This book had me hooked right out the gate. Melissa’s just gone through a divorce and moves to a new town, ready for a reset. Things take a turn when she meets Thomas — a seemingly perfect pediatrician… whose wife mysteriously disappeared three years ago. Oh, and he was once a murder suspect. Casual, right?

As Melissa tries to figure out if she should trust him, someone starts warning her — literally — to stay away from him. But who’s behind the threats? And could Thomas actually be dangerous?

There were so many moments I wanted to jump into the book and stop her like, “Melissa, nooo!”

I flew through this — it’s fast-paced, addictive, and that ending twist? I’m still thinking about it.

Huge thanks to @poisonedpenpress and @netgalley for the e-ARC!

I really enjoyed the beginning of this story and I also enjoyed everything that happened at the end. I’m just not sure if I love them together. It felt a little disjointed for me somehow and I can’t pinpoint why. I loved how we got to learn more about Rose via the diary entries. That definitely added more depth to the surrounding cast of characters. The pacing was pretty solid. There were no real lulls in the action.

I enjoyed this book 4/5 stars.. Each chapter always ended where I had to read the next. I couldn’t wait to get to the transcripts or the journal entries to try and figure out who done it. I had it figured out by about half way through. Still a good read though.

Domestic thrillers are my absolute favorite guilty pleasure. I am able to stop trying to figure it out and just go along for the ride. This new to me author is one I need more books by stat. This book not only has an amazing cover, but the story was quite twisted and will keep readers up late into the night wanting to read one more chapter. Thank you so much for my early copy!

Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read this book before its release date. My first ARC read. I enjoyed the way the story was told from therapy sessions and journal entries. This all tied the story together perfectly.

Each character had something about them and my judgement of them changed throughout the story.

I don’t want to spoil it for anyone still to read but the story follows Melissa, recently divorced who’s moved to a new city with her son. She meets Thomas a charming man, but his past soon comes to light.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t know if I wanted to hug Melissa or shake some sense into her. The author wrote the characters to be likable and unlikable at the same time and that is my favorite type of psychological thriller. This is one to add to your TBR!

Explosive and riddled with suspense, the psychological thriller Stay Away from Him is a masterpiece in written form. When Melissa meets the handsome Dr. Thomas Danver, he’s everything she could hope for. Recovering from a rather messy divorce, Melissa is immediately charmed by how different Thomas is from Caleb. Thomas is charming and confident and, most importantly, good to Bradley, her eight-year-old son, whereas Caleb is abusive and cruel to both Bradley and her. Soon, however, terrible rumors about Thomas and his connection to his wife’s death reach Melissa. But Melissa sees Thomas for who he is– a wonderful father and devoted husband. Besides, Rose is only presumed dead. Happy that she can finally move on with her life she decides to make their relationship official. But some things niggle at her. Why did he take so long to report Rose missing? And his alibi… even the townspeople are divided on that. Also, his obsessive behavior towards her is a little disconcerting. But then again, he’s been without a partner for close to three years and the other things could easily be explained away, hence why he is still a free man. Melissa is determined to make this work, for her and for Bradley; he deserves a good male role model after everything he’d been through. But when Melissa receives a warning concerning Thomas, she’s not so sure anymore. And even she has to admit that his alibi does sound a bit shaky...

Intense and disturbing, Stay Away from Him is a book that was impossible to put down. Andrew De Young is an expert in his field; I was hooked from start to finish. Each cliffhanger was insane and I awaited each inevitable explosion eagerly. The plot was perfectly executed, and the red herrings were well-placed; I was kept on my toes throughout the story. Andrew is adept at creating a solid connection between the reader and his characters; Melissa’s struggles and doubts became mine; her fears, her concerns, they were all mine. The storyline was suspenseful and fantastic, with a cleverly written plot that was riddled with twists that tied together perfectly. I stared open-mouthed every time a new revelation was made. The characters were normal people on the surface but with inner anguish that spilled over, which at times proved fatal. If unchecked, psychological issues could wreak serious havoc, and Stay Away From Him expresses this fact. I enjoyed the dark and somber Stay Away From Him immensely. Andrew offers his readers a mind-whirring experience, and I can’t wait to start on my next Andrew De Young read.

When Melissa crosses paths with Thomas, a charming pediatrician, at a dinner party, she can't help but feel intrigued by him. As their connection deepens, she learns that Thomas' wife vanished three years ago under mysterious circumstances and was presumed dead. Though Thomas was once the prime suspect, he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. Caught up in a whirlwind romance, Melissa begins to receive anonymous threats that leave her questioning whether Thomas is truly as innocent as he appears.- Get ready for this wild ride!

Get ready for a wild ride—Stay Away From Him will have you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. You won’t be able to predict where this story is going, and just when you think you've figured it out, the twists keep coming. Andrew Deyoung truly knows how to weave a story that will have you second-guessing everything. And for those who, like me, love multiple POV’s, this book delivers in spades. The way it shifts between past and present is masterfully done, keeping you hooked. I especially enjoyed the diary entries and therapist transcripts—they added such a powerful layer to the unfolding drama and built the suspense leading to that jaw-dropping ending. Trust me, you won't see it coming. This is one gripping mystery/thriller you won’t want to miss this July. It’s a total page-turner that will leave you breathless.

