Stacy A. Padula's Blog

An Interview with Ava Khouri of Hanover, Massachusetts

Ava Khouri is a senior at Hanover High School and serves as Class President, where she works to strengthen school spirit and foster a positive experience for her classmates. She is also Vice President of the Outreach Club, Treasurer of the Debate Team, and a member of the National Honor Society. A dedicated student-athlete, Ava is Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Team, plays Varsity Tennis, and has been a dancer for over ten years. Beyond school, she has served as a Project 351 Ambassador and Lead Trainer for the Playbook Initiative, experiences that strengthened her passion for service and leadership. In her free time, Ava enjoys spending time with friends and family and working summers at JC’s Ice Cream.

Ava’s Book Review

Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story is an intense and captivating addition to Stacy A. Padula’s series that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows Taylor as he navigates the dangerous world of drugs and criminal activity while also grappling with his family relationships. A night out with Luke and friends in Boston quickly spirals into chaos, and through flashbacks, readers gain insight into the events that led to Taylor’s struggles. Meanwhile, Cathy and Chantal finally reconnect, adding emotional depth to the story and highlighting the importance of forgiveness and family bonds. The suspense, drama, and character development make this installment one of the most thrilling in the series.

Beyond the excitement, Gripped 5 delivers important messages for teenagers and young adults. It realistically portrays the pressures of fitting in, dealing with substance abuse, and facing the consequences of choices made during formative years. Teens can relate to the characters’ struggles with relationships, anxiety about the future, and finding their way morally and spiritually, as many turn to faith to guide them. Parents and adult readers will also appreciate the deeper perspectives on family, responsibility, and personal growth. This book combines edge-of-your-seat suspense with meaningful life lessons, making it a must-read for fans of the series and anyone seeking a story that entertains while offering guidance on real-life challenges.

An Interview with Ava on Taylor’s StoryWho would you recommend this book to and why?

I would recommend this book to a wide range of readers, including middle and high school students, college students, parents, and even my own friends. Compared to earlier books in the series, this installment dives deeper into Taylor and Jordan’s college experiences, making it especially relevant for older readers who can better understand the long-term consequences of substance abuse. It serves as a powerful warning about how these choices can impact life beyond high school and into adulthood.

Why do you feel the topics covered in the book are relevant for teenagers?

The topics covered in this book are highly relevant for teenagers because, as they move through middle school, high school, and even into college, they are increasingly exposed to situations involving drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure, making it important to understand how to navigate them. While this installment places a stronger emphasis on the drama of Taylor’s involvement with crime and drug dealing—something most teens may not directly experience—it still incorporates realistic, everyday challenges like relationships, friendships, family dynamics, and personal responsibility. The portrayal of partying and substance use feels especially authentic, highlighting the social pressures teens face to fit in, while also offering insight into the potential consequences of those choices. Overall, the mix of intense drama and relatable situations helps teens connect to the story and may make those struggling with similar issues feel understood.

What 3 important messages does Gripped 5 send to readers?

1. The book highlights the importance of forgiveness and prioritizing relationships, showing through Cathy, Chantal, and Taylor’s family that the people we love matter more than the conflicts we face.

2. It emphasizes that the choices we make at a young age can have serious, long-term consequences.

3. It conveys that it is always possible to turn your life around, as Taylor works to rebuild his future and Jordan finds a healthier, more purposeful path.

What are you most curious to uncover in Gripped Part 6?

I am most curious to see what happens to Taylor and his family after he was almost killed, especially whether he can safely leave the drug business and how it will affect those he loves. I also want to find out if Taylor gets back into playing football and how his relationships develop, particularly between Michelle, Jordan, and Marc.

What did you like best about this book and who is your favorite character in the series at this point?

What I liked best about this book was how it focused on Taylor’s story while also highlighting the family relationships and bonds throughout the series. I enjoyed seeing Marc and Jordan’s concern for Taylor, Taylor’s expressions of love for his family, and how Cathy and Chantal were able to restore their friendship. My favorite character at this point is Jordan—he has grown so much since the earlier books, becoming a role model for his brothers and younger characters. His maturity, dedication, and journey toward faith make him stand out as one of the most respectable and inspiring characters in the series.

What do you hope happens to:Taylor: I hope Taylor is able to safely return to his family and leave the crime ring behind without further harm. I want to see him turn his life around, get back into college, and eventually reach his goal of playing in the NFL, coming full circle to the path he was meant to be on before getting caught up in drugs and crime.Cathy & Chantal: I hope Cathy and Chantal continue to rebuild their relationship, grow closer, and spend time with the same group of friends so they aren’t separated again. I also hope Chantal helps Cathy work through her mental health in a healthier way, without turning to drug abuse.Cathy & Jason: I hope Cathy and Jason can reconnect and help each other grow, whether that means rekindling their romantic relationship or becoming close friends again. They’ve both matured, and I want to see them rediscover the innocent, supportive versions of each other so they can start fresh and encourage one another.Luke & Missy: I hope Luke and Missy work through their issues and make choices that benefit both of them. Ideally, Luke’s decision to stop dealing drugs would positively influence Missy, helping them stay sober as a couple. If that isn’t possible, I hope they part ways and find healthier relationships rather than letting things become toxic.How has your opinion of the characters evolved overtime? Specify what you now think of the following people after reading Gripped 5 vs. what your initial impression was:Taylor: At first, I wasn’t sure Taylor could truly change, but after reading Gripped 5, I see him as genuinely trying to turn his life around and protect his family. I also have a deeper appreciation for his softer side, especially after seeing the moments where he shows real emotion and care for his loved ones.Jordan: My view of Jordan has shifted significantly. Early in the series, he seemed like a party-focused troublemaker, mostly judged through others’ perspectives. Now, seeing his personal growth, dedication to faith, school, and football, I respect him as a responsible, mature role model.Marc: Initially, I thought Marc was simply a likable, straightforward character. After Gripped 5, I see him as more complicated. Some of his judgments of Jordan and his handling of relationships reveal flaws, making him a more three-dimensional character with conflicting inner thoughts.Missy: This is the first time I’ve really examined Missy as a character. She comes across as fun and lively, but she often lets drugs control her choices and influence the people around her. She has potential to grow, but she needs to refocus her priorities.Luke: At the start, I disliked Luke because of his involvement with drugs and pressuring others. Over time, I’ve noticed that he does have caring, selfless qualities—he just misdirects them. I hope he continues to pursue sobriety, quit dealing, and channel his good intentions in positive ways.Laurelle: I hadn’t paid much attention to Laurelle before, but now she stands out as someone who still needs to mature. She often behaves like a typical party-goer, though moments of vulnerability, especially in conversations with Pat, show that she has potential to grow and make better choices before heading off to college.

This 4-part video series brings Taylor’s powerful story to life in short, heartfelt episodes. Whether you’ve faced your own disappointments, walked alongside someone battling addiction, or simply need a reminder that redemption is possible, these videos were created for you. Watch the full series below.

Part 1 – The Fall
From Al-Anon roots and high school glory days to the arrest that wasn’t his fault, losing his Notre Dame dream, and the quiet moment of faith holding rosary beads while desperate to get back on track. Set to Lifehouse’s “Storm.”

Part 2 – Shattered Dreams
Taylor’s happiest days at Northeastern — success as the star QB, love with Julie, proud family moments, church scenes, and NFL prospect headlines — all upended by a brutal injury and the dangerous slide into pain medication abuse. Set to Lifehouse’s “Blind.”

Part 3 – Rock Bottom
The darkest chapter: lost in addiction, broken conversations with Julie, family concern, brutal withdrawal, his father holding him on the bathroom floor, flushing the drugs, and that first hopeful AA meeting with his dad. Set to Lifehouse’s “Come Back Down.”

Part 4 – The Fight for Redemption
Taylor chooses sobriety no matter the cost — prayer through guilt and regret, confronting dangerous ties, deep talks with his supportive Christian father, and ultimately going on the run for safety in an FBI safe house in Maine. Set to Lifehouse’s “Broken.”

These shorts capture the real pain of shattered dreams and addiction, the healing power of family and faith, and the courage it takes to fight for a new beginning. Taylor’s story continues in 2026 with Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy — stay tuned for series updates. BIG news coming soon!

In the tight-knit town of Montgomery, Massachusetts, everyone knows Taylor Dunkin—the high school legend who shattered records and seemed destined for NFL stardom. But when a devastating injury derails his dreams, the path he takes next shatters far more than his knee. Secrets unravel, friendships fracture, and an opioid epidemic creeps into the lives of those closest to him, pulling teens and young adults into a nightmare no one saw coming. Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told dives deep into these raw, interconnected stories of addiction, betrayal, resilience, and the truths families and friends bury to survive.

