You’ve heard of these groups – the secretive ones that only the crème de la crème are invited into, the ones outsiders speculate about for centuries – I’m the second in my family invited to attend, but to them, I’m fresh meat. New blood. New money, too.They think they’ll elbow past me, that I’m here for their amusement, for them to walk all over, they’ll find out soon enough that I’m not.I may … not.
I may look like one of them, with my designer bags and clothes straight from the Parisian runways, but I’m not. I’m here for answers, to take revenge for blood spilled on their centuries-old Persian rugs.
I transferred here in search for answers about what happened to my older brother, who hightailed out of here, and my friend who seemingly disappeared into thin air. I certainly wasn’t here for the attention of the star hockey player, regardless of how much he willed my eyes his way. I wasn’t here for his scrutiny or his judgment or to read into his mysterious aura. I was here for the society, because only they held the answers I needed. That was, until I found out that in order to get those answers, I needed to go through him. He’s saying if I want in, I have to play by their rules, follow their lead.
It’s a game I’m willing to play.
I may be the second person I know of to be invited into their society, but I’ll be the first to make it out intact.
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Exciting, secretive, suspenseful, passionate and twisted are just a few of the words you can use to describe Half Truths. I read it and loved it so much that I had to buy the audiobook so I could listen to it play out. I did not want this book to end and can’t wait for more!!
This book is everything! My favorite read this year. Missing women, love, secret societies, family secrets, and I could go on. Amelia wonders if the secret societies and missing women could go hand in hand. Then here comes Logan who could either help answer all her questions or could he be the reason for the missing women. This book kept me wanting more and I never wanted to stop reading.
*4.5 Stars*
I loved this story! The mystery, intrigue, suspense, and the setting were all perfect.
This is not your typical romance, the suspense and mystery take front and center while the romance is a slow-burn addition to the story. Logan is the perfect mysterious bad boy and I love him so much! He was everything I wanted him to be. Amelia, “Mia,” is strong, determined, and so daring. I loved how self-confident she is, even when she finds herself in some precarious situations.
I have read a lot of thrillers/mysteries and most of the time I can see the twist coming, or figure out who done it, but this one threw me for a giant loop! I haven’t read many books with secret societies but I think I might have just found a new favorite trope!
I’m really glad that this is just the first book in a series. I have some unanswered questions and I can’t wait to see where all of this goes with some of the other characters that I like so much!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
4.5 STARS!
Completely twisted and mysterious!!!!! I was so enthralled with this book from the start. I had no clue what this book was about when I started reading it and honestly, I’m so glad I went on blind. It made it that much more enjoyable.
This read was so suspenseful, I was left guessing right up until the end. There was such an intricate web of secrets and conspiracies in this book that you just never quite knew what was real vs speculation and what would happen next!
Amelia aka Mae was the perfect heroine for this story! She was strong and independent but vulnerable and a bit of a loner. She was so driven and I think that really helped the bottom line of this story. She wouldn’t take people at their word and needed to find out the truth herself. Her curiosity and rigid back bone proved to work in her favor though out the suspenseful torture the author put us through. She was so sassy and smart. I couldn’t find a single thing to dislike about her.
I couldn’t get enough of Logan “Fitz” Fitzgerald!!!!! He may have been a total jerk in the beginning but oh my goodness did he make me swoon by the end! His character was so complex and guarded. I loved how he slowly peeled back layers of himself to Mae over the course of the read. He totally won me over.
I absolutely enjoyed the fact that romance was not the focus of this story. It was there, hiding in the darkest corners of the writing and really allowed the story to flow unconstrained by a relationship or feelings. Yes, there was some incredible intimacy, but it wasn’t the sole focus which worked so well for this particular book!
The only thing that kept this book from being 5 stars for me was the ending chapters. It felt so rushed and left a bit open ended. There was so much suspense and anticipating built up over the course of the book, that it felt like the author didn’t do the ending justice by rushing through it. I would have preferred a duet for this story.
I finished this book a couple nights ago and had a hard time gathering my thoughts afterwards to write up a review. It blew my mind and left me speechless! There’s so many layers of mystery, secrets, and lies in this beautifully written story, each skillfully woven to hook you in and make it impossible to put this book down. You will lose yourself in this world of elite ivy league secret societies, a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a young female student, and a hot enemies to lovers romance. I’m giving absolutely nothing away in my review, but trust me you need to read this book! I’m adding this to my top 2019 books list!
I loved this book. It was so freaking good!! From the very first page, Claire Contreras had me hooked!! Secrets, suspense, twists, turns and romance, I couldn’t put Half Truths down. I’m just obsessed with it all!!