This is one gripping mystery/thriller you won’t want to miss this July. It’s a total page-turner that will leave you breathless. Highly recommended!

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press & NetGalley for this eARC!

This definitely kept my interest throughout as I didn't know who to believe, but I definitely questioned Melissa for falling so hard so fast for a man who she knows was accused of killing his wife, it seemed a little too much too fast with all of the details that came about right when she met him. Especially with her past and her son, I found it a little unrealistic. However, I really enjoyed the twist, and only started to suspect it right at the end. It then switched rather dramatically to a horror movie type villain with a rushed climax, but I liked how everything tied up at the very end.

After a difficult divorce, Melissa Burke moves to a new city with her young son, seeking solace and a fresh start away from her ex-husband. She’s not in the market for a new romance; her focus is on healing and finding peace. However, her plans take an unexpected turn at a dinner party hosted by a friend, where she meets Thomas Danver, a charismatic widower who expresses interest in her by asking for her phone number. As she gets to know him through her neighbors, she discovers that Thomas is not only a devoted father to two daughters but also a well-respected pediatrician with a controversial past—he was once accused of murdering his first wife, who vanished three years ago. The case surrounding Thomas's ex-wife captivated the local media, leading to a mix of opinions about his innocence. While some still suspect him of foul play, Melissa's friends defend him, claiming he was wrongfully accused and is incapable of violence. Drawn to Thomas and intrigued by his story, Melissa agrees to go on a date, which quickly evolves into an intense romance. However, when she receives a disturbing anonymous message that raises doubts about Thomas's past, she finds herself grappling with the unsettling question of whether she truly knows the man she is falling for.

I enjoyed this book, but found some of it to be a little far-fetched and predictable. Most of the twists came at the end and I believe I had all characters as a suspect at one point. What I really appreciate are the multiple perspectives such as Melissa, diary entries, and therapy session recordings. I had already guessed who the killer was about half way through and the character development seemed rush, which was disappointing. If it had more thriller aspect and less love story, I would have potentially liked it more. Overall it's a good book and I would recommend it, but I can tell that it won't be at the top of my list for yearly reads. Thank you to Andrew DeYoung and NetGalley for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Stay Away From Him by Andrew Deyoung is a psychological thriller that hooks readers from the very start with its intriguing premise and complex characters. The novel follows Melissa Burke, a recently divorced woman who relocates with her son in search of healing. What she doesn’t expect to find in her new city is Thomas Danver, a widower with a murky past. What begins as a seemingly innocent romantic encounter quickly unravels into something far darker, forcing Melissa to confront her own doubts about the man she’s falling for.

The book is structured with multiple perspectives, which is one of its most compelling features. We get Melissa’s point of view as she navigates her new life, Thomas’s perspective through therapy session transcripts, and insights into Rose, Thomas's first wife, via old diary entries. This unique narrative style kept me engaged, providing a well-rounded understanding of the characters’ motivations and adding layers of suspense throughout the story. The alternating viewpoints give a glimpse into Thomas's psyche, making the mystery of his past both captivating and unsettling.

The early parts of the book are particularly gripping. Melissa’s growing attraction to Thomas, combined with the mystery surrounding his first wife’s disappearance, sets the stage for a taut psychological drama. I was instantly hooked by the possibility that Thomas might be hiding dark secrets. Is he innocent, or is he really the monster some people believe him to be? Deyoung does a fantastic job at keeping the reader in suspense, playing with themes of trust, guilt, and the danger of falling for someone with a complicated history.

Where the book loses some of its momentum, however, is in the middle. As Melissa becomes more entangled in her relationship with Thomas, the pace slows considerably. The plot, which initially feels like a thrilling ride, becomes somewhat predictable, and the suspense starts to wane. The development of the characters' relationships—particularly between Melissa and Thomas—could have been more nuanced. Melissa's emotional struggles and doubts could have been explored deeper, which might have added more tension and depth to her internal conflict.

The ending, though satisfying in some ways, left me with mixed feelings. While it provided closure, it also felt a bit rushed, as if the author was trying to tie up too many loose ends too quickly. Given the complex build-up, I was expecting a more elaborate and perhaps even darker resolution. That being said, the final twist was unexpected and provided just the right amount of shock to leave me thinking about the book long after finishing it.

In terms of character development, Melissa is a sympathetic protagonist whose vulnerability and search for healing are relatable. Her internal struggles felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for her. Thomas, on the other hand, is a more enigmatic figure. While his charm initially draws Melissa in, his past remains an elusive mystery, making it hard to fully trust him as a character. I appreciated the way Deyoung kept the reader questioning Thomas’s innocence, though at times, it felt like the tension around him could have been amplified further.

