This was one of those books where there are parts that I really liked and other parts that I just could not stand which is why I am landing with a three star rating. The thrillers parts of this book including the serial killer were great and very much kept me entertained. However, the trope combined with the disturbing history of the main character just did not work for me. This is not a book I would recommend.

Opening with a suspenseful, unsettling, and dark prologue that hints at the horror, surprises, and twists to come, Never Tell, written by Stacey Abrams and narrated by January LaVoy, is a solid romantic suspense/mystery listen. LaVoy’s narration for the horror-filled moments of the opening scene is emotional and tormented. Never Tell is a thrilling and entertaining read that reminds me why I love romantic suspense novels so much. Romantic suspense novels set in New Orleans, AKA the Big Easy, have an extra layer of sizzle and thrills, which is part of why I chose to listen to Never Tell. Abrams’ self-avowed love of words is apparent in her use of language and narrative style, which is fluid, vivid, and richly detailed yet concise. LaVoy’s voice and narration style perfectly suit Abrams’ language and prose, placing you directly into each scene of the novel and making you feel like you are experiencing everything the characters experience—with all five senses. Abrams deftly builds the chemistry and attraction between her leads with humorous, spark-filled interactions, conversations, and banter without detracting from the story’s suspenseful development or quick pacing.

Criminal psychologist Dr. Erin Abbott wants to focus on teaching her murder 101 college courses and live a quiet life in the Big Easy with no hint of intrigue, danger, or mystery. After her past, she undoubtedly wants nothing more to do with romance. But she, unfortunately, suspects a serial killer may be active in New Orleans, and no one knows but her. Erin’s investigation puts her in the path of journalist Gabriel Moss, hot on the trails of a big story to save his newspaper. His reporter senses tell him Erin’s investigation could lead to the story he’s looking for, but even more, she’s hiding secrets he’s determined to uncover. He also desperately yearns to discover what she’s hiding beneath her boxy suits, sensible shoes, and restrictive hair bun that can’t obscure her beauty. Gabriel’s stubborn unwillingness to take no for an answer wears Erin down. So, she accepts his help investigating the murders and searching for the killer. Erin tries to resist Gabriel’s kisses and seduction, believing anything romantic between them is impossible because he’s a relentless truth-seeker, and she can never allow him to unearth what she’s hiding. Once she does, there’s no way he’ll want a future with her.

Erin’s a lonely, resilient, hyper-intelligent prodigy, burdened by the past and afraid to get close to anyone, especially Gabriel, who bulldozes his way through all her barriers and into her heart. She feels responsible for stopping the serial killer who's stalking the streets of New Orleans. Gabriel’s stubborn, charming, and clever, with an excellent sense for the news. Burdened with guilt over things he can’t control, he has a bit of a hero complex and puts all of his time and energy into building his newspaper to restore his family’s legacy. Deeply drawn to each other, Erin and Gabriel become uneasy allies, forging a deep intellectual, emotional, and sexual connection that takes both by surprise.

LaVoy’s voice, narration, and pronunciation perfectly complement Abrams’ language choices. Her narration brilliantly brings Never Tell to life with emotions ranging from calm resilience, fear, horror, sadness, rage, humor, passion, and happiness. She excellently gives each character their own distinct voice that captures their personality, accents, dialects. The warm Big Easy, New Orleans Southern accent rolls easily off her tongue, especially for Gabriel. Her narration choices for Erin and Gabriel are perfect.

Although the ending is a bit of a letdown for me because it happens a little too quickly, leaving me with unanswered questions, Never Tell is a fast-paced, chilling, angsty, steamy, romantic, sexy, and entertaining listen. Romantic suspense fans should enjoy this captivating read with intriguing characters and a well-plotted story that superbly balances the suspense and romance. However, some content may be disturbing to readers including, domestic abuse and mental manipulation and control.

