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Rainey Paxton #2

A Little High

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A child’s life ruined by her parent’s addiction. A sister’s vow that can’t be broken.

First came the shocking story of Rainey Paxton being born addicted to heroin, and the sacrifices she made to accommodate her parents’ reckless lifestyle. Now comes the terrifying, extraordinary novel that picks up after Rainey’s release from juvenile detention.

With no money, and lost in a section of North Philadelphia dominated by gangs and violence, Rainey won’t accept that it may be too late to save Ivy. Instead, she pushes all limits to fight for her sister, surrendering herself to keep her vow.

When Rainey finds her eight-year-old sister Ivy, she is neglected by her parents and ravaged by her circumstances.

Against the odds, Rainey presses forward to create a different life. The pain of her childhood and the realization that her parents are more in love with heroin than their children are reminders of the lessons her aunt Sophie taught her when she was young.

Rainey Paxton attracts people from the wrong side of the tracks—some who love to hate her, and others who live to be loved by her. But nothing comes between her and fate—not even her willingness to die to save her sister.

**WARNING** 18+ Readers Only. Graphic content and subject matter.

491 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2022

3124 people are currently reading
1765 people want to read

About the author

Paige Dearth

14 books1,906 followers
Website: https://paigedearth.com/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3e86gp7
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2JS5M1D
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2v1sWgK

#1 Amazon bestselling author Paige Dearth is a survivor of child abuse. Through grit and pure determination she set out to provide a look inside the pain and suffering caused by childhood trauma through her novels.

Paige writes real-life horror and refers to her work as Fiction With Meaning. She hopes that her fictional stories will create awareness for prevention and intervention. Paige writes stories about young children who need to overcome adversity and then take you on their life’s journey. You will shed tears of joy, grief, rage, and horror. She wants her readers to be thinking about the story long after they have turned the last page.

Paige believes that society should not look the other way because a subject seems too difficult to handle and to remember that people live through these real-life horrors.

Paige lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her husband Mike, and dog, Benny. Her debut novel, Believe Like A Child, was the catalyst for her writing platform. The beginning of Believe Like A Child is based on events from Paige’s childhood. Paige’s novels present a fine balance between what lives on in her imagination and the evil that lurks in the real world.

Paige’s favorite motto is:

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

~Benjamin Franklin

PAIGE'S STANDALONE NOVELS IN ORDER OF PUBLICATION:

Believe Like A Child

When Smiles Fade

One Among Us

Mean Little People

Never Be Alone

My Final Breath

RAINEY PAXTON SERIES:

A Little Pinprick (Book One)

A Little High (Book Two)

Girls Missing (Book Three)

Girls Found (Book Four)

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5 stars
3,148 (64%)
4 stars
1,312 (26%)
3 stars
335 (6%)
2 stars
47 (<1%)
1 star
23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
Profile Image for Anisha.
572 reviews19 followers
August 21, 2024
This author's books are always difficult and heartbreaking to read. Despite that, I've read all of them. This particular story was a continuation of Rainey Paxton's journey of dealing with the hand she was dealt as a child. It's a story about survival and triumph. I was lost in Rainey's world for the last couple of days.. I read both books in 2 days because I needed to know what would happen next..always a sign of a good book. The subject matter isn't for everyone, but regardless, I will continue to read the stories from Paige Dearth.
Profile Image for Ronita.
201 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2022
Well, Ms. Dearth does it again!
Yet another unputdownable, tear jerker. I really don’t know how she does it other than the fact that she is a truly gifted and amazing writer, she is officially my favourite author.
I had a few different scenarios in mind, one was that one of the girls including Miranda would end up getting Huntington’s disease, I had a strong feeling about the inheritance. I had a bad feeling about Stoker, I was thinking he would end up betraying Rainey. I was scared that Rainey would turn to drugs and prostitution (mainly because of the title) but thank God she didn’t. God these girls have been through so much. Rainey is such a powerful character and an inspiration, she goes through so much bullshit (and that’s putting it lightly) but still manages to keep a strong and positive attitude. She’s an inspiration. I loved Rosemary, she gave such great advice, advice that can even inspire the reader. As for Ivy, I really didn’t see that coming. The end of the book was literally dessert for me, so satisfying what happened to those bastards Jiggy, Miranda & Peter. I truly enjoyed this book, can’t say good enough things about this book. Solid 5 from me (more if I could!!)
Much love and respect to this immensely talented author. I’m so excited to see which of her books I should read next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
August 10, 2022
A Little Long .....A Little Ridiculous

