Book Review: This Never Happened by Jessica Clem

Sometimes a book just isn't for you. And unfortunately, This Never Happened by Jessica Clem turned out to be one of those books for me.

The story follows former best friends Sam and Rebecca, who reconnect at their college reunion and attempt to repair their fractured relationship. But when Sam discovers that Rebecca is dating Adam, a man Sam once had an intense relationship with, old feelings and unresolved history begin to complicate their newfound friendship. As the lines between loyalty, desire, and vengeance blur, Sam finds herself confronting a past she may not be able to escape.

The premise certainly has potential. Relationships, secrets, complicated friendships, and the destructive nature of vengeance can make for a compelling story. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the writing and the characters.

I found the frequent use of similes distracting. Rather than drawing me further into the story, they often felt as though the writing was trying too hard to make an impression. And then there was Sam. I simply couldn't connect with her as a protagonist, which made it difficult to remain invested in her story.

Ultimately, I didn't finish the book and decided it was a definite not for me.

That said, I think it's important to acknowledge that my experience is just that: my experience. I didn't read the entire novel, so I can't speak to how the story develops or how its various threads come together. There may well be readers who enjoy the writing style, connect with the characters, and find the story compelling.

For me, though, it wasn't the right fit.

My recommendation: If the premise intrigues you, don't let my experience stop you from giving This Never Happened a try. Sometimes a book simply doesn't resonate with one reader, while another finds exactly what they're looking for.

And that's perfectly okay. Not every book is meant for every reader.

How Far Would You Go for Revenge?

If stories of betrayal, vengeance, and the darker side of human nature intrigue you, I invite you to discover The Island, my own slasher novel.

Revenge can take many forms, and sometimes the desire to make someone pay pushes people far beyond the point of no return. The Island explores just how far those extremes can go, delivering a chilling slasher story where the consequences of revenge are anything but predictable.

If you enjoy dark fiction that explores the monsters we can become, this one might be for you.

Find more to choose from here.