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Strangers #1
Strangers in Our Heads
Gemma, a seventeen-year-old orphan and empath, wants nothing more than to be normal. But after her older sister is killed in a hit-and-run, she discovers she can drain the energy out of any living thing. Fearing she might hurt someone with the faintest touch, Gemma flees from her foster home—guided by a boy she’s dreamed about for years but doesn’t believe is real.
Meanwhile, Theo, the eighteen-year-old astral-projecting leader of a ragtag group of magical misfits, is doing everything he can to protect his found family after he failed to keep his little sister alive. From rummaging through dumpsters for food, stealing from convenience stores, and throwing punches in illegal fighting rings for extra cash, there’s nothing he won’t do to keep the crew safe from the Authorities who are hunting kids like them.
When Gemma shows up in Theo’s world, their dreams become a shocking reality. The problem is that neither thought the other truly existed. Now they have to learn how to trust each other in person, as much as they had in their fantasies, if they want their secrets to remain hidden. What’s worse, Theo didn't guide her there. Instead, a vengeful entity hell-bent on stealing Gemma’s powers did. She and Theo must work through their grief to banish him or risk losing each other for good. But doing so won’t be easy when kids with powers are being hunted by something far, far worse than a ghost.
In a cruel, contemporary world, can a handful of teens rely on one another to beat the odds?
Meanwhile, Theo, the eighteen-year-old astral-projecting leader of a ragtag group of magical misfits, is doing everything he can to protect his found family after he failed to keep his little sister alive. From rummaging through dumpsters for food, stealing from convenience stores, and throwing punches in illegal fighting rings for extra cash, there’s nothing he won’t do to keep the crew safe from the Authorities who are hunting kids like them.
When Gemma shows up in Theo’s world, their dreams become a shocking reality. The problem is that neither thought the other truly existed. Now they have to learn how to trust each other in person, as much as they had in their fantasies, if they want their secrets to remain hidden. What’s worse, Theo didn't guide her there. Instead, a vengeful entity hell-bent on stealing Gemma’s powers did. She and Theo must work through their grief to banish him or risk losing each other for good. But doing so won’t be easy when kids with powers are being hunted by something far, far worse than a ghost.
In a cruel, contemporary world, can a handful of teens rely on one another to beat the odds?
- GenresFantasy
365 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2023
4 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Bri Eberhart
2 books11 followersBri Eberhart is a contemporary fantasy writer located near Buffalo, NY. Her short stories have been published in multiple online magazines, and she has a BA in cultural studies with a concentration in creative writing and literature from SUNY Empire State. If she’s not reading or writing, you can find her watching indie movies or obsessively listening to the same song on Spotify while hanging out with her husband and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 23, 2024
I read this as a judge in the SPFBO contest.
Maybe it’s because I’ve read too many terrible books in a row, but I’m impressed by the writing in this one. Interesting characters, good prose. Contemporary YA fantasy, which isn’t my usual genre, and first-person present tense, which I usually dislike, but which I don’t here. I think this is the best YA fantasy in our group.
1. It’s original. Not just another spoiled princess stropping around.
2. It actually feels like a YA, not a middle grade pretending to be a YA.
3. It’s well-written.
4. It deals realistically with grief in a way that will resonate with its audience.
On the downside, it loses a bit of momentum towards the end, and “Draven” is both the most YA and the most annoying name ever. I also found it irritating how the characters got themselves into shit through being stupid, but I’m not knocking any marks off for that, because it was very realistic for teenagers, and this is a teen book.
7.5/10 for the purposes of SPFBO.
Maybe it’s because I’ve read too many terrible books in a row, but I’m impressed by the writing in this one. Interesting characters, good prose. Contemporary YA fantasy, which isn’t my usual genre, and first-person present tense, which I usually dislike, but which I don’t here. I think this is the best YA fantasy in our group.
1. It’s original. Not just another spoiled princess stropping around.
2. It actually feels like a YA, not a middle grade pretending to be a YA.
3. It’s well-written.
4. It deals realistically with grief in a way that will resonate with its audience.
On the downside, it loses a bit of momentum towards the end, and “Draven” is both the most YA and the most annoying name ever. I also found it irritating how the characters got themselves into shit through being stupid, but I’m not knocking any marks off for that, because it was very realistic for teenagers, and this is a teen book.
