Jennifer Hillier | CREEP

Plot (via Goodreads):

If he can’t have her . . .

Dr. Sheila Tao is a professor of psychology. An expert in human behavior. And when she began an affair with sexy, charming graduate student Ethan Wolfe, she knew she was playing with fire. Consumed by lust when they were together, riddled with guilt when they weren’t, she knows the three-month fling with her teaching assistant has to end. After all, she’s finally engaged to a kind and loving investment banker who adores her, and she’s taking control of her life. But when she attempts to end the affair, Ethan Wolfe won’t let her walk away.

. . . no one else can.

Ethan has plans for Sheila, plans that involve posting a sex video that would surely get her fired and destroy her prestigious career. Plans to make her pay for rejecting him. And as she attempts to counter his every threatening move without her colleagues or her fiancé discovering her most intimate secrets, a shattering crime rocks Puget Sound State University: a female student, a star athlete, is found stabbed to death. Someone is raising the stakes of violence, sex, and blackmail . . . and before she knows it, Sheila is caught in a terrifying cat-and-mouse game with the lover she couldn’t resist—who is now the monster who won’t let her go. 

Review:

So, I've been moving my way backward with Jennifer Hillier's catalog and I'm not mad about it at all. Creep is a stunning thriller that is equal parts You, Fatal Attraction, and all combined in a stunning psychological thriller with a serial killer plot. Right from the first chapter, Hillier completely captivated me and kept me immersed the entire time. I know there's a sequel to this one (that I am starting today), but I think that with the major twist in the middle of this one, this book could have easily been two stories. I was blown away with even the smallest details that made this one such a creep-y (pun intended) read.

The characters in this one are so fantastic. They are equal parts hero, devilish, unlikable at times, and brilliantly written. I loved how the reveals were on par with how the reader got to know the characters more; it was such a great addition to a really entertaining story. I will say it's definitely a slower pace compared to the other novels by her that I've read, but I was immersed in this story the entire time. I loved the setting, the rainy Seattle weather combined with a collegiate setting was just perfect for this kind of story.

I will say one thing, I find Jennifer Hillier's stories completely entertaining and immersive. I think her twists and turns that she provides are sensational, and her characters are always on point. If you're a fan of the TV show YOU, this is definitely one you'll want to read before the next season comes out.

Rating: 4/5