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Secret Society #1
Her Striker
Drew Maxwell walked away from his rich and privileged life, vowing never to return. He didn't want the life his politically powerful and corrupt father wanted for him. But, when Drew’s brother died under mysterious circumstances at their father’s alma mater, he knew he had to get answers. Transferring to the one place he never wanted to attend, Drew came to Stonewall University determined to discover what happened to his brother and to bring to justice to those who were responsible. He didn’t expect to find the one girl who had broken his heart.
Gwen Mason fled her family home and the oppression and abuse of her parents. Receiving a full scholarship to Stonewall University seemed like a dream come true. The opportunity gave her a chance at a new start with the freedom to find herself without being under her parents rule. Her life had finally gotten back on track until she ran into Drew Maxwell, the guy who had abandoned her years before. He was no longer her safe haven and the one she turned to when life got too difficult. The boy she had loved turned into a stoic and cruel man who wants nothing to do with her. She's determined to ignore him, because after all, she didn't need him any longer... or so she hoped.
Gwen Mason fled her family home and the oppression and abuse of her parents. Receiving a full scholarship to Stonewall University seemed like a dream come true. The opportunity gave her a chance at a new start with the freedom to find herself without being under her parents rule. Her life had finally gotten back on track until she ran into Drew Maxwell, the guy who had abandoned her years before. He was no longer her safe haven and the one she turned to when life got too difficult. The boy she had loved turned into a stoic and cruel man who wants nothing to do with her. She's determined to ignore him, because after all, she didn't need him any longer... or so she hoped.
215 pages, ebook
First published September 16, 2021
134 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 1, 2021
Drew and Gwen have known each other for years, both children of powerful men, and with a common hate for them. They both leave their parents to start a new life at college.
Crew leaves first and asks Gwen to come with him but she had been too frightened and didn’t go, although only a week later and after her father offered her as a whore for his associates, she leaves with a scholarship to Stonewall.
This couple exchange messages and emails but neither of them receive responses.
So when Drew changes university in the last year and starts in Stonewall he doesn’t want to know anything about Gwen, he has only come to investigate the suspicious death of his brother Landon.
Due to the Scorpio Society, Gwen and Drew begin to spend more time together, they clear things up and resume their relationship, but their parents and the Scorpio Society haven’t finished with them yet.
A story that hooks you from the beginning and leaves me wanting to read the second book to see how the story continues.
December 13, 2021
Gwen has escaped her oppressive home life after discovering what her father's plans for her future involved. Making her way through school at Stonewall University is something she's proud of. She helps coach young tennis players and keeps her nose in her books, staying the course to the life she wants, the one she's fought to control and make on her own. It's easy to stay focused because she has no other interests, not since her heart was broken by the one guy she thought she'd be spending her future with. Having that love crushed leaves behind a bitter taste, so she's ready to move forward without looking back. Until he transfers to the university...
Drew knows in his heart that his brother's death wasn't suicide, and it wasn't an accident. No one will give him the answers he wants and needs to gain closure, so he transfers to the school his father wanted him to attend in the first place but not for those reasons. His brother was pledging a secret society, and Drew is sure it is connected to his brother's death. He's one of the hottest soccer players of his age, so getting in and digging up the dirt that weighs heavy on his heart should be easy. Since the girl he loved ruined him for love, he has no reason to worry about doing whatever it takes to get him where he needs to be so he can uncover the truth. Then he sees Gwen...
I was thrilled when I found out that this author was venturing out from her YA paranormal beginnings to write an NA contemporary story. She's such a fabulous storyteller that I knew this would be a terrific move for her, and I wasn't disappointed. The characters have a definite connection. The incidents match the age range and college life as I remember it. The idea of a secret society under the surface reminds me of the Luminati, so it isn't far-fetched. I fell in love with the secondary characters just as much, and I'm looking forward to seeing whether she takes their stories anywhere when this set of books is finished. It ends in a great cliffhanger that makes me want to read the next book.
