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Sleep with One Eye Open
Sleep With One Eye Open: PMS Girls Saga Book One was previously titled PMS Girls
Perpetual Mercy School for Young Women caters to the uber rich and powerful.
Attending an all-female elite boarding school filled with bullies and inflated egos can be a trying experience. For lonely fifteen-year-old Ari Worthington it becomes a nightmare when she discovers the unimaginable truth about her new, exotic roommate, Bentley “Jess” Jessup.
When Jess’ psychological games push Ari to the brink of sanity, Ari finds herself drowning in lies and danger, unsure who is friend or foe. Torn between preserving her father’s political career and her own self-preservation, Ari must decide if she will be a victim or a survivor. The one thing Ari knows for sure is that “A Worthington never cowers.”
Perpetual Mercy School for Young Women caters to the uber rich and powerful.
Attending an all-female elite boarding school filled with bullies and inflated egos can be a trying experience. For lonely fifteen-year-old Ari Worthington it becomes a nightmare when she discovers the unimaginable truth about her new, exotic roommate, Bentley “Jess” Jessup.
When Jess’ psychological games push Ari to the brink of sanity, Ari finds herself drowning in lies and danger, unsure who is friend or foe. Torn between preserving her father’s political career and her own self-preservation, Ari must decide if she will be a victim or a survivor. The one thing Ari knows for sure is that “A Worthington never cowers.”
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2021
3 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Alfano
12 books444 followersLISA ALFANO is a lifelong New Englander who enjoys creating twisted characters living in flawed worlds. Previously traditionally published, Lisa is excited to add the title of "indie author/publisher" to her resume.
She is the author of the psychological thriller novels, Fractured Secrets and Sleep With One Eye Open (formerly titled PMS Girls) and the prequel to her new young adult fantasy series: The Thorne Chronicles: Deal of Jagged Thornes: a Thorne Chronicles prequel, is available now on Amazon.
Cage of Tangled Thornes: Book One of the Thorne Chronicles is being released, Summer 2023. Lisa also authored several horror short stories which are published in various anthologies.
Her future projects include: Perpetual Vengeance (PMS Girls Saga: Book Two) will be released late 2023-early 2024. A Thorne as Black as Onyx: Book Two of the Thorne Chronicles will be released in 2024. Deceitful Shadows: a political thriller is scheduled for release November 2024.
When she is not busy creating new plot twists and intriguing characters, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and their adult sons, as well as walking on the beach with her pampered, rescue pup and working on her monthly newsletter.
Sign up on her website for her monthly newsletter to be the first to learn about her new projects as well as free books and other goodies: www.lisaalfanoauthor.com
She is the author of the psychological thriller novels, Fractured Secrets and Sleep With One Eye Open (formerly titled PMS Girls) and the prequel to her new young adult fantasy series: The Thorne Chronicles: Deal of Jagged Thornes: a Thorne Chronicles prequel, is available now on Amazon.
Cage of Tangled Thornes: Book One of the Thorne Chronicles is being released, Summer 2023. Lisa also authored several horror short stories which are published in various anthologies.
Her future projects include: Perpetual Vengeance (PMS Girls Saga: Book Two) will be released late 2023-early 2024. A Thorne as Black as Onyx: Book Two of the Thorne Chronicles will be released in 2024. Deceitful Shadows: a political thriller is scheduled for release November 2024.
When she is not busy creating new plot twists and intriguing characters, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and their adult sons, as well as walking on the beach with her pampered, rescue pup and working on her monthly newsletter.
Sign up on her website for her monthly newsletter to be the first to learn about her new projects as well as free books and other goodies: www.lisaalfanoauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 23, 2023
One of my favourite reads this year
I’ve been meaning to read this since before the title changed from PMS girls. I’m so glad I finally got there because it turned out to be one of my favourite reads this year.
As the daughter of a senator aspiring to be President, family wealth and power come as a double-edged sword for Ari Worthington - the downsides being expectation and isolation. Boarding at the uber-elite Perpetual Mercy School, her life revolves around adhering to rules, and trying to avoid unwanted attention of the school bullies. Ari is relieved when her new roommate, Jess, seems to be friendly, if rather ‘unconventional’. Appearances, however, can sometimes be deceptive.
With a mix of colourful characters, surprising plot twists and humorous moments, this book ticked all the boxes for me. I suggest you read it for yourself
I’ve been meaning to read this since before the title changed from PMS girls. I’m so glad I finally got there because it turned out to be one of my favourite reads this year.
As the daughter of a senator aspiring to be President, family wealth and power come as a double-edged sword for Ari Worthington - the downsides being expectation and isolation. Boarding at the uber-elite Perpetual Mercy School, her life revolves around adhering to rules, and trying to avoid unwanted attention of the school bullies. Ari is relieved when her new roommate, Jess, seems to be friendly, if rather ‘unconventional’. Appearances, however, can sometimes be deceptive.
