Member Reviews

Just from the excerpt of this book, I can tell that it is going to be intriguing. The parallel stories are seemingly disparate, but I have a sense that they will dovetail somehow. I liked how the author addressed the Oxy addiction of Elyse’s mother; I think this will (unfortunately) resonate with many young adults. As a former Drama teacher and lover of Shakespeare, I obviously like the high school "Romeo & Juliet" plot (Elyse's), but I hope that I’m wrong about Mr. Hunter. The excerpt ended that story at an interesting point. I also hope that we find out why Gabe is with Sasha in the first place; is it because she solely wants to get back at her parents, or is there more to their relationship? This definitely made me want to read the whole book to see what happens with all of the characters.

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This seems like a typical mean girl, nice popular boy meets shy girl story. And the typical shy girl gets the spotlight story. Because it was a sneak peek, I have no idea what actually makes this book unique. I would have liked a taste of what made it unique before the sneak peek ended. It will probably make a decent fluff story, predictable but chick flick enjoyable. But for now, it's just a 3 for me. I have nothing to base it off, except the same old story.

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Sounds like a real show stopper! So far it has love, hate, mystery, and loyalty. Sure to be a great read. I can't wait!

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I just finished the "Sneak Peek" of Lies You Never Told Me. I must confess I am interested in what happens. I find both the characters in this parallel story to be interesting. Gabe, stuck in a relationship with a psycho girlfriend in Austin, as well as Elyse, who is finding wings and learning to grow in Portland as her high school theater director takes an interest in her as an actress.

Since it was just a sneak peek, I do not know what is about to happen to either character but I can take a gander and I want to know more.

Does Elyse go to visit her high school director on a Saturday afternoon? What happens to Gabe after he tells his girlfriend he doesn't want to see her anymore? I do want to know and when the peek ended, I wanted more.

More over the writing skill of Jennifer Donaldson was wonderful. I have read so many books recently that just touch on what the feeling of the atmosphere of Austin - humid, heavy, Orion's stars in September. Beautifully written.
I'm looking forward to reading this book in its entirety.

This excerpt was given to me by NetGallery for an honest, thought out review.

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This review is for the Sneak Peek of "Lies You Never Told Me" by Jennifer Donaldson. With that being said, I have to get my hands on the full book. Going into it, I hadn't heard anything about this novel or the author. I wasn't sure what to expect. Within the first few paragraphs, I was enthralled. I hated to see the sneak peek come to an end. So far, I already have a character in mind that I know I will love to hate. I have a feeling that I know where some things are going and I can't wait to see if I am right or not.

I am shocked to find out that this is the debut novel from Jennifer Donaldson.As a fan of books such as " Pretty Little Liars" anad " One of Us Is Lying." I have no doubt that I will enjoy this one as well.

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A must read for anyone who enjoys suspense!
Thanks to Razorbill and Bookish First for the ARC of Lies You Never Told Me by Jennifer Donaldson!
Gabe and Elyse alternate in telling the story. Gabe is tired of his toxic girlfriend and finally breaks off their relationship, but she vows to make him pay. Elyse surprises herself by landing the part of Juliet in the school’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Gabe is reeling from Sasha’s, his ex-girlfriend’s, actions while Elyse is struggling with her home life. The two main characters both end up feeling defeated and alone. Jennifer Donaldson weaves a mysterious story with pure intensity around interesting characters! I don’t want to give anything away. I will just say this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys suspenseful young adult realistic fiction and it earns a riveting 5 stars from me!

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Reviewing the Sneak Peek of this book for Netgalley - fairly typical YA high school drama with an over the top, mean girl taking risks, trying to dominate her "wrong side of the tracks" boyfriend and keep control of the popular group. Another piece of the narrative comes from a shy girl from a broken home, taking care of her addict mother, who gets thrust into the limelight by getting the lead part in the school play, "Romeo & Juliet". The popular girl's boyfriend seems to be quite taken with the shy girl and chaos is sure to insue.

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While I would gladly read the entire book, I can't say I was thoroughly thrilled by it or even cared that much how it ends.

It's not good and it's definitely not bad. Someone here in their review called it WILD, and I think that's a good word.

I like the structure of two parallel stories, but the overall writing isn't all that new or authentic. I think because of all the hype I kind of expected more, but that's just me. It's a great book for YA lovers!

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I thoroughly enjoyed this sneak peek, the first 74 pages of LIES YOU NEVER TOLD ME, and would definitely be interested in reading the rest of it. I feel invested in the characters journeys and excited about what eventually happens as you delve deeper into the book. The more I read the harder it was to contemplate placing it down to do something boring but necessary. In the end, I decided that for my own good I would finish it all before attempting to focus on other things. Unless there is some sort of drastic change, I imagine that the rest of the novel will continue to be just as damn addictive!

I absolutely cannot wait to finish the rest of this! You just get a feeling when you know you're reading a book of greatness.

A big thank you to Jennifer Donaldson, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for this teaser in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

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I read a sneak peek of Lies You Never Told Me by Jennifer Donaldson, and it got me hood right away. I'm looking forward to reading the book when it is released.

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Only a sneak preview, but I’m already vested in the story and need to know what happens. Although it’s pretty clear Sasha will make sure Gabe pays for breaking up with her, and I’m guessing Mr. Hunter’s motives could be more than a teacher helping a student, I can’t wait to read the twists and turns in the plot ahead.