Drew knows in his heart that his brother's death wasn't suicide, and it wasn't an accident. No one will give him the answers he wants and needs to gain closure, so he transfers to the school his father wanted him to attend in the first place but not for those reasons. His brother was pledging a secret society, and Drew is sure it is connected to his brother's death. He's one of the hottest soccer players of his age, so getting in and digging up the dirt that weighs heavy on his heart should be easy. Since the girl he loved ruined him for love, he has no reason to worry about doing whatever it takes to get him where he needs to be so he can uncover the truth. Then he sees Gwen...
I was thrilled when I found out that this author was venturing out from her YA paranormal beginnings to write an NA contemporary story. She's such a fabulous storyteller that I knew this would be a terrific move for her, and I wasn't disappointed. The characters have a definite connection. The incidents match the age range and college life as I remember it. The idea of a secret society under the surface reminds me of the Luminati, so it isn't far-fetched. I fell in love with the secondary characters just as much, and I'm looking forward to seeing whether she takes their stories anywhere when this set of books is finished. It ends in a great cliffhanger that makes me want to read the next book.
July 13, 2023
Gwen & Drew were high school sweethearts until Drew left her and everyone else. Gwen left her family too and headed to college on a scholarship. She broke free and tried to contact Drew, but he never responded. He apparently walked away from her too. Slowly she moved on, but in her senior year, he shows up at her college. He hates her. She doesn't know why and she no longer cares. Until things come to light and they sit down and talk. Can she trust him? Will he disappear again?
Great, just who he doesn't want to see - Gwen. No doubt she'll report back to his family every move he makes. No thanks! Drew was only at this college to find out what happened to his brother Landon. A secret society on campus is breathing down his neck. With the help of his BFF Dead, he realizes that he needs to chat with Gwen and see what really happened. Things aren't adding up and he needs answers from her. But what he doesn't know is that his new life at Blackstone University is going to not only hurt him, but Gwen too. Can he live with himself if anything happened to Gwen?
This is a fast-paced book with amazing characters. Not a lot of spice, but a lot of action. I'm ready to read book #2!! I need to know what is going to happen to everyone! I hope Sam & Dean get a story and possibly Jeff!! Oh yeah
Great, just who he doesn't want to see - Gwen. No doubt she'll report back to his family every move he makes. No thanks! Drew was only at this college to find out what happened to his brother Landon. A secret society on campus is breathing down his neck. With the help of his BFF Dead, he realizes that he needs to chat with Gwen and see what really happened. Things aren't adding up and he needs answers from her. But what he doesn't know is that his new life at Blackstone University is going to not only hurt him, but Gwen too. Can he live with himself if anything happened to Gwen?
This is a fast-paced book with amazing characters. Not a lot of spice, but a lot of action. I'm ready to read book #2!! I need to know what is going to happen to everyone! I hope Sam & Dean get a story and possibly Jeff!! Oh yeah
September 24, 2021
Her Striker was an amazing book to read. I loved that Gwen is a strong well established character in the story when it starts. I love that Gwen and Drew started off as "enemies" post lovers turned back to lovers. They had a natural and semi-natural problem in their relationship (miscommunication and manipulative parents) that destroyed years of could have been happiness. In the end it work out for them. One key thing that struck me was the secret society. It appears that Drew's little brother was possibly murdered by someone in the secret society. We only learn a few things about the people who make up the secret society but it makes you question what's gonna happen next. Adrian and Abby are two characters who seem to be part of the secret society and I know I can't wait to learn more about them. Also who is Dominic
and how does he tie into everything? Gwen and Drew's friends Sam and Dean played a big role in supporting them and helping them in times of need which is always nice. I love that they are loyal and strong characters as well in the book. Plus who can't get on board with some funny military men to top the book off. I honestly enjoyed this book. It was a breath of fresh air, and I can't wait to read the next one!
and how does he tie into everything? Gwen and Drew's friends Sam and Dean played a big role in supporting them and helping them in times of need which is always nice. I love that they are loyal and strong characters as well in the book. Plus who can't get on board with some funny military men to top the book off. I honestly enjoyed this book. It was a breath of fresh air, and I can't wait to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
Great introduction to a new series! I am looking forward to book two.