With a mix of colourful characters, surprising plot twists and humorous moments, this book ticked all the boxes for me. I suggest you read it for yourself
April 17, 2021
My husband & I both have read the book, I didn't want to put the book down.
We are waiting on a sequel to this book!
We are waiting on a sequel to this book!
February 3, 2021
I loved this book! Suspenseful and beautifully written by author, Lisa Alfano, I couldn't put it down. Perpetual Mercy School for Girls has all the trappings of a private girls' school: friendships, jealousy, cliques, and secrets. Loads of secrets! It will keep you guessing until the end. And wanting more! The way the novel ends, I'm definitley hoping for more.
If you're looking for an intriguing, suspenseful, wonderfully-written YA novel then you'll want to read PMS Girls. I highly recommend!
If you're looking for an intriguing, suspenseful, wonderfully-written YA novel then you'll want to read PMS Girls. I highly recommend!
February 12, 2021
Wow! What a suspenseful and engaging read!
The literary talents of the author are manifested in this novel that is hard to put down once you start the main character’s extraordinary excursion during her time at the very exclusive Perpetual Mercy School and beyond. The flow of events is marvelously tied together through the chapters of this book and keeps you guessing as to what’s next right to the very end.
I highly recommend this powerful novel – you won’t be disappointed.
The literary talents of the author are manifested in this novel that is hard to put down once you start the main character’s extraordinary excursion during her time at the very exclusive Perpetual Mercy School and beyond. The flow of events is marvelously tied together through the chapters of this book and keeps you guessing as to what’s next right to the very end.
I highly recommend this powerful novel – you won’t be disappointed.
February 3, 2021
I received an advance copy of PMS Girls. This is an exciting ya thriller for ages 14+ with well-developed characters, especially Ari Worthington, that had me turning the pages until the surprising end.
February 21, 2021
It is a wonderful book! Gripping, enticing, a definite page turner to the end!
February 13, 2021
A school for the elite where old money and pedigree and new money and power park their finest girls to receive the best education money can buy. Especially since it’s a public secret that no one knows about; the perfect place to teach girls how the world functions and to keep them safe from the dealings in Washington.
Or is it? We follow Ari, a Platinum Tier Lady that guides us through the Perpetual Mercy School. In case you didn’t catch it, that’s the PMS reference of the title. When Mags leaves for unmarried and pregnant reasons, Bentley arrives. Or rather, 'Jess', for the friends. Because Jess hates her real name. Ari - or Arianna Worthington - soon learns there is more to this girl than just money and power. This is the school for the elite, where bullying and forming cliques is your normal daily life.
Jess is what propels the story forward. She starts the game and that's when Ari has to decide what she wants. This page-turner dives right into the world of girls who have no other worry than gossiping about everyone else. It's a book filled with friendships – that shatter. There is jealousy, secrets and groups that lock out others. And did I mention: more secrets?
Lisa takes us on a wild ride with an ending I didn’t immediately saw coming. In most of my other review I talk more about what happens in the book, but it would take the fun out of it if I did it with this one. I think it’s best to discover this one on your own.
Or is it? We follow Ari, a Platinum Tier Lady that guides us through the Perpetual Mercy School. In case you didn’t catch it, that’s the PMS reference of the title. When Mags leaves for unmarried and pregnant reasons, Bentley arrives. Or rather, 'Jess', for the friends. Because Jess hates her real name. Ari - or Arianna Worthington - soon learns there is more to this girl than just money and power. This is the school for the elite, where bullying and forming cliques is your normal daily life.
Jess is what propels the story forward. She starts the game and that's when Ari has to decide what she wants. This page-turner dives right into the world of girls who have no other worry than gossiping about everyone else. It's a book filled with friendships – that shatter. There is jealousy, secrets and groups that lock out others. And did I mention: more secrets?
Lisa takes us on a wild ride with an ending I didn’t immediately saw coming. In most of my other review I talk more about what happens in the book, but it would take the fun out of it if I did it with this one. I think it’s best to discover this one on your own.
July 10, 2021
Ok, I admit I’m a sucker for boarding school books so I loved this.
Ari Worthington arrives at Perpetual Mercy School as an elite, the cream of the crop, thinking her year will be boring since her best friend transferred out. She is fully prepared to hate the year until her new, mysterious roommate arrives. At first Jess has to pull Ari along on her (mis)adventures but before long, Ari is a most willing participant. Breaking rules is the order of the day and Jess does so spectacularly with little to no consequences for her actions. Jess is very secretive about her past and her parents.
