Posts Tagged 'trust'

Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards

Published December 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Mira is desperate to get home to her mother for Christmas since it will mark the one year anniversary since her mom’s twin, Phoebe, passed away. Unfortunately, there is a terrible snow storm and she gets stuck on her layover with no end in sight. A friendly person she met on the plane, Harper, said she was going to rent a car and invites Mira to join. By the time they hit the road, there are five strangers all hitching a ride together to get home for Christmas. Almost immediately things start to go south as some of their items go missing, they are met with weather and traffic problems, and Mira starts to distrust the others in the car. Meanwhile, the story has letters interspersed that indicate someone has been watching Mira for awhile and believes they are meant to be together. Is Mira’s stalker in the car with her? Are the other passengers really strangers or are they all in on some elaborate plan to kidnap Mira? Will Mira make it home safely to her mother for Christmas?

Fans of thrilling mysteries will enjoy this title. The premise is very straightforward and believable, but yet it all screams red flags in a way that it is hard to believe Mira doesn’t see it too. The other people in the car all have their quirks which makes it hard to determine who is being honest and who is definitely not trustworthy. As mishaps continue to befall them, Mira starts to wonder if her instincts were all wrong from the start. The ending is very exciting and dramatic and will satisfy readers who love a suspenseful story. Also recommended for reluctant readers who like a quick read.

Ghost Girl and the Ghost Giant by Andrew R.H. Quinn

Published November 21, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Genre: Fantasy

** Special Review ** This exciting story will captivate both the avid readers and the reluctant readers alike. The story is primarily a fantasy, but with some mystery elements thrown in that really keep the action moving throughout. Olivia has been tormented by a ghost for awhile and she has had trouble getting anyone to believe her, but when she is attacked yet again and her mother is taken she knows that she needs to do something to stop this ghost once and for all. Unfortunately, she still has trouble finding any adults to help her. Her father does believe her, but is not in a position to help a lot despite his desire to. When a vigilante is caught by the police, Olivia gets caught up in the investigation and she realizes that there are others who have seen the ghost as well. They all work together in order to find a way to stop the havoc this ghost has caused once and for all. Can they stop the ghost before more people get hurt? Will Olivia be able to save her mom? How will Olivia be forever changed from this?

The characters are really the heartbeat of this novel. They are each unique and charismatic in a way that makes the reader care about them and their success. Olivia must also come to terms with the fact that she must become a super hero (complete with powers) in order to truly tackle this frightening ghost that has come for her and her family time and again. She must realize that she does in fact have the power to battle something that seems so much stronger and more powerful. Young readers will really resonate with Olivia because of the many feelings and doubts she has throughout this process. All young people question their abilities, goals, and future at one time or another, just as Olivia does, but it’s important to never stop trying to reach your goals. All in all, the story is fun, dramatic, exciting, and has a very satisfying ending. Highly Recommended.

The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic

Published November 7, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy

Lovett is a silkwitch, which means she has magical powers in the strands of her hair. Each silkwitch is different and Lovett’s ability is that she can open any door no matter what. Lovett has been on her own awhile and gets by by stealing from the rich and hiding in the shadows so no one realizes she is an unwed silkwitch. If she does not find a weaver husband she will be forced to work in the cloisters. One day she walks into a trap set by the son of a weaver, Eliot Lear. Eliot offers Lovett an appealing offer. She must join the vainglory, or competition for the prince to find a bride. It is only for silkwitches since the prince must marry a silkwitch in order to maintain the family power. There was a vainglory the year before that ended in tragedy when Eliot’s sister was suddenly killed. He wants Lovett to infiltrate the competition to find out what really happened to his sister and in return he promises he will find her a suitable match so that she never has to go to the cloisters. Lovett isn’t used to being the one getting played, but ultimately agrees since this could save her future. Once she gets to the castle everything seems darker and more sinister. The prince is nice enough but the King is very intimidating and seems to predict her every move. Can Lovett find out what happened to Eliot’s sister without being found out for who she truly is? Will she manage to escape the cloisters? Will the prince take a liking to Lovett, which would be problematic because he doesn’t know who she truly is or what her motives are?

This fantasy story is exciting and has many twists and turns as Lovett gets deeper into this wealthy world. The other silkwitches all have secrets and special abilities just like Lovett which makes it hard to know who is telling the truth and who has ulterior motives as well. Eliot is an interesting character too. He clearly wants to know the truth about what happened to his sister, but it seems there are other secrets he is keeping as one of those closest to the prince. Meanwhile, Lovett finds there are many secrets to be unearthed in the castle, but it doesn’t take long before she gets warnings to stop digging or else. Readers will want to see more from these characters. Recommended for fantasy readers, especially fantasy romance readers.