Drew Maxwell and Gwen Mason have both had abusive pasts, but they are longtime childhood friends. That is, until a miscommunication comes between them. They both go their separate ways until unintentionally meeting again during their last year of college. Drew transfers into the college Gwen is attending to look into the death of his younger brother, Landon.
After discovering a secret society as well as the depravity of their families, Drew and Gwen attempt to find the truth about their past as well as the death of Landon. Can they resolve their past to see if they have a future? Can they be proven as "worthy"? Read and find out!
Drew Maxwell and Gwen Mason have both had abusive pasts, but they are longtime childhood friends. That is, until a miscommunication comes between them. They both go their separate ways until unintentionally meeting again during their last year of college. Drew transfers into the college Gwen is attending to look into the death of his younger brother, Landon.
After discovering a secret society as well as the depravity of their families, Drew and Gwen attempt to find the truth about their past as well as the death of Landon. Can they resolve their past to see if they have a future? Can they be proven as "worthy"? Read and find out!
March 4, 2023
This is a good read
Drew and Gwen fell out 3 years ago, both thinking the other left them without any further communication. 💔
He ends up transferring to the same university as her, but sparks fly because of their hurt feelings.
They both end up at a sports sponsorship evening, although Gwen us uncomfortable. Drew is there to try and find out how his brother died! Their father's turn up, and Gwen's turns nasty attacks her, but Drew protects her, and they realise they have feelings for each other. Much more happens, but they're spoilers! Suffice to say it makes them realise that they still have deep feelings for each other. Onwards and upwards to book 2 now
Well worth the read
Drew and Gwen fell out 3 years ago, both thinking the other left them without any further communication. 💔
He ends up transferring to the same university as her, but sparks fly because of their hurt feelings.
They both end up at a sports sponsorship evening, although Gwen us uncomfortable. Drew is there to try and find out how his brother died! Their father's turn up, and Gwen's turns nasty attacks her, but Drew protects her, and they realise they have feelings for each other. Much more happens, but they're spoilers! Suffice to say it makes them realise that they still have deep feelings for each other. Onwards and upwards to book 2 now
Well worth the read
January 13, 2023
I liked this series. Drew and Gwen were close when they were younger, but lost communication and then hated each other. That whole plot was a little rough. I was glad to see them come back together. I felt like this series could have been condensed into only 1 or 2 books, but it’s not like 3 books is a big deal. I thought the changing perspectives were nice but got a bit confusing when some people only had like one little blurb in their perspective. Just nit picky things. Overall I liked it enough and might read another series by this author.
September 22, 2021
This was such a good book! Gwen and Drew are separated by misunderstanding brought back together by tragedy. Gwen has spent 3 years of her college life mourning a lost love. After his brother suspicious death Drew changes colleges to investigate. With Drew and Gwen now attending the same college they find out things aren't as black and white as they thought. With the help of some friends they must face both a secret society and Gwen's awful father.
June 3, 2022
A good story
The writing is a little jumbled, having people's point of views kind of all at once, but it wasn't confusing at least. It's also a pretty good story itself. I recommend giving it a go. You don't need to be a sports fan at all, but it's good if you like romance, a bit of mystery, there's kidnapping, etc.
The writing is a little jumbled, having people's point of views kind of all at once, but it wasn't confusing at least. It's also a pretty good story itself. I recommend giving it a go. You don't need to be a sports fan at all, but it's good if you like romance, a bit of mystery, there's kidnapping, etc.
November 7, 2022
decent read
Not sure I would call this an enemies to lovers story but still a decent read. I’m not sure if I’ll read the second book as wasn’t blown away by this one. I though it was a bit far fetched with all the other side stories.
The characters were okay though - maybe the books about the military team would be better suited to me.
Not sure I would call this an enemies to lovers story but still a decent read. I’m not sure if I’ll read the second book as wasn’t blown away by this one. I though it was a bit far fetched with all the other side stories.
The characters were okay though - maybe the books about the military team would be better suited to me.