So, I have to give it up to MS Dearth, she must have put in a ton of time in this and I could certainly never write a book, so hat's cool, but srsly? over 100 chapters of preposterous situations and I finally could not care less about anyone. But, this was free, so I have no right to complain really. I sincerely do apologize for offending anyone who loved this.
22 reviews
April 3, 2025
The content of this book is definitely not for the “feint of heart.” It brings you into the world of drug abuse and addiction and what people will do in order to feed that addiction. It was dark and definitely had many ups and downs, and the cliff hangers at the end of each chapter were WILD! It really kept me reading!
The story of Reiny Paxton will make you grimace, smile, cry- I went through every single emotion, hoping and praying that this poor girl would catch a break.
Dearth is very descriptive and her words really paint a clear picture of what is happening on each page. She carefully crafts her words into a story that is incredibly hard to put down.
Profile Image for Cindy.
230 reviews
August 3, 2022
Once again Paige knocks it out of the park with A Little High.
Paige writes her books with the reality of what goes on in our world and doesn’t hold back on the details.
Her books can be hard to read for some but if you are a realist you will read her books and know the reality of them.

You will get emotional because you get so attached to her characters. I will admit A Little High had me
In tears at times. Very emotional reading but so worth it.

I’ve been reading Paige’s books for years and I have loved every one.

Thank you Paige for writing with your heart and soul and sharing your own hardships in life. You are amazing and I can’t wait to read more of your work.
Profile Image for Kristen.
181 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2022
I love this authors books. This was a great book, that being said, I rated it three stars because I really want to know what happened to Winnie! Was she trapped in that house with a crazy person? Addicted to drugs? Forced to hook? Did they even go to Florida? Why didn’t Rainey ever ask Sam to check on the phone number she had? Or reach out to the brother? Also, what happened to Tootsie? I know she wasn’t the focus of the book but by the end so much time passed I wanted an update.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
191 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2023
These books were good but I had one big problem with them. Why didn't anybody call child protective services on these people? Sophie? The police that arrested Rainey? Later Raniey herself? Like it just made no sense. It's the only thing I haven't liked out of all of this authors books. I'm very sad this is the last book.
Profile Image for orphan girl.
58 reviews
August 18, 2022
this was such a great series! I hate it ended but very well written
Profile Image for Megan Schermerhorn.
1 review
December 3, 2022
Amazing 2nd book I wanted to continue to read about all Raineys accomplishments despite her upbringing!

Profile Image for Trish.
101 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2024
I almost gave this book four stars. Some of the writing felt choppy and some of the dialogue seemed cheesy at times, but there was so much happening from chapter to chapter that I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. Still utterly heartbreaking to read that no real legal help was called in to help Ivy, but maybe because I have lived a different life I'm bound to see things differently. Sensitive topics are covered in this book ⚠️
6 reviews
August 5, 2022
Another amazing and well written book

Paige pulls you into her world. This story is incredibly written. So much feeling. You will laugh and cry. Hard to put the book down. If you've ever lived thru any or all of these atrocities, this book shows true justice. If you know, you know.
Profile Image for Heather Raffety.
22 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2024
Another great book. Heartbreaking story of Rainey’s life in her world of dealing with family and survival, Can’t wait to read the next one I this series.
Profile Image for wendi c duncan.
281 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2022
This story is just pitiful not the writing but the actual story I never wanted anything but to be a mom so I truly don't understand how parents turn out this way.
Profile Image for Amy.
83 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2025
Still completely enthralled by Rainey and her story! To think there are people out there who can relate to such a life is heart breaking. Another emotional read, that I highly recommend. I'm interested to see where this series goes next.
Profile Image for victoria marie.
128 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2025
rainey is such a powerful character and with the addition of rosemary this book is another 5 star read.
1,527 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2022
FANTASTIC story😊