By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang

Published September 23, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Every year a select group of young ladies goes to Paris for the elite La Danse Debutantes Ball. This year one of the debutantes faces a scandal and must withdraw, which leaves the ball organizers scrambling. That is until they see an article in a magazine about a young scientist taking the world by storm with her new invention. They decide to break the tradition of only inviting wealthy, famous debutantes and take a chance on Piper Woo Collins. Piper has recently been dealt a setback when the benefactor of her college scholarship pulls his funding due to a disagreement with the university. As much as she would love to go to Paris, her late mother’s dream, she can’t afford school let alone a trip to Paris. The owner of the ball agrees to pay for her trip and her first year of school if she comes and doesn’t bring any bad headlines. Meanwhile, Chapin Buckingham, the daughter of a rockstar and movie star, is feeling the pressure to be named Debutante of the Year even though she couldn’t care less about the title. When her and Piper get stuck rooming together she can’t help but feel bad for Piper who was thrust into this world very unexpectedly. As they start to get closer, however, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want Piper in the competition. Can Piper figure out who is trying to sabotage her before it’s too late? Will Chapin ever get over the fact that Piper and her older brother clearly have chemistry? Will Chapin ever find common ground with her mother?

Fans of The Selection and Project Runway will enjoy this title set in a modern day setting. The fashion and glamour of Paris is on full display along with all the drama that would come from a highly publicized debutante ball. The book has a nice combination of old school expectations for the young women, while also acknowledging their very modern and aspirational dreams. The relationship between Chapin and her mother is very relatable to many readers as they try to get on the same page while also not offending the other. Piper’s situation is also relatable as college costs keep rising and becoming an issue for many young people. This was a fun, exciting, and unique story that will pull in readers and leave them wanting to know more about these characters.

The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman

Published July 1, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Genre: Mystery

Amy and her best friend, Sarah, have been looking forward to senior year (and more specifically) the week prior to the rest of the students coming where they get to set up their room, go to parties, etc. Things don’t go as planned, however, when Amy wakes up to find Sarah and her boyfriend stabbed to death in Sarah’s room. Quickly, things spiral out of control as Amy must account for how she could have slept through such terrible murders while she was in the same suite. Meanwhile, Liz, the outcast newspaper editor wants to be the first to break the story, but finds herself blocked everywhere she turns. She has never felt more like the scholarship kid/outsider than she does as she watches everyone close ranks around these terrible events. Eventually, Amy and Liz decide to try to work together in order to find out what truly happened that fateful night. Can they find out the truth? Will they ever find anyone who can truly be trusted? How well did Amy really know her best friend?

This mystery story is fast paced and exciting all the way through. The setup is described well so it is believable how this could have happened while Amy was so close by. The motivations of all the characters are also understandable and it is easy to see why it takes so long for all of the pertinent facts to come out. Senior year carries a lot of the stresses, insecurities, and questions about the future no matter if you go to a local public school or a fancy boarding school and this book does a nice job of showcasing that. The final reveal is very satisfying and exciting which will leave mystery lovers wanting to see more from this author. Recommended for those who enjoy April Henry or liked The Counselors by the same author.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Published June 17, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Ivy has come to the age where all young women in her town can ask the Queen, who is a conniving fae, for a wish. All wishes come at a price, however. For example, her older sister does not remember her wish, but it has forever changed her and she now she is despondent and rarely leaves her room. This is the same occasion that young ladies come out as available to be married, but when Ivy and the others go to be presented before the Queen they learn that this year the fae prince will be looking for a bride. There is a catch to trying to make a match with the prince, however, and that is that each girl must sign her name in blood to a binding contract that states if the prince does NOT choose her then she cannot marry anyone else. Ivy is the first to step up to sign under these conditions, because she’s hoping if she could become a princess then she might be able to save her sister. None of the girls who sign know what is in store for them as the Queen puts them through cruel and terrible challenges in order to gain her favor. As Ivy gets closer to the other girls still left in the competition it becomes clear that no one will really win in this situation and she needs to find a way to help her family while she still can. The other prince (the one without magical abilities) tries to get Ivy to join his secret plan to unseat the queen and undo all of her “wishes.” Ivy agrees, but isn’t sure how they can best such a powerful figure. Plus, she isn’t sure who will stand with them and who will betray them. Can Ivy save her sister from her secret fate? Can Ivy find happiness in such a dire situation? Is there anyone Ivy can truly trust?

