Maybe it's just me, but this book was really a disappointment to me.  I didn't like any of the characters, the pacing was slow, the writing jumped all over the place, and it just didn't seem realistic.  The premise of the book sounded good but it just seemed to meander all over the place.  Maybe I'm missing something but it just wasn't for me.

I couldn’t put this one down! Seriously, I read it while I was making dinner, waiting in line for coffee, bathing my son... it’s a great suspenseful novel! One of the elements that made it a favorite for me was the detailed atmosphere of characters in academia. It was obvious that the author had a background in the subject matter interest of the main character (turns out she has a PhD in Biological Psychology!) Loved it and would absolutely recommend!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing is wonderful and the plot takes a hold of you from the very beginning. It is definitely a page turner and hard to put down. I gave this book three stars because the "plot twists" I was able to predict but it didn't stop me from enjoying this book at all. The ending was also rather neatly wrapped.

I would highly recommend this book to my patrons who are looking for something to keep them entertained and hold their attention the entire time. I will definitely mark this down as a title that I would recommend or choose for any book club looking for a new read or any book club that I lead.

EXCERPT: Just dinner.

The innocence of the phrase is deceptive, as deceptive as the dinner itself would turn out to be, as Jackie would discover ninety eight days later. Dinner with friends, a table for four. Dinner with people she thought she knew and loved. As it turns out, no one is who she believed they were, least of all herself. So much secrecy, and in its service, so many lies.

ABOUT THIS BOOK: Psychology professor Jackie Strelitz thought she was over her ex-lover and colleague, Harlan Crispin. Why should she care if Harlan springs a new “friend” on her? After all, Jackie has everything she ever wanted: a loving husband and a thriving career. Still, she can’t help but be curious about Harlan’s latest.

Nasira Amari is graceful, smart, and young. Worse, she’s the new member of Jackie’s research team. For five years, Harlan enforced rules limiting his relationship with Jackie. With Nasira he’s breaking every single one. Why her?

Fixated by the couple, Jackie’s curiosity becomes obsession. But she soon learns that nothing is quite what it seems, and that to her surprise—and peril—she may not be the only one who can’t let go.

MY THOUGHTS: I find this a difficult book to review. Reading Stories We Never Told by Sonja Yoerg was like watching a movie that is not particularly interesting to you, but that you can't get up and walk away from because you want to know how it ends.

The basic story line is good. But I felt nothing for any of the characters. For such an intelligent woman, Jackie behaves quite stupidly. And despite all the backstories, I never felt that I got to really know any of them at all. Speaking of the backstories, which were inserted seemingly randomly throughout the story, I thought that the only one that had any merit, any reason to be included, was that of Harlan.

The writing technique is quite dispassionate, detatched. Situations that should have been suspenseful fell flat. This could have been a psychological thriller. It has a definite psychological backbone, but fails as a thriller. 

The story is mostly told from the viewpoint of Jackie, and occasionally from that of Harlan, Jackie's ex-lover. Jackie's relationships with Miles - her husband, Harlan, Nasira - Harlan's current lover, and Antonio - Miles son from his first marriage - have all the stability of a rickety country fairground rollercoaster ride, which should make for interesting reading but, in my case, didn't. Maybe it's a case of 'it's me, not the book.'

Definitely a book that I didn't warm to.

😐😐.5

#StoriesWeNeverTold #NetGalley

'The worst lies are the ones you tell yourself.'

THE AUTHOR: I grew up in Stowe, Vermont, the daughter of a ski instructor. In my first incarnation, I was a animal behaviorist who studied learning in blue jays, hyenas and kangaroo rats. I wrote a book about that. Now I make stuff up.

When I'm not writing or pretending to be writing, I run, garden, cook, eat, drink wine, then run some more. My husband and I live in central Virginia with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's quiet and pretty, like Vermont.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Stories We Never Told by Sonja Yoerg for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and Goodreads.com

What an incredible story of love and obsession!
The characters were well written and complex. 

Jackie, Harlan and  Miles have secrets and trust issues. A triangle of sorts thats a twisty page turner.

I really enjoyed the story and the complexities of how far one will go to keep a secret.

I was given this ARC for an honest review. Thank you to Net galley for giving me this opportunity. As I started this book I thought it was going to lean toward a romance story rather than a thriller. It moved along pretty quickly to much more than my first thought. It was a page turner & I was always anxious to see what was going to happen next. This is my first book by this author & I will be on the lookout for her next book. I may just try to pick up her older ones. I highly recommend this book.