August 19, 2021
For her first foray into contemporary romance suspense Charlene has a hit on her hands. It's like she's always wrote this types of stories. Her Striker was amazing. I Love Drew and Gwen and can't wait to read the next book of the series. I was hooked from page one.
June 18, 2022
Well now.
That was not what I was expecting but man did I love it. Secrets, death, evil family and craziness are all what you will find it this awesome read. Can’t wait for the next book.
That was not what I was expecting but man did I love it. Secrets, death, evil family and craziness are all what you will find it this awesome read. Can’t wait for the next book.
September 11, 2022
A very good read
The story line is enthralling. The author manages to pull you in and keeps you engaged throughout the whole book. I would recommend that this book be made into a movie.
The story line is enthralling. The author manages to pull you in and keeps you engaged throughout the whole book. I would recommend that this book be made into a movie.
February 15, 2023
it has captured my interest.
A little bit different to the usual enemies to lovers romance, with a murder mystery thrown in that makes the story line more interesting. Overall it’s enough to keep me interested and continue on to book 2.
A little bit different to the usual enemies to lovers romance, with a murder mystery thrown in that makes the story line more interesting. Overall it’s enough to keep me interested and continue on to book 2.
April 19, 2023
I think the book itself is fine and the plot is what caught my eye originally, what I struggled with is the way it was laid out, the multiple POVs within a chapter - it jumped a lot. Also it felt a little stilted and it didn’t feel like it naturally developed.
August 17, 2021
Well writter , fast flowing ,action adventure .This story keeps you riveted to the pages powerful characters, great plot ,easily one of the best reads I've read this month.
September 27, 2021
Her Striker was action packed from start to finish. The mystery of “who done it” had me wanting more with every turn of the page!
November 13, 2021
Not for me
I just didn't buy in to any of this. I felt like the story was superficial, and had little angst and tension.
I just didn't buy in to any of this. I felt like the story was superficial, and had little angst and tension.
November 18, 2023
Five *
It was a very exciting read, well written and many factors that kept me interested. I'm going in the second book.
It was a very exciting read, well written and many factors that kept me interested. I'm going in the second book.
August 20, 2021
“Her Striker” by Charlene Raquel was amazing. I was captivated right away. The secret society story of Drew and Gwen reminds me a little bit of the movie “The Skulls”. I love these types of stories, finding out who murder a loved one and all that comes with the investigation, especially when a secret society is involved. Charlene captures this story so well in the first book. Drew and Gwen are well developed characters, and their friends are amazing side characters. The dynamic between the M/F main characters is well written and enjoyable. I really like the direction Charlene is taking them. The story is intense which I love and there are a few surprises. I look forward to the next book.
November 25, 2021
My Ranking 5 stars
Sometimes you just need a good, lovers to enemies to lovers again type of book. I’ve read some of this Author’s other work under another name. She is phenomenal. I have to say I LOVE her as a romance Author. I really enjoyed how strong the main character was. Gwen and her love interest Drew really need to work on communication. I wanted to scream at Drew several times because he was so pig-headed and stubborn. They both were really. But it didn’t change how much I liked them and their chemistry. I can’t wait to learn more about the secret society that is basically ruling everyone’s lives. I also LOVED the couples’ best friends, Sam, and Dean. Dean is this like nerdy hot guy. I think he’s by far my favorite!
I would recommend this book to others. I can’t wait to get book 2 and dive in.
Sometimes you just need a good, lovers to enemies to lovers again type of book. I’ve read some of this Author’s other work under another name. She is phenomenal. I have to say I LOVE her as a romance Author. I really enjoyed how strong the main character was. Gwen and her love interest Drew really need to work on communication. I wanted to scream at Drew several times because he was so pig-headed and stubborn. They both were really. But it didn’t change how much I liked them and their chemistry. I can’t wait to learn more about the secret society that is basically ruling everyone’s lives. I also LOVED the couples’ best friends, Sam, and Dean. Dean is this like nerdy hot guy. I think he’s by far my favorite!
I would recommend this book to others. I can’t wait to get book 2 and dive in.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews