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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Half Truths is this perfect narrative constructed by some of my favourite tropes—secret societies, enemies to lovers and college sports—beautifully weaved together and set within an eerie, sinister environment that clutched every fibre of my being without remorse. Carefully crafted, Claire Contreras delivered a suspense-filled romance that left me on edge, wondering what questions will be answered and secrets unveiled as each page flew by in the most riveting blur ever.
“He had a mysterious aura about him that matched his namesake.”
I’m in absolute love with Logan Fitzgerald, a perpetually brooding hero surrounded by an aura of alluring mystery and captivating intrigue. Mean and detached though somehow charming, Fitz’s disinterested attitude is overshadowed by an unforeseen softer, sweeter side hidden beneath the complex multi-facets he possesses. Receiving glimpses of this unattainable hero left me an unashamed wanton mess, desperate to have more of this conceited character because there’s nothing better than having a mean yet romantic hero.
“He left a lot to the imagination. Maybe that was it. He gave just enough to pique interest, but not enough to satisfy.”
Amelia Bastón’s characterisation truthfully astounded me. She’s more than just a ‘rich girl’ surrounded by materialism and superficiality. Mae’s determination to become more, to achieve her dreams beyond her family’s desires is an admirable and relatable quality that will resonate with readers. Furthermore, her irrevocable love for her brother is an endearment. Combined with an unfettered resolve to uncover some hidden truths unveils a character that’s fierce and intelligent and ambitious; a woman who loves wholly and unconditionally.
“I want you forever, Amelia,” he said against my hair. “And forevermore after that.”
Started as enemies, but turned into lovers, Fitz and Mae’s connection transitioned with such a delicious slow burn, my heart ached to have more once the torture finished. Despite the constant bickering and bantering, the sexual tension and chemistry between them kindled and crackled into something undeniable as it flared across the pages. Even though the romance doesn’t dominate the narrative, Fitz and Mae’s bond progresses naturally and beautifully.
Countless secrets and creative foreshadowing increase the tension and suspense tenfold flowing through this intricate narrative. I’m in absolute love with enemies to lovers and the feature of secret societies and college sports made me more enamoured than I anticipated with Half Truths. It’s as if my heart waited for something this brilliant, a faultless blend of romance and thriller, to be written for years.
This is by far the best book from this author! she knocked it out of the park with this one! go into this book with your eyes wide open, expect the unexpected and be prepare for the many twists and turns the story is going to give you because you will not see them coming!
I have been SOOO excited to read this. When it became available on audible early I immediately one clicked and I devoured this book! (I am still waiting on the ebook to hit my kindle as well as the paperback I pre-ordered to arrive, yes this book I needed to have in ALL formats!)
My secret society obsessed heart was so captivated by this story. Ms. Contreras really grabs you from the very beginning. You can not stop reading because you just need to know more!
I never ever give any details because I hate spoiling anything and this story definitely needs its secrets to be kept within this book!! I can’t say it enough this is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ!
Wow!
This story was fast-paced and it had your attention since the very beginning. It was wonderful. I definitely recommend this book, and this author.
3.5 Stars
Days after finishing this book and I’m still undecided on my feelings and rating for it.
But I’ve got to try and put my feelings into a review. So here goes:
I didn’t enjoy this first 60% of this book, it was slow and I couldn’t connect with the characters properly. I felt like we had everything thrown at us at the beginning. In a new school, these werid people walking round in cloacks, a missing girl, Mae brother’s accident. I dunno. It just seemed like a lot. Then through in there that Logan, plays hockey and I’m not even sure what genre of book we have here.
Anyway, the things I like are: the last 40%, the book just felt like it took a whole different turn on the storyline. I enjoyed the characters a lot more, actually started to root for them. I kind of knew who that “bag guy” was going to be. I’ve read a lot of thrillers/mystery/suspence books and some of them are just easy to spot. But I didn’t figure out the why. I did find myself sitting on the edge of my seat and ignoring real life to kind out what was going to happen.
By the end I loved the characters, and the relationship they had developed, we definatley need a follow on book as there is still loads of questions we need answers to.
Logan and Mae’s story was simply fantastic! It was layered and complex. It was emotional and explosive. It had me hooked from page one through to the end. I have always been a fan of this author but this story just took it up a notch. It’s a hard one to review without giving away spoilers. I will say it’s one of the very best kind of enemies to lovers I’ve ever read. Definitely recommend.
Wow! This book was riveting!!! Legit, once you start, it is so hard to put down (even when you’re at work and supposed to be, you know, working). It had a little bit of everything in it – beautiful smart woman starting her senior year at a new college, cocky arrogant hot guy who acts like a jerk that’s pretty much the king on campus, new friends (though some seem a little off), new opportunities, and a little investigation to throw into the mix. As things move along, Mr. Arrogant Jerk becomes more then a pain in the a**, secrets are revealed, and more mysteries & secrets pop up. I loved this all around! Lots of feels in here (my eyes leaked more than I expected them too-again, not good at work). And I totally loved Amelia & Logan. Her with her strength & loyalty, love & fierceness. And him, well, pretty much everything. Completely fell for Logan. 100%. This is an absolute must read!!
My first thoughts after finishing HALF TRUTHS was HOLY S! My second was that I wanted more!!! I couldn’t believe it when I reached the end. I kept starting at my iPad willing more pages to materialize. I’m a huge fan of Ms. Contreras and this is my favorite book to date. HALF TRUTHS has the perfect mixture of romance and suspense. I loved Amelia and loved Logan even more. I love this twisted world she came up with and I’m hoping we”ll see more of it in the future. I loved Logan hardcore and was constantly on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop. My favorite thing about this book (besides him ….swoon) is that it was unpredictable. I had no clue where this story was going or what the twist was until the second the author wanted me to. Bravo! A must read.
Claire Contreras takes everything you think you know about her writing style and blows it UP in this book. You’re left with a book that sets you on a chase to find out what happened to Lana Le and Lincoln Bastòn.
First, Contreras introduces you to Amelia “Mae” Bastòn, a college senior who transferred from Duke to an Ivy League-ish school in upstate New York to be closer to her brother Lincoln. It helps that her father, a media magnate, and two other older brothers graduated from the school. She also is in heavy pursuit of the truth behind the disappearance of Lana Le, a classmate of Lincoln’s and someone Mae knows from high school.
Within the first chapter, Contreras piques your curiosity about secret societies, as well as a certain hot hockey player named Logan. Mae becomes convinced that the former had something to do with both Lana and her brother. As far as the latter is concerned, she isn’t sure she trusts him or her feelings about him.
Along the way, Contreras drops hints and clues about who’s manipulating whom, whose motives are not pure, and who knows the truth. I held my breath as I read parts of this book, terrified for what would happen to Mae, not to mention what would happen to Lincoln and what did happen to Lana.
From the first pages, you are launched straight into this story, and you will not be able to look away. Make sure you set aside a few hours to read Half-Truths because you will not want to put down this book until you’ve finished it.
Yes, there is a romance, but it’s secondary to everything else. You won’t even miss all the lovey-dovey stuff because Claire Contreras keeps you so preoccupied with Mae’s investigation. (I liked Logan a LOT, just so we’re clear on that. A whole lot.)
This is the first of a series, and I am HOOKED. Half-Truths is a stand-alone, so don’t worry about cliffhangers. Contreras immerses you deeply into the school, the secret societies, and her characters, and that’s what makes you excited to read the next book.
Now, stop what you’re doing and go get this book. When you finish, please come back, hit up the comments, and let me know what you think.
After the last page, all I can think about is “nnnnnooooo.” No this can’t be the last! I kept on swiping and swiping but no, there was no page to be swiped anymore. It was really the end. I need more Logan and Amelia! I NEED MORE *wailing* lol
I was waiting in dire anticipation for this book ever since the author announced of it’s existence… I was anxiously waiting… I’m an anxious person so imagine waiting for this baby to hit my kindle—well it definitely drove me crazy, lol.
It was all so worth it… It wasn’t what I expected. I’ve read most of her books over the years and this was different from the usual sweet and sexy… Don’t get me wrong, I love sweet and sexy but this one has a kick to it.
The pacing was great… the storyline held it’s uniqueness and the characters were all interesting and swoon-worthy… Despite the suspense, it was an easy read… it held my interest from the outset to the end. I would’ve wanted to read a much longer epilogue, but that’s the romantic sap in me talking.
I hope to read more of Logan and Amelia, and maybe read about Lincoln and the others in the future. I can’t wait! I’m already excited just thinking about it!
I definitely recommend! I can’t wait to be summoned again.
https://benderdreamergirl.blogspot.com/2019/10/half-truths-by-author-claire-contreras.html
Wannabe investigative reporter, Amelia Baston, switched universities in her senior year to be closer to her brother, Lincoln, after a horrific accident. Logan Fitzgerald, big time player on and off the ice is intrigued by Amelia’s lack of interest in him. Gee that’s a first.
Amelia is determined to get to the bottom of some very mysterious things her brother may have been involved in. Her interest in the secret societies does not go unnoticed by those who matter.
Half Truths is full of just that- omissions and intriguing, scandalous secrets. Surely there is more to come with the Secret Societies!
Oh wow! This book will have you on your toes trying to figure out all the details. So many twists and turns. I loved Logan and Mae. They really complimented each other. I just really love the concept of this book and hope there is more to come, it’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. You will definitely want to read this!! Arc provided for honest review.
A great slow burn romantic suspense storyline. You’ll be hooked from beginning to end. The twist and turns will have you guessing throughout this story. I loved the chemistry and banter between Logan and Amelia. Definitely worth the read!
„You scare the hell out of me. This scares the hell out of me.”
Do you know when you’re 100% sure you have just read one of the best books in the world? When after finishing said story you are completely speechless, and you only have one word in your head: WOW. That’s what Claire Contreras did to me. Half-Truths made me so impressed that I can’t use the right words to express my admiration. No matter how you describe your fascination and total enchantment, it won’t express the magic of what the author has given us.
This amazing story makes you fall into a rabbit hole and enter another world, which absorbs you in its entirety with its mystery and riddles. Together with the heroine, you try to find answers to bothering questions and you experience every twist and turn with your whole self. This book is a masterpiece that will take your breath away and keep you on the edge of your seat. Its intensity makes you shiver and also makes you completely forget about the world around you. There is no chance for a break during this read- the storyline is so addictive that you will not postpone this read even for a second. You’ll get caught up in a web of secret societies, mysteries, unexplained situations and lies. But you’ll also witness a wonderful romance that will fill your heart to the brim with emotions. I fell crazy in love with Logan, who’s such a complex and surprising hero. And Mae… This girl has my admiration and respect. They’re both such a fascinating and remarkable characters!
Half-Truths is captivating, mysterious and intriguing. It’s a perfect combination of romance and thriller, full of suspense and heat. Claire Contreras told this story in such a masterful way, that I’m utterly enchanted and addicted to the world she created. Although I’m completely satisfied with Mae and Logan’s story, I crave more. I have high hopes that Claire will meet my need to stay in this world and learn more about secondary characters. Must read!
Half Truths is hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!! I have always loved Claire’s writing but this book took it to another level. Amelia is a strong female lead and Logan is definitely all alpha. Their chemistry leaps off the pages. This book brought about all the feels; love, laughter, suspense, twists and turns… everything was perfection! I truly didn’t want this book to end. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!
Wow! What a refreshing and new take on romantic suspense. I wasn’t sure if a story with college age kids would really hold my interest but this is so much more than another college story.
It’s about human nature, it’s about stardom, it’s about money and privilege, it’s about secrets that last for generations and that’s just the big picture.
Logan and Amelia as a couple are such a sweet surprise. Their affection for each other isn’t immediate but the sparks are there and as they learn to trust one another, to find the answers they both need, their love take over. It is definitely a happily ever after but what a ride you go on….
Amelia was changing college her last year of school to find out what happened to her brother. Being invited to a secret society was her way to find out what happened to Lana. Meeting Logan was not in her plans. Texts messages from an unknown person and strange happening a around campus. Who can you trust and who can you believe. Wow such a great book! Once you start you will not be able to put down!!
My latest obsession in reading has been romantic suspense, and while this book is not specifically classified as a suspense, it involves a secret society so how could I pass it up? The prologue hooked me from the start and I was off and running!
This story takes place in college, so there’s plenty of new adult angst – you know the kind where the hero and heroine are attracted to each other, but don’t want to admit it and there’s all this jealousy when other people show interest in them but they’re going to be all stubborn about it? Yeah, there’s plenty of that in this story.
Amelia transfers to this new college for her senior year after a breakup with her boyfriend, and to investigate what happened with her older brother who also went to college there, plus a girl from high school who seems to have vanished with no clues. She’s heard rumors about the secret societies on campus and she’s convinced one of them is responsible for her brother’s accident and the girl’s disappearance. All of her leads seem to point to the star hockey player, Logan.
Logan is that guy – you know the ones that know they are “all that” and can get any girl they want but they act all aloof and standoffish and the girls just throw themselves at them? The type of guy that Mae can’t help but roll her eyes at. And trust me, she rolls her eyes at Logan ALOT. But she can’t seem to stay away from him, even when he’s got all these girls hanging all over him. Like I said, all kinds of young people angst! LOL
Mae is bound and determined to find out what happened to her high school friend, and find out if her brother had anything to do with her disappearance, and Logan is her key to getting into one of the secret societies, only once she gets in, she finds out all kinds of things that totally rock her world.
Claire takes the reader on a twisted ride to get answers, dangling carrots in front of us, little clues planted here and there that sometimes help us guess what’s coming next but more often than not, throw us off the trail completely. All I can say is hold on for the ride, it gets bumpy! I have to admit, I had a couple things figured out pretty quickly, but some other things took me by surprise and kudos to Claire for weaving such a complex story.
I wish the epilogue had been longer, there’s quite a few things I still need answers to, but as this is labeled as #1, I am guessing there will be more stories coming down the pipeline. If so, I can’t wait!!
OMG! I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!
Half-Truths is definitely one of a kind. Its a romance, mystery, thriller, and more. Amelia “Mae” Baston moves to her new college her senior year, and from the first day she notices that there are weird things going on. First she literally runs into Logan “Fitz” Fitzgerald, the most popular guy on campus and star hockey player, and then she realizes that the rumors of the school having “secret societies” is definitely true. She starts playing a dangerous game of trying to figure out what happened to Lena (a student who went missing the year prior).
The more entangled she gets into the past, the more it tries to entangle her into its tentacles and end her life as well.
What didn’t i like about this book?? Absolutely nothing! This was definitely one of THE BEST books I’ve read all year – I loved the intrigue and how it kept me on my toes until the very end. I will have to say that I wished the book had a bit more closure at the end, but it still was fantastic. I loved the romance between Logan and Mae too… I really do think that they are perfect for each other!!!
I definitely recommend this book if you want a good thriller/romance/mystery/etc to keep you entertained!!
I recieved an ARC of this book for an honest review.
The second I started this book I was completely hooked to the story. It had a very secretive, eerie, mysterious, and dark atmosphere. I was kind of hypnotized and I fully immersed myself into the story. I was intrigued and super curious about these secret societies and the black cloaked people walking around campus. The main character Amelia “Mae” Bastón has transferred to this new university, in her senior year, in search for answers about what happened to her older brother, who hightailed out of there, and her friend who seemingly disappeared into thin air. I put my investigator hat on and joined Mae on her journey for answers. I think she was a great character, who was also very smart, and very aware of her surroundings. I don’t like it when characters miss the most obvious hints, so I was really happy Mae wasn’t like that.
I had a lot of theories and suspects, and some of them I guessed right and others not. I like it when the story keeps me on the edge of my seat, and has twists and turns. This was definitely the case the first half of the book. However, while the story started with a very steady pace it felt rushed towards the end. Especially the relationship/romance was a bit rushed through. I would’ve liked a bit more chapters from the heroes POV, so I would’ve been able to connect better with him. I did feel the strong attraction between them, and I liked their interaction a lot. Mae definitely made him work hard for it. I am glad that Claire will write more books in this world, because I think there is still so much to be unraveled and told. She created a great foundation for this series, and also did a good job in introducing all the characters. I can’t wait to learn more about them and the secret societies they are a part of.