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Secret Society #1
Half Truths
You’ve heard of these groups – the secretive ones that only the crème de la crème are invited into, the ones outsiders speculate about for centuries – I’m the second in my family invited to attend, but to them, I’m fresh meat. New blood. New money, too.
They think they’ll elbow past me, that I’m here for their amusement, for them to walk all over, they’ll find out soon enough that I’m not.
I may look like one of them, with my designer bags and clothes straight from the Parisian runways, but I’m not. I’m here for answers, to take revenge for blood spilled on their centuries-old Persian rugs.
I transferred here in search for answers about what happened to my older brother, who hightailed out of here, and my friend who seemingly disappeared into thin air. I certainly wasn’t here for the attention of the star hockey player, regardless of how much he willed my eyes his way. I wasn’t here for his scrutiny or his judgment or to read into his mysterious aura. I was here for the society, because only they held the answers I needed. That was, until I found out that in order to get those answers, I needed to go through him. He’s saying if I want in, I have to play by their rules, follow their lead.
It’s a game I’m willing to play.
I may be the second person I know of to be invited into their society, but I’ll be the first to make it out intact.
They think they’ll elbow past me, that I’m here for their amusement, for them to walk all over, they’ll find out soon enough that I’m not.
I may look like one of them, with my designer bags and clothes straight from the Parisian runways, but I’m not. I’m here for answers, to take revenge for blood spilled on their centuries-old Persian rugs.
I transferred here in search for answers about what happened to my older brother, who hightailed out of here, and my friend who seemingly disappeared into thin air. I certainly wasn’t here for the attention of the star hockey player, regardless of how much he willed my eyes his way. I wasn’t here for his scrutiny or his judgment or to read into his mysterious aura. I was here for the society, because only they held the answers I needed. That was, until I found out that in order to get those answers, I needed to go through him. He’s saying if I want in, I have to play by their rules, follow their lead.
It’s a game I’m willing to play.
I may be the second person I know of to be invited into their society, but I’ll be the first to make it out intact.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2019
About the author
Claire Contreras
57 books16.9k followersClaire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance and are currently translated into over fifteen languages. When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 822 reviews
July 20, 2020
A quiet great mash up of Scream, Riverdale, Penelope Douglas’ Devil’s Night (but this time there are two secret club members differentiated by their black and red clocks, which one is bad, we don’t know yet!) It’s fast pacing, mysterious, gripping page turner with hot, undeniable chemistry between Mae and Logan Moriarty Fitzgerald (After Andrew Scott, Moriarty name always gives me a wide smile! No offence Sherlock Cumberbatch!)
The plot is intriguing: Mae a.k.a Amelia changes her school to dig more about the mystery of her brother’s car crash, her missing girlfriend and her secrets about her own family history. But as soon as she takes her first step to the school area, she bumps into the school’s star, bad boy hokey play Logan Moriarty Fitzgerald ( for his friends he’s Fitz but only for Mae he is Logan) Then she realizes, she is stalked by the guys wearing red cloaks and finally she is summoned to a special Society Club.
She reluctantly accepts to offer because her brother commits suicide by swallowing too much drugs and he is in coma right now. The thing happens to him might be connected with the secret club she was summoned and her brother was also the member of the club and mentor of Logan. So Amelia finds herself play a very dangerous game with no return.
The romance parts are balanced even the hero is man-whore but as far as I can read, he didn’t cheat on or treat unfair the heroine and stayed away from his orgies (that’s heroine’s definition for his sexcapades!) so he didn’t deserve my slaps, punches or any of assassination scheme for I plan for the worst douchebag heroes!
BUT… You get that something is up after those good words about the book.
I was even planning to give five stars to this book but some parts really irritated me and I stayed between three and four. If I didn’t like Mae so much and her attraction, slow-burn and hot chemistry with Logan, I would give three stars to this book because the bad guy of the story is so obvious, carrying a big colorful, shiny billboard sign above his/her head pointing at him/her! And the motives of bad guy made me nod my head and asked myself: “Really! That was the reason?” It’s not quiet satisfying revelation after all those mystery parts.
But I think this is the first book of the series and there are still unanswered parts of the story.
My conclusion:
HEROINE: Normally I hate the guts of rich, spoiled brat kind of posh girls but Mae knows that money only belongs to her family and the richness of them doesn’t define her. She is smart, brave, self-confident, player, witty. So I liked her.
HERO: Yes he’s hot and when it comes to Mae, I can see his passion and undeniable attraction he feels for heroine. But I found him a little weak at the last parts. So let’s say above the average, likable but not lovable hero!
STORY PROGRESSION: Makes you flipping pages faster than light speed.
ENDING: Not quite romantic and not so satisfying with too many blanks but sequel might be on its way to solve this problem. I don’t know what the second book will be about (My guess it will be Nolan story) but I like to read more about this couple. They are match made in heaven, complete each other perfectly.
Do I read the sequel? Absolutely yes, if it gives me more closure, more hot couples on the board and snippets about Mae and Logan’s story.
Thanks to NetGalley and brilliant, one of my favorite romance (now also thriller) authors Claire Contreras to share this riveting, nail biter ARC COPY in exchange my honest review.
The plot is intriguing: Mae a.k.a Amelia changes her school to dig more about the mystery of her brother’s car crash, her missing girlfriend and her secrets about her own family history. But as soon as she takes her first step to the school area, she bumps into the school’s star, bad boy hokey play Logan Moriarty Fitzgerald ( for his friends he’s Fitz but only for Mae he is Logan) Then she realizes, she is stalked by the guys wearing red cloaks and finally she is summoned to a special Society Club.
She reluctantly accepts to offer because her brother commits suicide by swallowing too much drugs and he is in coma right now. The thing happens to him might be connected with the secret club she was summoned and her brother was also the member of the club and mentor of Logan. So Amelia finds herself play a very dangerous game with no return.
The romance parts are balanced even the hero is man-whore but as far as I can read, he didn’t cheat on or treat unfair the heroine and stayed away from his orgies (that’s heroine’s definition for his sexcapades!) so he didn’t deserve my slaps, punches or any of assassination scheme for I plan for the worst douchebag heroes!
BUT… You get that something is up after those good words about the book.
I was even planning to give five stars to this book but some parts really irritated me and I stayed between three and four. If I didn’t like Mae so much and her attraction, slow-burn and hot chemistry with Logan, I would give three stars to this book because the bad guy of the story is so obvious, carrying a big colorful, shiny billboard sign above his/her head pointing at him/her! And the motives of bad guy made me nod my head and asked myself: “Really! That was the reason?” It’s not quiet satisfying revelation after all those mystery parts.
But I think this is the first book of the series and there are still unanswered parts of the story.
My conclusion:
HEROINE: Normally I hate the guts of rich, spoiled brat kind of posh girls but Mae knows that money only belongs to her family and the richness of them doesn’t define her. She is smart, brave, self-confident, player, witty. So I liked her.
HERO: Yes he’s hot and when it comes to Mae, I can see his passion and undeniable attraction he feels for heroine. But I found him a little weak at the last parts. So let’s say above the average, likable but not lovable hero!
STORY PROGRESSION: Makes you flipping pages faster than light speed.
ENDING: Not quite romantic and not so satisfying with too many blanks but sequel might be on its way to solve this problem. I don’t know what the second book will be about (My guess it will be Nolan story) but I like to read more about this couple. They are match made in heaven, complete each other perfectly.
Do I read the sequel? Absolutely yes, if it gives me more closure, more hot couples on the board and snippets about Mae and Logan’s story.
Thanks to NetGalley and brilliant, one of my favorite romance (now also thriller) authors Claire Contreras to share this riveting, nail biter ARC COPY in exchange my honest review.
