Lexi Martin thought the Outer Banks would be a refuge—an escape from her anxiety and the ache of long-distance love. A place of peace carried in on the familiar Hatteras tides.
But then the messages begin. An anonymous admirer. Photographs taken too close for comfort. Someone is watching. Someone who always seems one step ahead.
At the same time, an old friend steps back into her life. His steady presence stirs up the past, forcing Lexi to face memories she thought she’d buried.
Danger escalates and now Lexi is caught between a secret relationship, a stalker in the shadows, and her brother’s best friend. As the secrets multiply and fear threatens to consume her, she questions who she can really trust and whether she can rediscover the faith she’s long abandoned.
Because the stalker isn’t just watching anymore—he’s setting the hook.
A Note From Kav:
Eeeeppp!!! Debut Author Alert!!! Mark contacted me with the info that his niece is releasing her first romantic suspense novel and I am thrilled to be a part of the reader welcoming committee! Stephanie Sanders’ novel debuts on December 2 and has a prestigious endorsement:
“Hooked by Stephanie Sanders lives up to its title. The compelling suspense and relatable characters reeled me in and left me gasping with surprise. Highly recommended! Don’t miss this debut by an outstanding new suspense author.”
– COLLEEN COBLE, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author.
I haven’t read Hooked yet but you bet I will once the paperback becomes available in Canada. In the meantime, Mark has graciously agreed to review the book and host a US giveaway and I’ll host a Canada/International giveaway so stay tuned!
Mark’s Review:
This is a book I am excited to review. It is the debut Christian suspense novel by my oldest niece. I admit to being a bit nervous when I read it. What if it wasn’t that great…..how would I handle that?
But my worries were needless. Stephanie has written a great suspense novel that will leave the reader anticipating the next book in this proposed trilogy.
Hooked is a stalker story, and I love a good stalker story. In addition to the great suspense aspect of the book, the author addresses anxiety, which is something the heroine of the story deals with.
A secret possessive boyfriend, an overprotective older brother, a former crush, and a creepy stalker all combined make this a must read. I am already anticipating the next book in the series.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – Mark is offering two giveaways – winner’s choice of paperback or ebook
Canada – (from Kav) ebook copy
International –(from Kav) ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hooked, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 29 2025
Two help tally entries, please include your country in your comment or email.
Kav's Best Reads 
I think it’s pretty cool that Stephanie Sanders uncle is backing her. Plus, endorsed by Colleen Coble…..just WOW…. I don’t think that happens very often with a debut. This one definitely checks some boxes for me because I love a good debut and romantic suspense as well. I haven’t read many stalker novels lately either.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
US Reader
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I know — what a supportive start she has on her publishing journey! Good luck, Perrianne!
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I have already pre-ordered and Mark always gives good recs.
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Yay for preordering Hooked! Happy Reading, Tammy!
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Congratulations to Stephanie! I know she must be excited on her debut, and to be endorsed by Colleen Coble is no small feat.
I live about an hour from the OBX and have spent many vacations there, so I’m especially interested in how the setting and suspense intertwine. I see Hooked is going to be on KU, so I’ll read it there and leave the entries for other Best Readers.
I appreciate the advance notice by both Mark and Kav and wish Stephanie all the best 🙂
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Ohhhh — does OBX stand for Outer Banks?! I didn’t make that connection at all. lol Hooray for making good use of your KU membership, Tracey! Happy Reading!
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Yes, OBX is short for Outer Banks. (I don’t know if you noticed her subtitle, an OBX suspense novel.) It’s such a popular destination you will see OBX stickers on cars up and down the East Coast.
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I saw it in the subtitle but didn’t have a clue what it stood for. Thought possibly some law enforcement acronym? Bwahahaha! Now I know.
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I pre-ordered as well. Mark makes a great publicist! 😁 As do you, Kav! Love settings in the OBX & a good stalker book always. I appreciate the heads up on Hooked & wish Stephanie all the best in her writing career!
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Sounds like Stephanie’s preorders are doing well, that’s awesome! And I thought of you when I read the stalker angle in the synopsis. Nothing says a great cold weather read like a stalkerish suspense. Bwahahaha! Happy Reading, Diane!
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I figured that was a redundant statement I made above. hahaha I mean “Do you know me, or do you know me?” lol What is it exactly about cold weather & stalker reads? 🤔
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Oooooh!!!! I love finding new to me authors that have published an amazing sounding book. HOOKED not only sounds like a great read, but it’s got the endorsement of an author, whose opinion says a lot about the quality of this book. Would LOVE the opportunity to read and review HOOKED!
Thank you so much for the heads up and for the amazing chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Yes, that endorsement means so much to readers for sure. Good luck, Kay!
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Always fun to discover a debut author! I’ve been dipping my toe in the suspense genre via audiobook lately and find myself enjoying it more and more. And it’s set along the Carolina coast, always a plus for me!
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I love listening to suspense books – a great narrator adds to the atmospheric tension. Glad that audio books have helped ease you into suspense reading. Good luck, Patty!
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Definitely looking forward to reading this debut author!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
US reader!
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So am I! Good luck, Kimmy!
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Love reading a book from new to me author and especially a debut one. So glad we can be part of all this. Congratulations Stephanie!! Definitely looking forward to reading your book.
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It is so much fun to get in at the very beginning of an author’s publishing journey! Good luck, Becky!
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This looks so interesting! I would like to win this. paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom
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Good luck, Paula!
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I’d love to read this one. Thanks for the scoop! Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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You’re welcome, Sandy. Good luck!
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I don’t think my first post went through…please count me in for this book! Thank you Kav (and Mark) for the chance to read it. jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
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It didn’t for some strange reason, but you’re here now and counted. Good luck, Jackie!
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Oohh…a stalker! This sounds like it will be an exciting read!
bookgurl60 at gmail dot com
(Fun fact: I went to church camp with Stephanie and her now-husband Ben many years ago. And, my best friend graduated high school with them both, too.) 😀
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Wwwhhhhhaaaaatttttt?????? It’s a small world indeed! That’s such a random nifty talking point. You can say, ‘I knew her when…” 🙂 Good luck, Elizabeth!
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Oh my sounds like a must read. I enjoy debut authors. Blessings leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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It really does — a book twin kind of must read for sure. 🙂 Good luck, Lucy!
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I’ll give it a try. I’m not sure how I feel about stalker novels 🙂 Hopefully it won’t be too creepy 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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🙂 Sometimes a reader just has to be brave and take leap of faith! Good luck, Cheryl!
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Ohh, it sounds really good! And I like the cover!
USA reader
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It does sound amazing, doesn’t it? Can’t wait to read it. Good luck, Sabrina!
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