The main characters were well developed and had great chemistry. Amelia, especially, shined for me. Give me a smart, determined heroine any day. Transfering into a new college her senior year, she came in seeking answers; not stopping at anything to get them. I loved her will and her strength but it was her vulnerability that made her relatable.
Then we have the broody hero Logan Fitzgerald. A jerk a time or twenty, I have to admit it took a minute for me to come around on him. He did have a captivating aura surrounding him that made me want to know more about him. Yet, it was when he let his guard down with Mae and the fierce protective care he had for her that really won over my heart. By the end he had me swooning all kinds of ways.
The setting and mood is probably my favorite thing about this story. I was absolutely addicted to the eerie and mysterious feel. All the secrets and lies added the right amount of drama and intrigue to keep me at the edge of my seat.
I will say, I would categorize Half Truths as a suspense with some romance rather than a romantic suspense. I really enjoyed the way Mae and Logan’s connection builds throughout the story. However, I did not feel like their romance was the focus of the story. Normally, I would have docked a star for this situation because I love me some romance but for this story it worked.
I’ve enjoyed Claire Contreras’s other books in the past. However, Half Truths was just on another level. This is some of her best work. I am all-in on this world Claire has created. She did leave it open for other characters to get a story. I’ll be over here with my fingers crossed, praying we get more. Highly recommend!!
You’ve been summoned.
Do you like it twisty? Do you like it sweet? Or do you go in blind hoping you can figure it out? It doesn’t matter anyway. Drop whatever you are reading or doing and read this book NOW. It’s everything you never knew you wanted. It’s twisty but sweet, suspenseful, thrilling and romantic and is sure to keep you up all night flipping those pages because you just have know what is going to happen!
And I hardly ever read NA so this is saying something- like read Logan and Amelia’s story right now.
WOW!!! I’m completely at a loss for words because this book just BLEW MY MIND!
I just finished and sat there looking around because my heart is racing! Heck, I think it was doing that most of the book. You ever finish a book and look up not realizing how you got where you are because you were that involved…yep that was me! I almost expected that entire world to just keep going on around me and if it had I would have LOVED it!
From the start, not knowing exactly what I got myself into with this book I was excited. Excited that this romance was going to be different from most of what I’ve read this year!
Each twist and turn made me take what I thought I already knew and just toss it out the window while my mind raced to figure out what would happen next.
If you enjoy:
*love that sneaks up on you
*attraction that can’t be resisted
*danger, secrets & mysteries
*Hot Hockey players
*a strong & loyal heroine
GO GET THIS BOOK NOW!
Half Truths is definitely one of my TOP READS of 2019.
This story really had a dark and mysterious vibe. Not the typical romance novel that I usually read. The story begins when Amelia comes to a new college for her senior year in college. Her new school has been attended by her father and brothers before her, so lots of family history is there. Amelia quickly meets Logan, who she immediately finds to have a reputation as a ladies man and who is also a star hockey player for the school. Pretty soon Amelia begins learning about secret societies at the school and decides to try to find out more. Romance is also blooming between Amelia and Logan while strange things begin to happen to her as she begins to learn more about the secretive groups at her school. This book was mysterious and kept me guessing right up until the end!
!!!THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE!!!
I should’ve worded it differently. When I said incomplete, I meant “I’m a greedy b*tch and I need more.” THE SIDE CHARACTERS MIGHT GET THEIR OWN BOOK BUT THE STORY IS WRAPPED UP FOR THE MAIN COUPLE.
***
Mysteries
If curiosity killed the cat, Amelia aka Mae would be ten feet under a long time ago. Her brother, a former star college hockey player is recovering from an accident, at the same time Lana Ly, a student, is missing, people in black and red cloaks are walking around the school property, and Mae is the new girl who plans to uncover the truth behind Lana’s disappearance and secret societies and their members… and maybe steal the heart of Logan Moriarty Fitzgerald along the way. Sounds intriguing, right?
And…
Sometimes you get so excited about an upcoming release that the anxiety crawls in and you dread the moment when you start reading it and all you feel is disappointment. My worry that Half-Truths won’t live up to the hype slowly vanished with each passing page and I was quickly sucked into the story.
Suspense
The first couple of chapters made my head spin real fast. I had no idea if I could trust my favourite characters or if I should be cautious about their possible involvement with the bad guys side which isn’t confirmed until the very end. All in all, I couldn’t put the book down even if my life depended on it. I swear I felt tiny needles being planted on my skin and someone watching me.
