Book Blurb:
Fans of Veronica Mars or Ally Carter will love the snarky, whip-smart former con artist Eleanor, in this sequel to Chasing Truth.
At Holden Prep, dirty little secrets always have a way of coming to the surface.
Eleanor Ames has never been what she seems. Average high school student on the outside, but reformed con artist trying to break free of her past on the inside. When Eleanor receives startling news about someone from her previous criminal life, plans for a new operation coinciding with her school’s upcoming field trip quickly consume her.
But operations rarely go according to plan. And this is one her irresistible teen FBI agent boyfriend, Miles, would never approve of.
Now, more than just Ellie’s reputation is at stake. If she fails, it could be her life.
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My feet have been dangling. I start to lift them up, attempting to conceal myself. But I’m not fast enough. Warm fingers wrap around my ankle.
“Got you,” the guy says. “How long have you been up there spying on me?”
“Spying? On you?” I shake my head. “Don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m waiting for someone. He’ll be here any second.”
The hot guy takes the binoculars and looks them over, analyzing the zoom-in and recording switches hidden on the underside. “Fancy. Not exactly for recreational use.”
That’s because they’re Aidan’s. My sister’s boyfriend. Up until two weeks ago, when he was forced to resign, Aidan was a Secret Service agent. He used all kinds of spy gear in his former job—like these high-tech night-vision binoculars.
I hop down from the tree, assessing the intruder, searching for body language that says friend or enemy, even though I already know the answer. No harm in having a little extra practice. Role-play is definitely a skill of mine, but it’s also a muscle that must be worked regularly. “Just so you know, I am trained in self-defense. Wouldn’t try anything if I were you.”
“Yeah?” He lifts an eyebrow. “That’s good because this place is sketchy as hell.”
We both glance around the deserted warehouse building beside us, the vandalized lumberyard nearby, and the questionable items strewn across the walkway leading to the giant warehouse door—condom wrappers, broken beer bottles, cigarette butts.
“You’re right, it’s sketchy,” I say. “I better take off before something bad happens.”
“Wait…” Hot Guy reaches for me, his fingers curling around my waist. He tugs me until my back rests against the tree and we’re hidden from anyone on the street. “Tell me about this other guy you’re waiting on.”
I stare up at him, taking in the cocky smirk, perfectly messy dark hair, and blue eyes that hold dozens of secrets. “What other guy?”
He grins, showing off two perfect dimples to go with the rest of his perfects. “Good answer.”
Then, before I can refocus on the role I’ve been playing, he leans down and kisses me. It’s only been a week but feels like a month. Maybe longer. His cheeks are cold, but his lips are warm and tender. I bring him closer and closer until his slinged arm is lodged between us.
“Miles,” I mumble against his lips.
“Uh-huh.”
“Miles,” I repeat, too caught up in this kiss to celebrate the slip he just made. “That’s his name. The guy I’m waiting on.”
“Miles. Sounds like an asshole. Forget him.” He pulls away just enough to see my face. His good hand rests against my cheek. He looks like he’s about to dive into kissing me again but hesitates. “It’s really cold out here.”
“And sketchy,” I add. “Why would you pick a place like this? You can’t coast forever on the whole mysterious-hot-guy persona. So if that’s your plan, I’d rather meet at the Y or Planet Fitness like a normal person.”
He rolls his eyes. “Yes, that’s my goal in life. Devote all my time to training to be a spy so I can impress girls.”
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My Review:
5 Out Of 5 Stars
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Teen--
After reading Chasing Truth, book 1 in the series, I could not wait to get my grabby hands on more of Eleanor and her hijinks. I think I found my favorite reads of the read so far, maybe my top YA contemporary read in general. Yep, that is how much I am in love with this book and this world in general. I will admit that I was a little hesitant, regardless of my excitement to read more (and yes, I was so happy that I could binge read the series back to back and not have to wait for book 2...don't get me started on waiting for book 3...Please be a book 3 somewhere down the line, just saying...)
Hiding Lies picks up a few weeks after the events of Hiding Lies, where Ellie's life basically imploded and her almost-kinda-sorta boyfriend Miles was reassigned out of town, leaving her trying to pick up the pieces of her life. The danger that she thought was past in book one ends up coming back to light as well as some truths from her previous life, the life she pretends did not happen. I loved learning more about how Ellie was raised, her true skills, the crimes she took part in and how much she gave up to have this chance at being a "typical" teen. Ellie can never be typical, but watching her struggles and triumphs was so endearing, regardless of her truths I rooted for her to succeed. To me, Ellie can do no wrong, regardless of her questionable choices that made me cringe. Julie brought Ellie to life so well I feel as if I know her, that we are friends.
The story wrapped perfectly, I could not have asked for more loose ends to be tied in a nice little bow, but that doesn't mean I would not love to have another book featuring Eleanor and the trouble she inherently finds herself in. Julie, I am such a fan girl for your books and for Ellie as well as the "Ell-iles" ship! Yet again, I would not change a single thing about these books or this world, it was just the right mash of suspense/mystery/tension/lies and a dash of romance(the swoon worthy kind!) to hook me and keep me fully engaged for the entire journey. Oh, don't forget the snark and humor that color the pages as well- what is a good book without snark? I love Ellie and I know anyone else who pick up this book to read will too!
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance, complimentary copy of this book.
At Holden Prep, the rich and powerful rule the school—and they’ll do just about anything to keep their dirty little secrets hidden.
When former con artist Eleanor Ames’s homecoming date commits suicide, she’s positive there’s something more going on. The more questions she asks, though, the more she crosses paths with Miles Beckett. He’s sexy, mysterious, arrogant…and he’s asking all the same questions.
Eleanor might not trust him—she doesn’t even like him—but they can’t keep their hands off of each other. Fighting the infuriating attraction is almost as hard as ignoring the fact that Miles isn’t telling her the truth…and that there’s a good chance he thinks she’s the killer.
Read my review of Chasing Truth HERE and find out more about the book on Goodreads
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Author Bio:
Julie Cross is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, including the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm (St. Martin's Press). She's also the author of Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, Chasing Truth, Off the Ice and many more to come! Julie Cross was a longtime resident of central Illinois but has recently moved her entire family across the country to continue her academic studies at Stanford University.
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