October 20, 2019
4 stars
Romantic suspense is one of those genres I have to be in the mood for. When I saw Claire Contreras had one coming out, I knew I had to read it and I happened to be in just the right mood. I love everything this author writes, so I was pretty confident I would love it. After reading... That was just... wow. I was completely blown away!
Amelia Baston is starting at a new university for her senior year of college. Due to her brother being injured and her wanting to be near him, she goes to the school everyone in her family had been to. She's not just there to get her degree, she wants answers. There are missing girls, secret societies, and somehow, her brother, who is her very best friend, may be involved. She's desperate to find out what happened. But she finds herself finding out far more than she bargained for...
Logan Fitzgerald is one of the most popular athletes on campus as the star of the hockey team. He and Amelia run into each other more than once and it's apparent there is something between them. Amelia doesn't know what to think about Logan at first. She's not sure who to trust, which is understandable. But with time, she does know she's starting to fall for him.
I really did love this book and I was completely enthralled and addicted all the way through. I never wanted to put it down. It did take me a while to connect to the main characters, especially the hero. I didn't care for him through the start of the book, but he grew on me by the end. That last 25% or so threw me for a loop. It's also when I started to connect to Fitz and actually like him lots. I can't wait to get the second book in this series. I really want more from this couple, but I have a feeling the next book will be more in this world, but a different character's story. Either way, I can't wait to find out and read more!
This is the perfect fall read. It's got just the right amount of mystery and suspense, and even the slightest bit of spookiness (but not a scary kind of spooky). It's captivating, steamy, and kept me guessing throughout the entire story. It's a flawlessly written story full of secrets that is unputdownable. Highly recommended to lovers of romantic suspense!!
“Being part of our family means above all else—loyalty.”
Romantic suspense is one of those genres I have to be in the mood for. When I saw Claire Contreras had one coming out, I knew I had to read it and I happened to be in just the right mood. I love everything this author writes, so I was pretty confident I would love it. After reading... That was just... wow. I was completely blown away!
Amelia Baston is starting at a new university for her senior year of college. Due to her brother being injured and her wanting to be near him, she goes to the school everyone in her family had been to. She's not just there to get her degree, she wants answers. There are missing girls, secret societies, and somehow, her brother, who is her very best friend, may be involved. She's desperate to find out what happened. But she finds herself finding out far more than she bargained for...
Logan Fitzgerald is one of the most popular athletes on campus as the star of the hockey team. He and Amelia run into each other more than once and it's apparent there is something between them. Amelia doesn't know what to think about Logan at first. She's not sure who to trust, which is understandable. But with time, she does know she's starting to fall for him.
He was entirely too intense for me. I’d known that from day one, yet here I was, welcoming him all the way.
I really did love this book and I was completely enthralled and addicted all the way through. I never wanted to put it down. It did take me a while to connect to the main characters, especially the hero. I didn't care for him through the start of the book, but he grew on me by the end. That last 25% or so threw me for a loop. It's also when I started to connect to Fitz and actually like him lots. I can't wait to get the second book in this series. I really want more from this couple, but I have a feeling the next book will be more in this world, but a different character's story. Either way, I can't wait to find out and read more!
This is the perfect fall read. It's got just the right amount of mystery and suspense, and even the slightest bit of spookiness (but not a scary kind of spooky). It's captivating, steamy, and kept me guessing throughout the entire story. It's a flawlessly written story full of secrets that is unputdownable. Highly recommended to lovers of romantic suspense!!
October 27, 2019
3 STARS
I adore Claire Contreras books and the second I read the blurb for this book, I was itching to get my grabby little hands on it. Secret society, deadly secrets, and plenty of twists and turns? Sign. Me. Up.
Claire doesn't wait to get the reader immediately drawn in with the jaw dropper of a prologue. I was immediately enraptured in this world and these characters.
Amelia Baston is a young woman that's used to the world of privilege. But even her family's money won't get her the answers she desperately craves. A woman disappeared and presumed dead and her brother's life changed forever. Amelia is left to pick up the pieces and determined to get answers. She transfers to a new school in the hopes of getting to the secret society that she believes hold the answers. There's just one problem, you don't find them, they find you.
Logan is one of the most popular guys at school and a star hockey player. Logan and Amelia immediately clash and form an antagonistic sort of relationship with an undercurrent of sexual tension that utterly sizzle. The relationship between them was a slow burn and a delicious one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the first half of this book, but then somewhere around the second half, that enjoyment began to sizzle. The biggest selling point of the story for me was the secret society, but we barely graze the surface of it here. I get that it's a series, but I still felt a bit underwhelmed with it here. It just felt like we were taken in circles and then inevitably taken nowhere. That would have still been fine until the ending. That ending was just entirely too cliched for me. It completely killed the enjoyment of the book I had and entirely took away from the rest of the story elements that were building up to it. Would I read the next book? Absolutely. The hook that we get for the series is ridiculously enticing. So while I didn't quite love this book, it still hooked me on a new series. Hopefully the next one will get me the answers I'm dying for.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I adore Claire Contreras books and the second I read the blurb for this book, I was itching to get my grabby little hands on it. Secret society, deadly secrets, and plenty of twists and turns? Sign. Me. Up.
Claire doesn't wait to get the reader immediately drawn in with the jaw dropper of a prologue. I was immediately enraptured in this world and these characters.
Amelia Baston is a young woman that's used to the world of privilege. But even her family's money won't get her the answers she desperately craves. A woman disappeared and presumed dead and her brother's life changed forever. Amelia is left to pick up the pieces and determined to get answers. She transfers to a new school in the hopes of getting to the secret society that she believes hold the answers. There's just one problem, you don't find them, they find you.
Logan is one of the most popular guys at school and a star hockey player. Logan and Amelia immediately clash and form an antagonistic sort of relationship with an undercurrent of sexual tension that utterly sizzle. The relationship between them was a slow burn and a delicious one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the first half of this book, but then somewhere around the second half, that enjoyment began to sizzle. The biggest selling point of the story for me was the secret society, but we barely graze the surface of it here. I get that it's a series, but I still felt a bit underwhelmed with it here. It just felt like we were taken in circles and then inevitably taken nowhere. That would have still been fine until the ending. That ending was just entirely too cliched for me. It completely killed the enjoyment of the book I had and entirely took away from the rest of the story elements that were building up to it. Would I read the next book? Absolutely. The hook that we get for the series is ridiculously enticing. So while I didn't quite love this book, it still hooked me on a new series. Hopefully the next one will get me the answers I'm dying for.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
October 23, 2019
5 “I Never Want To Let You Go” Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Amelia Baston "Mae" is the daughter of one of the richest moguls in the world. She's lived a privileged life surrounded by wealth, but is very genuine and grounded. She's a newly single college student studying journalism who transfers schools her senior year moving back to her home state of New York. She's the new girl on campus at Ellis University, and is focused on graduating when she becomes intrigued by the university's star hockey player. Logan Fitzgerald "Fitz" is practically a legend at the school. He's insanely attractive with a mysterious bad boy image. He's arrogant and intense with a dangerous air to him.
While attending classes and fighting her major crush on Logan, Mae finds herself in some creepy, unexpected situations. After her brother abruptly left the college, and a friend goes missing, Mae has a lot of questions. She's looking for answers when she receives an invite that puts her in the midst of a secret society. She immerses herself in their twisted world to find out what she needs to know to help those closest to her. Soon she's in over her head, and doesn't know who to trust. While playing their games, she's also growing closer to Logan, and before long she feels completely lost in him, and her feelings terrify her. She's determined to come out of her senior year unscathed, including her heart, but love is an unpredictable thing.
-He had a seriously alluring, penetrative gaze, and it was all just too much.
-My feelings for him were so big they threatened to take over everything else.
-When we were together like this, I couldn’t really imagine being anything except for his.