This fantasy series will thrill fans of The Hunger Games and the Selection series. The trials the Queen puts the girls through are cruel, but also clever in how they are planned out. There are occasionally moments when the reader gets to learn more about the other bachelorettes to see what each girl’s motivations and dreams are which becomes helpful as the ending unfolds. The growing relationship between Ivy and the other prince continues to grow as the story develops and they both know that Ivy has agreed to never marry another should the prince not choose her. The ending has many surprises and revelations (which readers will love), but there is still more to come with these characters as not everything has been revealed yet. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy romance series.

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez

Published February 18, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to What the River Knows, Whit and Inez get married to avoid her getting sent home by her uncle,Ricardo. This causes quite a stir when her Ricardo finds out, but they are so focused on finding Inez’s mother and the artifacts she stole that it overshadows everything else. When they receive word that Ricardo and his partner have been betrayed by the man they hired to secure their excavation of Cleopatra’s tomb, Whit and Ricardo immediately head to the tomb only to discover it has been completely stripped of everything, including Cleopatra’s mummy. Upon return to the hotel, Ricardo and his partner, Abdullah, who has been injured, are both arrested for keeping the discovery of Cleopatra’s tomb a secret from the government. Inez knows that the only way to save them is to find her mother and the artifacts from Cleopatra’s tomb. Meanwhile, Isadora, the daughter of the man who betrayed them, arrives and claims to be an innocent victim with a surprising story to tell. Can she trust Isadora? Will she ever find out what happened to her father? What will she do if she’s ever faced with her deceitful mother again? Will her and Whit be able to make their marriage work despite the many difficulties they face?

The conclusion of this story is exciting, powerful, and action packed. The characters are all so multi-dimensional that it is very difficult to decipher who Inez can really trust. There are many questions left after the first novel concludes, but this one does a commendable job getting answers and illustrating the true intentions of the characters. The final resolution will satisfy readers and also leave them wanting more about this setting and these characters. Recommended for readers looking for something unique with a romantic twist.

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

Published December 17, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

In this sequel to the Thieves Gambit, Ross Quest must work with Devroe for an entire year due to the outcome of the Gambit. This is tricky because Ross felt she had feelings and trust for Devroe and then he completely betrayed her in the end and she now knows that his family has a huge vendetta against hers. Devroe is trying to make amends and claims he had no choice, but Ross will not let him in again. Meanwhile, her mother (who also betrayed her) is also trying to get back into Ross’s good graces, but Ross has seen her mother’s antics one too many times. When Ross finds out that someone is making a play to take control of The Organization she sees a chance to earn her freedom back, but who can she really trust, if anyone? Is there any way to get out of the clutches of The Organization without having to compromise who she is?

This sequel is just as thrilling and exciting as the first one and will leave readers wanting more. The entire host of characters are colorful and memorable, so when they come back in this book they are easy to place from the first book. There are many surprises as they come up with an elaborate scheme to try and beat those trying to deceive them and it’s always unclear who is on which side. There is still a lot of story to tell with these characters so hopefully there will be more installments into this series. Recommended for reluctant readers.

Poison in their Hearts by Laura Sebastian

Published October 22, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy

In this final installment of the Castles in their Bones series, Daphne and Beatriz work together to try and overcome the horrendous plans set out by their mother to take over all of the kingdoms at any cost. However, it will not be easy as their mother always seems to be a step ahead and has spies everywhere. In fact, before Beatriz can get to Daphne, she is betrayed, drugged, and sent back to the kingdom she desperately wants to flee. Meanwhile, Violie is trying to maintain the ruse that she is in fact Princess Sophronia (with Daphne’s help). Can they find a way, with their allies, to outsmart their mother and somehow keep the prophecy of their deaths from coming to fruition? Will they be able to find a way to get the support of the people against their mother, who appears from the outside to be a kind leader? Do they have what it takes to really stand up to the one who raised them for this very purpose?

This final installment is every bit as engaging as the first two and will make readers wish the series continued on. The sisters, continue to become more complex and endearing characters, but the supporting characters also become more developed as each impacts the ultimate resolution. This story does not shy away from violence as a means to an end, but it is never too graphic or overwhelming. The ending contains many twists and turns, which is impressive considering how far this story has already taken readers, but at no point does anything seem outlandish or exaggerated. This book finishes out the trilogy in such a satisfying way that the previous two books seem even better now that the resolution is clear. Recommended for fantasy and romance readers.