Scroll down to read the opening chapters.

Prologue

Marc Dunkin

Community is strange. It’s amazing and necessary but strange. It’s probably just the way I look at it, but whenever I hear the word, I imagine this big elaborate shape—not a real shape, at least not according to geometry class, but a bunch of lines, dots, and circles. Again, it’s strange, I know.

The circle in the middle is my family: Mom, Dad, Taylor, Jordan, and me. Even though each of us is spread equally around the ring, I still imagine that if one of us had to be at the center, it would be Taylor.

That’s where the lines come in. They connect us to other people (dots) and groups (circles). Taylor, well, he draws them wherever he goes. Taylor has something about him that makes everyone gravitate towards him. It drives me insane that I respect him as much as I do, but I just can’t help it.

For years, Taylor was unstoppable—destined for greatness, on and off the field—until he was literally and figuratively blindsided. Despite having a family history of addiction, we all underestimated the grip of opiates. It didn’t seem possible that someone as smart, driven, and conscientious as Taylor could fall victim to addiction. Taylor was on our pedestal, and we were blind to his weaknesses.

Prior to his injury, there were warning signs we missed, signs that he was buckling under the pressure he placed upon himself to be perfect, to carry his team, and to make our family proud. With so many eyes on him all the time, it is ironic that no one actually saw him, his struggles, or his pain. They saw his glory, the larger than life figure he was, and the moral person he used to be before college.

Taylor fell hard, and his fall impacted people beyond our immediate circle. Everything is connected in the Gripped book series—the circles, the dots, the lines. Most notable are the powdery lines that link Taylor to my best friend, Luke Davids, and Luke to my love interest, Cathy Kagelli. As the books progress (and Taylor and Cathy’s stories start to merge), you’ll see that some lines we draw just can’t be erased…

Chapter 1

November 2017

Marc Dunkin parked his red Dodge truck on South Huntington Avenue and turned off the engine. He was not ready to go inside his oldest brother Taylor’s apartment. Even though he had spent the half-hour drive from Montgomery to Boston ruminating over the situation, he felt ill-prepared for the ensuing conversation.

Taylor, who had been addicted to painkillers for over a year, was blazing a trail of destruction. Even though Taylor was technically alive, he was nearly dead to Marc. The conscientious and driven role model Taylor had always been no longer existed. He was a shell of the athlete Marc grew up admiring. 

Marc was lost in thought as he climbed out of his truck. A moment later, he stood at Taylor’s front door, knocking loudly. A minute went by without any response. He sent a text message to Taylor but received no reply. It was close to one o’clock, and they had planned to watch football together all day. Marc tried calling Taylor’s cell phone, but it went straight to voicemail. At that point, Marc’s heart started pounding against his muscular chest, and he feared the worst. He had been trying for months to save his brother from a downward spiral.

Standing on Taylor’s porch, Marc took a deep breath. He turned the doorknob, but of course it was locked. He felt above the door and looked below the mat for a spare key but found nothing. It was November, so the windows were shut and locked. Marc remembered that his parents kept a key taped under their porch’s banister, and he hoped Taylor did the same. After thirty seconds of searching, he found the key he was petrified to turn.

“Hello?” Marc called while entering Taylor’s apartment. All was still. To his dismay, he could not hear the shower running, and the TV was off. Most people would think their brother was just hungover and still sleeping, Marc thought. I have to worry about finding him dead. 

“Taylor?” Marc cried out loudly as he walked through the living room toward Taylor’s bedroom. After banging on his bedroom door a few times and getting no response, Marc barged into the room. The room-darkening shades were drawn, and Marc had to turn on the light to see if Taylor was in his bed. He was wrapped up in his comforter, lying on his side in the fetal position. 

“T, wake up! It’s almost game time,” Marc stated loudly.

No response. 

Slowly Marc walked over to the bedside and observed his brother. At least he’s still breathing. Turning to the window, Marc opened the shades and allowed sunlight to fill the room. “Time to get up, T,” he said as he turned back toward the bed. He sat down on the edge of it and nudged his brother. 

Taylor let out a slight moan but continued sleeping. 

“Get up, dude,” Marc demanded, nudging him again. No matter how hard he shook him, he could not get Taylor to acknowledge his presence. It was like he was in a trance.

Marc felt dejected as he sat and looked around Taylor’s room. He leaned toward the nightstand and opened the top drawer. Sure enough, it was filled with prescription bottles: Xanax, Percocet, Klonopin, and OxyContin—Taylor’s favorite. Marc picked up the OC bottle and noticed it was empty. Years prior, pharmaceutical companies had stopped producing the extended-release, crushable tablets that Taylor liked to snort, so OxyContin was difficult to come by—even for someone as well-connected as Taylor. This scared Marc because he knew his brother was dependent on it. 

Marc shut the drawer and looked for any traces of powder on his nightstand. There was a residue, but it wasn’t white. Marc squinted and tried to figure out what his brother had snorted. He whipped open the bottom drawer of the nightstand to find a large green box. After opening it up, Marc found himself staring at a large quantity of marijuana, small bags of cocaine, an unmarked bag of small blue pills, a large bag of smiley-face-embossed ecstasy, a bag of capsules that were likely filled with molly, and an unlabeled vial of a yellowish powder. 

Marc darted his eyes at Taylor and then back at the green box. He sat in complete shock, realizing the vial could be filled with heroin. His heart pounded. He glanced again at the residue on the nightstand. It was so sparse that he couldn’t tell what color it was. “T, wake up, buddy,” Marc said again and nudged his brother hard in the back. 

“What’s up?” Taylor mumbled without opening his eyes or flinching.

“The Pats game is on. Time to get up.”

“I’m good,” he mumbled. 

Marc sighed and stood up from the bed. As he did, he heard something crack beneath his shoe. Lifting his foot revealed a small pile of broken plastic. Marc’s throat went immediately dry, and he felt the color drain from his face. He was faint at the realization he had just stepped on an empty vial, one that most likely had been filled with the yellowish powder. He walked out of Taylor’s bedroom in a daze. It took a minute, but the tears came, and they didn’t stop until halftime.

Chapter 2

Later that afternoon, Marc widened his blue eyes when he heard Taylor’s bedroom door squeak open. After hours alone with his thoughts, he still had no idea what to say. 

“I’m so sorry, dude,” Taylor said as he entered the room. “I totally forgot you were coming over for the game. How did you get in?”

“Your spare key,” Marc replied, unable to look at his brother as he lay down on the couch across from him. 

“Under the banister just like at home,” Taylor said lightheartedly. 

“Dude, what the hell were you just on?” Marc asked and shot Taylor a look of panic. 

Taylor was wrapping himself up in a blanket; his coloring looked terrible. “I’m sick,” he replied. He pulled the hood of his gray sweatshirt over his messy blonde hair and locked his blue eyes on the TV.

“Well, what did you do? Take too much Nyquil? You were in a trance.”

“You don’t want to hear about it,” Taylor stated flatly, holding his gaze on the television. 

“No. I do want to hear about it,” Marc said sternly.

Taylor sighed. “I ran out of OCs, and I’m going through withdrawal.”

“You didn’t look withdrawn.”

Taylor groaned and turned toward Marc. “I couldn’t sleep last night. My heart was racing, and I kept puking. Finally, around eight this morning, I crushed up some Percocet and Xanax. The mixture knocked me out, but now I feel like death.”

The Xanax Marc saw in Taylor’s drawer was yellow. He wondered if the vial he had found was, in fact, filled with a Percocet/Xanax combination. Knowing all Taylor knew about drugs, he must have been desperate to mix Percocet and Xanax together. Mixing opiates and benzos was a quick recipe for an overdose. “What are you doing to yourself?” Marc asked and shook his head disgustedly. “Go to rehab.”

“I don’t have insurance,” Taylor said. “Mom and Dad cut me from the policy when I stopped talking to them.”

“They know there’s more going on with you than depression. If you ask them for help, they’ll reinstate you. They’d pay anything to help you.”

“What do they know?”

“I told them you’re taking too many painkillers and you need rehab. They didn’t believe me until you stopped coming home or taking their calls.”

“I can’t let Dad see me like this,” Taylor said quietly. “I’m sorry, dude, but can we just watch the game? I can’t deal with this conversation right now.”

“Well, we need to have another conversation.”

“What?”

“How long have you been supplying Luke with drugs?”