This one had so much potential. Ms Abrams first thriller was fantastic. Her downfall with this one is the inclusion of a romantic relationship in this one. It just fell flat - there was no chemistry. The thriller aspect of the book is something I really wanted to be invested in discovering more, but the conflicting storylines of romance was distracting and brought down the rest of the book. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read.

Never Tell is a novel that was written by Stacey Abrams under the name Selena Montgomery.

I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, and I’m glad I did.
I have never read anything from Stacey Abrams that wasn’t political, so the idea of a murder mystery, set in my favorite city of New Orleans was too good to pass up.

I’m not sure if this was Abrams's first try at fiction writing or not, but I quickly found out that it was more a romance novel than a mystery. And the male protagonist, Gabriel Moss did not sit well with me. He can across as a bit of a brute and not what I would expect a successful woman lawyer to put up with.

Abrams excels at descriptions. Maybe too much so, but you definitely can see the world she has built for this novel.
I’m glad I listened to the audiobook, because I may have lost interest if I had been reading the physical book. But wordiness aside, the book was very well done.

Both narrators; Stacy Abrams and January LaVoy did a great job reading this and kept me engaged and interested,

Thanks to @Netgalley, MacMillan Audio, St. Martins Press, and Stacy Abrams for letting me listen to the eArc of this audio in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion

1 (regrettable) star
I almost quit the audiobook after the first 2 chapters, due to the graphic violence against women. I hung in there to create a fairer review. Never Tell is a romance thriller, first published in 2004. I am not a fan of romance novels, and this book is one reason why. The fit, handsome, educated man basically stalks the beautiful silken haired beauty with long legs and a curvaceous body. Too predictable, characters too stereotyped, sex scene too cliché (ravishing, tingling, …) By the time the real murderer was discovered, I didn’t care. I admire some of Stacey Abrams work, this 18-year-old republished work is not one of them.

Narration was fine. It fit the story and was easy to understand.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an episode of Criminal Minds on paper! It did include a little more romance than I was prepared for, but otherwise was entertaining. I would have liked to see a little bit more profiling and less obscure clues, but it was nonetheless intriguing and holds your attention quite easily.

When I first requested this book from NetGalley, I didn't realize this was a novel written in 2004 that was publishing an audiobook copy in 2022. That said, I was not too fond of the romances that were written 20 years ago (I was in high school, but every time I revisit a romance from that era, I am not a fan).

I did like the mystery to a point. But I was so bored. I wish the romance parts were left out, but I think this romantic suspense element was trendy during the early 2000s.

I give the book extra points because the author is the badass woman known as Stacey Abrams.

**3.5 Stars**

I love romantic suspense, so, naturally, Stacey Abrams, aka Selena Montgomery, has been on my TBR for a long time. I was excited to see she revisited some of her previously released romance novels (2004 in this book’s case), made a few edits, added a lovely author’s note, and republished for a modern audience.

This book is not for the faint of heart. I went into this book relatively blind and was immediately sucked in by a brutally violent prologue and chapter one. The violence is on-page and, in my opinion, occasionally gratuitous. Trigger warnings include – abuse of a minor, SA, and graphic violence.

Let’s start with what worked. Ms. Montgomery can WRITE. Her prose was beautiful. I loved her descriptions of New Orleans – I often felt like I was walking the streets with our hero and heroine. She has a way of creating atmosphere and ambiance without dipping into the maudlin. I flew through this audiobook with ease, which rarely happens to me, and I have to credit the writing and narration.

The suspense plot was terrifying and, as I mentioned, extremely graphic, but the pacing was perfect. The clues slowly came together, and I was never sure when the killer would strike next. I loved that as soon as a question came to my mind about why the killer did x, y, or z, it was answered within the following few chapters. I felt in tune with the author and characters, which is how you want to feel in a romantic thriller.