I flew this novel!

I was entranced by this book. I couldn't put it down at all. I think the whole "professor falls in love with a student" is overdone, but Yoerg puts a completely different spin on it! Because in this book.. appearances are quite deceiving. And what you see.. may not actually be the full picture.

I loved, loved, loved Stories We Never Told. Yoerg has a way with words hat is unmatched and an unflinching ability to tell a story.

Highly recommended!

Wow, this book was so good. A really tense psychological drama. I had read #SonjaYoerg’s True Place and loved it, but this was even better. Strong, interesting characters, an interesting look into autism studies, which interested me, because I have a granddaughter with autism, from a gifted storyteller. 
Jackie is a doctorate professor in a university in DC, working with graduate students on a intense study. Something has gone wrong with the data, and It could be by someone close to her. This is a story of lies, secrets, relationships, manipulation and control, resulting in a dangerous tense storyline. 
This is a novel that will grip you from the first page to the final. I received an ARC for my review. My thanks to #LakeUnionPublishers and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Received this book from #NetGalley.

This book tells the story of psychology professor Jackie, who is married to Miles.  Jackie works at a university where her ex-boyfriend, Harlan, also works.  One night, Jackie and Miles go out to dinner with Harlan who has started dating Jackie's postdoc Nasira.  Needless to say Jackie is surprised and becomes slightly obsessed with the couple.  Jackie spent 5 years with Harlan and they had a different timeline of dating events than he has with Nasira and Jackie wonders why.  Then, someone on Jackie's team discovers that some of her data has been corrupted.  All this time Jackie is suspicious that Harlan is using Nasira to get back at her and Miles brushes her off as insecure.  She's also becoming insecure about her marriage to Miles because he travels a lot.  After her college boyfriend shows up to one of her public talks, her life unravels fast.

This is my second book by Sonja Yoerg. All the Best People was published 3 years ago and I loved it. It was women’s fiction at its finest.

Stories We Never Told is a slow burn psychological suspense. Most of the story is told through Jackie’s pov. A professor of high standings she is soon drawn into a web of mystery, suspicious that threatens not just her mental health but her job as well.

Even though I didn't really connect with the different characters the author kept my attention, she drew me in as I tried to figure out what was going on.

Stories We Never Told is a story of obsession, secrets (oh the secrets), and relationships.

My thanks to the publisher, Lake Union Publishing and Tall Poppy Writers (via Netgalley) for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was intense and captivating. Every time I picked it up, I was sucked back into the world and the complex psychology of these characters. If I had any nails left, in the midst of this pandemic, I would have bitten them all off while reading this one. It’s both absolutely relatable, and also occasionally horrifying.

A lot of time when I’m reading a thriller, I just think, “Really? Come on, now!” But that never happened with this story, because despite some of the unsettling events and moments, I could always completely relate to the main character. I could see that a lot of the paths she took could have easily been paths I would have taken, and that made reading this even more disturbing.

Genre-wise, this novel was a bit of a change from some of Yoerg’s previous works, but stylistically, it’s absolutely classic Sonja Yoerg, in terms of the vibrant setting, the well-developed characters, the complex relationships, the deep themes of both healthy independence and strengthening ailing relationships, and the overall emotional vibrancy.

I swear if you put a Sonja Yoerg novel in front of me with someone else’s name on it, I would immediately become suspicious of foul play, because she’s such a strong writer and storyteller. However, when I’m caught up reading, I don’t even notice that. It’s just such a smooth and immersive reading experience. I get lost in her worlds and characters, but when I pause to really think about the writing and the story, that’s when I realize she should be teaching master classes in how to setup and execute a scene.

Everything she writes is so honest and authentic that I find myself completely invested in the lives of the characters, so much so that I often wish I could pick up the phone and give them all an earful, mid-book.

This novel is darker, twistier, and a bit more chilling than some of the previous Yoerg novels. It had me second guessing myself almost all the way through. It’s written in a nonlinear format that is absolute perfection. It doesn’t have that choppy feeling that some nonlinear stories do. Yoerg does a great job of smoothly transitioning forward and backward in time. I got enough information and story from each chapter and section that I felt fully immersed in the story, and I didn’t suffer any of the whiplash that I sometimes get from nonlinear stories, when they suddenly jolt me forward or backward in time before I had gotten settled in the current moment. The transitions in this story are all logical and flawless, and the skips backward were so helpful in understanding why the story was moving forward on its current trajectory.