Half Truths (Secret Society #1) by Claire Contreras is a brilliantly written romantic suspense college romance that hooked me from the beginning. It's an eerie, thrilling, unique story that keeps you on the edge and wanting more. It's full of secrets, lies, love, mystery, danger, action, and intrigue. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to dive back into this world! I hope we get a book for Lincoln, Nolan, or Adam next!
*This is a complete standalone novel*
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2PgNfmb
(ARC provided by author)
Amelia Baston "Mae" is the daughter of one of the richest moguls in the world. She's lived a privileged life surrounded by wealth, but is very genuine and grounded. She's a newly single college student studying journalism who transfers schools her senior year moving back to her home state of New York. She's the new girl on campus at Ellis University, and is focused on graduating when she becomes intrigued by the university's star hockey player. Logan Fitzgerald "Fitz" is practically a legend at the school. He's insanely attractive with a mysterious bad boy image. He's arrogant and intense with a dangerous air to him.
While attending classes and fighting her major crush on Logan, Mae finds herself in some creepy, unexpected situations. After her brother abruptly left the college, and a friend goes missing, Mae has a lot of questions. She's looking for answers when she receives an invite that puts her in the midst of a secret society. She immerses herself in their twisted world to find out what she needs to know to help those closest to her. Soon she's in over her head, and doesn't know who to trust. While playing their games, she's also growing closer to Logan, and before long she feels completely lost in him, and her feelings terrify her. She's determined to come out of her senior year unscathed, including her heart, but love is an unpredictable thing.
-He had a seriously alluring, penetrative gaze, and it was all just too much.
-My feelings for him were so big they threatened to take over everything else.
-When we were together like this, I couldn’t really imagine being anything except for his.
Half Truths (Secret Society #1) by Claire Contreras is a brilliantly written romantic suspense college romance that hooked me from the beginning. It's an eerie, thrilling, unique story that keeps you on the edge and wanting more. It's full of secrets, lies, love, mystery, danger, action, and intrigue. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to dive back into this world! I hope we get a book for Lincoln, Nolan, or Adam next!
*This is a complete standalone novel*
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2PgNfmb
March 15, 2020
Half Truths was a mixed bag of tricks. Some were really promising and others fell short. The story centers around Amelia Baston, daughter of Felipe Bastion, media mogul and one of the richest families in the country. She has just transferred to Ellis University, where her father and all her brothers attended after leaving Duke and her break up with her NCAA boyfriend Travis. But Amelia's main focus in going to Ellis is the disappearance of a girl she went to high school with, Lana Ly and also her brother's car accident, Lincoln and his subsequent drop out from the school. Since all this went down, he hardly talks, even to a family hired therapist and Amelia wants to know what went down at Ellis, why her brother is frozen up and what on earth happened to the girl she went to high school with.
Upon arrival, the main cast of characters all quickly enter the picture from different directions. The most important being the other MC, Logan Fitzgerald. He is the star of the school and I literally mean 'star'. The NHL is his for the taking and hockey is big at this school. He's gorgeous, athletic, brooding and made for success. He's also kind of a manwhore, much like the rest of the hockey team and upon meeting each other there is a constant friction between Amelia and him. The hot/cold was enough to make me dizzy. While Amelia is running around the campus trying to put things together, Logan hangs back a lot with more answers than she's got access to but keeping his mouth shut.
This had all the makings for a really gripping read. You've got secret societies, that may or may not be dangerous, the case of a girl gone missing that nobody seems to want to talk about, a brother that somehow was involved but whose life is now in tatters, gossip of girls gone missing over the years from the school and characters that seem suspicious but then don't, induction ceremonies and dark hidden dirty secrets.
While all of that is a really juicy idea, I suffered from a number of problems with the book. First off, I couldn't decide whether I liked Amelia or not. Yes, she is very privileged but the incessant inner monologue about her money and her clothing and trying to fit in was kind of a turn off for me. I think this book kind of suffered from only being from her POV because often what she thought opposed to what she did kind of went against each other. So that was one thing I had to get used to. Logan was hot but it was a slow burn with him and I liked him better even when he was an asshole in the first half then I did closer to the end. He kind of fizzled for me. And as for the secret societies, call me a stickler on this book, but this one is supposedly good, and this other one is supposedly bad but in the end you have no idea why and the one that comes to her rescue just make it all the more confusing.
Yes, it was a decent mystery but I think what really swayed me from being all in was the fact that although the book is titled Half Truths (Secret Society, #1), the book comes across as a standalone, which is totally a cool idea. Except that it didn't feel like one! After all the drama is said and done and Logan and Amelia's story is finished, along with the true bad guys being exposed in this particular mystery, everything else is left wide open. There are no true answers to the things that were exposed during the book about the secret societies or the real players behind them. There was no sense of closure. I get that the author is continuing with this as a series and another couple will probably come in to the next book and we learn more, but that isn't what I signed up for. So in the end this book left something lacking. Too many contradictions that were thrown out there but then not explained, a rather kind of out there premise with certain stories of the past in the school's history and a kind of thrown together ending after you've stuck with it for 362 pages.
In the end? I know I'm in the minority here. And I'm sure tons of people will love this book - the secret societies, the capes, the secrecy, the mystery of the missing girl, Lana Ly, the truth about Lincoln's leaving school, the tie ins to the hockey players, the Eight, the Swords, and of course the main villain of the story. There's a lot there that is either good or has promise but for all that worked, there was a lot that was kind of left floating in the wind.
Would I read the next one? Most likely. To see who the MC's are and what is revealed about the underbelly of the school. Will I be waiting on baited breath for it? Umm... No.
So 3 stars for a promising premise and some good twists and turns. But 2 stars off for the rest.
Upon arrival, the main cast of characters all quickly enter the picture from different directions. The most important being the other MC, Logan Fitzgerald. He is the star of the school and I literally mean 'star'. The NHL is his for the taking and hockey is big at this school. He's gorgeous, athletic, brooding and made for success. He's also kind of a manwhore, much like the rest of the hockey team and upon meeting each other there is a constant friction between Amelia and him. The hot/cold was enough to make me dizzy. While Amelia is running around the campus trying to put things together, Logan hangs back a lot with more answers than she's got access to but keeping his mouth shut.
This had all the makings for a really gripping read. You've got secret societies, that may or may not be dangerous, the case of a girl gone missing that nobody seems to want to talk about, a brother that somehow was involved but whose life is now in tatters, gossip of girls gone missing over the years from the school and characters that seem suspicious but then don't, induction ceremonies and dark hidden dirty secrets.
While all of that is a really juicy idea, I suffered from a number of problems with the book. First off, I couldn't decide whether I liked Amelia or not. Yes, she is very privileged but the incessant inner monologue about her money and her clothing and trying to fit in was kind of a turn off for me. I think this book kind of suffered from only being from her POV because often what she thought opposed to what she did kind of went against each other. So that was one thing I had to get used to. Logan was hot but it was a slow burn with him and I liked him better even when he was an asshole in the first half then I did closer to the end. He kind of fizzled for me. And as for the secret societies, call me a stickler on this book, but this one is supposedly good, and this other one is supposedly bad but in the end you have no idea why and the one that comes to her rescue just make it all the more confusing.
Yes, it was a decent mystery but I think what really swayed me from being all in was the fact that although the book is titled Half Truths (Secret Society, #1), the book comes across as a standalone, which is totally a cool idea. Except that it didn't feel like one! After all the drama is said and done and Logan and Amelia's story is finished, along with the true bad guys being exposed in this particular mystery, everything else is left wide open. There are no true answers to the things that were exposed during the book about the secret societies or the real players behind them. There was no sense of closure. I get that the author is continuing with this as a series and another couple will probably come in to the next book and we learn more, but that isn't what I signed up for. So in the end this book left something lacking. Too many contradictions that were thrown out there but then not explained, a rather kind of out there premise with certain stories of the past in the school's history and a kind of thrown together ending after you've stuck with it for 362 pages.