I think where the book went a little sideways for me was the characters. In many ways, this book is still a product of its time, 2004. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love romances from that era, so the hero’s alpha-hole tendencies actually endeared me to him. But I could see places where the author tried to iron out a few of his overbearing edges and not others, which made his characterization feel uneven. One minute he was the nicest, most laid-back guy around; the next minute, he was a pushy, overbearing reporter – not that he couldn’t be both, but the way his moods changed, especially around the heroine, was jarring.

Our heroine is absolutely the main character in this book, everything is happening to her and because of her. I really enjoyed the rigidly contained enigma of a woman she was at the beginning, but again, it felt like she was a completely different character around the hero. Additionally, she is SO traumatized and was so abused, I just had a hard time believing in the romance all the way around. There was also an extremely healthy dose of insta-love on both sides, and while I usually enjoy that trope, there was literally no reason the hero should have noticed the heroine, nevertheless becoming obsessed with her right off the bat. I wish the hero’s sister had been more of a bridge than the instant connection.

Overall, this book was highly entertaining. It was a wild ride, and although I guessed who the villain was relatively early on, I still enjoyed the story and look forward to reading many more of Montgomery’s books in the future.

**I received a free copy of this audiobook in order to provide an honest review**

⚠️Trigger Warning: Abusive relationships, violence, murder⚠️

Dr. Erin Abbotts is a professor specializing in criminal cases and serial killers. When a string of killings happen, she starts to piece together the clues.

Gabe Moss, a journalist for the local paper, is trying to find the best next story to boost himself. He ends up connecting with Erin, and together they are on the hunt. However, the past always has a way of finding itself back to the present.

I thought the story line was intriguing, but honestly it was just too many words used to get to every point made throughout the pages. For me I think the book could have made the same impact with less words, making for a shorter story altogether. The storyline itself I enjoyed and thought the read told of a great murder mystery that I surely did not figure out until it was revealed. The ending made for a captivating twist and shocked me. All in all the story itself was good and kept me interested, but it could have been told with less words and still made the same suspenseful impact.

Riveting! Danger and intrigue at every corner. A criminal psychologist, Erin, herself a victim of severe domestic abuse at the hands of her legal guardian, is the target of a serial killer. With a genius level IQ, Erin is the only one that can decipher the clues. The killer uses the puzzle to pull her in. Erin has to stop him or her before they kill again. Gabriel, a journalist on the trail for the story of a lifetime is determined to help her. It's a race against time. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the end. January Lavoy is excellent as the narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

DNF at 20%

I read this book through an audio arc and it was my first audiobook.

I did not enjoy the experience. the format is great, to be able to do think while reading ? love the concept.

but the audiobook format is not for me, I have too much difficulty understand and following the story without disconnecting.

anyway in the case of this book it didn’t help bc i didn't like the narrator's style.

the story was a polar romance, which I was so excited about especially after reading the first chapters but this is a reedition from 2004 and you can feel it in the writing style. it's full of old stereotypes.

I hated the male character which was also the love interest and the romantic side didn't quite fit the story. the book could have been really really good because it follows a
professor in criminal psychology trying to find a serial killer while overcoming her own trauma.

Non-stop action!! Stacey Abrams/Selena Montgomery tells a fantastic story, but beware: it's not for the squeamish. There are gruesome descriptions of violence most foul, but there's also great determination, commitment, and bravery, especially when Erin gradually opens up to emotion as she has to decide whether or not to trust Gabriel. January LaVoy's narration was superb.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook Never Tell by Stacey Abrams. This story kept me intrigued and on edge until the very end. The characters were well developed and the suspense was unnerving. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an edge of your seat suspense.

Never Tell by Stacey Abrams, as Selena Montgomery, takes place in present day New Orleans but jumps back in time every now and then to highlight the story of Dr. Erin Abbott. In present day, Erin is a criminal psychologist and teaches at a small college in New Orleans but her past is catching up with her as Erin figures out that a serial killer has been operating in the city without any notice at all - only Erin has noticed the deaths are likely by the same person. In the midst of trying to figure out who is doing this, Erin meets Gabriel Moss, a local journalist. Their chemistry is undeniable but, due to Erin's past, she tries to resist the charming Gabe. The mystery at figuring out who is behind these murders is intriguing and kept me guessing the entire time while the romance brewing between Erin and Gabe definitely keeps the intrigue! 4 stars.

First published in 2004, Never Tell is the story of Dr. Erin Abbott, a professor of psychology in New Orleans. She meets an enigmatic reporter named Gabriel Moss and they embark on mystery together. There is a serial killer in NOLA and all the murders seem to link to Erin. The police don’t believe her theory. Thankfully, Gabriel does. However, because of her past, Erin does not want to get close to Gabriel. Uncovering this story will also, undoubtedly, uncover all her secrets & Erin isn’t ready for the trauma of her past to come out in the open. I would call this a romantic thriller. And it was excellent. Stacy Abrams, writing as Selena Montgomery, is a marvel. I really enjoyed this story.

*Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the e-audio version of this novel.*

Criminal Psychologist Dr. Erin Abbott is hiding in plain sight in order to her abusive past. She lives a quiet life with few friends, dresses in baggy clothing, and teaches at a small college. When Journalist Gabriel Moss accidentally walks into her classroom, he quickly decides that this mousy professor is worth getting to know. When Erin starts receiving clues about murders in the area, she ends up teaming up with Gabriel to try to find the killer - and fall in love.
How I feel about this book is difficult to explain. I don't really find the characters or their romance make much sense. Erin is escaping this terrible situation but lets in the very pushy Gabriel. The flashes to her past and the serial killer parts are definitely interesting and there are a few good twists. If you enjoy Patricia Cornwell, you may enjoy this book.

Ive been curious to read a Stacey Abrams book for a while and I'm glad I got the opportunity. This book though isn't something I would normally pick. I'm more a fan of light hearted romances and there was a lot of violence in this. I also like thrillers, and the serial killer story was interesting but I would've preferred it outside of the romance.

✨MY QUICK BITS✨
❤️‍🩹Thrillance (Thriller/Romance)
🖤Reluctant love
🧠Savant protagonist
🔤ABC style murder mystery
📓Academia

✨MY FULL REVIEW✨
I really fell hard for this book in the first half. In my mind I kept thinking man I love this, this is bound to be my first 5 star read of the year.

Then we got to the second half and this thrilling read became very...romantic.

Thrillance? Romiller anyone?

Okay, so this book by genre is considered romance...but you can't tell me this title and cover actually indicate anything but thriller.

Nonetheless, although I had to adjust to the romantic turn, I still really enjoyed this book.

I'm a sucker for an underdog MC who is really a genius.

A linguistics savant being targeted by a serial killer...offing acquaintances of the protagonist in alphabetical order by linking the first letter of their profession to the first letter of what they are killed with!?!?!?!?!?

SO MUCH YES.

✨MY RATINGS✨
3.00/5.00 🆘SOS Rating
4.00/5.00 ⭐️Overall Rating

I feel so incredibly foolish JUST NOW discovering that Stacey Abrams, under the name Selena Montgomery, has been writing fiction for years. As someone who DOES NOT read straight romance, I really enjoyed this book. If you enjoy dark and thrilling murder mysteries with a touch of romance, this is your book. I hope this is out in paperback for beach reading!

Dr Erin Abbott is a criminology professor who dresses like she is old and dowdy but when she runs into Gabriel Moss he sees through her disguise immediately and when he then runs into her again at the police station he is truly intrigued. Erin is sure there is a serial killer in New Orleans and they are sending her clues. Gabriel, being a journalist, picks up on clues and Erin's fear and puts himself right in the middle of the story. This was a story fill of triggers and twists. It was unclear all the way to the end who was the killer so make sure you don't skip ahead.