Taylor’s blue eyes widened.

“How long?”

Taylor sat up straight and looked away from Marc. “Long enough.”

Marc’s heart sank. “Shoot straight with me. What’s he into?”

“Luke? Molly and coke.”

“Then why is he giving painkillers to his little brother?”

“To Jason? I don’t know,” Taylor replied defensively. “Probably because he doesn’t want them and Jason does.”

“So, he sells for you in Montgomery?”

“No!” Taylor exclaimed. “Luke’s been buying drugs from me all year. He gets a good amount every time, so I assume he’s distributing. Who he gives them to is none of my business.”

“You used to babysit us!” Marc cried in dismay. “Why would you sell him drugs?”

“I can’t deal with this right now,” Taylor whined. “I’m sorry. I feel like $@%&.”

“Before Chris went straightedge, he almost OD’d because he drank on Xanax and Vicodin that he got from Luke. Those drugs came from you. Our cousin could have died because of you.”

“I didn’t tell Chris to do that,” Taylor retorted.

“When you give pills to Luke, he gives them to kids we know. Why would you do that?”

“Marc, what do you want me to say?”

“I want you to realize how much damage you are causing in the lives of people you once cared about. I want you to stop blowing things up your nose and re-apply to college. Do you know how many schools would want you if they knew your knee was healed? You could go anywhere you wanted, and you could be on a sick team. You belong at ‘Bama or Auburn or Notre Dame with Jordan. Dad could even make a call to The U.”

“I can’t deal with this,” Taylor said and rolled over on his side. 

“You know what I can’t deal with? Any of this!” Marc exclaimed and stood up from the couch. “I’m done. I love you more than anyone, bro. You were my idol for seventeen years of my eighteen years on earth, but I’m done.” 

A moment later, Marc stormed out of Taylor’s apartment. As soon as he reached his truck, he called his father. “Dad, you have to come to Boston and talk to Taylor.” 

“Where are you?”

“I just left his place. I took his spare key.”

“What happened?”

“He ran out of his painkillers, and he’s going through withdrawal. He needs rehab,” Marc replied, feeling himself start to choke up. “I’ll tell you the rest when I get home. I have to drive, and I’m too upset to talk.”

Marc hung up the phone and took a deep breath. He felt like his world was crashing down. He could not bear the thought of Taylor mixing benzos and opiates to ease his withdrawal symptoms. It was a deadly concoction… and if thatwasn’t what he had taken, then he had snorted heroin. Either scenario was terrifying.

When Marc returned home, both of his parents were waiting for him. Marc’s father was a recovered alcoholic who had been sober for fifteen years. Marc grew up attending Al-Anon meetings with his mother and brothers, so he knew a lot about recovery. Being eighteen and the youngest, Marc had no recollection of his father ever drinking, but Taylor, who was twenty-three, vividly remembered the pain alcohol had caused their family. For that reason, along with many others, Marc was stunned that Taylor had become an addict.

“What happened with Taylor?” Marc’s mother asked as soon as he walked into the living room. His parents were sitting together on the sofa, watching RedZone. Football had always been a staple in their family. 

Marc sat down beside her. “He’s way worse off than he led you to believe,” he began. “He’s worse than I even thought.”

“What’s going on?” his father asked, sitting up straight and staring Marc directly in the eye. 

Marc swallowed deeply. “I know you guys want to believe he’s just depressed over getting injured and losing his scholarship, but it’s so much more than that.”

“You and Jordan tried to tell us he was misusing his meds, and I’m sorry we didn’t take you more seriously,” his father said. “Taylor was good at appearing like he had a handle on everything… until he stopped talking to us.”

Marc swallowed deeply. “It’s not even that he’s misusing his meds. He’s moved onto stronger stuff now. He has a supplier in Boston who sells him OxyContin. He’s been high every time you’ve seen him this year.”

Marc’s mother dropped her jaw, widened her eyes, and turned to his father, who looked skeptical. Marc wasn’t surprised; his father had been putting Taylor on a pedestal his entire life.

“But you said on the phone he’s going through withdrawal,” his father stated and eyed Marc in a confused manner. 

Marc locked his eyes on his dad. “Drug companies stopped making OCs as caplets because people were abusing them. They’re now made of gel, which can’t be crushed up and snorted. Taylor’s supplier was somehow able to still get the caplets, but he must have run out because Taylor has none left—”

“—Wait,” his father interrupted him. “You mean he’s been snorting his pills?”

 Marc nodded.

Marc’s father appeared to be at a loss for words.

“Why hasn’t he come to us for help?” his mother asked.

“He doesn’t want you to see him like this,” Marc replied. “I think he finally realizes he has a problem, but I don’t know if he wants to get sober or get high.”

“So, he’s just sick all the time?” his mother asked.

Marc was trying to hold back as many details as he could to spare his mother’s heart, but he needed his parents to understand the gravity of the situation. “He’s trying to rid himself of withdrawal symptoms by doing other drugs.”

“What other drugs?” his father asked, looking as though he were about to cry. 

“I couldn’t wake him up when I got there. He was in a trance. I saw some yellow powder in a vial in his room. I feared the worst, but when he woke up he said he had mixed Xanax and Percocet together so he could sleep.”

“I need to get to Boston,” his father said and stood up abruptly. “Where’s his key?”

“Dad, wait. There’s more,” Marc said and stood up beside his father. “He deals drugs now. Serious drugs.” 

Marc’s mother burst into tears as his father snatched the key out of his hand, grabbed his own keys off the coffee table, and bolted out the front door.

Marc turned and hugged his mother. “Dad will get him the help he needs,” he said as he held her tightly in his arms. “Taylor can beat this.”

His mother continued sobbing on his shoulder, and Marc could not remember ever feeling so brokenhearted. 

Chapter 3

After Marc left his apartment, Taylor sat upon his sofa with his head in his hands, trying to fight his nausea. Withdrawal. He could not believe he was going through withdrawal. That meant he was addicted to a drug and had likely been addicted for months. That meant Marc and Jordan had been right. His ex-girlfriend Julie had been right. He had become an addict, something he never thought possible, something he arrogantly assumed he was too strong to ever become.

The shame Taylor felt superseded the humiliation he felt when he lost his chance to play for Notre Dame, when he lost his senior season at Northeastern to a knee injury, and when he forced himself to break up with Julie to protect her from the corruption in his life. Losing all of those important things hurt immensely, but losing his brother Marc’s respect gauged his heart.

Fighting the nausea was no longer an option shy of taking Percocet. Taylor knew he would need to take at least four pills to mitigate his withdrawal symptoms, but that would just prolong the inevitable and mean that Taylor accepted the identity of drug abuser.

Slowly rising from his couch, Taylor grabbed ahold of his stomach. Sweat was once again seeping from his forehead, and his muscles were spasming like they did after a grueling practice. He stumbled toward his bedroom. It was time to draw a line in the sand.

Chapter 4

Mr. Dunkin arrived at Taylor’s apartment around six o’clock that evening. He banged loudly on the door five or six times, expecting no response and hoping the door was not deadbolted. Taylor’s Jeep was in the driveway, as were a couple of other cars. Before Mr. Dunkin could pull Taylor’s key out of his pocket, the front door began to swing open.

“Mr. D!” Ryan Blake, Taylor’s roommate since his freshman year, exclaimed in surprise. “Is everything okay?”

“I need to speak with my son,” Mr. Dunkin said and stepped past Ryan into the house. 

“Uh, okay… he’s in his room,” Ryan called out as Mr. Dunkin proceeded down the hallway towards Taylor’s bedroom. 

Without knocking, Mr. Dunkin whipped open the bedroom door and slammed it behind him. Taylor’s room was empty, but the door to his adjoining bathroom was ajar. The sound of someone vomiting was apparent, and Mr. Dunkin soon found his son bowing before the toilet. 

Taylor, turning to see who was in his room, fell over when he saw his father. “Dad!”

“What is wrong with you?” Mr. Dunkin hollered as he grabbed Taylor by his shirt and pulled him to his feet. Taylor immediately looked down and began breathing heavily. Sweat was raining down his sickly pale face. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall. 

“We are going to the hospital right now!” Mr. Dunkin stated firmly. 

“No,” Taylor said in an exasperated tone. “I can’t.” With that, he dropped to the floor and began throwing up again. 

Mr. Dunkin stared in disbelief that the scene before him was truly happening. Over the years, Taylor had made him prouder than anyone else in the world. He had broken every quarterback’s record in his high school’s league and scored high enough on the SAT to satisfy every recruiter. In college, he had been ranked by ESPN as one of the NFL’s top prospects. Taylor, even more so than his brothers, was a leader and a fighter. Mr. Dunkin could not believe the weak, sickly human being in front of him was his oldest son. 

