📖 Overview
Samantha Strattan's life changes when her mother moves them in with her wealthy boyfriend and his two sons. As the new girl at Fallen Crest High School, Sam must navigate an unfamiliar social landscape while living under the same roof as Mason and Logan Kade - two of the most popular and influential students.
The Kade brothers protect Sam as she faces hostility from classmates who resent her connection to them. Athletics, parties, and complex relationships shape their daily lives at school, while tensions simmer at home as they adjust to their new family dynamic.
Family loyalty, romance, and social hierarchies intertwine in this contemporary young adult story set in a privileged high school community. The novel examines themes of trust, belonging, and the bonds that form when unexpected circumstances bring people together.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a dramatic high school romance with themes of bullying, family dynamics, and intense relationships. The book maintains a 4.1/5 rating on Goodreads from 56,000+ ratings.
Readers appreciated:
- Fast-paced, addictive storytelling
- Complex family relationships
- Strong character development of Mason and Logan
- Raw emotional intensity
Common criticisms:
- Unrealistic portrayal of high school life
- Main character Sam comes across as immature
- Excessive drama and angst
- Problematic handling of bullying situations
Many reviewers noted they finished the book in one sitting despite its flaws. Several called it a "guilty pleasure read." Multiple readers compared it to other young adult dramas but noted this one has more mature content.
Amazon: 4.4/5 from 2,300+ reviews
Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 from 800+ reviews
"The relationship dynamics pulled me in even when the plot seemed far-fetched," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. Another noted: "The writing isn't sophisticated but the story is addictive."
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The Deal by Elle Kennedy A hockey team captain and an academic overachiever strike a tutoring deal that evolves into an unexpected connection amid college politics and sports rivalries.
Bully by Penelope Douglas A student returns to her hometown to face her former tormentor who has transformed into the school's powerful leader.
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire A college freshman becomes caught between her structured life and an underground fighting champion who pursues her relentlessly.
After by Anna Todd A freshman college student's world shifts when she meets a brooding rebel who challenges her relationships and beliefs.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy A hockey team captain and an academic overachiever strike a tutoring deal that evolves into an unexpected connection amid college politics and sports rivalries.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎭 "Fallen Crest High" was originally self-published by Tijan in 2013 before becoming a massive success and launching a series that spans multiple books.
📚 The book sparked a new subgenre in Young Adult fiction often called "High School Bully Romance," which has since become increasingly popular.
💫 Author Tijan (who uses only one name professionally) began writing on FictionPress.com before transitioning to publishing original novels.
🏃♀️ The story's main character, Samantha, is a cross-country runner, and the sport plays a significant role in her character development and the overall plot.
📱 The book gained significant popularity through word-of-mouth on social media platforms, particularly BookTok (TikTok's book community), years after its initial release.