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Sneak peak from Net Galley. THANKS!! I started reading this book and I didn't even know what it was about. Two main characters, Gabe and Elyse narrate each chapter which is what is going on in their lives currently, except that they live in different states and don't know each other. Which i thought was kind of odd, but I guess eventually at some point down the road they meet? I enjoyed the sneak peak, had me totally interested in both characters and I am curious to see what happens in the rest of the book.....good writing, interesting plot(s) so far....to be continued...

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***ARC of entire novel provided by Razorbill of Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review***

3.5 stars. Young Adult thriller. The writing is pretty spectacular. This is the author's debut novel. The words flowed flawlessly in Lies You Never Told me. We follow the lives of two teens Gabe and Elyse told in both their point of views. As you get to know their story it is clear that their lives become more and more out of the ordinary. I enjoyed the drama, the instability and the suspense. It culminated perfectly. I couldn't wait until everything exploded all over the page. I had so many theories floating around in my head. I couldn't wait to find out what exactly was going on.

To keep this review honest, I was underwhelmed with the big plot twist. I figured it all out way to quickly, and that disappointed me. I wanted another shoe to drop, and I wanted pure shock to come out of nowhere. I felt cheated on the big, "I didn't see that coming at all" finish.

I am no expert with the Young Adult Thriller, yet, if I needed to recommend a suspenseful age appropriate thriller on the spot, it most certainly would be Lies You Never Told. I read it almost in one sitting. I cannot wait to see what this author does next!

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Lies You Never Told Me gave me a bit of insight into the teen mind. It made me consider how much kids need their parents, even when they’re not good parents. It also reminded me that sometimes we have no idea what’s going on in our kids’ lives — which is kind of scary! It’s a page-turner and a quick read.

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This Sneak Peek completely captured my attention and I was so sad for it to come to an end! I must read the rest of this book ASAP! I loved the alternating viewpoints between Elude and Gabe, and I am captivated by the fact that they are in two separate cities in separate parts of the country. Each of their situations is developing so intensely, and I can't wait to see how they connect. Clearly, something is building up to go down and I am in suspense to find out what the chill will be.

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I keep flipping back and forth with a rating for this book. 4 or 5? 4.5? I've finally decided on a 4 because I didn't love *everything* about it. But that twist!!!! It was amazing. The way that the book was formatted was so excellent and a perfect setup for where the story went. It was super fun to see my name in a book, this is only the second time! The only other time is The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler. I enjoyed the POVs. One is Gabe, a teen from Texas and the other is Elyse, a teen from Oregon. How do they make one story? Where do their paths cross? There's so much I can't talk about but this book was such a great thriller! I'm definitely game for more Jennifer Donaldon books in the future!

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A readable and entertaining sneak peak of Jennifer Donaldson's LIES I NEVER TOLD YOU, told from the two perspectives of Gabe and Elyse, teasing the beginning of a suspense-filled young adult thriller.

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I absolutely loved this sneak peak. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I can't wait to get a hold of this book and find out what happens to Gabe and Elyse.

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This sneak peek is awesome. I absolutely have to read this book. I need to know what happens next. I need to know the connection. Sasha is crazy, I can’t see why Gabe is even with her. It seems like Catherine is more his type anyway. And Elyse, poor girl sounds like she just can’t catch a break.

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Lies You Never Told Me Written by Jennifer Donaldson

I received an excerpt of this book that makes it impossible to review. There is a parallel sequence of high school aged teenagers that pivots back and forth between Gabriel and Elyse. In the teaser that I received these two have not met yet. So it is hard to gauge how they will come together and propel this psychological thriller into high gear, that drives the plot. They even live in different states. It begins with a reflective Gabriel and his bossy, popular girlfriend Sasha being spied on at night by Sasha's mother via security cameras as they frolic in Sasha's pool. There is some mystery element added as Gabriel gets hit by a vehicle that dislocates his shoulder and gives him a mild concussion. He is not sure and I am not sure who Catherine is, but he was knocked through the air riding his skate board or scooter by an unknown driver that keeps driving into the night leaving the scene of the accident.

Meanwhile as the point of view completely shifts to another state where Elyse gets the part of Juliet in Shakespeare's play. Elyse is stunned to get this lead part in the play where she expected to get a bit part as the nurse. Her friend Brynn was the seasoned actress expected to nab this coveted role. The chapter's that introduce Elyse and Gabriel describe two very different rungs on the economic ladder. Elyse is caretaker to a neglectful drug addicted mother who is barely functioning. At some point Gabriel and Elyse come together, but it was not in the excerpt that I read.

The writing was descriptive and once I got a sense of my bearings I was entertained and felt drawn in to the book. I would say that it held my attention and made me wish that I could keep reading. It is definitely written for both adults and tween audiences, but I suspect that the young adult genre enthusiastic readers will be the target audience for this thriller. I didn't have any edge of my seat moments but was engaged to pick up a copy to see what all the hype is with this writer's work. I read the Good Reads synopsis and that piqued my curiosity towards purchasing my own copy and pick up where this teaser ended.

Thank you to Jennifer Donaldson, Penguin Random House and Net Galley for providing my Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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