He stepped out of the bathroom and began looking around Taylor’s bedroom for the drugs Marc had mentioned. When he found the prescription bottles, he started inspecting each one. They were prescribed to Taylor, but the labels said they were filled over a year ago. He threw the bottles of Xanax, Klonopin, and Percocet onto Taylor’s bed, shut the drawer, and opened the one below it. Upon opening the green box that he found, Mr. Dunkin was stunned. This was his worst nightmare.

He grabbed the prescription bottles off Taylor’s bed and threw them inside the box. While Taylor continued throwing up in his bathroom, Mr. Dunkin left the bedroom and walked to the half-bath off the kitchen. He locked the door behind him, and bottle by bottle, bag by bag, vial by vial, he flushed every single substance down the toilet. 

A moment later, he returned to Taylor’s bedroom and placed the box on his bed. Making his way toward the bathroom, he heard his son crying. A second later, he found him lying in the fetal position on the cold bathroom tile. “You have to go to the hospital,” Mr. Dunkin demanded.

“I can’t,” Taylor replied faintly. “This can’t be in my medical history—not if I ever want to play for the NFL. I’m already damaged goods from my injury. This would ruin me.”

“Taylor, you can’t think about football right now. You need to detox.”

“No!” Taylor cried out. “I did this to myself. I’ll suffer through it.”

Mr. Dunkin was somewhat relieved that Taylor seemed to still care about football and his future. He did not know whether to comfort his son or further reprimand him. Many of the drugs that Mr. Dunkin had flushed down the toilet would have mitigated some of the withdrawal symptoms. The fact that Taylor was allowing himself to go through withdrawal led Mr. Dunkin to believe that he wanted to get sober. He knew that someone could not die from opiate withdrawal, and because he had flushed Taylor’s stash, he would not overdose. Mr. Dunkin reasoned that the best thing to do was let his son endure the pain. 

“How long have you been sick?” Mr. Dunkin asked.

“Since Friday,” Taylor replied and stood up in front of the sink. He splashed water on his face and then slumped back down on the floor. He closed his eyes and rested the back of his head against the wall. 

“It won’t get much worse than this,” Mr. Dunkin said. “You’ll feel this way for a few more days and then things will start to ease up. You’re sure you want to do it this way?”

Taylor let out a heavy breath and nodded. 

“Once you’re free of this, you won’t need a supplier to get you pills,” Mr. Dunkin stated.

Without opening his eyes, Taylor nodded.

“And you will not deal drugs.”

Taylor shot his blue eyes open and looked at his father as though he had seen a ghost.

“I know you’ve been doing that to support your habit, but if anything is going to jeopardize your future, it’s dealing drugs,” Mr. Dunkin said matter-of-factly. 

Taylor brought his hands to his face and hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled after a moment. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m going to call your mother and tell her I’m staying the night,” Mr. Dunkin said, wondering if Taylor would ask him to leave.

Taylor nodded. “That’s great, Dad. Thank you.”

Chapter 5

The next morning, Mr. Dunkin watched as Taylor realized his father had destroyed his stash. A look of terror washed over Taylor’s face. “Dad, what did you do?” 

“I got rid of the drugs that are destroying your life,” Mr. Dunkin replied flatly.

“No!” Taylor exclaimed in disbelief. “I owe my supplier money for those. I sell them. Then he takes his cut.”

“What’s his cut?”

“I can’t believe you did that,” Taylor said as he hurled over with nausea. He ran out of his bedroom and into the bathroom to resume dry-heaving. 

“Taylor, how much do you owe him?” Mr. Dunkin pressed.

“Thousands.” 

“I’ll write you a check.”

“No,” Taylor said between hurls. 

“I want this person out of your life for good. I’ll do whatever it takes to help you break away from this.”

Taylor lay back down on the floor. “It’s my mess. I’ll get him the money. I won’t cash your check.”

“I’ll deposit a few thousand dollars into your bank account this afternoon. You can leave it there or use it to pay your debt. Whatever you think is smart. Money means nothing to me, but you mean everything.” 

“Dad, I don’t deserve that,” Taylor said. “I have let our entire family down—our entire town down. I let my team down. I have failed in every aspect. I deserve the pain I’m going through right now, and I do not deserve your generosity.”

“Didn’t you learn anything about grace during all those Al-Anon meetings? You’re right. You don’t deserve it, but that doesn’t matter. It is my choice to extend grace to you. It is what you and your mother did for me many, many years ago.”

Taylor let out a heavy breath.

“The hardest person to forgive is yourself, but you have to do it, son,” Mr. Dunkin admonished him. “You’ll get through this, and you’ll find yourself again if you stay clean.”

Taylor nodded. 

“Why don’t you come home with me? I’d feel a lot better if you weren’t alone.”

“Oh, no, Dad. I couldn’t. Mom can’t see me like this. I can’t hurt her like that.”

Although Mr. Dunkin wanted Taylor to return home, he realized his son was right. His wife’s already broken heart would shatter into pieces if she saw him in this state. “All right, well, I’ll check on you later. Keep your phone on and charged. I want to be able to reach you.”

Taylor nodded. 

“Please come home as soon as you can,” Mr. Dunkin said before turning to leave the room. “We miss you so much.”

Chapter 6

***

Four Months Later – March 2018

Cathy Kagelli stared across her biology classroom at his freshly cut, jet-black hair. Even from behind, she could tell that he had spent time arranging each gelled spike on his head. Though he was particular about, well, everything, he still would have been the most beautiful boy at Montgomery Lake High if he had come to school directly after rolling out of bed. She couldn’t see the expression on his face, but the familiar laugh that echoed across the room ensured that the smile that had been giving her butterflies for two years was plastered across his face. Every so often, whether in the computer hall, science lab, or cafeteria, she would feel his blue eyes resting upon her. Any glance in his direction always resulted in him turning immediately away, as though he were fearful of any connection being made. 

Cathy’s cell phone vibrated on her lap, pulling her attention away from her ex-boyfriend, Jason Davids. A text had come through from Marc Dunkin—the senior whom she had been “talking to” since December. His text read: What’s up for tonight? Want to go to Luke’s game? She glanced again at the back of Jason’s head and traced her eyes down his neck. It wasn’t long before she was staring at his arm, picturing the toned bicep beneath his shirt. At that point, she would have given anything to feel his arms around her, just one more time. 

Sounds good, she typed into her phone. As she sent the text to Marc, she wondered if Jason would be at his brother’s game. After all, Luke had recently been promoted to captain, which was quite an honor for a junior. Without waiting for Marc’s response, she put her phone inside her pocketbook. 

“Okay, all the stations are set up,” Cathy’s biology teacher announced. “You know the drill: last names that begin with A through H start on the left, I through P in the middle, and everyone else on the right. Move clockwise around the room.”

Cathy watched Jason jump off his stool and hustle toward the back-left corner of the lab. He was the first to reach the observation station, followed by his best friend Chris Dunkin.

“You know I have no patience,” Jason said loudly to Chris. “Let’s get this done!” He laughed and stepped toward a microscope. 

Chapter 7

A half hour later, Cathy exited her science class, scanning the sea of freshmen flooding the hallway. She was looking for the piercing green eyes that could best read her own. A moment later, she felt someone gently tap her arm. “I was just looking for you,” she said to her best friend Lisa Ankerman as she glanced over her shoulder. 

Lisa’s facial expression fell. “You just came from bio, huh?”

Cathy nodded. 

Lisa squinted and appeared to be contemplating a response. Her eyes filled with concern. “I hate seeing you so affected by him.” 

“I try not to be. I just… I don’t know who I am apart from him.”

“Yes, you do,” Lisa said with certainty. “I liked you when I met you because you knew exactly who you were.”

“Yeah, in seventh grade!” Cathy exclaimed. “That was before I lost myself in Jason.”

“What do you have next period? Study?”

Cathy nodded.

“All right. I’ll see if Mr. B will give me a pass to the library. I’ll text you if I can make it.” 

“How are you going to get out of English?”

Lisa smiled. “He’s the varsity basketball coach, and I’m a varsity cheerleader. We connect.”

Cathy laughed. “More like he’s only twenty-three, and you’re the prettiest girl in our grade!”

Chapter 8

To: Cathy

From: Jason

3/29/18

So much has happened over the last few months. It is hard to even know where to begin this note. When this year started, I never thought we would go a full day without speaking, let alone four months. This letter is so hard to write because I have so many regrets. I never stopped loving you. Even in my deepest anger, even when I sent all your calls to voicemail, you were still the love of my life. I needed to distance myself from our lifestyle to sober up, but I never wanted to distance myself from you. 

When I see you in school, the vacant look in your eye makes me so sad. I’m not sure what drug is stealing away bits of your soul these days, but everything I hear about Luke is horrifying. I’m sorry that my quest to find myself caused you pain. Drugs stole my identity, and now, they are stealing yours. But I found out that the person I used to be still existed inside of me. I know the girl I fell in love with is still somewhere inside of you. You left an amazing life behind you—and everyone in it misses you more than you know.

Two years ago, I fell in love with a witty, fun-loving, auburn-haired girl who was full of good morals and faith that I didn’t understand. I pulled you away from all of that. I introduced you to the worst things in your life, and it bothers me every day. 

I know you are with Marc, and I know he is a great guy. I don’t want to cause any problems between you two by asking to come back into your life. I just want to offer my support and apologize for being such a bad influence on you. 

Two years ago, I fell in love with a beautiful person. I believe she still exists, somewhere, beneath it all. And in my heart, I carry the hope that she still loves me, too.

Cathy stood in silence at her locker, reading her ex-boyfriend’s letter. She took a deep breath and tried to understand the emotions overcoming her body. He had not spoken to her since November. Every day, he would pass by her in the halls and look past her, as though she were a stranger, as though they had never been in love. 

She was staring at her name written in Jason’s neat handwriting when she felt a warm hand upon her back. Folding the letter in half, she glanced over her shoulder to see Marc and Luke standing beside her. They were the best-looking upperclassmen at MLH, but for once she didn’t want their attention; she wanted to be alone with her thoughts. 

“Hey,” she greeted them, attempting to sound at ease. 

“Do you want to get out of here?” Luke whispered and nodded toward the exit. 

Cathy lowered her eyebrows and glanced skeptically from Luke to Marc. It was not like Marc to skip class. Although seniors could freely sign themselves in and out of school, Marc rarely took advantage of it. “Where are you going?” she asked.

“Boston,” Luke stated flatly.

“Now?” Cathy questioned him and slid Jason’s letter into her pocket.

“No more questions,” Marc said in a playful tone. “Let’s go, beautiful,” he added and threw his muscular arm around her shoulders.

Chapter 9

Leaving school was not an easy feat, but thankfully Cathy’s friends knew about all the quirks in the system. That year, the athletic department had chosen to spend its funds on new uniforms instead of upgrading its security system, which rendered the cameras incompatible with the rest of the school’s equipment. This created the perfect escape route for the few athletes who knew about the loophole. Since Marc could not be seen leaving the senior parking lot with a freshman and a junior, he had to pick up Cathy and Luke outside of the gym. 

“So, what’s going on in Boston?” Cathy questioned Luke while they waited outside in the cold for Marc. 

“Marc has a meeting with the coaches at BC,” Luke replied, “so I offered to take the ride with him.”

“That’s where we’re going?”

Luke laughed. “Well, we are dropping him off at BC,” he said with a smirk, “and then going on an adventure.”

“You’re not going to say more than that, are you?” Cathy gathered, knowing that Luke enjoyed building suspense.

“Not until we drop off your boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Cathy said and rolled her eyes. “Missy couldn’t come?” she asked, referring to Luke’s girlfriend.

Luke shook his head. “No. She’s still in trouble with her parents for getting kicked off cheer. She hasn’t skipped school since. I still feel like a jerk for getting her in trouble,” he admitted. “Going to that rave was my idea. Did you know Jay almost came with us?”

At the sound of Jason’s name, Cathy’s heart began to pound. “No,” she replied flatly. 

“Yeah, I invited him, but he flipped out and made me drive him to school.” 

That must have been when he was trying to sober up. “I’m all set with talking about your brother,” she stated firmly, spotting Marc’s red truck heading toward them.

“That’s fair,” Luke remarked and draped his arm around Cathy’s shoulders. “Let’s get out of here.”

When Cathy climbed into the backseat of Marc’s truck, she hoped whatever Luke had planned would keep Jason off her mind.

“So, Cathy, I have a meeting at BC about my commitment for next year,” Marc said as they drove away from the school. “The meeting goes ‘til four, so Luke is going to entertain you until it’s time to pick me up,” he continued. “Do you need to be home at a certain time?”

“I’ll call my mom after school and tell her that I’m going with Luke to pick you up at BC,” Cathy said. “She’ll probably say I can hang out until my curfew. Since there’s no school tomorrow, I should be good if I’m home by eleven.”

“That works,” Marc said in his usual, agreeable tone. “If our friends meet us in Boston, Luke can stay with them, and I’ll take you home.”

“There’s a reason my parents like you so much,” Cathy said with a smile. 

“Just don’t get into too much trouble when you leave BC,” Marc joked and playfully hit Luke in the arm. “Go sightseeing or something; have lunch on Newbury Street; visit the Bruins Pro Shop; go skate on the frog pond—just make sure you’re back to campus before four o’clock.”

“No problem, dude,” Luke assured him. “We’ll find something to do.”

Cathy assumed Luke already had a plethora of ideas running through his mind. After dating his younger brother for almost two years, she knew Luke well. Because of Luke and Marc’s differing opinions about drugs, she found it odd that they were best friends but presumed Marc did not know the half of what Luke did behind closed doors. She felt bad that Marc was likely in the dark, but telling him about Luke’s drug use would only expose her own dark past. 

Free sample excerpt from Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told © Stacy A. Padula. For personal reading only—please purchase the full book to continue.

If these opening chapters left you wanting to know what happens next—how Taylor, Cathy, and Luke’s secrets unravel further, how Marc fights to save his brother and his friends, and how the truth finally comes crashing down—then you’re not alone. Readers can’t stop turning the pages of Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, calling it “impossible to put down,” “addictive in the best way,” and “a raw, honest look at teen life.”

Gold Winner for “Best Teen Book” in the Readers’ Choice Book AwardsAverage Amazon rating: 4.7 out of 5 starsAverage Goodreads rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

This award-winning novel is part of the gripping Gripped series and is currently being adapted for TV by Emmy® award-winning producer Mark Blutman. It’s perfect for teens navigating real pressures, parents wanting to understand today’s challenges, and anyone who loves suspenseful, character-driven YA with heart and hope.

The full story awaits.

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Thank you for reading! If this resonated with you, share this post with a friend or teen who might need these stories. Your support means the world. — Stacy Padula

An Interview with Angelina Tzeng of Braintree, Massachusetts

Angelina is a senior at Braintree High School, a member of the Class of 2026, Student Body President, and an active leader in her school and community. With the desire to help others, she has been a member of the Student Council club for three years and also an officer in the Future Medical Professionals club at her school. Angelina is also deeply involved with volunteering, as she is a youth leader at an Asian Youth Association called OCA where she mentors younger children while also planning cultural festivals and activities for the Asian community. She also plays club volleyball and the clarinet while maintaining a part-time job as a waitress at a senior living center. With a strong interest in Health Sciences, Psychology, and STEM, Angelina aspires to pursue a college degree in the field.

Angelina’s Book Review

Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula is a powerful and heart-wrenching continuation of the Gripped series that masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth. The story’s gripping mystery surrounding Taylor’s disappearance draws readers in immediately, while the raw portrayal of addiction and its devastating impact on families adds profound realism. Padula’s ability to capture the complex emotions of loyalty, fear, and hope makes this installment both compelling and deeply moving. The narrative doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, offering an unflinching look at the struggles many teens and their families face today.

What sets Gripped Part 5 apart is its authentic characters and the nuanced exploration of their pain and resilience. The family dynamics feel genuine, and the tension between desperation and determination keeps the pages turning. This book is not only a suspenseful read, but also an important conversation starter about substance abuse, communication, and healing. It’s a must-read for young adults, parents, and educators alike, offering both a cautionary tale and a message of hope. Stacy Padula continues to deliver a series that is as impactful as it is engrossing.

Q&A with Angelina on Gripped Part 5Who would you recommend this book to and why?

I would recommend Gripped Part 5 to teenagers, young adults, and anyone interested in stories that tackle the harsh realities of addiction and its impact not only on the user, but everyone who surrounds them. The book’s suspenseful mystery, combined with emotional depth, makes it engaging for readers who appreciate character-driven drama. It’s also valuable for educators and parents looking to understand the struggles that we as teens face today.

Why do you feel the topics covered in the book are relevant for teenagers?

The book addresses substance abuse and the ripple effects it has on relationships and mental health issues many teens encounter or witness. It highlights how addiction can isolate individuals and strain family bonds, raising awareness about the importance of support and intervention before drugs are involved. These topics encourage empathy and understanding, helping teens recognize warning signs and seek help.

What 3 important messages does Gripped 5 send to readers?

First, it warns about the destructive power of drugs and alcohol and the urgent need to address addiction early. Second, it stresses the importance of family communication and sticking together through all crises. Third, it offers hope by showing that recovery and healing are possible, even when situations seem incredibly dire.

What are you most curious to uncover in Gripped Part 6?

I’m most curious to see how the characters rebuild or further fracture their relationships after the intense events in Part 5. Will Taylor’s story find resolution, and how will his disappearance continue to impact his brothers and friends? I’m also interested in how the series will explore recovery and personal growth moving forward.

What did you like best about this book and who is your favorite character in the series at this point?

What I liked best was the combination of a suspenseful mystery with a heartfelt exploration of addiction’s impact on a family. The emotional tension kept me invested from start to finish. At this point, my favorite character is Jordan, whose struggle to protect his family while dealing with his own pain adds depth and complexity to the story.

What do you hope happens to:Taylor: I hope Taylor finds the help and support he needs to overcome his struggles with addiction and that his disappearance leads to healing rather than further tragedy. It would be powerful to see him reclaim his life and rebuild trust with his family and friends.Cathy & Chantal: I hope Cathy and Chantal strengthen their bond and support each other through the ongoing challenges they face. Their friendship and even sistership can turn into a vital source of resilience, helping them both navigate the emotional turmoil around them.Cathy & Jason: I hope Cathy and Jason confront the secrets and issues between them, honestly leading to either healing or a mature parting that allows them both to grow. Their relationship has been complicated by trust and deception, so clarity and respect would be important moving forward. Whether they stay together or not I hope they both find themselves and do what’s best for them.Luke & Missy: I hope Luke and Missy find stability and make choices that prioritize their well-being and future. Given the dangers surrounding them, it would be encouraging to see them break free from destructive patterns and support each other positively.How has your opinion of the characters evolved overtime? Specify what you now think of the following people after reading Gripped 5 vs. what your initial impression was:Taylor – Initially, Taylor seemed like a troubled but somewhat distant character. After Part 5, he feels much more vulnerable and humanized, as the story reveals the depth of his addiction and the pain driving his actions. His disappearance and the clues he leaves behind show a desperate cry for help, making him a tragic yet sympathetic figure.Jordan – At first, Jordan appeared tough and somewhat closed off. Now, he feels more layered—his fierce loyalty to his brothers and his own internal battles make him a character driven by both pain and love. His protective nature adds emotional weight to his role. Jordan has evolved the most throughout the book and the way his arc continues makes it all more intriguing.Marc – Marc was initially a quieter presence, but after Part 5, he emerges as a crucial emotional anchor for the family. His concern and determination to find Taylor show a compassionate and steady side, highlighting his importance in the family dynamic.Missy – Missy’s character evolved from a peripheral figure to someone deeply affected by addiction herself. Her struggles add another layer of complexity to the story, showing how addiction can touch many lives in different ways.Luke – Luke initially seemed like a minor character with unclear motives, but after Part 5, he feels more conflicted and caught in the chaos. His connections to others and his choices reveal a struggle between self-preservation and loyalty.Laurelle – Laurelle was a mysterious figure at first, but now she comes across as someone battling her own demons, reflecting the pervasive impact of addiction in the community. Her story adds depth to the narrative, showing multiple facets of struggle and survival.

An Interview with Angelina Tzeng of Braintree, Massachusetts

Angelina is a senior at Braintree High School, a member of the Class of 2026, Student Body President, and an active leader in her school and community. With the desire to help others, she has been a member of the Student Council club for three years and also an officer in the Future Medical Professionals club at her school. Angelina is also deeply involved with volunteering, as she is a youth leader at an Asian Youth Association called OCA where she mentors younger children while also planning cultural festivals and activities for the Asian community. She also plays club volleyball and the clarinet while maintaining a part-time job as a waitress at a senior living center. With a strong interest in Health Sciences, Psychology, and STEM, Angelina aspires to pursue a college degree in the field.

Angelina’s Book Review

Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula is a gripping, raw, and emotionally charged continuation of the series that dives deep into the complexities of addiction, trust, and the consequences of choices made under pressure. The characters are authentically portrayed with all their flaws, making their struggles and growth feel real and relatable. The fast-paced narrative kept me hooked from the first page to the last, with suspense and emotional depth expertly balanced.

Padula’s writing is honest and unflinching, tackling tough topics without sugarcoating, which makes this book not only an engaging read but also an important one for teens and adults alike. The story’s small-town setting adds intimacy and intensity, drawing readers into the characters’ intertwined lives. This installment leaves you eager for the next chapter, making it a must-read for fans of realistic young adult fiction that doesn’t shy away from life’s darker moments. Highly recommended!

Q&A with Angelina on Gripped Part 4Who would you recommend this book to and why?

I would recommend this book to teenagers and young adults, especially those navigating the challenges of high school, peer pressure, and addiction. The story realistically portrays the struggles that many face due to substance abuse and the consequences of risky decisions. It’s also valuable for those who appreciate fast-paced, suspenseful narratives with drama and important life lessons.

Why do you feel the topics covered in the book are relevant for teenagers?

The topics of addiction, loyalty, and deception resonate deeply with teenagers because these are issues we encounter and witness in our social circles every day. The book sheds light on how easily trust can be broken and how one wrong choice can lead to serious consequences. It encourages awareness and reflection, helping teens understand the complexity of these challenges in a relatable way.

Why should parents read this book?

Parents should read this book to gain insight into the pressures and dangers that their children could face, especially regarding substance abuse and peer influence. It opens a window into the emotional and social struggles we endure, fostering empathy and better communication. Understanding these realities can help parents support and guide their children more effectively.

At this point in the story, what are you most curious to uncover in Gripped 5?

I’m most curious to see how the characters deal with the fallout from the dangerous deals and betrayals introduced in Part 4. Will Cathy and Jason confront the consequences of their choices? How will their relationships evolve amid the mounting tension and secrets? The next part promises to reveal whether redemption or further chaos awaits.

What did you like best about this book/what kept you wanting to turn the page?

The suspenseful plot and the realistic portrayal of addiction and its impact on relationships kept the story “gripping”. The mix of emotional drama with fast-moving events created a compelling tension that made it hard to stop reading. The realistic teenage voices and high stakes made every chapter feel urgent and engaging.

What did you like about the writing style/setup of the story?

The writing style is direct and raw, which suits the intense subject matter well, making the emotions and struggles feel immediate and real. The setup, focusing on a close-knit group of teens in a small town, allows readers to connect deeply with the characters and their dilemmas. This intimacy, combined with a fast-paced narrative, keeps readers invested throughout the nov.

How has your opinion of the characters evolved over time? Specify what you now think of the following people after reading Gripped 4:Luke now feels like a character caught between loyalty and self-interest. He’s not just a side player but someone whose choices reflect deeper conflicts, making him more layered than before.Jordan reveals a tougher, more conflicted side beneath his outward bravado. His actions suggest he’s wrestling with his own demons, which adds empathy to his character. Jordan’s arc is extremely important to the entirety of the Gripped series as it shows someone who goes from being very vulnerable to grounded emotionally and mentally. His relationships with others build the story.Taylor comes across as resilient and pragmatic, navigating difficult social dynamics with a quiet strength. He seems more aware of the stakes and is trying to protect himself and those he cares about.Jason is increasingly complex; his charm is shadowed by secrecy and questionable decisions. While still likable, he now feels more flawed and vulnerable, someone whose choices could lead to serious consequences.Cathy has grown from a relatively innocent teenager into a more determined and self-aware young woman. Her journey through harsh realities shows courage and emotional depth, making her a strong anchor for the story.

Curious about the world of Gripped and Montgomery Lake High but haven’t dove into either series yet? Now you can watch video trailers on our YouTube channel to learn about our books and characters! Some of our most-watched videos are below.

An Interview with Ava Khouri of Hanover, Massachusetts

Ava Khouri is a senior at Hanover High School and serves as Class President, where she works to strengthen school spirit and foster a positive experience for her classmates. She is also Vice President of the Outreach Club, Treasurer of the Debate Team, and a member of the National Honor Society. A dedicated student-athlete, Ava is Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Team, plays Varsity Tennis, and has been a dancer for over ten years. Beyond school, she has served as a Project 351 Ambassador and Lead Trainer for the Playbook Initiative, experiences that strengthened her passion for service and leadership. In her free time, Ava enjoys spending time with friends and family and working summers at JC’s Ice Cream.