With a deceased mother and a father who is more worried about his political career than his daughter, Ari reveres and emulates Jess in everything, from make-up, hair and clothes to satisfying her search for the thrill. Ari clings to their friendship and sisterhood and follows Jess down a dark pathway. You think it’s the blind leading the blind until the shocking conclusion when all the secrets and lies are revealed. An entertaining, easy read. Don’t miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ari Worthington arrives at Perpetual Mercy School as an elite, the cream of the crop, thinking her year will be boring since her best friend transferred out. She is fully prepared to hate the year until her new, mysterious roommate arrives. At first Jess has to pull Ari along on her (mis)adventures but before long, Ari is a most willing participant. Breaking rules is the order of the day and Jess does so spectacularly with little to no consequences for her actions. Jess is very secretive about her past and her parents.
With a deceased mother and a father who is more worried about his political career than his daughter, Ari reveres and emulates Jess in everything, from make-up, hair and clothes to satisfying her search for the thrill. Ari clings to their friendship and sisterhood and follows Jess down a dark pathway. You think it’s the blind leading the blind until the shocking conclusion when all the secrets and lies are revealed. An entertaining, easy read. Don’t miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2021
The girls of private and posh Perpetual Mercy School do not mess around. And boy are they spicy! Ari Worthington, the daughter of prominent senator Leland Worthington who has his eye on the White House, is used to people watching her every move. She plays her part well, but when Jess, her new wild and free roommate moves in, Ari finds herself losing control, and Jess is keeping secrets. Don't trust anyone at PMS because everyone is hiding something! If you like mystery, suspense, and risky behavior, then PMS yes.
August 17, 2021
I received a signed copy of PMS girls from the author. You know it is a good book when your fingers fly through the pages. Alfano’s execution of this suspenseful drama is spot on! This story is gripping right from the first chapter. The setup is subtle enough to let you know something is brewing but there is no predictability. Alfano keeps you guessing. I will never be a “rich girl” but I do understand the hierarchy of the social status that plays into the plotline and loved reading about it. The characters are so believable, I felt like I was roaming the halls of Perpetual Mercy right alongside Ari. And the banter - absolutely hysterical! Ari and I share a lot of the same thoughts and views when it comes to family, friends, politics, and religion. I highly recommend PMS girls!
June 1, 2021
This book really held my interest! I enjoyed it so much that I read it in 3 days. I couldn't wait to see how it would end.
February 3, 2021
Love this book !!!!! A must read !
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March 31, 2021
Review will be posted to Kirkus
October 27, 2022
This thriller captivated me from the beginning. The plot kept me intrigued about Ari and who she was and who her family was, that she could get away with so much at a strict boarding school. The truth explodes from the pages and shocked me. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I will be waiting impatiently for the next book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. I received an advance copy via Storyorigin and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 26, 2021
The author did a wonderful job laying the groundwork for all the individual characters in the story. I quickly became immersed in wanting to know how the characters' individual stories would unfold. About halfway through the book I could not put it down. I eagerly look forward to future works from this author!
February 27, 2022
This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author.
January 24, 2023
What an amazing read!!! The story told through the eyes of a 16 year-old girl who is sent off to boarding school by her politically involved family. Secrets kept in the dark start to resurface with dire consequences. The ending, the perfect setup for a follow up!!! I can’t wait!! One of the best reads so far this year!!
January 26, 2023
The story follows Ari at a girl's boarding school, making friends with Jess. Their friendship grows into a sister-relationship and secrets are discovered. This is a good YA book, delving into a female-dominant story.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
April 22, 2023
I've been meaning to read Sleep With One Eye open for such a long time because one of my friends recommended it to me. She wasn't wrong to recommend it! It tells the story of Ari Worthington, who is at a boarding school for the richest of rich kids. She's lonely because she's the only 'platinum' member of the school (her family is old money AND wields political power) and so she's desperate for a friend. But unfortunately, the person who befriends her is not all that she seems and is harbouring dark secrets.
Sleep With One Eye Open is extremely entertaining with a superb twist at the end.
Sleep With One Eye Open is extremely entertaining with a superb twist at the end.
December 16, 2024
Great suspense!
Sleep With One Eye Open is one of those thriller mysteries that baits and teases chapter after chapter. Did it live up to the resulting anticipation? You betcha! Layer after layer of deceit and treachery led to quite a few WTF moments, ending with a tantalizing tease of more to come. Well played, Ms. Alfano, well played!
Sleep With One Eye Open is one of those thriller mysteries that baits and teases chapter after chapter. Did it live up to the resulting anticipation? You betcha! Layer after layer of deceit and treachery led to quite a few WTF moments, ending with a tantalizing tease of more to come. Well played, Ms. Alfano, well played!
August 28, 2025
A real page-turner, I started reading and couldn't put it down. I need the sequel pronto!
September 26, 2022
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drayuba35@gmail.Com
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews