Riveting from the start. Intricate plot, lots of twists, and characters you want to disapprove of but like too much to do so. Fast-paced and full of surprises. Really enjoyed this book.

Lucca’s character was well developed exhibiting behavior consistent with her traits, predilections, and thought processes. Her sharp street-smarts were astute to point where her machinations superseded my anticipations. Aside from that her self-confidence was so acute that no courage was needed even though she thought otherwise. Her attitude was a clear result of her strong relationship with her mother. She knew that she was loved. That love superseded any feral fear that would’ve been healthy in such a situation not knowing what she was up against. With aplomb her attitude didn’t allow concession in thinking that Mr. Smith was beyond her reach. On the contrary she assumed herself to be an equal knowing that all she had to do to escape was to figure out how to do it. There’s always time to make a decision before acting no matter how small. She always took that time. I must admit that I didn’t figure out who Mr. Smith was and was definitely duped by her, Amy, and Devon’s deception. That was a surprise. As the reader will find out the title of the book is to inform one that the only way to success is preparation preemptive establishment. Having said all of this Lucca isn’t really a hero. She is a faulty character because she is a criminal engaged in wrongful behavior. But, as always people are complex and the reader eventually identifies with her plight and sentiments. In a lot of our culture including literature, bemoaning pain of broken relationships, hardship, and most of all our own failures is very common. But, it doesn’t have to be that we way. We can live a life of principle and light. If we study such works as Proverbs and take them to heart it is possible to have happiness, satisfaction, and purpose. A slight criticism that I have is that the book ends like a TV episode. I can almost hear the cheesy music playing in the background when everything is wrapped up in a neat bow and all the characters are chumming around together as the villain is carted away getting what he deserves in the end. Even germination of the complex relationship between her and Ryan blooms at the end is wrapped up in the most simple manner as if the author was tying up a loose end in the story after it was such a central pivotal point at the beginning and throughout the story. But, it was so much more than that. It was the catalyst that inspired her to strive for something better and more meaningful. Nevertheless, it was a page turner in the way it written. For that it gets five stars.

I bought the paperback before realizing that the paperback was large text only, so I switched for hardcover. I wish the paperback had a normal font size option at the time I purchased 4.5⭐️ There were so many twists and turns that kept me guessing right up through the last paragraph of the book. The plot was incredibly detailed and it was easy to read and understand. The time jumps added to the story and each one had a clear purpose to add to the backstory. Every paragraph was intentional and detailed and I really enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed (well, some were as developed as they could be given the characters career choice, but the main players were detailed) and it was easy to connect with the story. The writing style was absolutely perfect!

I'd give 4 stars to the book iteslf. Is it a book spending money on? I'd give that a 1/2. So 3 it is. I wanted to check this out from the library, but my situation was time sensitive and there was a very long wait. It was a fun book. Worth the read, but definitely not worth buying and owning a copy. I'm picky about books that are worth spending actual money on though. If buying books is your thing..... This is a rather entertaining book. You do need a suspension of disbelief, but if you can get to that it's a really fun read. There are so many improbable/questionable things, but somehow the aurhor made me not care about them and want to take the ride. Characters are developed nicely enough. There are lots of twists, some cleverly moving the story in an interesting direction. Beyond plot, there is just something about the way this book is layed out that makes it fun. I love the timing of this book. The author managed to give me exactly the right information at exactly the right time. I figured things out just before I read it. So it was fun figuring it out but not so early that it became tiring and dull. This happened at several points throughout the book. It was actually pretty impressive how the author was able to work everything through the plot in the way she did.

Enjoyed another one of Greece's book club picks! Interesting held my attention and picked up speed along the way. Finished it in 1day.

I went into this book thinking I'd love it but struggled for the first half. I just struggled to get into it. Not really sure why as the characters are great and the story solid. I almost put it down but decided to keep with it till the halfway point. Man, am I glad I did!! For me, at the halfway point, this thing took off like a rocket and I finished the book in a single afternoon of "can't put it down " reading! Keep with it if you're struggling at the start. Hopefully, my problems at the beginning are just me. A good read.

When I first started reading I didn't really know that much about the book. I trust Reese Witherspoon selections so I decided this would be good to try. It started out like a typical women's drama. But it doesn't take long before you know this book has way more to offer! In fact, it is not long before you reach the point of not being able to put it down! Wow! Didn't see that coming. You are in for a great ride. The characters are well developed and well defined. The settings are real (I live in the south so I know it well). The plot is new and different and exciting. And spoiler alert - I love the ending. Can't wait until a film version comes out. I hope it will do justice to the deserving book. Will be following this author.