I liked this book so much, that even though I was given a free ARC to read and review before publication date (coming May 1!), I still went back and picked it up as a Kindle First Read and then also preordered the audiobook. So basically, I have put my money where my mouth is on this one, and if you like stories that are a bit psychologically dark, emotional, and full of complicated characters, relationships, and situations, then you’re going to love this one. I suggest that you get your hands on a copy as soon as it releases on May 1, just PSA: please don’t leave your house to do that, unless absolutely necessary, in light of the current COVID 19 situation.

And also, wash your hands! It won’t remove the ick that you’re going to feel while reading some of the twisted moments in this story, but it is far better to have an icky mind than icky hands. Or at least I thought that was true, until I just wrote it out and had to read it back to myself. What I meant to say was sometimes you have to suffer through a bit of emotional ick, in order to get to all the other serious feels, which this story is full of. Both the ick and the feels.

Wow! This is a psychological thriller that will make your heart skip beats! I've read other books by Sonja Yoerg but this one is entirely different. I love an author who can cross genre lines and do it in a divine manner! Readers will love this story about a psycho ex boyfriend with a twisted agenda!

I am so very sorry but I won’t be finishing this book. It’s dragging so bad and I’ve read a bit over half of it. I was hoping it would pick up and peak my interest. It’s not... If Harlan breaks up Jackie’s marriage by using Nasira then Harlan is just a jerk. I think he is a bit off. He obviously likes younger women and that is not a good thing. But this book is taking forever to explain what exactly is happening. It’s just not for me. 
I feel awful about that but it is what it is. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, #StoriesWeNeverTold, #SonjaYoerg and #LakeUnionPublishing for this ARC. 

I give it 2 stars and again am very sorry. I can’t recommend this one.

Sonja Yoerg is another author that I have been a long time fan of, though I have to admit I was a little worried about this one. Yoerg usually writes more women’s fiction, but this one was marketed as more of a thriller.

But I did keep an open mind. I hate how some authors get pigeon holed into writing a certain genre, just because an author is known for writing women’s fiction doesn’t mean she can’t write anything else right?

While Yoerg might be known for a certain genre, I would argue that she should be known for her ability to write complex characters that truly stand out rather than a particular genre—so I took the plunge and started reading this one.

Summary
Psychology professor Jackie Strelitz thought she was over her ex-lover and colleague, Harlan Crispin. Why should she care if Harlan springs a new “friend” on her? After all, Jackie has everything she ever wanted: a loving husband and a thriving career. Still, she can’t help but be curious about Harlan’s latest.

Nasira Amari is graceful, smart, and young. Worse, she’s the new member of Jackie’s research team. For five years, Harlan enforced rules limiting his relationship with Jackie. With Nasira he’s breaking every single one. Why her?

Fixated by the couple, Jackie’s curiosity becomes obsession. But she soon learns that nothing is quite what it seems, and that to her surprise—and peril—she may not be the only one who can’t let go. (summary from Goodreads) 

Review
This book has four different POVs so there were a few characters to keep track of, but on the whole it was a fun changeup that kept me engaged and focused on the story. I had to keep my brain engaged and I was absolutely ok with that. This is a novel that really focuses more on characters and how often they aren’t what they seem. For me this one read more like a domestic suspense rather than a psychological thriller or general thriller. If you are a fan of domestic suspense then you will enjoy this one for sure.

While this book landed more in the domestic suspense category for me, there was still plenty to keep me on the edge of my seat and twists that provided chilling shivers. I would say this is an unconventional thriller—maybe that’s the best way to put it. It’s a smart, layered read that I easily found myself looking forward to picking up each night before bed, but then instantly regretting because it was hard for me to put down!

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters through the alternating POVs. I mean I may not have liked all of them but I found that I was eager to know more and see their perspective of the story and events. I was often left to wonder what was real and what wasn’t, what was perception by the character and what was reality. I love books that make readers question what they are reading as ‘truth’. It’s an interesting literary tool and was deployed well here. A great character driven read with lots to discuss and to leave the reader to decide for for themselves.

Once again Yoerg has produced a well crafted read that is different that what I have come to expect from her but I am excited to see more books like this from her because it was a treat to read!

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 328 pages
Expected publication: May 1st 2020 by Lake Union
ASIN B07WCP61XL
Free review copy provided by publisher, Lake Union in partnership with the Tall Poppy Writers/Bloggers, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own an in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: domestic suspense, thriller

This was a pretty darn good suspense thriller! I'm a big fan of Sonja's books and was excited to dive in. I'll be honest, I had some trouble at the beginning, but the book is not to blame. It took me til this book to realize that maybe suspense thrillers are difficult for me to get into and focus on right now. However, I got sucked in with this one.

Jackie is a smart woman with an established career and a dutiful husband. She is even on good terms with her ex, whom her husband has also befriended. Things start to go awry when her ex brings Nasira, young and beautiful, to dinner with Jackie and her husband. Nasira also happens to be Jackie's post doc. How interesting, that her ex is doing so much more with Nasira than he did with Jackie. They were together for years before he would even go on a trip with her, yet with Nasira, it's only been a couple weeks.

Jackie cannot get over how quickly her ex is moving with this girl. You may say she becomes obsessed. Her husband starts traveling more, she's starting to look a little crazy, her test data has been compromised...why is her life derailing so quickly all of a sudden? How has she lost control?

I did figure out the ending, though I normally do. But there were twists I didn't see coming too. The psychological narcissism of this book kept me hooked til the end.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Life changes after Jackie has dinner with her husband miles and her ex Harlan
 Harlan is her co worker in psychology. Harlans new love is Nasira who works with Jackie and looks like princess jasmine. I thought harlans and Jackie's obsession and feelings for each other was unhealthy and could cost Jackie her marriage.

I was excited to read Stories We Never Told. My excitement diminished rather quickly. The main character Jackie is a psychologist working at a university and is in charge  or a research project on autism. I kept saying to myself, “I can’t believe this woman is a psychologist. She is the most screwed up person with no self confidence.” I just could not find a character I liked. I kept hoping the book would get better, but it did not for me. Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sonja Yoerg's latest book Stories We Never Told is a tale of obsession, jealousy, hidden truths, mingled with a cold control on the part of one character.

Jackie Strelitz is a professor married to a sport scout, Miles. For five years she had been in a relationship with Harlan another professor who had wooed her but set a lot of boundaries. Finally when she realises he won't give her what would make her happy she walks out. Now he springs Nasira on her and then let the games begin.

And they are far from pleasant games. The story builds slowly as the person setting up carefully stacks  a very careful, coldly thought out plan. Most of the characters are quite flawed, mainly because they hide so much and while they "see" they still deny.

I kept turning the pages, although I have to admit this is not my usual kind of read and therefore in some ways I would say "this isn't for me". However those who like a good psychological thriller I think will be quite satisfied with it.

WOW! Sonja Yoerg, author of "Stories We Never Told" has written an intense, edgy, page-turning, suspenseful and riveting novel. The genres for this book are Psychological Thriller and Fiction. The story is set in the author's present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her dramatic characters as dysfunctional, flawed, complex, and complicated. Some are manipulative, unscrupulous, and suspect. There are betrayals, lies, and murder.

Jackie Strelitz, is a Psychological professor doing important studies with autistic children.  On her team are very bright doctoral students. Jackie has a husband and is very busy. Her colleague and ex-boyfriend seem to be getting Jackie's attention.  He is dating one of the young members of Jackie's professional team. Jackie is aware that this is causing her anxiety.

Jackie discovers that some of the data in her studies have been deliberately changed. There are strange happenings that are going on. Someone is a Master Manipulator and seems to be causing emotional and physical havoc. This has now become a deadly and obsessive game. I would highly recommend this chilling thriller.

Whew! What a ride. This novel kept me glued to the pages and my mind churning with each piece of information Sonja Yeorg doled out. STORIES WE NEVER TOLD is a suspenseful novel that makes you wonder how well you know the people around you, or even yourself.
Jackie Strelitz is a successful professor with a research project she is passionate about. She and her husband, Miles, have a good marriage and they are even friends with her ex, a colleague at the university she dated for five years. When Harlan meets them for dinner with a “friend,” who is also doing her post-doctoral work under Jackie, things start getting interesting. Why does it seem that Harlan and Nasira’s relationship is moving forward faster than Harlan and Jackie’s ever did? Why does Jackie care so much when she is married to Miles and they have such a great relationship? Or do they? Why does it seem that everyone is hiding something? As things unravel for Jackie, including professionally, she must step back and figure out what is really going on in her life and who she can trust before it’s too late.
Told mainly form Jackie’s point of view, we get Harlan’s and a peak into the lives and back-story of the other two players in this novel. Yeorg kept me on my toes and engrossed as she spun her tale and developed unforgettable characters.  Don’t miss this one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
#TallPoppyWriter #TallPoppyBlogger #BloomReads #StoriesWeNeverTold