7.86/10 or 4/5

What Worked For Me


Characters-8

I enjoyed the characters in this. They each had their own story and perspective to bring. I enjoyed all three characters but was most interested in the Kiara and Nevaeh chapters. I loved how we got to see other students who knew Tommy as well, like Alex and Leah, it made Tommy seem more realistic because this wasn’t just a story of all the women he dated. All the women in the book liked Tommy for a different reason, and I loved exploring the reasons they formed the relationship they did with Tommy.

Setting- 8

Setting the book at an amusement park was so fun and different from most of the books in this genre. I loved seeing the characters explore the park and the grounds to find the answers they were looking for. The setting almost made sense for the senior prank storyline because there was so much the characters could do on the grounds.

Plot-8

I’m new to the thriller and mystery genres but still want to check out more of the genre. I found this story fun. I liked uncovering clues along with the characters, and seeing how the pieces fit together. I like how the characters would reveal information you needed to know when it was time, and not before to keep you guessing. I loved the twist at the end, I didn’t see it coming, and I was shocked.

HEART-SHAPED LIES by Elizabeth Agyemang is a YA thriller that really kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I love thrillers with high schoolers and this one did not disappoint.

When students of Fort Grove High School from New Jersey travel to Sunnyworld amusement park in Florida, everyone is expecting them to top last year’s senior prank. Tommy Harding, Internet prank star and his best friend and videographer Alex, have a grand scheme in mind for the trip. But Tommy has girl troubles leading to tension amongst the Group. His public girlfriend, Kaira is smart. The brunt of his jokes, she wants to dump Tommy and go away to school. His sidekick and co-star, Priscilla is madly in love with him and he strings her along telling her he is going to break up with Keira. Finally, hoping to meet him face-to-face after a one year online relationship is Nevaeh, the pastor’s daughter from Texas, who will be there for a church conference with her parents and brother.

When Tommy’s body is found the morning after the big senior prank, all three girls become suspects and must work together to clear their names and find out what really happened to Tommy. Who’s lying about where they were that night?

This one was action packed and I could feel the teenage angst as the girls were learning that they weren’t Tommy’s one and only, and then learning more about their beloved. The writing was clear and concise and kept me turning pages through most of the day. This will be an author I continue to follow.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

I can enjoy a story with multiple POVs, and I appreciate when the author makes each voice distinguishable. Each MC had a story to tell and something to hide, which kept you intrigued but also each one got on your nerves a bit. I enjoyed this YA murder mystery, and I would definitely read more from the author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Reading HEART-SHAPED LIES was a very enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon while I was sick in bed. HSL was trashy in the best possible way: the characters are all vile and you aren't rooting for any of them to succeed, you don't feel any sympathy for the murder victim, and you hope whoever did kill him gets away with it. If you are feeling self-indulgent and cynical, HEART-SHAPED LIES is a great book to curl up with.

Thank you for NetGalley and Random House Children's for the ARC.

Seeing that this one had something to do with social media was the final thing I needed to know to know that I had to start this thing immediately. I skipped over all my ARCs and e-ARCs that were due on 11/19 because I had to know what happened here. And I’m so glad I did lol (Sounds like a cliche yeah, but I’m so for real)

Ok so the characters in this were what made it. I HATED EVERYONE. Not only the person you’re supposed to hate, but the other people too. None of them had any sense. They were all very much idiots lol I hate to be a name caller, but I’m being so for real. All those red flags and every person ignored all of them. I do understand that they were scared in some instances, but they way they were talking about this person, there is no reason they all should have been so scared of him. He was basically just as shitty as they were.

Now the mystery/thriller part was just ok. It took FOREVER for that person to die and to move on with the mystery. I want to say it was because of all of the different POVs, but whatever it was, it was annoying. At one point I was thinking “maybe it’s THIS” chapter. I was annoyed and starting to get bored. And then it finally happened. And the only reason I didn’t DNF it was because once things started happening, it was like a mad dash to the end. And I usually hate when that happens, but this they were proving themselves, so I was ok with it.

The ending wasn’t great either. I knew who did it as soon as they were introduced. I rolled my eyes the minute they started talking. And that annoyed me because it was so far from the end. It was so stupid because it took forever for that person to die but then it was like barely any time in-between to find who did it. If you pay attention you’ll know right away and the rest of the book will just be long. I spent the rest of the time wondering how they were going to show that they were going to get themselves out of this.

This didn’t come without issues, but it was still so good. I liked the writing style and I liked the premise as someone who likes social media in books lol I find it fascinating watching people who are addicted to social media. If this isn’t something you care for, go in with a warning that this might annoy you lol Basically, this comes with a bunch of warnings, but if it sounds like something you might enjoy, go for it.

This was a YA novel but surprisingly it was a good suspenseful time.

Synopsis:
John Tucker Must Die meets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder in this tongue-in-cheek mystery about three feuding exes of a social media prank star who are forced to work together to uncover the truth behind his death when his deactivated account resurfaces online with claims that one of them killed him.

Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh have nothing in common—except they just found out that they’re all dating Tommy Harding, the internet’s most famous teen prank star.

KIARA is the girlfriend who the cameras know and love, the academic star who Tommy parades around in public to keep his image in check.

PRISCILLA is Tommy’s co-star. As a beauty influencer and an accomplice to Tommy’s notorious antics, she’s always known that the two of them could be the Internet’s power couple—if only he would confess to his girlfriend what really goes on during their ‘rehearsals’.

And NEVAEH is the good girl, the pastor’s daughter who’d never dream of dating a boy who’s already taken.

My Favorite Line

The saint. The sinner. The girlfriend. Each of them had a reason to want him dead. Don’t believe the lies in their interviews.

This story was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. I couldn’t wait to find out who killed Tommy, the serial cheater, the jerk! So many suspects and I couldn’t guess who was the killer until the very end. Elizabeth Agyemang did such amazing job capturing the personalities of each character and making you either love them or hate them, but showing them vulnerable underneath. I loved Nevaveh’s character the most. She was labeled as the “Good Girl” and she was just trying to be a teenager under the umbrella of being the Pastors daughter. So everyone expected her to be little miss perfect. But that too much pressure. I love how the author developed her character to show the negative side to social media and the harm it can cause in one’s life. I feel like this story is for ages 13 and up and many lessons will be learned from reading it, but in a reachable for teens.

Thank you @tbrbeyondtours & @toldyaso.narratives for the ARC copy of the book please follow the book tour below
https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/

“John Tucker Must Die” meets “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” in this fun YA mystery/thriller. Based on its description, I couldn’t wait to read this book, and it did not disappoint. It has a little bit of something for everyone: mystery, romance, drama. Told from the POVs of Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh, the story kept me guessing. I definitely did not predict that ending and thought the author did a great job wrapping everything up. Because of its mature content, I would recommend this book to YA/NA readers 13+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a whirlwind of a ride. TBH, I never felt sorry for Tommy, and this story felt like a revenge to any person (especially male) that has the same traits and personality as he does. Amazingly written story that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I've never seen John Tucker must die, so I can't say whether it's like that, but i will say i absolutely enjoyed this book. It's geared towards YA audiences, but if you're an adult that enjoys thrillers, I think you'll enjoy this book.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This YA mystery is about three feuding exes of a social media prank star who are forced to work together to uncover the truth behind his death when his deactivated account resurfaces online with claims that one of them killed him.

This book is fast paced with plenty of red herrings and twists. It depicts kids behaving badly on steroids and I couldn’t stand any of them, which is what the author was going for. Just when you think one or another of them has an ounce of decency, their own self-interest and greed squelches it.

I’m not sure how accurate the depiction of a cut-throat influencer culture where people will do anything for more followers, likes and sponsorships, and what is depicted in accounts is anything but the truth, but if even a fracture of it is accurate, then yuck.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from TBR Beyond Tours and Feiwel & Friends. All opinions are my own.

I really love a sudsy YA thriller and this one delivers. I found the mystery itself to be pretty well put together, and I really enjoyed getting into the heads of the three protagonists, as their insights as a whole worked well to piece the puzzle together while still maintaining some uncertainty about whether or not one of them was the killer. It's a fast and fun thriller to be sure!

Three girls, with their one thing in common being the lovers of Tommy Harding, are caught in a horrible situation of being suspects of his death.

Kiara, the official girlfriend of Tommy Harding, an internet-famous prankster, is going to Sunny World Park with their senior class. Tommy has plans to pull off an epic prank after the park closes for the night. However, tension is high between the couple, as their relationship is far from perfect.
Priscilla, Tommy's co-star, has been secretly cheating with him and wants to break up Tommy and Kiara by the end of the trip. Additionally, Nevaeh, the daughter of a pastor, has also been involved with Tommy in a secret online relationship but has never met him in person. When her church conference takes place at the same hotel where Kiara, Priscilla, and Tommy are staying, Nevaeh sees this as the perfect opportunity to finally meet him with the help of her friends.
Unfortunately, the night takes a disastrous turn when Tommy's account is hacked, revealing his cheating behavior. As a result, Kiara breaks up with him, and Nevaeh becomes humiliated online. Just when things couldn't get any worse, Tommy is murdered, and the three girls become suspects in his death.
Will Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh discover the truth behind Tommy's murder, expose the hacker, and identify the actual killer?

This book marks the third thrilling novel I have delved into, and it did not disappoint! While the beginning did feel somewhat slow, particularly before the pivotal moment of Tommy's death, the latter sections of the story truly compensated for it. The unexpected twists and gripping turns kept me perched on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next.

One of the delightful aspects of the narrative was the shifting perspective among the three main characters, adding a refreshing layer of complexity to the tale. Kiara stands out as a brilliant and determined young woman; her grit and resolve are inspiring. In contrast, Priscilla comes across as somewhat manipulative, making her less likable due to her questionable motives and actions. On the other hand, Nevaeh shines with a sweet and lovable demeanor that instantly endeared her to me, making her my favorite character in the story. As for Tommy, his unkind nature left much to be desired, and it was hard to develop any affection for him.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gripping thriller intertwined with the intricate and complex themes of love and relationships.

So. Much. Teenage. Drama.
Totally here for it.
Tommy is an influencer all about elaborate pranks. His senior class travels to Sunny World -with his connections, Tommy sets up an epic senior event. The rides will be available to ride - something no other senior class has experienced.
But at what cost? Tommy uses people, including his girl friend, fellow influencer and classmate, his best friend - for what they can provide.
And in the morning, Tommy is found dead. Who was the last to see him?
Agyemang does a great job showcasing not only young love but toxic relationships.

HEART-SHAPED LIES by Elizabeth Agyemang

Pub date: Nov. 26th, 2024
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Rating: 3 / 5


How far would you go for love?

Tommy Harding gained his social media following through elaborate pranks. Now, he's gone viral once more after a hacker exposes him for cheating and the prankster is found murdered the next day. All eyes are on the three girls Tommy was seeing prior to his death: Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh. Each girl loved Tommy, but they also all had a reason to want him dead. When the hacker's attention turns to the girls, the trio must work together to find out what really happened to Tommy. Or else.

HEART-SHAPED LIES is a YA debut that leans into the cultish mindset of social media and the dangers of sacrificing for love. Or at least, what young people may think love is. Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh are all vastly different girls and each of their arcs explore ways people navigate heartbreak, self-preservation, and growing up. The girls also endure various amounts of toxicity from Tommy and internet commentators, which adds an unfortunate but realistic weight to the plot. The plot itself begins slow, which prolongs feeling any major connection to the girls, but once the action kicks off, it is almost nonstop twists. This thriller will likely appeal to readers who love to hate their characters and want to see young women get their lives back from abusive men.

Readers should note that the book includes possibly triggering content including abusive relationships, descriptions of sexual assault, and violence.


(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!)

4.25 ⭐️

Heart-Shaped Lies is a gripping thriller romance that delves into the chaos of young love and the destructive grip it can have on our very souls. The story follows Nevaeh, Priscilla, and Kiara—three young women who all find themselves entangled with the manipulative Tommy Harding. Tommy, with his obsessive need for control, uses each of them as stepping stones for his own gain. When Tommy ends up dead, the three girls become prime suspects, and a mysterious hacker starts wreaking havoc on their lives.

I spent the latter half of this book constantly switching my guesses about who killed Tommy, and the second first eagerly (and somewhat gleefully) waiting for his inevitable demise. Tommy’s toxic presence brought out the worst in every character, making some scenes difficult to stomach while keeping me hooked nonetheless.

One of the highlights of the book is its nuanced commentary on social media stardom. It does a great job exploring how proximity to fame affects the development of each character, adding a layer of depth to an already intense story. The pacing, character dynamics, and unexpected twists made this a solid and enjoyable read.

Thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

CAWPILE Rating
Characters: 8 – Complex and flawed, each character felt realistic, even when frustrating.
Atmosphere: 8 – The tension and chaos were palpable, drawing readers into the drama.
Writing Style: 7.5 – Engaging and sharp, though some moments felt overly dramatic.
Plot: 7.5 – Twisty and unpredictable, keeping me guessing the entire time.
Intrigue: 8 – I couldn’t stop turning the pages to uncover the truth.
Logic: 7 – Some choices by the characters were frustrating but believable in the context of their age and emotions.
Enjoyment: 8 – A solid thriller that balanced suspense with emotional depth.

This was definitely a very teen centered book and I enjoyed the concept as it showed the negative to social media whilst also keeping me invested in the mystery and choices of the teens throughout the book. However, the pacing feels uneven, the first half sets up the mystery and relationships well, but the latter half rushes through crucial plot points, leaving some twists feeling unearned. A solidly entertaining YA thriller with an inventive premise, though it occasionally gets lost in its own chaos.

This was definitely a very teen centred book and I enjoyed the concept as it showed the negative to social media whilst also keeping me invested in the mystery and choices of the teens throughout.

Heart-Shaped Lies brings an intriguing concept to the table: three betrayed exes navigating a social media-fueled murder mystery. With its mash-up of John Tucker Must Die and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this YA thriller promises plenty of drama, twists, and teen antics, but doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.

The premise is undeniably fun. Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh are vividly distinct characters, each with a compelling backstory. Their dynamic as three unwilling allies is where the novel shines most, blending humor, suspicion, and reluctant camaraderie. The exploration of toxic social media culture and the consequences of viral fame adds a sharp and relevant edge to the narrative.

However, the pacing feels uneven. The first half sets up the mystery and relationships well, but the latter half rushes through crucial plot points, leaving some twists feeling unearned. Tommy, the charismatic prank star at the center of it all, feels more like a caricature than a fully fleshed-out character, which diminishes the emotional stakes of his demise.

Despite its flaws, Heart-Shaped Lies offers a fun, fast-paced read with enough suspense to keep readers flipping pages. Perfect for fans of messy high school drama and murder mysteries with a modern twist—but don’t expect too much depth.

Bottom Line: A solidly entertaining YA thriller with an inventive premise, though it occasionally gets lost in its own chaos.

When I received this ARC at Penguin’s Summerween, I was equal parts intrigued and nervous to read it. I used to watch Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale to have something to talk to people in high school about, but I was never really a fan of the show and the synopsis of the book gave me similar vibes.

The beginning of this story made me feel so weird. I felt like no time was really spent establishing the characters, we got thrown right into their life and not in a good way. I therefore did not like Tommy right from the start. Influencer culture is something I struggle with despite my background in marketing and social media. Tommy gave me the ick and that did not sit well with me.

As the story unfolded, the characters continued to be unlikeable. The plot twist was not twisted into the narrative well and overall, I was sadly not a fan of this read.

Thank you @penguincanada @penguinteenca and @netgalley for this ARC.

This was a fun and thrilling read! I totally got the “John Tucker Must Die” vibe (I love that movie). The author has done a magnificent job of capturing the raw emotions of teenagers. The impulsiveness and naivety. Thinking they are making smart choices when in reality it couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a YA book, I feel it would be appropriate for ages 12/13 and up. Teens will completely relate, and adults will remember the feeling *sigh*. It is very well written, I was turning pages and making so many assumptions! The chapters are long, but it didn’t bother me.

this is a great thriller for a young adult audience that touches with how impactful social media and influencers can be. there were plenty of red herrings which I’m not the biggest fan of but it definitely kept me on my toes. there’s a sprinkling of drama and romance on top of the mystery aspect too!

the beginning was a little too slow for me and I found it hard to connect with the characters but overall it was an entertaining read I’ll recommend to anyone looking for a ya thriller.