Watch Me

I have read several stalker books and they all have that same slow, deliberate tone and pacing; which is how the stalkers grow - methodically and deliberately, gaining information and confidence as time goes on slowly. This book was different. All that slow building of the twisted stalker mind was already completed when you started reading the first page. But you don't realize that when you start, so you settle in, thinking you are digging into to that slow rhythm you are already familiar with and anticipating. But right away you know something is very different. And then you realize this book starts when the stalker has already stalked and he is just beginning to become unhinged and desperate. It's the very end of the story, the part show more when things begin to pick up pace, when the stalker is becoming more bold and when everyone is starting to put the pieces together. So this stalker book - it's speedy and fast paced, switching POVs each chapter, building suspense quickly. I thought it was an interesting and effective execution. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and have provided my honest review. show less

Interesting twist on a stalking scenario. Written in alternating first-person narratives, we get inside both the main characters' heads---College prof Kate Youngblood and her student Sam Grist. To say their relationship is strained---and disturbing---doesn't quite cover it. These are flawed characters who battle through mixed emotions, needs, fears, and complex past histories. A fast read and a fascinating story

DP Lyle, award-winning author, lecturer, story consultant

This was an absolutely gripping read! I was not expecting it to hook me in the way it did, but it was worth reading!

This story is told from the alternating perspectives of Kate and Sam. Crazily enough, I was most drawn to Sam's character. He was obsessive, creepy, and willing to go to all lengths to win Kate over. He reminded me a lot of Joe from You by Caroline Kepnes; both of them were stalkers who just had to have the girl of their dreams. However, Sam was a lot scarier than Joe, with a more intense personality. His behaviour chilled me to the core. I loved how the author created this amazing chemistry between Kate and Sam; it was intense, it was sensual, and it was 100% addictive. I could completely understand why Kate felt drawn to show more Sam. I'm also glad that the author gave Kate a little bit of common sense so that she didn't just act based on emotions.

I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. Each chapter was short, making me want to keep reading. The pace was fast and intense, so much so that I got completely caught up in the story. I wish the ending had had a little more to it but apart from that, this was an absolutely fantastic read. If you are looking for a very intense psychological thriller, I would recommend this one! Solid 4/5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. show less

Watch Me is a compelling psychological thriller about how far obsession can go. It's easy to see why this would be compared to [b:You|20821614|You (You, #1)|Caroline Kepnes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1411958102s/20821614.jpg|39913517]. Sam's narrative is reminiscent of Joe's but that's about where the similarities end.

Watch Me alternates between the POV of Sam Grist and Kate Youngblood.
Sam is a grade A sociopath. No doubt about that. He sees the world the way he wants and won't let anything - or anyone - derail his plans. He's worked 5 years to get to Kate and well...he's not about to let go of the fantasy life he's created in his mind.
Kate's had a rough go of it. She's a struggling author, recently divorced and at 38 feeling show more increasingly invisible. In walks Sam, a 22 year old student in her writing workshop who really sees her. The attraction is undeniable but she's determined not to cross that line. Problem is, he's relentless in his pursuit and seamlessly integrates himself into her life. She just has no idea how far he's willing to go - or has already gone.
I really enjoyed the writing style and despite how disturbing Sam was, I quite liked his character.

Would definitely recommend to fans of psychological thrillers - especially ones featuring stalkers or forbidden desires.

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

Creative writing professor Kate Youngblood feels as if life is passing her by. Her husband left her for a younger woman, her second novel was not a success, her looks are fading.

But Sam Grist is watching . . . .

Creepy stalker Sam has a cold, calculating voice, but Kate’s is far less compelling, making the narrative a bit uneven as it alternately offers each person’s perspective. One wonders how an educated woman can become so clueless and make such vacuous choices. It’s no wonder she’s so unlikeable.

The intriguing narrative . . . dark, creepy, sinister . . . keeps the pages turning. However, readers should be aware of the distasteful graphic scenes sprinkled throughout the narrative. Additionally, a too-often used expletive show more [from a college professor, no less] is odious and may offend some readers. show less

WATCH ME
Jody Gehrman

MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️▫️
PUBLISHER St. Martin’s Griffin
PUBLISHED January 23, 2018

A mesmerizing stalker novel that will keep your head in the book.

SUMMARY
Kate Youngblood is becoming invisible. She is a creative writing professor at Blackwood College. She wrote a successful mystery novel several years ago but ever since then things have gone south. Her follow-up novel was not so good. Her husband left her for a woman ten years younger, and her best friend is having her first baby. Kate is just shy of forty, and already she feels as if she is losing her glow, her beauty, her charm and her wit. No one will notice or want her ever again.

Sam Grist is 22, and Kate’s most talented student. And he knows it. show more Kate thinks his writing has potential and introduces him to her agent. But Sam wants much more than just a literary introduction from Kate. He has been watching her for years, ever since her first novel was published, but never from this close. He believe they have a future together. He makes his way into her life, and his attention awakens her. She knows that students are off limits, but she can’t help it, he makes her feel good, at first. And then it’s as if he can read her thoughts. Her knows her secret desires. He knows where she lives and where she is going to be. Is he reading her emails? Has he been in her house?

REVIEW
WATCH ME is a chilling stalker novel that I could not put down. While I was totally immersed in the book, I became frustrated with the dynamic of a smart, educated woman that become totally clueless when a man pays attention to her. So tired of reading about women as easily manipulated victims. While I may not have liked the characters, JODY GEHRMAN’s writing captured an riveting story with great character development. Both Sam and Kate’s character were developed layer by layer, and you got to know them well. Sam was egotistical, condescending and obsessive, while Kate was insecure, depressed and was loosing her edge.

Overall, WATCH ME was a good stalker novel that kept my head in the book. Thanks to Netgalley, St Martin’s Griffin and Jody Gehrman for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. show less

This is a story of obsession. Sam, 22, is obsessed with Kate, an author he has researched because he loved her first novel. He has created a fantasy where they fall in love and move to NY to be together. Kate, is 38, and a professor in a college in Ohio. Sam gets accepted into the writing seminar that Kate teaches. Kate Immediately feels an attraction to Sam when she sees him in class, but knows it is wrong to become involved with a student. Sam won’t relent, and increases in his intensity to win Kate.
Sam is a psychopath, but when Kate realizes it, it may be too late. The last chapter of this book is incredibly chilling.
#WatchMe #JodyGehrman