In the end? I know I'm in the minority here. And I'm sure tons of people will love this book - the secret societies, the capes, the secrecy, the mystery of the missing girl, Lana Ly, the truth about Lincoln's leaving school, the tie ins to the hockey players, the Eight, the Swords, and of course the main villain of the story. There's a lot there that is either good or has promise but for all that worked, there was a lot that was kind of left floating in the wind.
Would I read the next one? Most likely. To see who the MC's are and what is revealed about the underbelly of the school. Will I be waiting on baited breath for it? Umm... No.
So 3 stars for a promising premise and some good twists and turns. But 2 stars off for the rest.
July 16, 2020
★4.5★
Half Truths is the first book in the Secret Society Series. Amelia Baston wants a fresh start at a new college. After a tricky break-up, she’s ready to move forward with her life at Ellis University. When Logan Fitzgerald, "the campus hockey star", crosses path with Amelia, all of a sudden her "fresh start" becomes more complicated than she could have ever imagined. With a missing girl, a secret society, a brother in the hospital, and a hot hockey star, it will take all of the strength she has to survive and find her way.
🎧This was an audible.com read 🎧
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"You are my happy."
Half Truths is the first book in the Secret Society Series. Amelia Baston wants a fresh start at a new college. After a tricky break-up, she’s ready to move forward with her life at Ellis University. When Logan Fitzgerald, "the campus hockey star", crosses path with Amelia, all of a sudden her "fresh start" becomes more complicated than she could have ever imagined. With a missing girl, a secret society, a brother in the hospital, and a hot hockey star, it will take all of the strength she has to survive and find her way.
"She could have killed you."Told in multiple POV, Half Truths is full of intrigue, mystery, and sultry passion. The Secret Society World is full of surprises. The plot is quite complex and the intensity of the read will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
"I want you forever, Amelia. And forevermore after that."Overall, Half Truths is an absolute must-read for thriller romance lovers. Claire Contreras is an expert storyteller and the connection between Amelia and Logan is certainly not one to miss!
🎧This was an audible.com read 🎧
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 15, 2019
I’ve been in such a bookfunk lately, since my last five star read (Author Amo Jones ➤ In Peace Lies Havoc is the culprit) no other book had been able to hold or grab my attention! They all fell short! Until this!
This was one of my most highly anticipated books and I literally couldn't wait to dive into it, I’m so glad that it was this one that pulled me out of my funk!
There wasn't anything I'd change about this book, I loved the suspense that this book was cloaked under, the romance that sprung up slowly, the secrecy of the cloaks which held my attention throughout, this book got its hooks into me as soon as I started reading and didn’t let go until I closed that last page! I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!
October 21, 2019
LIVE Amazon: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsAmazon
4 STARS
Such a brilliant story, I was hooked from the beginning till the end!I was intrigued when I read the synopsis and I just couldn't wait to finally read it!I loved the storyline it was atmospheric and I find it brilliant!
The suspense and the mystery was great!The romance interesting with slow burn, do I need to say more?? This is refreshing and I'm sure everyone is going to love it!
4 STARS
Such a brilliant story, I was hooked from the beginning till the end!I was intrigued when I read the synopsis and I just couldn't wait to finally read it!I loved the storyline it was atmospheric and I find it brilliant!
The suspense and the mystery was great!The romance interesting with slow burn, do I need to say more?? This is refreshing and I'm sure everyone is going to love it!
October 23, 2019
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 CLOAKED CROWNS
Claire Contreras, since the moment I found her as a reader, has been a one-click author for me. Her storylines always vary - sports romance, drama, contemporary romance. But where she has always captivated is with her suspense romance, so to find out she was returning to this trope had my excitement level at an all time high. And let me tell you, she delivered.
Logan is equal parts broody and romantic hero. He has that mysterious and alluring air about him from the moment we meet him, but I loved that through Amelia we get to see a softer side to this man. We see an actual heart below the surface and a man with true integrity. I absolutely fell head over heals for Logan.
Mae, for a wealthy rich girl, is truly relatable. Her motivation to be there, the desire to be more than her parent’s name, and the need to help her sibling will all resonate with the reader. Amelia also possesses one of my favorite attributes of a heroine, she is smart. I liked that she wanted to be independent, that she held people accountable, and that she was dogged in her pursuit of the truth.
The plot is fantastic. The layered secrets, the foreshadowing laced in the plot, will keep readers on their toes, and Claire has built a world so intriguing I needed more as soon as it was over. There is so much here, so much corruption and possibilities, that I need to know more. And while this isn’t a cliff hanger (Logan and Amelia’s story is over), there is so much possibility and intrigue in it all. I’m utterly consumed by this world.
Half Truths enthralled me from the prologue. Everything from the chemistry between Logan and Amelia to the secret societies and the hidden truths had me at the edge of my seat, chomping at the bit for more. Claire has certainly created your next must read for suspense lovers.
Beta read
5 CLOAKED CROWNS
Claire Contreras, since the moment I found her as a reader, has been a one-click author for me. Her storylines always vary - sports romance, drama, contemporary romance. But where she has always captivated is with her suspense romance, so to find out she was returning to this trope had my excitement level at an all time high. And let me tell you, she delivered.
Logan is equal parts broody and romantic hero. He has that mysterious and alluring air about him from the moment we meet him, but I loved that through Amelia we get to see a softer side to this man. We see an actual heart below the surface and a man with true integrity. I absolutely fell head over heals for Logan.
Mae, for a wealthy rich girl, is truly relatable. Her motivation to be there, the desire to be more than her parent’s name, and the need to help her sibling will all resonate with the reader. Amelia also possesses one of my favorite attributes of a heroine, she is smart. I liked that she wanted to be independent, that she held people accountable, and that she was dogged in her pursuit of the truth.
The plot is fantastic. The layered secrets, the foreshadowing laced in the plot, will keep readers on their toes, and Claire has built a world so intriguing I needed more as soon as it was over. There is so much here, so much corruption and possibilities, that I need to know more. And while this isn’t a cliff hanger (Logan and Amelia’s story is over), there is so much possibility and intrigue in it all. I’m utterly consumed by this world.
Half Truths enthralled me from the prologue. Everything from the chemistry between Logan and Amelia to the secret societies and the hidden truths had me at the edge of my seat, chomping at the bit for more. Claire has certainly created your next must read for suspense lovers.
Beta read
October 15, 2019
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”HALF TRUTHS” is a nail-biting suspenseful mystery surrounding secret elite societies and a missing college coed. The story starts slowly and I wasn’t particularly in love with the Hero and Heroine, but as time went on and the plot started to get interesting, I found this to be a real page-turner. Everyone was a suspect and you can’t help but try to figure out who the real villain in this story. It held my attention to the very end!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Plot:
Angst: 4
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 4
”HALF TRUTHS” releases on October 21st.
��Amazon: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsAmazon
💛Apple: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsiBooks
💛Nook: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsNook
💛Kobo: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsKobo
💛Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998345571
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”HALF TRUTHS” is a nail-biting suspenseful mystery surrounding secret elite societies and a missing college coed. The story starts slowly and I wasn’t particularly in love with the Hero and Heroine, but as time went on and the plot started to get interesting, I found this to be a real page-turner. Everyone was a suspect and you can’t help but try to figure out who the real villain in this story. It held my attention to the very end!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Plot:
Angst: 4
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 4
”HALF TRUTHS” releases on October 21st.
��Amazon: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsAmazon
💛Apple: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsiBooks
💛Nook: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsNook
💛Kobo: https://smarturl.it/HalfTruthsKobo
💛Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998345571
October 6, 2020
I enjoyed Half Truths by Claire Contreras. Half Truths is about rich, secret societies. Half Truths is full of lies and suspense with some romance.
