I Will Never Leave You

Maya and Alana have been inseparable since middle school. Maya thought they'd be together forever. Until they aren't. After breaking up with Alana, things turn tragic fast. Only in this case, the ghost of Alana stalks Maya, threatening her that she'll never leave. When Alana's body surfaces, all evidence points to Maya. Only Maya knows the truth. Alana's stalking increases, and her request to inhabit another body causes Maya to reach out for help. But is it too late?

What worked: Atmospheric edge-of-the-seat ghost tale with a vengeful ex stalking the living. The twist on this paranormal story had me riveted from the start. Maya's relationship with Alana, on the surface, appears to be a cute, totally in love couple. But the truth is, Alana is emotionally abusive and manipulative not only in life but also in death. The red flags are blaring that this is an abusive relationship. Even when those around Maya try to warn her, she can't resist the magnetic pull of Alana.

Maya also has panic attacks and anxiety. The author does a great job of showing this. Those around Maya try to help her through her episodes of anxiety. There's also mention of Maya being admitted for help when she has a breakdown at the beginning of her senior year. Not only her grades, but her dreams of college plummet.

A new girl at Maya's sister's house, Rowan, is a new interest. Alana doesn't like that and tries everything she can to twist any friendship between the two.

The rumors, gossip surrounding Alana's disappearance and later death could very well be taken right off a LA newspaper. The location is familiar to me as I live in the SoCal area. The rich, prestigious schools and those who will do anything to succeed are very real.

Twisty paranormal tale with a vengeful ex-girlfriend adds to this mesmerizing story.