Ava’s Book Review

“Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy Padula is a powerful continuation of the series that brings together the storylines and emotional weight of the previous books while raising the stakes even higher. The novel dives deeply into addiction, mental health, and strained relationships, showing how easily destructive behaviors can take hold and how difficult—yet necessary—it is to confront them. Padula presents recovery as a complicated, uneven process and emphasizes the role of support systems without oversimplifying the realities teens face today.

The nonlinear structure works especially well in this installment, blending past and present events to give readers a fuller understanding of the characters and their choices. The tension between the interconnected group of friends keeps the story fast-paced and gripping, making it hard to put down. The characters feel authentic and relatable, and the emotional conflicts surrounding substance use, trust, and mental health are portrayed in a way that feels honest rather than exaggerated.

This book is especially impactful for teenagers and parents alike. Teens can recognize the real-life consequences of unhealthy coping mechanisms, while parents gain insight into warning signs and the broader substance abuse issues affecting high school communities. Overall, Smoke & Mirrors is an engaging, meaningful, and necessary read that balances drama with an important message about resilience, accountability, and the possibility of change.

An Interview with Ava on Smoke & MirrorsWho would you recommend this book to and why?

I would recommend “Gripped Part 4” to a similar audience to that of the first few books: teenagers, to warn them about the dangers of substance abuse; adults, to gain a broader perspective on the struggles children face while growing up in this epidemic; and overall, anyone looking to learn from the characters’ experiences. More specifically, though, I would recommend this part to those who have read the first three parts. This installment compiles the previous sections and pulls all the pieces together into one cohesive story, while also paving the way for “Gripped Part 5”.

Why do you feel the topics covered in the book are relevant for teenagers?

The topics covered in the Gripped book series are highly relevant for teenagers because they emphasize the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse while also addressing the emotional and social challenges adolescents face. These ideas are not only important for educating teenagers about the serious consequences of substance abuse, but also serve to prepare them for real-life situations they may encounter as they grow older. By presenting realistic scenarios and relatable characters, the book helps teenagers understand that addiction can affect anyone and encourages awareness, empathy, and informed decision-making.

Why should parents read this book?

It is just as important for parents to read this book as it is for teenagers. While the message may be more preventative for teenagers—teaching them the importance of avoiding risky situations and showing how easily addiction can develop—the book also offers valuable perspective for adults. Parents can benefit from the realistic characters and storylines, and by gaining insight into the characters’ thought processes, they can develop greater empathy for their children and become better-informed role models and sources of advice. This epidemic is more prevalent now than ever, and by reading this series, adults can better understand the realities faced by today’s generation.

At this point in the story, what are you most curious to uncover in Gripped 5?

After finishing “Gripped Part 4,” I am most curious to uncover what happens to Taylor. At the end of each part of the Gripped book series so far, there is always one storyline that I feel most attached to, which pushes me to continue reading. At this point, I am especially eager to see what happens to Taylor after his disappearance and how his story ultimately unfolds.

What did you like best about this book/what kept you wanting to turn the page?

My favorite part of not only this book, but the entire series, is its structure. The constant shifting between flashbacks and the present day storylines kept me eager to turn the page. Additionally, the characters’ storylines were highly engaging, and the ever-changing relationships, especially Taylor’s storyline in this book, kept me on my toes throughout.

What did you like about the writing style/setup of the story?

My favorite aspect of this series is the writing style. I appreciate how the nonlinear storyline allows multiple events to unfold at once. This structure adds to the sense of chaos and makes the characters feel more realistic. By shifting between flashbacks and the present day, the author allows readers to form their own opinions of the characters without initially knowing the full story. As the narrative progresses and more backstory is revealed, those opinions are gradually challenged. This approach is far more engaging for me as a reader and makes me feel more involved in the storyline.

How has your opinion of the characters evolved over time? Specify what you now think of the following people after reading Gripped 4:Luke: I used to dislike Luke in book 1, but now he’s becoming one of my favorite characters. He clearly cares about his friends and brothers, and he treats Cathy like a sister. Even though he means well, he’s creating huge problems by buying drugs from Taylor and supplying them to younger kids, and I don’t think he fully understands how serious that is.Jordan: Jordan surprised me the most. Marc always described him as irresponsible, but Gripped 4 shows that he has matured a lot in college. He’s focused on school and football, and he’s become a positive influence on the younger characters. He also seems genuine and loyal, especially in the way he treats Michelle and supports his friends.Taylor: I’m still rooting for Taylor as he is clearly trying to turn his life around. Even in the middle of everything between his boss and the police investigation, he shows real potential and keeps trying to create a better future for himself and his family.Jason: Jason is one of my least favorite characters right now. His drug use turned into addiction and ruined his relationship with Cathy and damaged many of his friendships. I still have some hope for him, but in this book he’s frustrating and hard to like.Cathy: Cathy also seemingly took a turn for the worse, but I feel immense sympathy for her still. Her drug use started as a way to deal with anxiety, but she became careless and lost control, which caused her relationship to fall apart. I think she can recover, but right now she’s making choices that are hard to defend.

An Interview with Angelina Tzeng of Braintree, Massachusetts

Angelina is a senior at Braintree High School, a member of the Class of 2026, Student Body President, and an active leader in her school and community. With the desire to help others, she has been a member of the Student Council club for three years and also an officer in the Future Medical Professionals club at her school. Angelina is also deeply involved with volunteering, as she is a youth leader at an Asian Youth Association called OCA where she mentors younger children while also planning cultural festivals and activities for the Asian community. She also plays club volleyball and the clarinet while maintaining a part-time job as a waitress at a senior living center. With a strong interest in Health Sciences, Psychology, and STEM, Angelina aspires to pursue a college degree in the field.

Angelina’s Book Review

Gripped Part 3: The Fallout is an intense and compelling continuation of Stacy Padula’s powerful series. This specific part dives even deeper into the emotional struggles, fractured relationships, and dangerous pressures surrounding teen substance use. The characters feel incredibly real, flawed, hopeful, scared, and determined all at once. Chris’s ongoing journey, Taylor’s high-stakes situation, and the tensions building among friends and siblings kept me completely absorbed. Padula captures the rawness of addiction and the complexity of recovery in a way that is honest and impactful.

What makes this book truly stand out is its ability to educate while still delivering a gripping, fast-paced story. The overlapping plot lines create constant momentum, and every chapter adds depth to the choices young people face today. Gripped Part 3 doesn’t just tell a story, but it opens readers’ eyes to the challenges teens encounter and emphasizes the importance of support, awareness, and honest conversation. This is a must-read for teens, parents, and educators, and it left me eager to pick up the next installment in the series.

Q&A with Angelina on Gripped Part 3This book touches upon the use of Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax. For that reason, parents may not want their children to read the novel. However, the author feels there is much to be learned. What do you think tweens and teens could learn from reading Gripped Part 3 that would be beneficial for them?

Gripped Part 3 can teach tweens and teens important lessons about how quickly substance use can spiral into serious consequences, even if it begins casually or under peer pressure. By showing the impact of drugs like Adderall, Xanax, and alcohol on different characters, the book makes clear that anyone can be affected, and it does not have to be the stereotypical “troubled” type of kid. The book also highlights how these choices strain friendships and also mental health. This novel encourages readers to think critically about their options and to recognize the importance of supportive and healthy influences in their lives. 

Why could adults benefit from reading Gripped Part 3?

Adults could benefit from reading Gripped Part 3 because it offers an unfiltered look into the pressures, temptations, and hidden struggles today’s teens face. The book helps adults better understand how substance abuse can begin subtly and why young people may turn to drugs despite knowing the risks. It reveals the complex ripple effects addiction has on families, friendships, and mental health. Overall, it can equip parents, educators, and mentors with greater empathy and insight, enabling them to support teens more effectively. 

What storylines were most intriguing in Gripped Part 3? What kept you wanting to turn the page?

One of the most intriguing storylines is Chris’s struggle to distance himself from the party scene and choose healthier influences, only to be pulled back by temptation. Taylor’s storyline of balancing his recovery while being investigated for his past involvement with a dangerous drug ring is equally gripping because the stakes feel high constantly. The tension between wanting to change and being trapped by prior decisions creates suspense that makes readers worry about his next move. These intertwined challenges keep the story fast-paced and make you want to turn the page. 

As drug use abounds in the series, some characters are trying their best to sober up, while others are getting deeper and deeper into substance abuse. How do you think readers can benefit from reading about Chris’s journey from the beginning of the series until now?

Following Chris’s journey allows readers to see how addiction doesn’t happen overnight, but it grows from small decisions, stress, and the influences around him.  Watching him fight to change, mess up, and still keep trying makes the reality of sobriety feel so much more human and relatable. His progress and setbacks show that recovery is not a linear path but one that fluctuates over time. Readers can walk away with a better understanding of resilience and the importance of making health choices earlier in life.

At this point in the series, what character intrigues you the most and why?

Taylor Dunkin is one of the most intriguing characters because he’s caught between wanting to turn his life around and being trapped by his past with addiction and crime. His attempts to break free while facing pressure from both dangerous figures and law enforcement create constant suspense. Taylor’s internal battle makes him complex and unpredictable, and readers want to know whether he will finally escape the cycle he’s been stuck in. His storyline feels like it could shift dramatically at any moment, and I’m eager to follow his story.

What does this book teach readers about why people begin using drugs?

Gripped Part 3 shows that people begin using drugs for many different reasons, and it’s rarely as simple as “wanting to get high.” Through characters like Chris, Taylor, and Jason, the book reveals how stress, emotional pain, peer pressure, and the desire to fit in can push someone toward substances. It also highlights how some teens turn to drugs as a coping mechanism when they feel overwhelmed or unsupported. By exploring these motivations honestly, the novel helps readers understand how complex and human these choices really are.

Chris loves Jordan, but Marc hates Jordan. He has slowly been introduced to the reader in the first three books and will play a more significant role later in the series. At this point in the series what are your honest thoughts on Jordan?

Jordan comes across as a complicated character and someone who clearly has charm and influence, but also carries a darker edge that makes people like Marc distrust him. His presence feels important, yet mysterious, as if he knows more than he lets on. While Chris cares deeply for him, there are hints that Jordan has made questionable choices that may cause future conflict. Overall, he’s intriguing but not entirely trustworthy, which makes his growing role in the story all the more compelling.

We are thrilled to announce that Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors has been honored with the Gold Award for Best Teen Book in the Readers’ Choice Book Awards! This prestigious recognition highlights the powerful storytelling and resonant themes that have captivated readers across generations. As the fourth installment in the Gripped series, this novel continues to shine a light on the harsh realities faced by today’s youth, and we’re incredibly grateful to our dedicated fans and the awards committee for this accolade.

In Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors, readers dive deeper into the turbulent world of Montgomery, Massachusetts, where illusions of loyalty and addiction begin to crumble. Former star quarterback Taylor Dunkin grapples with his opioid dependency, entangled in a dangerous deal that threatens his life and those closest to him. Meanwhile, feuding brothers Jordan and Marc must set aside their differences to decipher cryptic clues surrounding Taylor’s disappearance, uncovering family secrets that could forever alter their relationships. Raw and unflinching, the story unmasks the perilous deceptions that often accompany substance abuse and misguided alliances in America’s youth.

What makes Smoke & Mirrors such an impactful read for both teens and adults is its authentic portrayal of the struggles with drugs, alcohol, and vaping—issues that affect countless families today. Through relatable characters and gripping plot twists, the book serves as a vital resource, sparking important conversations about addiction, recovery, and the strength found in unity. Whether you’re a young reader navigating peer pressures or an adult reflecting on these societal challenges, this novel offers hope, awareness, and a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, redemption is possible. We invite you to pick up a copy and join the Gripped community in celebrating this meaningful achievement!

An Interview with Ava Khouri of Hanover, Massachusetts

Ava Khouri is a senior at Hanover High School and serves as Class President, where she works to strengthen school spirit and foster a positive experience for her classmates. She is also Vice President of the Outreach Club, Treasurer of the Debate Team, and a member of the National Honor Society. A dedicated student-athlete, Ava is Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Team, plays Varsity Tennis, and has been a dancer for over ten years. Beyond school, she has served as a Project 351 Ambassador and Lead Trainer for the Playbook Initiative, experiences that strengthened her passion for service and leadership. In her free time, Ava enjoys spending time with friends and family and working summers at JC’s Ice Cream.

Ava’s Book Review

Stacy Padula’s “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout” is a gripping continuation that deepens the emotional and thematic weight of the series. While more concise than earlier books, it feels anything but limited, weaving together multiple storylines that explore the realities of teenage life with honesty and urgency. The novel shows how characters from unique backgrounds can all be pulled into substance abuse through very different choices, but led to similar consequences. What stands out most is how real the characters feel; their struggles with friendship, relationships, and identity are portrayed in a way that makes their experiences resonate long after you’ve turned the page.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to educate without preaching. Unlike many other reads, Padula does not soften the realities of addiction, peer pressure, or mental health challenges, and instead presents them as they often appear in real life—messy, painful, and deeply impactful. I truly recommend this book to any teens, tweens, and adults because it has lessons that people of all ages can learn from.

An Interview with Ava on The FalloutThis book touches upon the use of Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax. For that reason, parents may not want their children to read the novel. However, the author feels there is much to be learned. What do you think tweens and teens could learn from reading Gripped Part 3 that would be beneficial for them?

Despite touching on the use of drugs like Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax, I think that Gripped Part 3 undeniably teaches tweens and teens much more valuable lessons than it influences them or exposes them to using these drugs. It provides a strong and effective warning about the dangers of using these substances, whether that be addiction or the waterfall effect of ruining opportunities and destroying relationships and trust. Learning these effects early will allow them to make a more informed decision later on to avoid these drugs when they are faced with them in a real social situation.

Why could adults benefit from reading Gripped Part 3?

Gripped Part 3 is meant for readers of all ages, and I believe that adults could benefit from reading Gripped Part 3 just as much as teens. While it might not serve as a warning or early exposure due to their life experiences, substance abuse is just as large of a problem among adults. By reading the experiences of the characters, they might gain greater insight into what these substances are doing to them and how they are also affecting others around them. Beyond possibly educating adults on the consequences of drugs they may be using, the story also highlights common issues that teens and tweens deal with. By better understanding what young people are experiencing through many different perspectives, adults will be much more prepared to provide support to those who need it.

What storylines were most intriguing in Gripped Part 3? What kept you wanting to turn the page?

The most intriguing storyline in Gripped Part 3 was definitely that of Chantal and Cathy’s relationship because I was eager to learn how their relationship progressed. After learning so much detail about their background in the prior Gripped books, I felt very invested in this storyline, and I also felt a personal connection to it, as I have a sister of my own that I am very close with. I also found that the added dimensions to Taylor’s story contributed to my inability to put this book down. I kept turning the pages with excitement as I learned more about each character’s story and background, creating a complexity that was enthralling.

As drug use abounds in the series, some characters are trying their best to sober up, while others are getting deeper and deeper into substance abuse. How do you think readers can benefit from reading about Chris’s journey from the beginning of the series until now?

It is interesting to see how some characters attempt to sober up while others continue down the path of substance abuse, and it is undeniable that Chris’s journey up until now can teach the reader some very valuable lessons. It is arguably one of the most important storylines in the book because it serves as an example to the reader that change is possible, and he also serves as a role model for how to handle friendships like his. He avoids peer pressure under all circumstances in the pursuit of sobriety, encouraging the reader to stick by and support their friends, especially when they are putting effort into recovery from addiction.

At this point in the series, what character intrigues you the most and why?

The character that most intrigues me at this point in the series is Cathy because of how much my opinion of her has shifted over the course of the books. I truly believe that she is a good person who fell down the wrong path, but I also believe that she can change her ways for the better and turn her character around. Cathy is just one of the many complex characters in the story that keeps me turning the pages.

What does this book teach readers about why people begin using drugs?

Gripped Part 3 teaches readers that people can begin using drugs for many reasons, and that it is not always due to external pressures or depression. Oftentimes, people begin using drugs despite their perfect-looking life, and there can be more internalized pressure causing them to start using. Drug abuse and addiction can happen to anyone, and the reasons for beginning use are endless.

Chris loves Jordan, but Marc hates Jordan. He has slowly been introduced to the reader in the first three books and will play a more significant role later in the series. At this point in the series what are your honest thoughts on Jordan?

Despite the varying opinions from others about Jordan, I feel a sense of respect for him and his growth throughout the stories that we have heard thus far. Despite his questionable past with drugs and peer pressure, he has obviously made a change for the better and is excelling at Notre Dame in both sports and academics.