Mae’s brother overdoses and everyone thinks it was on purpose except Mae who doesn’t believe he does drugs. Mae decides to try to figure out what happened herself. Mae ends up getting invited to a secret society and has to go through initiation. Logan is in the secret society. Was Mae’s brother involved?
There are also girls going missing every year. Are they related to the secret societies?
I listened to the audiobook. Aaron Shedlock and Stacey Glemboski did well narrating.
Mae’s brother overdoses and everyone thinks it was on purpose except Mae who doesn’t believe he does drugs. Mae decides to try to figure out what happened herself. Mae ends up getting invited to a secret society and has to go through initiation. Logan is in the secret society. Was Mae’s brother involved?
There are also girls going missing every year. Are they related to the secret societies?
I listened to the audiobook. Aaron Shedlock and Stacey Glemboski did well narrating.
July 16, 2020
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Wow... I'm a little late for this book, since I'm already with the next, but I have to say that I love it!!
This is such an twisted and emotional book... More into the mystery side than the love story, but the slow burn romance is also amazing.
Secret society is always a trope that I love to read but almost never find it, so I was thrilled to start this one.
Amelia is the h and she started the book trying to solve the mystery that evolved around a missing person and her brother's accident.
Of course that all the ways led her to one of the secret societies around the campus, and soon enough, she's in and with even more then just I've mystery to solve.
Her love interest is Logan and I loooove him! He's just a fucking sweetheart to her and say all the right things! Perfection!
My missing star goes for the end.
I enjoyed the book, the writing, the narrative and the twist, but something was missing at the end, and I feel like I need a better closure.
Will I continue to the next book? Absolutely!! Can't wait to see the other darker sextet society!
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Wow... I'm a little late for this book, since I'm already with the next, but I have to say that I love it!!
This is such an twisted and emotional book... More into the mystery side than the love story, but the slow burn romance is also amazing.
Secret society is always a trope that I love to read but almost never find it, so I was thrilled to start this one.
Amelia is the h and she started the book trying to solve the mystery that evolved around a missing person and her brother's accident.
Of course that all the ways led her to one of the secret societies around the campus, and soon enough, she's in and with even more then just I've mystery to solve.
Her love interest is Logan and I loooove him! He's just a fucking sweetheart to her and say all the right things! Perfection!
My missing star goes for the end.
I enjoyed the book, the writing, the narrative and the twist, but something was missing at the end, and I feel like I need a better closure.
Will I continue to the next book? Absolutely!! Can't wait to see the other darker sextet society!
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April 28, 2020
Well, that was ... good. I really enjoyed reading it.
But I also have a few BUTs.
First the blurb. Or the cover and a bit of the blurb at least ... once I saw/read that, I thought I was going to get a mature NYC business people erotica suspense thingy with some kind of dangerous and secret sex club and whatnot. I did not get that at all. Which I loved! What I got was a fun & mysterious & sexy & exciting college sports suspense romance. But what I didn't love about that was, that it was also a Penelope Douglas' Devil's Night Series meets Joshua Jackson and Paul Walker in The Skulls thing. It felt like Claire read that series, watched that movie plus maybe a little Veronica Mars thrown in, and decided to write a fan-fiction about it. And it was good. I really liked it. I loved Amelia and Logan! It was mysterious and dark and dangerous and sexy (could've been sexier!) and funny and we don't know what is what and who we can trust and who the bad guys are. Well - this one person is clearly a bad person from the first moment we meet them - that was a bit too obvious - and how Amelia acted around them was ridiculously naive - but still. It was a great romantic suspense! I read it in one day! I loved it and I hated it. Which is sad! There were so many things that could've / should've been better!
There were too many mistakes/typos/weird expressions. I don't know if Claire or her editor drank too much english tea that day, but which young american kid uses the words WHILST and AMONGST - several times?? We're not in England people! I also had the feeling that the editor cut too much. Sometimes it felt as if they were talking about things that should've been obvious to the reader, because it was mentioned before, but it wasn't mentioned, because it got cut - or was never there in the first place - only in the author's head maybe! So weird. The writing was really weird. Maybe no editor was used at all, and instead Claire used a computer and told it to just cut random lines and passages to make the book shorter! Which brings us to the next problem. I hate that I didn't know that this was going to be a series when I bought the book. Don't worry, we don't get a cliffy and book 2 will hopefully have new main characters, but still. I don't like that. This first book could've been made into two books! We could put back in whatever was cut to make it less confusing and weird and add a bit more mystery, a bit more about the secret societies, a bit more sparks and sexiness, a bit more of a sense-making timeline, a bit more school and hockey, and just a bit more of ... good stuff - and bam! An amazing duet about Amelia and Logan and then we could still give Nolan and other people more books!
But as I mentioned before - I really enjoyed reading this book! Even if it sounds like I didn't! It was a great story with potential for so much more - but I will definitely read the 2nd book!
HALF TRUTHS was a very exciting & mysterious & sexy & fun & crazy & dark college sports romance suspense thingy! READ IT!!!
♡
♡
October 24, 2019
Half Truths is this perfect narrative constructed by some of my favourite tropes—secret societies, enemies to lovers and college sports—beautifully weaved together and set within an eerie, sinister environment that clutched every fibre of my being without remorse. Carefully crafted, Claire Contreras delivered a suspense-filled romance that left me on edge, wondering what questions will be answered and secrets unveiled as each page flew by in the most riveting blur ever.
He had a mysterious aura about him that matched his namesake.
I’m in absolute love with Logan Fitzgerald, a perpetually brooding hero surrounded by an aura of alluring mystery and captivating intrigue. Mean and detached though somehow charming, Fitz’s disinterested attitude is overshadowed by an unforeseen softer, sweeter side hidden beneath the complex multi-facets he possesses. Receiving glimpses of this unattainable hero left me an unashamed wanton mess, desperate to have more of this conceited character because there’s nothing better than having a mean yet romantic hero.
He left a lot to the imagination. Maybe that was it. He gave just enough to pique interest, but not enough to satisfy.
Amelia Bastón’s characterisation truthfully astounded me. She’s more than just a ‘rich girl’ surrounded by materialism and superficiality. Mae’s determination to become more, to achieve her dreams beyond her family’s desires is an admirable and relatable quality that will resonate with readers. Furthermore, her irrevocable love for her brother is an endearment. Combined with an unfettered resolve to uncover some hidden truths unveils a character that’s fierce and intelligent and ambitious; a woman who loves wholly and unconditionally.
“I want you forever, Amelia,” he said against my hair. “And forevermore after that.”
Started as enemies, but turned into lovers, Fitz and Mae’s connection transitioned with such a delicious slow burn, my heart ached to have more once the torture finished. Despite the constant bickering and bantering, the sexual tension and chemistry between them kindled and crackled into something undeniable as it flared across the pages. Even though the romance doesn’t dominate the narrative, Fitz and Mae’s bond progresses naturally and beautifully.
Countless secrets and creative foreshadowing increase the tension and suspense tenfold flowing through this intricate narrative. I’m in absolute love with enemies to lovers and the feature of secret societies and college sports made me more enamoured than I anticipated with Half Truths. It’s as if my heart waited for something this brilliant, a faultless blend of romance and thriller, to be written for years.
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October 29, 2019
What the hell did I just read?
Claire Contreras just blew. my. mind.
Half Truths will be landing on Favorite Reads for 2019—no doubt about it. It has everything a reader wants: fantastic romance, incredible pacing, characters that come alive on the pages that basically flip themselves! It's not just written, it's crafted. Each word feels specifically chosen and every sentence feels beautifully strung together. Reading it is an experience and I'm grateful for the opportunity.
Do yourself a favor and carve out some time to read this, but be smart because you won't be able to put it down. It's romantic suspense at its best and I'm obsessed. Half Truths is a unique, bold tale that ups the bar for stories in this genre. Beautifully well done.
Claire Contreras just blew. my. mind.
Half Truths will be landing on Favorite Reads for 2019—no doubt about it. It has everything a reader wants: fantastic romance, incredible pacing, characters that come alive on the pages that basically flip themselves! It's not just written, it's crafted. Each word feels specifically chosen and every sentence feels beautifully strung together. Reading it is an experience and I'm grateful for the opportunity.
Do yourself a favor and carve out some time to read this, but be smart because you won't be able to put it down. It's romantic suspense at its best and I'm obsessed. Half Truths is a unique, bold tale that ups the bar for stories in this genre. Beautifully well done.
October 19, 2019
4.5 Stars!!!!
This was definitely a fantastic read! As far as suspenses go this was incredible and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was so hooked while reading it. I absolutely needed to know where the story was going and what was really going on. Lots of mystery and intrigue. Secret societies, missing students, lots of secrets, they will keep you interested from beginning to end.
Claire is such a fantastic writer, I love her books and this is no exception. Some of the things, I did guess or had an inclination based on the clues, others just blew me away. I really liked both Amelia and Logan. But like I said, this is more a suspense/ mystery book than your typical romance, the romance aspect was more of a slow burn and not quite in the forefront, which I really really liked. I think that for this type of book, this type of romantic development worked perfectly since it kept you focused on the suspense aspect.
The main hero, Logan was a hockey player, and I will say that some of the hockey references were a little inaccurate, mostly the ones that concern his future as a pro. Hockey players, unlike other athletes (like basketball and football) actually get drafted out of high school and then can choose to go pro or to college, so when they go to college, if they’re a top prospect, they know exactly where they will end up since they are already drafted by a team. Anyway, don’t mind me, I’m a hockey nerd and this is not exactly a hockey book. Regardless, this book was great and I absolutely recommend!
*Also, the audiobook is already out and both narrators are freaking fantastic!!!
This was definitely a fantastic read! As far as suspenses go this was incredible and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was so hooked while reading it. I absolutely needed to know where the story was going and what was really going on. Lots of mystery and intrigue. Secret societies, missing students, lots of secrets, they will keep you interested from beginning to end.
Claire is such a fantastic writer, I love her books and this is no exception. Some of the things, I did guess or had an inclination based on the clues, others just blew me away. I really liked both Amelia and Logan. But like I said, this is more a suspense/ mystery book than your typical romance, the romance aspect was more of a slow burn and not quite in the forefront, which I really really liked. I think that for this type of book, this type of romantic development worked perfectly since it kept you focused on the suspense aspect.
The main hero, Logan was a hockey player, and I will say that some of the hockey references were a little inaccurate, mostly the ones that concern his future as a pro. Hockey players, unlike other athletes (like basketball and football) actually get drafted out of high school and then can choose to go pro or to college, so when they go to college, if they’re a top prospect, they know exactly where they will end up since they are already drafted by a team. Anyway, don’t mind me, I’m a hockey nerd and this is not exactly a hockey book. Regardless, this book was great and I absolutely recommend!
*Also, the audiobook is already out and both narrators are freaking fantastic!!!
January 3, 2020
Not the worst but no the best either. I liked the story and the mystery but the relationship building could have been better.
The thing between Mae and Logan felt a bit forced and unnatural at times. He’s the most wanted guy in school who doesn’t do relationships and suddenly he only has eyes for one girl and he even talks about how wants to marry her and everything after only a short period of time.
The thing between Mae and Logan felt a bit forced and unnatural at times. He’s the most wanted guy in school who doesn’t do relationships and suddenly he only has eyes for one girl and he even talks about how wants to marry her and everything after only a short period of time.
April 19, 2020
What a ride!!!!
I loved this book.
It’s worth the reading!
I loved this book.
It’s worth the reading!
October 24, 2019
Reading the summary sounded so good but this was just not it.
I was expecting a good suspense romance because when you read the summary of the book, you'd think it would be dark. That the main character/heroine is some badass or headstrong girl who's out there to seek justice. That this could also be a thrilling story despite that it's romance. That there would be surprising twists and turns, and even shocking revelations. Well, not really.
These happened:
• I hardly felt the suspense.
• The suspect/culprit was so easy to identify (and too early to be mentioned).
• The heroine, Amelia, was too slow. And made the poor choices and picked the wrong people to be with.
• And I had to roll my eyes every time someone brings up how beautiful she is like lol okay we get it. It's nice to know she's pretty but does it have to be (almost) every character who meets her say that...
• Also the romance between her and Logan, the hero, has zero chemistry.
• They kept arguing who dislikes who (which was pretty annoying by the way) to her bringing up his groupies every chance she could get to their unfounded jealousy (like since when did you two started dating anyway?) to them declaring their love for each other like HUH??
• Wish there were more Logan POV chapters though because he seems to be the hero here but there's still so much layer to his character that wasn't tackled.
• The secret societies were interesting at first but then they just sounded ridiculous in the end.
I could actually go on but let me not.
But one thing that really frustrated me was how the Amelia just ignored the UNKNOWN text messages she's received. I AM SO TIRED OF THIS TROPE. Like yeah, she told someone about it but that wasn't enough? And they just brushed it off later on?? You're trying to look for clues/answers to this missing person's case. You're INVOLVED and you've been vocal about your curiosity to the people (sometimes even frankly which I gotta say was kinda dumb because you never know if they're trustworthy or not). PEOPLE WOULD KNOW YOU. Or at least be familiar of you and your interest in this case. You just don't brush off messages from unknown numbers especially if they link to the case in hand and are weird and cryptic. THIS TROPE NEEDS TO END. I've watched a lot of true-crime and missing persons documentaries and when I say "a lot", I don't mean that lightly. So this solving thing Amelia was doing was just... crap.
There's also still so many questions I wanna ask. Questions I need answers to because the focus on this book was really big on these secret societies, one in particular. The initiation tests felt like it dragged on and were completely unnecessary. Like I just want to know more about this missing person case. I want some leads. Some clues. Some clear backstory of the person and the events. I mean yes, there were but it really got overshadowed by this society thing and the no-chemistry romance.
The thing they got right though was when the characters filed for a missing person, the officer in-charge was like "maybe she blahblahblah" which is a realistic but frustrating thing. It's really sad when the authorities create some alternative scenarios so they could avoid this and make you wait before you could file for a report. Messed up system, I swear.
Lastly, this will be a bit spoilery but as a Fine Arts student, can someone tell me how they easily stole a painting that costs millions so easily by hiding it under their shirt? This painting is estimated 106x78 inches in size. I get that in the scene, there was no frame but canvas cloth isn't light? It's not even thin even if you roll it up. Heck, the size alone is big. I carry a 12x18-inched sketchpad and it's already a hassle for me every Friday class. The artist in me probably just jumped out at this scene because.. it's just impossible and ridiculous.
Anyway. I'm ending this review with me feeling disappointed but still giving two stars because there were parts my interest was piqued. Sadly, it wasn't enough. This book had its potential. The execution was just lacking.
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I was expecting a good suspense romance because when you read the summary of the book, you'd think it would be dark. That the main character/heroine is some badass or headstrong girl who's out there to seek justice. That this could also be a thrilling story despite that it's romance. That there would be surprising twists and turns, and even shocking revelations. Well, not really.
These happened:
• I hardly felt the suspense.
• The suspect/culprit was so easy to identify (and too early to be mentioned).
• The heroine, Amelia, was too slow. And made the poor choices and picked the wrong people to be with.
• And I had to roll my eyes every time someone brings up how beautiful she is like lol okay we get it. It's nice to know she's pretty but does it have to be (almost) every character who meets her say that...