Ultimately, Stay Away From Him is a solid psychological thriller with a captivating premise, but it falters in its pacing and character development midway through. The multiple viewpoints and suspenseful tone make it an engaging read, but the middle section drags a bit before the story picks up again in the final pages. For those who enjoy a good mystery with plenty of twists and a dash of romance, this book is certainly worth picking up, though it might not leave you completely satisfied in the end. I’m giving it a solid 3.75 stars—a good read, but not without its flaws.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC of 'Stay Away From Him' by Andrew DeYoung - expected release date of 07/08/2025

ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After reading some other reviews I see I'm in the minority with my rating. Did we all read the same book!? But I'm supposed to provide an honest review so, here we go. I started cringing about 15% in. I contemplated giving up on this book at 25% in. Since it's an ARC I pushed on but man, this was rough. The writing was rudimentary and more telling than showing, almost like someone young and unexperienced wrote the book (alot of she said this, she did that - "she thought Kelli was stupid", then a few pages later "that sounds stupid but it's true"). I wasn't able to get invested in the storyline. The characters were intolerable and over the top annoying. Except Rose, the dead wife. Her journal entry flashbacks had a different feel than the rest of the book. They were exciting to read.

The things the FMC and MMC said and did within 24 hours of meeting were just ridiculous. The FMC was fresh out of an emotionally abusive relationship yet within the first day of meeting the MMC love interest, she's allowing him to speak to her disrespectfully and making excuses for it? Then her son was calling him dad after 2 days of knowing each other! She also recognized that the MMC isolating her yet kept agreeing to the way he was controlling her? Ugh I was so icked out. Turns out though he was just a love bombing creep, not a killer though. The twist at the very end, the killer reveal, came completely out of left field and wasn't exciting at all considering the person was barely even mentioned in the book! There was only one negative thing written about her, a comment she made to the FMCs young son scared him, but then at the end it turns out she's been an animal and mom torturing psychopath her whole life! If you're looking for a simple whodunit without a lot of complexity, this one's for you!

I had a hard time putting this book down, it captured me from the beginning. Melissa is newly divorced with a young son moves to a new town where she meets Thomas at a dinner party. Melissa finds out the next day that Thomas's wife has gone missing 3 years earlier and was charged with her murder but no body was found and charges were dropped. Torn between the warnings she's received and her growing feelings for Thomas, Melissa faces a difficult choice: ignore the unsettling rumors or uncover the truth—whether Thomas is guilty or the victim of a dangerous frame-up Everyone seemed suspicious at some point! The twists and turns were so well-crafted that I was completely wrong. The dead wife’s journal entries and Thomas's therapy session notes throughout the book kept me wanting more while I was trying to solve it myself. The ending was a shock and one that I did not see coming.

Release date July 8, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Andrew DeYoung for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Stay Away From Him by Andrew DeYoung is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat from page one and doesn’t let go until long after you’ve finished. Equal parts chilling and thought-provoking, this psychological thriller explores trust, identity, and the terrifying gray area between perception and reality.

DeYoung masterfully builds tension with subtle unease that snowballs into full-blown paranoia. The protagonist’s descent into doubt is so well-drawn that I often found myself questioning everything—what’s real, who’s lying, and how far someone would go to protect their version of the truth.

What makes this novel stand out is its eerie restraint—it doesn’t rely on gore or shock value, but instead cultivates a slow-burning dread that’s far more haunting. Smart, original, and deeply unsettling in the best way, Stay Away From Him is a must-read for fans of Gillian Flynn and Tana French.

A huge thank-you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I devoured it in a day—and I’ll be side-eyeing strangers (and friends) for weeks to come.

Thank you netgally and penn press for letting me read this book.
If you like sitting on the edge and a book you don't want to put down, I highly recommend reading this. It won't disappoint you. There are a lot twists and turns and you will want to read it in one setting. It is also very through and well written.

Stay Away From Him | ARC Review

This book was engaging, twisty, and just all around wonderful. The plot was done with expert precision, and the twists were perfectly executed. I could not put this down! I enjoyed that we got three POV’s, I think it really added to the mysterious factor and to the story overall.

Four stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read and review ahead of time!

This one releases July 8, 2025 ✨

From the very first page, this gripping tale ensnares you with its suspense and nail- biting tension! This book is an absolute must read!

It was a brilliant read that hooked me from the outset. I couldn’t tear myself away! It was full of red herrings, twists and turns, this would be a great tv adaption!


A massive ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!

⭐️: 4.5

I loooooove a good whodunnit thriller, especially when it’s a domestic thriller and you can’t trust anyone!! And this book was exactly that🙂‍↕️ it was a slow burn type of thriller but with a fast paced story telling. There were times the FMC irritated me so much just with her choices😅 I did NOT see that ending coming!! I really thought I had it figured out but my goodness, I was totally wrong😱👀

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the arc

This was a quick read for me! Kept me intrigued the entire time and was quite the page turner. I didn’t expect the twist at the end, so that’s always fun. Thank you for the ARC!

A quick and easy read. While at times a little repetitive, I was glued to the pages for the most part. There were times when I wanted to throw my kindle across the room because, come on Melissa, are you really that naive? The story takes an interesting and unexpected turn and the ending throws a nice curveball. Read if you like dark and unsettling.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.