Tag, You’re Dead by Kathryn Foxfield

Published October 15, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Mystery

Anton Fraser, a teen reality star known for crazy antics, announces he will be running a giant live-streamed game of tag. Each contestant (100 in total) will have the latest tech to help them on the game, including body cams that will be watching their every move. The game cannot distract from the fact that Anton disappeared from public life after one of his employees died suspiciously at his sprawling mansion. It was ruled a suicide, but there were always questions and the answers are now threatening to come out. After the game starts it becomes clear that some people are in it for different reasons than just the cash prize. Grayson, for example, wants to avenge the love of his life who died in Anton’s employ, but first he must do well enough to get close to him. Erin needs to win for her mother, who has placed a lot of pressure on Erin to win at all costs. Charlotte really does believe she is Anton’s biggest fan and believes they could form a relationship if only they got to know one another. As the game gets started and they are assigned to be Chasers and Runners it becomes clear that not everything is at seems and when a dead body is discovered it changes everything. Is it all part of the game? Has someone taken control of the game? Is there anyone they can trust?

This fun, fast paced mystery is great for reluctant readers because there is a lot of action but it’s also written in a way that readers who maybe favor YouTube or videogames can really get interested in. The characters are all easy to distinguish and all have their own motivations for wanting to participate in this crazy game. The ending will surprise many, but in a good way for mystery fans who like to be caught off guard. Recommended for mystery fans and those looking for something exciting with a modern twist.

The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver

Published September 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Genre: Action/Survival

Emerson is convicted of arson and now she’s looking at murder, which carries a fifty year sentence, when a producer approaches her about becoming a contestant on his new show, The Kill Factor. If she wins the reality show she also wins her freedom, but if she loses she must spend the rest of her life in prison. Initially, she refuses the offer because she finds the producer unsettling and feels there is more to this game than he is letting on, but the prospect of winning could mean earning credits that would take care of her father and brother long after she’s gone. Reluctantly, she joins the 49 other teenage felons on a cruise ship taking them to their fate. Another contestant, Kodi, says some ominous things as they leave for their destination that makes her think he knows more about what’s going on than everyone else. As the trials begin it becomes clear that winning and losing aren’t the only two options: contestants can also die. Can Emerson survive the trials in order to earn her freedom? Can she find a way to save anyone before it is too late? Is there anyone she can trust or is everyone out for themselves?

This fast paced, action packed story will leave readers wanting to know more. Each trial is engaging in a horrific way as these teens desperately try to survive. As Emerson grows closer to people it is hard not to want to protect her friends even as she tries to save herself. The aspect of having viewers vote for their favorites also raises the stakes because it becomes a popularity contest and it becomes obvious that contestants will do whatever they need to in order to survive. The ending reveals some answers, but it also raises questions as readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment. Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, The Testing, and other deadly competitive series.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

Published May 23, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Genre: Suspenseful Mystery

This story alternates between Drew who is desperately trying to find his missing girlfriend, Lola, and “Mary” who was found on the side of the road and doesn’t remember who she is. Drew has become the police’s number one suspect, which has turned the whole town against him. Obviously, he doesn’t want to go to jail, but even more so he can’t understand why everyone has stopped looking for Lola. Meanwhile, “Mary” was found on the side of the road and taken to the local police office, but shortly after arriving there a frantic man arrived claiming to be her father. He had photos and documentation to prove who he is, but she can’t help feel like something isn’t right. Plus, he keeps trying to tell her what kind of person she is and what she likes to do and none of it seems right to her either. After Drew convinces Lola’s best friend that he did not hurt Lola and does in fact want to find her she agrees to help along with Drew’s cousin. It isn’t too long before they find out that a tip was called into the tip line with a possible Lola sighting five weeks after her disappearance that the police did not follow up on. How many other tips did they ignore because they were so sure Drew killed her? What lengths will Drew go to in order to find Lola? Who is the man who claimed to be “Mary’s” dad?

This thriller tale will keep readers riveted until the exciting end. It is very well written and the clues are all there, but many readers will not put them together until the end. The character development really helps the reader care about these characters and what they are going through, including the aftermath. Recommended for those who like fast paced thriller mysteries, like April Henry’s titles.

