(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Luke Grayson’s life might as well be over when he’s sent to live with his Baptist pastor father in rural Tennessee after getting kicked out of his DC private school. His soulless stepmother is none too pleased to have him, and Luke’s bad boy status has done him no favors with his new principal or the local police chief. He’s also an easy target for Grant Parker, the local golden boy with a violent streak, who has the community of Ashland under his thumb and Luke directly in his crosshairs.
But things go topsy-turvy when, after a freak accident, Luke replaces Grant at the top of the social pyramid. This fish out of water has suddenly gone from social outcast to hero in a matter of twenty-four hours. For the students who have lived in fear of Grant all their lives, this is a welcome change. But Luke’s newfound fame comes with a price. Nobody knows the truth about what really happened to Grant Parker except for Luke, and the longer he keeps living the lie, the more like Grant he becomes.

*2.5 stars*

I felt, when starting this book, that it was going to be somewhat suspenseful and thrilling - "Boy is bullied by local golden boy, tension builds until a final, climactic event changes everything." But that isn't really what I got.

Instead, what I got was a tepid story about an outcast kid who drifts his way through life, letting others push him around and just existing. He starts off with a wonderful sense of humor and wit but, as the story unfolds, even that becomes bland and not interesting. A lot of internal monologue keeps this story flat.

I have to congratulate the author, though, on truly picking up on the male voice. Everything you would expect from male characters is here: from masculinity and bravado, to insecurity and selfishness. It all felt genuine and authentic. And that is pleasing. Now, whether we needed another book exploring toxic masculinity or not is another matter...

Overall, a decent enough book that I think gets let down by the blurb. It ain't what you expect...


Paul
ARH

Unfortunately, this was a DNF book for me. I may revisit this title at a later date to try once again, but in the meantime, i have chosen not to include coverage on the book on my blog.