in to relationships head first. Then and there is when it is most important to listen to your inner voice. We all have one. Pay attention to all the signs. An eye opening story. One we should learn from!
February 10, 2020
Domestic violence
I wish I had noticed in advance that the story was domestic violence. I think it is an important topic and increased awareness is vital, but I might not have read the story, had I been aware. I'm not sure what "domestic thriller" means. The story was well-written and I believe the situation was portrayed accurately.
I wish I had noticed in advance that the story was domestic violence. I think it is an important topic and increased awareness is vital, but I might not have read the story, had I been aware. I'm not sure what "domestic thriller" means. The story was well-written and I believe the situation was portrayed accurately.
September 12, 2020
A cautionary tale...
This book had me glued to it! I found it very detailed and authentic (you could tell the author did her homework). As Selena’s story unfolded it made me want to cry, and as she got into a relationship with Zeek, every alarm was going off in my stomach! This is a must read for every woman (young or old)!
This book had me glued to it! I found it very detailed and authentic (you could tell the author did her homework). As Selena’s story unfolded it made me want to cry, and as she got into a relationship with Zeek, every alarm was going off in my stomach! This is a must read for every woman (young or old)!
February 22, 2021
Lies Men Tell
A very well written book. Selena doesn’t have the greatest home life, with a father who left, a mother who is an alcoholic and a woman who is abused by the men in her life.
That’s just to start. This is a book that you will have to read straight through.
I would recommend this book all.
A very well written book. Selena doesn’t have the greatest home life, with a father who left, a mother who is an alcoholic and a woman who is abused by the men in her life.
That’s just to start. This is a book that you will have to read straight through.
I would recommend this book all.
May 7, 2024
Selena is trying to live a better life than her mother but becomes involved with a psychopath young man who appears to adore her. Too little, too late for Selena, she finds herself isolated with the boyfriend, who is now threatening her life. Fortunately, Martina Monroe becomes involved and Selena is saved from the monster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews