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"But, as I stood there, my gaze on the licks of the flame, I realized I didn't know a thing about responsibility. And worse, I didn't want it. If being responsible for someone was going to make me feel this helpless, I'd rather not have it, because as she stepped toward the fire and stood still on the other side of it, my heart leaped into my throat. I knew that there were only two things I could do and both ensured the same outcome: we were all doomed."

Well, this might be the most difficult review I write this year, and for two reasons: first, because I jumped right into book 2 in the series, so I can offer you little insight into how the series started (although this installment reads well as a standalone), and two, because this book is a landmine of spoilers, full of twists and turns galore. Oh, you think you've read twisty thrillers before? Think again. This one has new reveals in just about every single chapter, and this it the type of whiplash that I can get behind.

Yes, if you're jumping into this on your own time, I have a feeling that the secret societies are discussed in greater depth in [b:Half Truths|53131409|Half Truths (Secret Society, #1)|Claire Contreras|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1571690835l/53131409._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73354728], so if you're wanting the greatest level of detail and explanation, I would start there, but if you are just looking for an intense mystery featuring secret societies and perhaps some nefarious other institutions as well? Look no further. This is technically romantic suspense, but I would really say that the focus is more on the suspense with a sprinkling of young love thrown in. If you're the least bit curious about this book, please take a chance on it, because I was completely surprised from beginning to end on how this story played out.

*Many thanks to the author and Valentine PR for my review copy.