These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang

Published May 2, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy

Disappointing her parents, Asian American Tabatha has chosen to study fortune telling with a renowned sorcerer as her mentor, Julian. As part of that training she has learned how to decipher the truth from lies, which is why she is stunned when Julian states that he has seen a fortune and it includes his own murder. She can tell he is not lying about the fortune he saw, but she cannot imagine it to be true. He makes her promise to find his son, Callum, if he is murdered but doesn’t tell her why. As the days go by, she is starting to hope the prophecy was flawed, but one day she is informed as she arrives for work that Julian was in fact dismembered late the night before in his workshop. Unfortunately, the cameras were all disabled so the police do not have a lot of clues, but they believe magic could have been involved. Tabatha keeps her promise and finds Callum and the two of them decide to try to find the killer, despite the many warnings they receive to stay out of it. To make things even more complicated, the will is lost so the ex-wife comes up with the crazy plan to hold a seance and ask Julian himself who he would like to carry on his magical legacy. Will Callum and Tabatha find themselves in danger if they get too close to the killer? Out of all his family, who will Julian entrust his legacy to? Will Julian’s magical family fall apart without their patriarch? Is Tabatha destined for law school like he parents wanted now that her mentor is dead?

This fantasy is fun because it is different than a lot of fantasies. You have people with magical abilities, but they do not use it for everything and it takes a great deal of training. Also, you have people hungry for the power that comes with powerful spells and magical knowledge. Finally, there is a mystery element that keeps the plot twisting and turning all throughout the book. The characters are decently fleshed out so that when the ending is revealed you can see everyone for who they truly are (and what their motivations are), which isn’t necessarily how they were first presented. Recommended for fantasy lovers.

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

Published March 29, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Alice Sun has always felt motivated to do well at her elite boarding school because she knew that it was a struggle, even with a scholarship, for her parents to afford the costs. So, it is not totally unexpected when they tell her she can’t return after the current semester and she’ll need to find another school to attend at that time. Alice can’t imagine herself anywhere else and feels all of her hard work, including her bitter rivalry with the other top student, will have all been for nothing. When she discovers that she has started turning invisible for some unknown reason, she hatches a plan to earn enough money to pay her next semester’s tuition. She actually teams up with her rival to create an app that is completely anonymous where students can ask for favors that only a “ghost” could accomplish in exchange for a hefty fee. At first, it goes well and she starts a hefty savings, but as time goes on the requests get more and more difficult and many are something she doesn’t want to do morally. How far will Alice go to stay at this school? Is there anyone she can trust with the secret that she might not be able to return?

This thought provoking story really allows the reader to understand the main character and how she feels pushed to do these tasks in order to stay on her educational path. It would be easy to make parallels between her story and those of countless others who have gotten involved in dubious choices because they felt they had to in order to survive. It is never explained why she can suddenly turn invisible or if that will be something that happens to her forever, but it is an interesting plot point that makes the rest of her plan possible. Her relationship with her academic rival is also interesting because once she gets to know him better she realizes that his perception of their relationship was completely different than hers was. The ending is dramatic and believable and will leave readers with a lot to think about.

Secrets Never Die by Vincent Ralph

Published January 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

                  Genre: Suspenseful Thriller

Sam Hall was a child tv star until tragedy struck and he stepped away. Rumors have plagued him ever since as no one really knows the truth about what happened to his family and why he wanted to quit acting. Sam and his friends have a yearly tradition where they go into an abandoned hut in the woods on Halloween and reveal their innermost secrets. They believe it is cathartic and will help them heal, but this year their session was interrupted by screaming and someone throwing eggs at the hut that are filled with blood. They are all justifiably scared by this, but they convince themselves it was a Halloween prank and try to move on. Soon, however, they all start receiving creepy messages from someone named Sasha and it is quickly revealed that this “Sasha” has something to do with one of their secrets. It becomes clear that someone knows the secrets they revealed in the dark that night and they are coming to life to haunt them. None of them want to seek help because then they would have to reveal their innermost secrets, but as the threats become more serious they wonder if they have any choice and what lengths the person behind this will truly go to in order to get what they want. Would this person actually harm them? Is there any way to confront their attacker without having to let the entire world know their darkest secrets?

This story was surprisingly creepy and suspenseful. The threats are intricate and keep getting spookier and spookier. Eventually, they do bring in their families, but their reaction to the threats is very unexpected and helps build up to the climax of the story. Most readers will find the ending satisfying, but it is still a little crazy who is behind it and how far they were willing to go to terrify these teenagers. The story does send a positive message about how bad things happen to everyone and it’s important to try to heal, move forward, and look at any positivity that may have come from the bad things. Many teens often feel like everyone else has it all together and they are the ones struggling when in reality everyone has stuff they are dealing with. Recommended for fans of more suspenseful mysteries. 

Archives

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started