• Also the romance between her and Logan, the hero, has zero chemistry.
• They kept arguing who dislikes who (which was pretty annoying by the way) to her bringing up his groupies every chance she could get to their unfounded jealousy (like since when did you two started dating anyway?) to them declaring their love for each other like HUH??
• Wish there were more Logan POV chapters though because he seems to be the hero here but there's still so much layer to his character that wasn't tackled.
• The secret societies were interesting at first but then they just sounded ridiculous in the end.
I could actually go on but let me not.
But one thing that really frustrated me was how the Amelia just ignored the UNKNOWN text messages she's received. I AM SO TIRED OF THIS TROPE. Like yeah, she told someone about it but that wasn't enough? And they just brushed it off later on?? You're trying to look for clues/answers to this missing person's case. You're INVOLVED and you've been vocal about your curiosity to the people (sometimes even frankly which I gotta say was kinda dumb because you never know if they're trustworthy or not). PEOPLE WOULD KNOW YOU. Or at least be familiar of you and your interest in this case. You just don't brush off messages from unknown numbers especially if they link to the case in hand and are weird and cryptic. THIS TROPE NEEDS TO END. I've watched a lot of true-crime and missing persons documentaries and when I say "a lot", I don't mean that lightly. So this solving thing Amelia was doing was just... crap.
There's also still so many questions I wanna ask. Questions I need answers to because the focus on this book was really big on these secret societies, one in particular. The initiation tests felt like it dragged on and were completely unnecessary. Like I just want to know more about this missing person case. I want some leads. Some clues. Some clear backstory of the person and the events. I mean yes, there were but it really got overshadowed by this society thing and the no-chemistry romance.
The thing they got right though was when the characters filed for a missing person, the officer in-charge was like "maybe she blahblahblah" which is a realistic but frustrating thing. It's really sad when the authorities create some alternative scenarios so they could avoid this and make you wait before you could file for a report. Messed up system, I swear.
Lastly, this will be a bit spoilery but as a Fine Arts student, can someone tell me how they easily stole a painting that costs millions so easily by hiding it under their shirt? This painting is estimated 106x78 inches in size. I get that in the scene, there was no frame but canvas cloth isn't light? It's not even thin even if you roll it up. Heck, the size alone is big. I carry a 12x18-inched sketchpad and it's already a hassle for me every Friday class. The artist in me probably just jumped out at this scene because.. it's just impossible and ridiculous.
Anyway. I'm ending this review with me feeling disappointed but still giving two stars because there were parts my interest was piqued. Sadly, it wasn't enough. This book had its potential. The execution was just lacking.
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2019
3.5 Stars ⭐️
October 26, 2019
Half Truths was a very intriguing read. The cover, premise, and synopsis truly called to me. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! The idea of secret societies existing and operating in the open as they do in this book is a very enticing thought. The air of mystery has a unique sex appeal.
After diving in, I was immediately drawn to the story. The opening sequence is thrilling and edgy. After meeting the main character, I couldn't help but fall for the male lead, Logan. He was kinda perfect early on. Mysterious, sexy, and enigmatic.
So, here's what I enjoyed overall:
The storyline is the selling point here. The premise is really good. It was thrilling and unique. I totally bought in and couldn't wait to see how things would progress.
The writing is crisp and tight.
Logan was a great male lead. I didn't love his softening over the course of the novel, but that's a matter of personal preference. Ultimately and overall, he's a great male lead.
The mystery and suspenseful edge of the book are stellar! I was totally here for it.
While I enjoyed the book overall, I had a few hiccups along the way, the biggest being the fact that I could not relate to and did not love the heroine.
3.5 - 4 stars
After diving in, I was immediately drawn to the story. The opening sequence is thrilling and edgy. After meeting the main character, I couldn't help but fall for the male lead, Logan. He was kinda perfect early on. Mysterious, sexy, and enigmatic.
So, here's what I enjoyed overall:
The storyline is the selling point here. The premise is really good. It was thrilling and unique. I totally bought in and couldn't wait to see how things would progress.
The writing is crisp and tight.
Logan was a great male lead. I didn't love his softening over the course of the novel, but that's a matter of personal preference. Ultimately and overall, he's a great male lead.
The mystery and suspenseful edge of the book are stellar! I was totally here for it.
While I enjoyed the book overall, I had a few hiccups along the way, the biggest being the fact that I could not relate to and did not love the heroine.
3.5 - 4 stars
October 16, 2019
This is Claire Contreras at her best! I've always loved her romantic suspense and this book is every reason why.
It's got it all and I'm in awe.
It's got it all and I'm in awe.
October 24, 2019
WOW this was such a trip!! Suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for more!!
October 4, 2019
WOAH! I mean seriously - WOAH!! That was an epic experience. Yes, experience.
Claire Contreras, I think you may have just outdone yourself.
Half Truths is an intense, fast-paced and eerily suspenseful story that I could not put down once I started.
And the blurb gives your just the surface of what you experience reading this story.
Mae transfers her senior year to the college her entire family has attended. She has her many reasons but they main one being what happened to her brother. And when she realizes in order to find those answers, she has to crawl into a rabbit hole of rumors, tales and the like, praying that they lead her to answers and not the same end result as her brother.
I was reading this entire book with bated breath. I was keeping notes and logging information was I read, trying to figure out how it all went together. While I had certain things correct, I was still wrong in certain aspects. Claire does a wonderful job of keeping the suspense at the forefront of this story with the romance aspect blending in perfectly in the background, but not taking away from the main elements in this story.
Claire definitely weaved a very intricate and perplex story line that keeps readers gripping the pages and glued to their seats from start to finish. It's a mystifying and flawlessly woven story that will become a huge hit for readers.
Claire Contreras, I think you may have just outdone yourself.
Half Truths is an intense, fast-paced and eerily suspenseful story that I could not put down once I started.
And the blurb gives your just the surface of what you experience reading this story.
Mae transfers her senior year to the college her entire family has attended. She has her many reasons but they main one being what happened to her brother. And when she realizes in order to find those answers, she has to crawl into a rabbit hole of rumors, tales and the like, praying that they lead her to answers and not the same end result as her brother.
I was reading this entire book with bated breath. I was keeping notes and logging information was I read, trying to figure out how it all went together. While I had certain things correct, I was still wrong in certain aspects. Claire does a wonderful job of keeping the suspense at the forefront of this story with the romance aspect blending in perfectly in the background, but not taking away from the main elements in this story.
Claire definitely weaved a very intricate and perplex story line that keeps readers gripping the pages and glued to their seats from start to finish. It's a mystifying and flawlessly woven story that will become a huge hit for readers.
December 17, 2020
4,30 Stars
“I want you forever, Amelia, ” he said against my hair. “And forevermore after that.”
Tags: Romantic Suspense, College Romance, Cults, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers (Immediate Attraction, Flirty from the Start)
CHARACTERS
Amelia Baston; Mae - Dark eyes, dark hair; rich confident gorgeous, she is not a typical popular queen bee she doesn’t like standing out she is friendly but a loner. She is writing for the School's newspaper.
Logan Moriarty Fitzgerald; Fitz - Green eyes, dark hair popular it-boy, too handsome, too confident, rich, captain hockey player
Both are 20 or 21
I like both of them very much, Mae is soo lovely and relatable, and Logan is a hottie who is not the extreme jerk or bully; he is charming and likable.
“Why are you talking to me?” I gripped my purse. “You have three beautiful women at your table.”
“But you’re in this one.”
“Logan.” I gaped at him. “I’m here with someone.”
PROS
*Amazing Cover
*Cults
*Reminded me so much of Veronica Mars
*The suspense
*Mae and Logan; loveable characters, a great couple, great chemistry, and a great relationship at every stage.
