Print Length: 258 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (June 10, 2025)
From Goodreads.com: I need this girl to like me.
Meadow is a college student, quiet, studious, polite, and desperate for a cheap room to rent. That’s when she meets Lauren, who’s in need of a roommate. Lauren doesn’t require a credit check, a huge deposit, or a long lease. For Meadow, it’s not only a perfect arrangement—she believes that she’s found a new friend in Lauren, who generously takes Meadow under her wing.
Lauren gives Meadow clothes and a makeover, and introduces her to an affable social circle. For the first time on campus, Meadow feels like she belongs. It’s not really surprising. She and Lauren actually have a lot in common. They’re both liars. They both have secrets. But which one is willing to kill to keep her true self hidden?
*******************
My Rating: 2 stars out of 5
DISCLAIMER #1: It is important to know that this story is a REVISED edition of the original that was published January 19, 2018)
This book was just ..... weird. There is no other way of putting it.
First we have Meadow, who when we first meet her comes across as this desperate, willing to do anything to please young woman. Then we meet Lauren, who is well-off and the polar opposite of Meadow, but who quickly takes her under her wing (in more ways than one). At first it seems to be a power play - Lauren gives Meadow her cast off designer clothes that somehow fit perfectly despite them being described as having entirely different body types. Then she's paying for Meadow to get her hair done, and introducing Meadow to her friends.
But then suddenly the script seems to flip and now Meadow is going around stealing things that don't belong to her (and somehow justifying it) just so she can keep up with this lavish lifestyle that she has somehow gotten used to in a matter of weeks. This gave me pause as anyone who had grown up as poor as she supposedly did, would not be indulging in such frivolous purchases once a little bit of money came their way.
From here on out the story quickly becomes one of Meadow working her job (and resenting it) while she builds a friendship with one of her clients (which in and of itself was a red flag considering she said they weren't allowed to accept gifts of any kind and therefore worried about losing her job when her employer made her a cup of tea, but this is a detail quickly forgotten as the story progressed).
But then it spirals. And by the time you reach the end (if you're like me) you're sitting there in equal parts 'really?' and 'what the heck?' as NOTHING about it makes sense. If I had been several years younger (college age like these characters), this one might have worked better for me, but as it stands it was all fluff with no substance. To be honest, I'm not even sure what Meadow's "secret" was other than the fact she has no personality of her own.
On the plus side, it was a quick read that I finished in a day so if you're looking for something to pass the time on a rainy day, this one might be for you.
DISCLAIMER #2: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Post a Comment
0 Comments