7.5/10 for the purposes of SPFBO.
October 6, 2024
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ!
Strangers in Our Heads by Bri Eberhard is YA romance with an interesting twist. I really enjoyed the foster family background, and the found family aspect of the book. There's grief to struggle through, and I thought it was very well handled. Not taken too lightly, but also not overtaking the whole story or characters.
There's quite some dark parts, so beware trigger warnings if you don't like dark themes. I thought it gave the story a good depth that is often missing in similar stories.
I was quickly drawn in both by the tone and voice, as well as the mystery behind it all.
Strangers in Our Heads by Bri Eberhard is YA romance with an interesting twist. I really enjoyed the foster family background, and the found family aspect of the book. There's grief to struggle through, and I thought it was very well handled. Not taken too lightly, but also not overtaking the whole story or characters.
There's quite some dark parts, so beware trigger warnings if you don't like dark themes. I thought it gave the story a good depth that is often missing in similar stories.
I was quickly drawn in both by the tone and voice, as well as the mystery behind it all.
September 26, 2024
I was given a great opportunity to be a part of ARC and I got this book for free. I really liked the book, it was great! I love found family and I would have probably given it a higher rating if I sat down and read it in one sitting. I really enjoying the characters and all the relations they had with one another.
Gemma and her sister that one hit hard for me but it was cute!
Theo love that he is like an older brother to all these kids. Great book!!
Gemma and her sister that one hit hard for me but it was cute!
Theo love that he is like an older brother to all these kids. Great book!!
September 25, 2024
I was giving the opportunity to receive an ARC by author
Bri Eberhart.
“Strangers In Our Heads”
I really enjoy this book filled with twists and turns of discovery, and secrets of the unknown abilities of powers & knowledge of finding hope with one another⭐️
The main characters in this book are a favorite of mine. (Gemma-MFC & Theo-MMC) Are emotionally/strong powerful characters that I admire!! Seeing them find each other through each chapter from start to finish was engrossing with mystery and love whether one was in the need of help through bounds of dreams they shared of each other for years not knowing that special person is real and not a made up fantasy in their head🥹
To seeking each other out into a reality that didn’t know can existed in realtime and learn their dreams wasn’t just dreams and that they can learn to love each other now that they have found each other in a real world and not just in dreams and learn they both share gifts of abilities of powers✨alongside finding more in depth with each other after learning they also share a same traumatic experience together😭 definitely a beautiful storyline that keep you intrigued between the two characters🥹❤️
The author takes you through a journey of found family and movie like adventures showing you a discovery of powers and gifts and characters leading each other and growing stronger as one and proving trust to one another.
Bri Eberhart, creates beautiful funny personalities, along driven characters and inspiring stories about each one❤️she keeps you engaged throughout the whole story not wanting yourself to take a break from the book, it hooks you in deeply a few chapters in and leaves you wanting to start book 2 asap.
This is a must-read for those drawn to supernatural/Sci-fi/Action/dystopian-romance.
Book 2- “Strangers In our Hearts”
releases October 22nd 2024.
Pre-order asap to find out what happens next!!👀✨And you can do just that by visiting the author’s bio on social media. @Bri_eberhart on IG
Bri Eberhart.
“Strangers In Our Heads”
I really enjoy this book filled with twists and turns of discovery, and secrets of the unknown abilities of powers & knowledge of finding hope with one another⭐️
The main characters in this book are a favorite of mine. (Gemma-MFC & Theo-MMC) Are emotionally/strong powerful characters that I admire!! Seeing them find each other through each chapter from start to finish was engrossing with mystery and love whether one was in the need of help through bounds of dreams they shared of each other for years not knowing that special person is real and not a made up fantasy in their head🥹
To seeking each other out into a reality that didn’t know can existed in realtime and learn their dreams wasn’t just dreams and that they can learn to love each other now that they have found each other in a real world and not just in dreams and learn they both share gifts of abilities of powers✨alongside finding more in depth with each other after learning they also share a same traumatic experience together😭 definitely a beautiful storyline that keep you intrigued between the two characters🥹❤️
The author takes you through a journey of found family and movie like adventures showing you a discovery of powers and gifts and characters leading each other and growing stronger as one and proving trust to one another.
Bri Eberhart, creates beautiful funny personalities, along driven characters and inspiring stories about each one❤️she keeps you engaged throughout the whole story not wanting yourself to take a break from the book, it hooks you in deeply a few chapters in and leaves you wanting to start book 2 asap.
This is a must-read for those drawn to supernatural/Sci-fi/Action/dystopian-romance.
Book 2- “Strangers In our Hearts”
releases October 22nd 2024.
Pre-order asap to find out what happens next!!👀✨And you can do just that by visiting the author’s bio on social media. @Bri_eberhart on IG
January 25, 2024
This book has a splash of X-Men, a pinch of Beautiful Creatures, and just a dash of Percy Jackson.
YA urban fantasy novel. The chapters alternate between the FMC and MMC POVs. One of the things I liked right off the bat is that almost all of the characters can be somewhat unlikeable at times. They don’t always say or do the right things, they sometimes overreact, and they often doubt themselves. But when you have a group of KIDS with little guidance other than themselves, it’s realistic.
I had a heavy heart for nearly every character. There is much tragedy and grief, but also found family and even some romance! This story was fast-paced with a handful of plot twists. There was some “whodunnit?” going on and a whole lot of “who can I trust?” But the best part was definitely the messages of forgiveness and self-love. I would be happy to see these characters get more page-time, but the ending was peaceful enough for this to be a stand-alone. Only time will tell!
Maybe most importantly, GO BILLS❤️💙🤍
YA urban fantasy novel. The chapters alternate between the FMC and MMC POVs. One of the things I liked right off the bat is that almost all of the characters can be somewhat unlikeable at times. They don’t always say or do the right things, they sometimes overreact, and they often doubt themselves. But when you have a group of KIDS with little guidance other than themselves, it’s realistic.
I had a heavy heart for nearly every character. There is much tragedy and grief, but also found family and even some romance! This story was fast-paced with a handful of plot twists. There was some “whodunnit?” going on and a whole lot of “who can I trust?” But the best part was definitely the messages of forgiveness and self-love. I would be happy to see these characters get more page-time, but the ending was peaceful enough for this to be a stand-alone. Only time will tell!
Maybe most importantly, GO BILLS❤️💙🤍
December 12, 2025
Gripping story!
Love the subtle tossasides about magic that allows us to feel like it is truly something the MC's have been living with for a while and the way their world unfurls through their eyes, including the other characters.
There's a peppering of detail that's like seasonings to a fine meal that makes the writing really flow. The dual POV never interrupts this and does not feel repetitive, either. Immediately the voice of the characters draw you in and you immediately get a feel for personality.
Author really captures emotion and maintains a great sense of tension.
Fascinating and gripping questions strung through out! And I did not see that twist at the end coming at all!
Love the subtle tossasides about magic that allows us to feel like it is truly something the MC's have been living with for a while and the way their world unfurls through their eyes, including the other characters.
There's a peppering of detail that's like seasonings to a fine meal that makes the writing really flow. The dual POV never interrupts this and does not feel repetitive, either. Immediately the voice of the characters draw you in and you immediately get a feel for personality.
Author really captures emotion and maintains a great sense of tension.
Fascinating and gripping questions strung through out! And I did not see that twist at the end coming at all!
August 29, 2023
"We're the invisible, the lost, the ones hiding under the radar. Society forgot us long ago, or maybe they never even knew we existed. Either way, we're no one."
Wow this was such an emotional read. This story follows Theo and Gemma, and they have such great chemistry. They were funny, but I also felt a deep emotional depth to their relationship and their desperate search for belonging and family. Found family is a big theme in this book and they fight to protect their rag tag family at all costs.
I also enjoyed how Gemma and Theo dreamt of each other, not knowing that the other person was real! How crazy would it be to walk around one day and see someone from your random dreams?!
Wow this was such an emotional read. This story follows Theo and Gemma, and they have such great chemistry. They were funny, but I also felt a deep emotional depth to their relationship and their desperate search for belonging and family. Found family is a big theme in this book and they fight to protect their rag tag family at all costs.
I also enjoyed how Gemma and Theo dreamt of each other, not knowing that the other person was real! How crazy would it be to walk around one day and see someone from your random dreams?!
