Reading Metrics
Description
Leah Jones, a senior at a South Carolina high school, dreams of escaping her trailer-park life and indifferent mother by pursuing a future as a pilot. After her flight instructor hires her to tow advertising banners, she sees a way out, but when he dies, his two sons quiet Alec and wild Grayson take over, and Grayson blackmails her into staying on, putting her in danger. As Leah contends with the brothers' rivalry and the risky demands of the business, she must decide how far she'll go to keep her dreams alive.
Quick Summary
Leah's love for flying gives her a sense of freedom that she can't get at home, where her mom is mostly absent. When a charismatic but dangerous classmate named Grayson blackmails her into helping him with a shady job, Leah's safe sky-high world suddenly turns into a high-stakes game of trust and survival. The story mixes romance, suspense, and a dash of dark humor, and Echols' snappy dialogue keeps the pages turning even when the tension spikes. Teens who enjoy a fast-paced contemporary romance with a hint of thriller will find this a quick, satisfying read, especially if they liked the witty, relatable voice in "Going Too Far." Parents should be aware that the book is set in upper-grade high school and includes occasional profanity, some sexual tension, and references to drug use, all of which are handled in a realistic but not overly graphic way. Because the plot revolves around a dangerous secret and the risk of deadly outcomes, it can feel both thrilling and a little intense, but the underlying themes of friendship, self-discovery, and following your passion make it worthwhile.