*Great dialogues
*Slow Burn + good tension
*Jealousy elements from Liam’s side, especially
*Cloaks (Black)
*Mae is way richer than Logan (I feel like only the Hs are rich nowadays, that’s all)
“Why are you glad we didn’t meet in high school?” I looked at Logan as we drove away from our neighborhood. “Because I would’ve never dated you. Private jets? You are way out of my league.” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t have even tried to date you.”
FOOTNOTES
*Harem of girls + groupies (not my words) – They are so common in many books, and I always find it disturbing for many reasons. For example, never once the girl has this such powerful fanbase!
And it feels so unreal; whenever they are around, I feel like I am watching an anime (it’s good there, but it’s their ABSURD way), and here it feels so stupid and unrealistic, and how these girls are portrayed... I am not even starting…
*I seriously wouldn't mind a guideline novella that introduces the cults and societies one more time. There was so much info about them, and I couldn’t memorize everything and adapt to them so easily. If not a novella, an introduction page, or something like that wouldn't be bad to have, is all I am saying.
OVERALL
*Some might complain about Amelia and Logan's instant-love; we are forever vibe, but I didn't mind it. Wasn’t falling in love as younger always easier? Their relationship might fail later on, but here it won’t, and that’s the magical part of the fiction, and I wish my babies their HEA!
*Well, the story is not a real puzzler, I could predict so many, but I actually like the suspense element throughout the book. This book is anything but boring and it lets you make assumptions and guesses all the time, only the ending feels a bit rushed and flat, but my main concern is Logan and Mae anyway. And I love their story.
*So yeah, there were annoying parts, unbearable characters, and some disturbing realities, but it was a great read; it was romantic, sad, funny, suspenseful, exciting, sexy, and entertaining. I will totally read the following stand-alone in the series and probably more from Claire Contreras.
“When I’m not with you, you’re all I think about, to the point that I just want to leave whatever I’m doing to come right back to you. I wouldn’t go find someone else. There is no one else.” “But I’m sad.” I blinked. My eyes filled with tears again. “All the time. All the time I’m just . . . sad.” “Yet you’re still my happy.”
October 24, 2019
Somewhere between three and four stars...
3,5
pro
- writing
- the pace of the story
- kept my interest
- fast read
- want to read next book
con
- at times dialogue between hero & heroine felt weird mainly bc heroine..in her inner monologue she was one person and then when talking to hero this other person, who uses besides way too many times
- predictability
- ending; the book was solid read until the end when everything just kind of fell flat
3,5
pro
- writing
- the pace of the story
- kept my interest
- fast read
- want to read next book
con
- at times dialogue between hero & heroine felt weird mainly bc heroine..in her inner monologue she was one person and then when talking to hero this other person, who uses besides way too many times
- predictability
- ending; the book was solid read until the end when everything just kind of fell flat
October 21, 2019
PHENOMENAL STORY!
Do you know when you're 100% sure you have just read one of the best books in the world? When after finishing said story you are completely speechless, and you only have one word in your head: WOW. That's what Claire Contreras did to me. Half-Truths made me so impressed that I can't use the right words to express my admiration. No matter how you describe your fascination and total enchantment, it won’t express the magic of what the author has given us.
This amazing story makes you fall into a rabbit hole and enter another world, which absorbs you in its entirety with its mystery and riddles. Together with the heroine, you try to find answers to bothering questions and you experience every twist and turn with your whole self. This book is a masterpiece that will take your breath away and keep you on the edge of your seat. Its intensity makes you shiver and also makes you completely forget about the world around you. There is no chance for a break during this read- the storyline is so addictive that you will not postpone this read even for a second. You’ll get caught up in a web of secret societies, mysteries, unexplained situations and lies. But you'll also witness a wonderful romance that will fill your heart to the brim with emotions. I fell crazy in love with Logan, who’s such a complex and surprising hero. And Mae… This girl has my admiration and respect. They’re both such a fascinating and remarkable characters!
Half-Truths is captivating, mysterious and intriguing. It’s a perfect combination of romance and thriller, full of suspense and heat. Claire Contreras told this story in such a masterful way, that I’m utterly enchanted and addicted to the world she created. Although I’m completely satisfied with Mae and Logan’s story, I crave more. I have high hopes that Claire will meet my need to stay in this world and learn more about secondary characters. Must read!
Do you know when you're 100% sure you have just read one of the best books in the world? When after finishing said story you are completely speechless, and you only have one word in your head: WOW. That's what Claire Contreras did to me. Half-Truths made me so impressed that I can't use the right words to express my admiration. No matter how you describe your fascination and total enchantment, it won’t express the magic of what the author has given us.
This amazing story makes you fall into a rabbit hole and enter another world, which absorbs you in its entirety with its mystery and riddles. Together with the heroine, you try to find answers to bothering questions and you experience every twist and turn with your whole self. This book is a masterpiece that will take your breath away and keep you on the edge of your seat. Its intensity makes you shiver and also makes you completely forget about the world around you. There is no chance for a break during this read- the storyline is so addictive that you will not postpone this read even for a second. You’ll get caught up in a web of secret societies, mysteries, unexplained situations and lies. But you'll also witness a wonderful romance that will fill your heart to the brim with emotions. I fell crazy in love with Logan, who’s such a complex and surprising hero. And Mae… This girl has my admiration and respect. They’re both such a fascinating and remarkable characters!
Half-Truths is captivating, mysterious and intriguing. It’s a perfect combination of romance and thriller, full of suspense and heat. Claire Contreras told this story in such a masterful way, that I’m utterly enchanted and addicted to the world she created. Although I’m completely satisfied with Mae and Logan’s story, I crave more. I have high hopes that Claire will meet my need to stay in this world and learn more about secondary characters. Must read!
December 6, 2019
4 ⭐'s
"Forever. And forevermore after that."
This book is very much a romantic suspense and it pulls you in deep. There are different secret societies, girls that have gone missing and all kinds of theories. You never know what to believe.
Amelia has transferred to her brother's college to get more answers regarding his accident and a missing girl. As she digs deeper and deeper, she only gets more questions until she becomes closer to Logan.
Logan's not exactly sweet to Amelia and she kind of likes that. He's the school's hockey star and girls flock to him...and Amelia doesn't like that.
As Logan pulls her in, she gets more answers but they're not necessarily the ones she wants. However, she finds herself falling for Logan and happily, he's right there with her.
There was A LOT of drama in this book and some twists that were doozies. I found myself warming up to Logan especially after finding out about his past. I also really liked how he took care of Amelia and was there for her every step of the way.
I'm intrigued by Lincoln (Amelia's brother). I certainly hope he gets a book in this series, as well as, some of Logan's other friends. And even though I'm not a huge fan of romantic suspense, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Twisted Circles is coming out March 24, 2020.
"Forever. And forevermore after that."
This book is very much a romantic suspense and it pulls you in deep. There are different secret societies, girls that have gone missing and all kinds of theories. You never know what to believe.
Amelia has transferred to her brother's college to get more answers regarding his accident and a missing girl. As she digs deeper and deeper, she only gets more questions until she becomes closer to Logan.
Logan's not exactly sweet to Amelia and she kind of likes that. He's the school's hockey star and girls flock to him...and Amelia doesn't like that.
As Logan pulls her in, she gets more answers but they're not necessarily the ones she wants. However, she finds herself falling for Logan and happily, he's right there with her.
There was A LOT of drama in this book and some twists that were doozies. I found myself warming up to Logan especially after finding out about his past. I also really liked how he took care of Amelia and was there for her every step of the way.
I'm intrigued by Lincoln (Amelia's brother). I certainly hope he gets a book in this series, as well as, some of Logan's other friends. And even though I'm not a huge fan of romantic suspense, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Twisted Circles is coming out March 24, 2020.
October 24, 2019
A brilliant romantic-suspense and my new favorite from this phenomenal author!
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