This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and just WOW!!!. Again with this story I had to take alot of breaks to absorb it. Drug abuse and addiction is a very difficult thing to read about and the ugliness of its hold on it's victims and their children, friends and families😪😥. Paige is a Fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!!!. Thank You🙏 Paige for sharing parts of yourself with your readers🤗😊.
Profile Image for Soph's_Book_Reviews.
11 reviews
July 26, 2024
A Little High is the 2nd installment to the Rainey Paxton series and this one really hit me in the feels! 🥺 This is my first 5 star review of 2024! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the 2nd installment of A Little High it begins where Rainey Paxton is being released from Juvenile Detention. She is so excited to get out and see her little sister Ivy but when her parents pick her up from Juvie they make her get out of the car and leave her on the side of the road and tell her she isn't welcome to come home. 😥 She is completely lost and has no where to go and all she wants to do is make sure that Ivy is okay. In this part of the book I felt really bad for Rainey, she went to prison because of her parents and continue to treat her like she is trouble and everything is her fault. She eventually manages to get in the house to see Ivy and she is truely shocked to see how neglected, hungry, dirty and angry she is. Throughout the book we find out that Ivy is drinking alcohol and on drugs following in her parents foot steps.

Rainey has no where to go after her parents kick her out of the house. When she left Juvie Tootsie had given her an address of a friend that would help if she got desperate. So she goes off to find Winnie and ends up living with her. Throughout the book she ends up becoming involved in the gang The Devils Angels and it appears she has finally found some love and happiness. This is where it gets really tough and Rainey goes through the hardest time of her life so far.....

🧡Things I loved 🧡
Throughout this book I got heavily invested in Rainey's journey and the characters she met along the way.
Paige Dearths writing kept me wanting more throughout the whole book and so I couldn't put it down! 😃
So many twists & turns, I kept thinking of this is how it's going to go and then it was the complete opposite!
Rainey & Ivy's parents made me soooo mad but I think that's also why I got so invested in their characters, this was done really well.

💙Things I wasn't too sure on💙
I can't understand how Rainey didn't get social services involved until right at the end, I had the same issue with the first book. Surely it would have been better for her to go into foster care than be left with her parents. Also Ivy went to hospital soo many times and yet the doctors never questioned her injuries...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alexis.
38 reviews
October 5, 2023
I only read the first two of the series and not sure I’ll continue to books 3 and 4. I like how the second book ended and although there are a couple loose ends (like what happened to Winnie and will Rainey marry Sam) I feel good about where I left it for now. This definitely has some triggering themes such as S.A. of children, prostitution, drugs, death, etc. but I will say, the main character Rainey shows an incredible strength and it felt good to watch her pull through even though her life was anything but easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa Muniz.
78 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2022
The Rainey Paxton books are emotionally draining. There is so much trauma involved and it’s all taking place right where I currently live (which I think makes it so much more intense). I had to take a break after the first one because it really sat with me for awhile. This one was just as involved. As far fetched as some things sound, it’s actually happening only a few blocks from my home. It’s a tough read, but a good one.
Profile Image for Kara.
6 reviews11 followers
August 9, 2022
It was… okay. As a foster parent, Paige’s books fascinate me because they give me a glimpse into the bleak realities of a traumatic childhood.

This one fell a little flat for me. I was disappointed with the ending, for one thing; it felt rushed. And there were characters that just got lost in the story. What happened to Winnie? Tootsie? I needed more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kniki.
69 reviews
June 1, 2023
long read

This book did not lead me where I expected it to. Every page I turned I expected just what happened. It’s like reading the first book all over again, but adding more details. I am not one to quit a book, so I finished it—but barely.
19 reviews
April 13, 2024
Poor writing and editing. Good continuation of a good story but too many far fetched jumps to create new storylines
36 reviews
December 22, 2022
I Loved "A Little Pinprick" and knew it wouldn't be long before I came back to read "A Little High". I'm not usually a fan of series, but when a book grabs me from page one, and captivates me all the way through, its only natural to want to keep going. I was so tempted to dive right into "A Little High", however, I read a lot and prefer to change things up between books. I also knew, no matter how many books I read between these two, there was no chance of me forgetting the smallest detail of " Pinprick".

I've read reviews where readers prefer to be warned that content can be harsh. These books bring child neglect and severe abuse to the forefront. I hope you choose to read it anyway!

This book picks up right where the first one ended, which I loved! I'm sure some readers prefer picking up at a later point. However, I was so invested in Rainey's story, I didn't want to miss any of it. Grammatically, it's written in the way each character would speak. It's raw, its gritty, but most importantly, it's real!

With all the things I loved about this book, there was one part that I wished was explained before the book ended.
*NO spoiler alerts*
Let's just say there was never an explanation given about one significant character.
Even with that said, both these books are captivating and will definitely have you emotionally invested, turning page after page!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews

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