Keeping You Close: Part #1 (Keeping You Close Duet)

A thrilling book that keeps you hooked from the start. The author starts the book off with a bang that draws the reader in and instantly kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire ride through the pages of the book! The prologue begins with a stalker who has been tracking Amy Knox for over a year. Then the book begins with Amy, a single mother who been deserted by her husband when he walked out of her life a year ago. She is desperately trying to rebuild her life and support her son and herself. The character of Amy is described in detail and we get to know her well as she is the main character. We are introduced to various other characters as well and the author does a fantastic job of describing these characters and making the reader really feel like we know them. Each character brought their own unique vulnerability to the story and this added to the story.
The tension builds as each new character is introduced and I found myself wondering who the stalker was. The precariousness kept building throughout the book as the pages flew by. The chapters were short and titled by character which I liked. I found that Amy was my favorite character because I felt such compassion for her. She was a survivor, trying to rebuild her life, despite what life had thrown at her and she used what her talents were to make a living for her and her son. She didn’t look for handouts- she went out and made a living for herself. She was smart and assertive. I enjoyed the way the chapters were titled by character as well as how they flowed This book was a fast read for me because I simply could not put it down. I finished it in one day, and I bet you will too! Thank you so much for an ARC of this book.

Keeping You Close
- Jessica Lynn Sorensen

How does one sum up the most chaotic and twisty psychological thriller to date by Sorensen? Keeping You Close is how. This is a masterclass in psychological thrillers delivering a chaotic, yet intricately woven narrative that engages the reader from start to finish. Sorensen has truly mastered the art of weaving an elaborate plot mixed with mystery, trauma, love, abandonment, devotion, independence, trust, nightmares, regret and so much more.

Sorensen begins the story with a chilling prologue where a mysterious man has been obsessively tracking the life of Amy, a single mother striving to rebuild her life after her ex-husband Trevor walked out a year ago and never looked back. This hooked me immediately, because of this mystery man I had a continual sense of foreboding throughout the entire story just waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. From this, we are drawn into a world filled with tension and uncertainty.

Sorensen’s pacing is unsullied; each chapter flows seamlessly into the next, creating an immersive reading experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story is so engaging that it’s easy to lose track of time, making it a quick read – so quick that I’ve read it twice to date of this post.

Characters are thoroughly developed, each with their own vulnerabilities and struggles that make them relatable and authentic. Amy is particularly compelling with her journey of self-discovery amidst past traumas resonating deeply, illustrating that healing and personal growth are possible, even for those who have faced significant challenges. Sorensen’s portrayal of Amy’s emotional depth adds a layer of realism that enhances the overall impact of the story.

The chemistry between the characters truly sets this story to a new level. Sorensen excels at creating relationships that are complex yet sincere, allowing readers to really invest emotionally in their journeys. Each character is well balanced with just enough backstory keeping the plot focused and engaging. This ensures that every element serves a purpose in the main story.

Sorensen gives us a riveting psychological thriller with Keeping You Close unlike anything she’s written to date. The emotional weight of the final scenes is unmistakable as the characters grapple with the outcomes of their actions. This story will leave readers breathless and eager for more – especially after the unexpected cliffhanger of an ending!!!! This is truly a thrilling ride any psychological thriller reader will not want to miss out on!!!

As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.

So, after reading a couple of this author’s recent novellas, I decided to check out some more of her stuff. I liked this one, but it didn’t hit me as hard as her latest release. Not saying it wasn’t interesting,it just felt a little messy, if that makes sense. I could see where she was going with it, but the different parts didn’t come together super clearly. Still, it was a fun read, and I’m definitely gonna look for the second book in the series. Also curious to see how her writing grows from here.

Single mom Amy Knoxx started a business pretending to be a girlfriend, fiancée, or wife to help make ends meet. But when Nolan, a wealthy and unstable client, hires her, things quickly spiral out of control. A stalker lurks in the shadows, and when Amy finds a body in her shed, she realizes she’s in deeper than she ever imagined. As Amy and Jordan, a client with secrets of his own, try to unravel the danger, the stakes soar when her son, Sawyer, is kidnapped. But Nolan isn’t the only one obsessed with her. Someone else has been watching. The question is… who?

I want to thank Jessica Lynn Sorenson and BookSirens for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

From the very first page, Keeping You Close had me hooked. Jessica Lynn Sorenson crafts a thriller that doesn’t just keep you guessing, it keeps you wrong. Every time I thought I had figured it out, another twist slammed the door on my theory. The suspense is relentless, the stakes keep rising, and just when you think it can’t get any worse… it does.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the nod to other authors like Elisa D. Daniels, Mark Jenkins, Nadija Mujagic, and Jennifer Hartmann. It felt like a little inside joke for readers who love dark, twisty thrillers.

I also loved the multiple POVs, which added depth to the story, letting us see different sides of the chaos unfolding. Amy’s desperation, Jordan’s mystery, and Nolan’s unsettling presence all played perfectly together. The short chapters made it impossible to put down, and the ending? Let’s just say I need book two ASAP.

If you love authors like Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, or Jennifer Hartmann, you’ll be obsessed with Jessica Lynn Sorenson’s writing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A gripping, fast-paced thriller that kept me on edge!

The Vibe it Brings:

Jessica Lynn Sorensen delivers a pulse-pounding psychological thriller in Keeping You Close, blending suspense, emotional depth, and maternal instincts into a chilling, fast-paced ride.

Sorensen masterfully keeps readers guessing, peeling back layers of paranoia and trust, love and fear. The novel’s emotional stakes are as high as its suspense, making Keeping You Close a gripping, unforgettable read for fans of dark, twisty thrillers.