Lies You Never Told Me by Jennifer Donaldson Published by Penguin on May 29th 2018
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Purchase @ AMAZON or BN
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Gabe and Elyse have never met. But they both have something to hide.
Quiet, shy Elyse can't believe it when she's cast as the lead in her Portland high school's production of Romeo and Juliet. Her best friend, Brynn, is usually the star, and Elyse isn't sure she's up to the task. But when someone at rehearsals starts to catch her eye--someone she knows she absolutely shouldn't be with--she can't help but be pulled into the spotlight.
Austin native Gabe is contemplating the unthinkable--breaking up with Sasha, his headstrong, popular girlfriend. She's not going to let him slip through her fingers, though, and when rumors start to circulate around school, he knows she has the power to change his life forever.
Gabe and Elyse both make the mistake of falling for the wrong person, and falling hard. Told in parallel narratives, this twisty, shocking story shows how one bad choice can lead to a spiral of unforeseen consequences that not everyone will survive.
Angie’s Thoughts:
Lies You Never Told Me is a suspenseful thrill ride that will leave you guessing until the very last page! It’s forbidden, romantic, psychotic and mysterious. You will be questioning everything you read.
Elyse is one of the main characters. Her mom is a drug addict and the only reprieve she gets is when she’s spending time with Brynn. That is until she gets the lead in the school play. She doesn’t realize it yet but her life is going to be turned upside down.
Gabe is the other main character. His life is suddenly changed when he gets hit by a car. The mysterious driver runs off leaving him in/out of consciousness until a young woman calls 911 and leaves before the ambulance gets there.
Elyse is a very likable character. I seen myself relating to her in some ways and understanding the other parts that I couldn’t. I was immediately drawn into her story and I couldn’t wait to read her sections. She’s loyal, protective and quiet and reserved.
Gabe is a relationship that he wants out. Sasha is something else and that’s putting it nicely. I loved how he stopped being her doormat and finally stood up to her. He never thought in a million years that may be his worse mistake. His relationship with his sister is so sweet. She has Down syndrome and he’s very protective of her. He’s protective of all his friends and loyal to a fault.
I love the dynamic between these characters even the secondary. I felt like at times I was reading a book about high school drama and that even made it more interesting. The only reason I gave it 4 Stars is because I felt like there were some things left unanswered and the ending was left incomplete for me but I also understood why.
Overall I loved Lies You Never Told Me. Jennifer Donaldson is a new to me author and this book made me a fan for life. I can’t wait to read more by her.
The Verdict:
About Jennifer Donaldson
Jennifer Donaldson graduated from Reed College and received her MFA from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently lives in Austin with her family.
