Feel No Evil

by Stephanie Kepke

Could you forgive the unforgivable?

In 2014, twenty-one years after Kate Berg survived a vicious sexual assault, her attacker, Vin Merdone, shows up as someone she may know on Facebook. After overcoming an eating disorder sparked by the assault, Kate worked hard to make sure that the sinister thread of darkness woven through the fabric of her existence never wrapped itself around her brain again. But Kate knows it’s a gossamer line between well and unwell, and she is about to cross it. Seeing Vin sends her tidy life tumbling like a house of cards—and brings a long-buried traumatic loss to the surface. This is the fight of her life, and she won't emerge without a few scars.

When Part Two opens in April 2019, Vin has shot back into Kate's orbit in the most unexpected way, derailing Kate's hard-earned progress. With the #MeToo movement exploding, will Kate finally get the chance to expose Vin for who he is, after he’s lived a life free from the consequences of his actions? Perfect for the age of #MeToo, Feel No Evil is a page-turning, addictive, dark—and yet hopeful—tale that celebrates the transformative power of forgiveness.

202 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2021

About the author

Stephanie Kepke lives in New York on Long Island with her husband, three sons and two rescue poodles. She loves to have her toes in the sand and feels lucky to live right in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound. Stephanie’s second grade teacher told her she should be a writer, and she hasn't wavered in her path since, becoming a bestselling and award-winning author of six books. Stephanie is the author of Feel No Evil, Goddess of Suburbia, A New Life, You & Me, Rocky Road Home, and Boys, Dogs and Chaos.

In her past life - before kids - Stephanie was an arts reporter and music journalist. She spent her twenties listening to loud rock bands (including her drummer husband's) in bars all around Boston and New England. She is also a rabid New York Rangers fan. In her limited spare time she loves to watch hockey and yell at the screen like she's the Rangers' coach and they can hear her. She is passionate about social justice, saving animals, and protecting the environment.

Reviews

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story details the damage caused in one night that forever changed the trajectory of Kate’s life. The male assailant was unfazed and his ambitions still on track, suffering no repercussions. Now, decades later, he re-enters her orbit. At this vital crossroad, who will survive this last skirmish? The situation and storyline are serious so they deserve serious consideration. It’s eye-opening and needs to be read. Recommended.

[Ghada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley, Backlit PR and Stephanie Kepke for a copy.
Would you be able to forgive someone who caused you so much damage if you had your apology?
How can you move on and lead a normal life after surviving a cruel assault?
An engaging emotional read that succeeded to describe what is going inside an assaulted woman and how the damage didn't just end at the assault's night, how it enveloped her afterwards jeopardising not just her relationships, her family but even her own life.
As much as it's a hard read, it's also an encouraging Whisper that says to every woman out there who was attacked that you are not alone, we hear you, you are not going crazy and you can and will rise up again.
Highly recommended.

[Crystal Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard read but engaging nonetheless. I think more women struggle with these issues silently and this novel conveyed what it must truly feel like to be going through it. Raw and emotional. When do you speak up? Can you forgive someone who took away your core sense of well-being? I don’t ever think those decisions are easy. Recommend

[Meri Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this #metoo time, is anyone squeaky clean? Are even those we trust really trustworthy? And are those who’ve wrecked havoc all-bad or capable only of self-serving behavior? The truth is not always apparent. Sexual assault is a terrible crime, but can the attacker be rehabilitated? This book illustrates that; you should read it.

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book captured my attention from the very beginning. I was all in and couldn’t wait to finish so I could find out what happens!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The book always kept you guessing what was going to happen. KAte a college student was sexually assaulted and she never held the perpetrator accountable. Many years later after health issues she finds out the perpetrator is running for president.