The secret societies and their history were another thing that added a thick layer of suspense to the story. I hope they are explored in more detail in the future. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unused potential and lost opportunities considering what the blurb promised. Anyway, it was refreshing as it was and it’s probably just me who is more critical when it comes to her unicorn authors.
Romance
If anyone can put a healthy amount of romance into a world where a little violence is involved, it’s Claire Contreras. I know there is the word ‘romantic’ in the description, but I’ve never thought love could play a big role in this book. Even if suspense is not your jam, give Half-Truths a chance. I’m pretty sure you will fall in love with Logan & Mae, enjoy their friendship, teasing and banter with the side characters as much as I did. And for the corrupted minds *looks in the mirror*, YES, there are some really steamy scenes.
The Half-Truth…
Somewhere along the way between the shivers and heart-warming moments, I lost the connection with the heroine. Not lost, but more likely my bond with Mae was cut off abruptly and hung on a loose thread. I think this happened because I figured the plot out too soon while Amelia stayed clueless too long. But that wouldn’t be a big issue if the story didn’t feel so rushed the closer we got to the end. After the build-up and lack of oxygen in the beginning, I expected a plot twist that would force me off of my current sitting position. Honestly, I struggled a little bit with how things played out and how the ending still left a few unanswered questions in me. But let’s blame it on the book funk because this book was otherwise flawless. I haven’t read other reviews yet. So yes, it might be just me and my personal preferences who thought the conclusion was incomplete.
The Truth about Half-Truths
The beginning was gripping, suspenseful, accompanied by the heart-fluttering middle… and even thought the ending was delivered anticlimactically, I do recommend Half-Truths to everyone who read my review to the end. Jk. Read it because it deserves your attention with the way it’s written. Claire Contreras did a great job at mixing suspense and romance creating a unique story with a lot of ‘something’s’ that you won’t find easily in other books.
This is THE BOOK, the book of the YEAR!!!!
I have not read something that had me hooked from the very first sentence like Half Truths did. This book was so much more than I expected, I loved this book even before I read it but after I read it? I cannot describe how much I loved it. I was up until 2am on the edge of my bed reading, I just could not put this book down. And I might say I love many books, but when I say that this book is THE BOOK, it’s because this book is THE BOOK. I was so curious, nervous, happy, sad, and intrigued. My emotions and feelings were all over the place while reading this. It was crazy because Claire takes you in this ride that you might be the reader, but you will feel EVERYTHING the heroine is feeling.
Half Truths has it all, and I can tell you that you will not be disappointed. Claire Contreras outdid herself, she wrote a book that hooks you in and just sticks with you even after you finish reading it.
Logan and Amelia are EVERYTHING, these two are from completely different worlds, yet they complete each other. Amelia was strong, sassy, wild, and a fighter. When Amelia transfers schools, the last thing she expects is to find out that everyone around her is full of lies. Logan, HE IS MINE. I loved him so much, he has to be the best hero I have ever read. Logan is the playboy, the guy who does what he wants and thinks only about himself.
When Logan and Amelia meet you seriously feel fireworks, these two are FIRE!!! I seriously had the biggest smile on my face wanting more of these two, and as I kept reading I just fell in love with these two so much more. The sexual tension was off the charts,these two had me screaming wanting more and more. I loved the strength of each and every character in this book, but what I loved the most was how in this book the heroine was the fighter, she never gave up and she kept going no matter what. I loved how this was about strength, truths, growth, love, and family.
This is the book of the year, the book that will make you want to go back and reread it over and over again, and the book that will stick with you for days!!. This is a book you do not want to skip!!!
I can’t remember the last time I’ve read a book quite like this and that’s probably because I haven’t. Somehow in this world where it often seems as though everything has already been done before, Claire Contreras managed to create something incredibly unique. My first introduction to this book was the cover and in this case, go right ahead and judge this book because the story on the pages inside is equally as beautiful as the image on the front.
I was sold on the concept of this book the minute I heard the words “secret society.” My interests were piqued instantly and I was clamoring to get my hands on it. I had no idea how Claire would tell this story, but, as a fan of her writing, I had total faith in her. And boy did she deliver! Half Truths was a page turning, suspense filled story that kept me guessing until the very end. Claire’s carefully placed clues were there and yet I still never knew exactly what direction things would turn. I love a good strong female character and Mae is one of my favorites of 2019. She was witty and smart and never a doormat. The interactions between her and Logan were fantastic partly due to Mae’s clever responses. Even when she was nervous or upset, she carried herself with fortitude. And Logan, well, I could go on and on about him. What a complex character. I hope to see more of him throughout this series because he’s an onion with so many more layers.
Claire has said that this book is her favorite of all of the ones she’s written and I can see why. She not only told a unique story; she created a whole world with so many possibilities and limitless potential. I, for one, am so excited to see what comes next, but I have no doubt that it will be incredible.
Half Truths was incredible!!! So unique and interesting!!! This was a love story built around an intriguing amount of secrets and lies in Mae’s life. Logan, as much as I found myself wanting to dislike him (you’ll understand when you read) he was downright hard to resist!! The story behind the story was so good, and so unexpected!!! I could not put Half Truths down. Claire never fails to impress
5.5 Stars
Bouncing from genre to genre doesn’t always work out for some authors, but somehow Claire Contreras has perfected it. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her darker side come out, but she just delivered her best book yet!
The moment I read this blurb I knew I needed to read it, and within the first few pages I was completely hooked. I couldn’t put it down, and definitely had a few sleepless nights between staying up reading and the crazy dreams it left me with!
Half Truths delves into the world of secret societies, something completely different than I’ve ever read. Full of suspense, twists & turns, it is a thrilling story of secrets. lies & love. While some plot points were predictable, most of the story was a complete mystery and had me begging for answers.
The writing was perfect and absolutely addicting, and my only complaint is I want more!
I loved the characters, Mae & Logan both intriguing and more than what they appear to be. The side characters were perfect additions, and I already have my suspicions (and hopes!) on who else might be getting a story.
This is an exciting, rollercoaster ride of suspense and I loved every minute of it! I can’t wait for more in this world, and can only hope it’s picked up by Netflix – it will definitely be the next binge-worthy show!
4.5 stars
A quick, fast paced read!! If you love to read romantic suspense then this book is for you!! You’ll love Mae and Logan as Mae tries to navigate her way into these secret societies.
Absolutely devoured Half-Truths from beginning to end. I love that Claire likes to mix her books up a bit and I think she just found her knack of writing suspense romance. I support this 100%.
Half-Truths turned out to be one of those one-sitting kind of reads. Claire did a fantastic job keeping you hooked the entire time. There’s quite a bit of mystery going on and the prologue definitely sets everything up.
I loved Mae almost instantly, despite growing up with everything at her beck and call. She has accepted it and loves proving people wrong that she’s more than that rich girl. It actually brings up some fun banter between her and Logan. I admired how driven she was and her bond with her brother was the absolute best. And she’s wicked smart, which is another attribute that soooo many didn’t even realize.
Logan, THE book boyfriends of book boyfriends. He’s a mystery in itself and that definitely is a huge draw, and a bit sexy, if you ask me. There’s just something sooooo alluring about him and I was here for all of it. And when it comes to Logan and Mae, you know, when you know. Ahhhh, swooooon for days!
I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns, I felt like I was alongside Mae trying to figure out the truth behind everything. I know this book one is a series, but I’m not entirely sure what the series story arc is. But I’m certain we won’t see the last of these two and the secret societies. I can’t wait for the next book!
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**
Claire Contreras
Woah! What did I just read?!? What an amazing ride! If you want an amazing, addictive, edge of your seat read, with a hot Alpha… THIS IS IT! My emotions were all over the place while I read this! So freaking good! I could not put it down.
Intrigue and mystery with sizzling chemistry. This is a must read!
It All Began With A Blood Oath…Then Forevermore
A secret society, suspense, twists you won’t see coming and a hot, broody hockey god makes for my newest 5 Star Addiction!
Amelia is the new girl on campus. It’s her senior year and after breaking up with her boyfriend, she’s transferred to a new college. Her pursuit is journalism, so her focus is getting a job at the school paper.
Never did she plan to take on sports reporting but being the newbie, that’s the job offered. Now she’ll be up close and personal with Logan. He’s headed to the NHL and treated like royalty on campus. He has no shortage of bedmates, but doesn’t do relationships. Pursuing the new girl has become his mission and age’s not about to make it easy.
Amelia had wanted to do some investigative reporting because a girl on campus is missing. The girl disappeared without a trace and no one seems to be looking for her. Amelia wants the truth, but no one is talking.
A secret society recruitment provides opportunity and all their hidden depravity comes to light. You won’t see it coming.
I was totally captivated by this story. I am a fan of secret society’s and hot manwhores who turn into smitten boyfriends. There was intrigue and intense chemistry. Logan and Amelia had an amazing connection and you felt their intensity! I had strong feelings about her side characters, whether it was love or hate. I will definitely be coming back for more!
The fear ! The thrill ! The anticipation ! My heart was beating so fast. This entire book just blew my mind! Half Truths continuously had me guessing and keeping my senses on edge. What an emotionally and mentally stimulating story. I honestly couldn’t get enough!!!