October 19, 2023
What an emotional and engrossing story! In this book we follow Gemma and Theo, two teens with unique abilities who want nothing more than to find a place where they belong. These two have so much heart and are so fun to read that you will be rooting for them from the very beginning. One of my favorite parts of this book was the found family aspect. Gemma, Theo, Zay, Elsie, Nora, and Amber make up their magical rag tag crew who would go to the ends of the earth for each other and I loved that we got to see them embrace who they are and find their courage. If you're looking for daring characters with a lot of heart, check this book out.
November 1, 2023
What a fantastic choice for me to finish this one on Halloween!!! It’s not marketed as any kind of thriller, but the vibes and spookiness totally track for being a ya fantasy light-thriller (hello graveyard scenes 👀⚰️)!
Strangers in Our Heads was the best kind of bingeable book and once I got going I didn’t want to put it down!! I needed to find out what was happening and felt compelled to read more the whole way through. The writing was flawless and the story was really like no other book I’ve read before. I found myself thinking of some major x-files themes / the overarching story sometimes and honestly am so excited to see where the series will continue with!!
Strangers in Our Heads was the best kind of bingeable book and once I got going I didn’t want to put it down!! I needed to find out what was happening and felt compelled to read more the whole way through. The writing was flawless and the story was really like no other book I’ve read before. I found myself thinking of some major x-files themes / the overarching story sometimes and honestly am so excited to see where the series will continue with!!
September 21, 2024
I enjoyed reading about these two worlds that come together from Theo and Gemma’s world. Not only did they dream about each other but they were actually real in their own way of living.
I found it fascinating how the details were given and how the story unfolds itself. You get a few different emotions while reading especially because each character has their story and it’s not always a nice one. Some go through a lot while others deal with another aspect of their lives.
I was rooting for them both to beat the evil.
The book is fast pace and it’s a captivating story. The romance was nice and smooth.
I found it fascinating how the details were given and how the story unfolds itself. You get a few different emotions while reading especially because each character has their story and it’s not always a nice one. Some go through a lot while others deal with another aspect of their lives.
I was rooting for them both to beat the evil.
The book is fast pace and it’s a captivating story. The romance was nice and smooth.
October 23, 2024
This book is sooooo good! We are introduced to young people with special gifts (although some may see their abilities as more of a curse they can't control). They are being hunted by a group known as The Authorities who are trying to capture people with special abilities, to what end, has not yet been revealed. What we do know is that these kids are safer if they stick together, which may mean they can't stay in the same place for very long.
This book is a page turner! Each chapter leaves you wanting more. I'm so glad there's a sequel because I definitely need to see where this all goes... I'm so invested at this point!!
This book is a page turner! Each chapter leaves you wanting more. I'm so glad there's a sequel because I definitely need to see where this all goes... I'm so invested at this point!!
October 19, 2023
I read this book in under 36 hours. It was so good.
This book follows Gemma and Theo, who only see each other in dreams. Tragedy eventually brings them together. They need to find out if they trust each other to stop the evil that is coming.
It was easy to keep track of the two people who were narrating. I liked that this was put in a real-world setting with the magical touches.
Out of all the books I have read, this one has made me cry the most. The way that the situation unfolds for Gemma was so heartbreaking. For me, if a book makes you feel so deeply, then it is a great book.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the second one!
This ARC was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
This book follows Gemma and Theo, who only see each other in dreams. Tragedy eventually brings them together. They need to find out if they trust each other to stop the evil that is coming.
It was easy to keep track of the two people who were narrating. I liked that this was put in a real-world setting with the magical touches.
Out of all the books I have read, this one has made me cry the most. The way that the situation unfolds for Gemma was so heartbreaking. For me, if a book makes you feel so deeply, then it is a great book.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the second one!
This ARC was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2023
I was honored to be beta reader and see an early version of this story before it was released. The story blends reality with dreams between the two main characters and fosters a found family vibe with a group of outcasts that makes you want to find your own crew! It features grief, love, self discovery, the life of being different with special powers and much more. Bri did a great job crafting the characters and the main villain into a captivating story that’ll leave you with more questions than answers!
September 20, 2024
This was definitely giving me X-men/Heroes vibes and I loved it! Gemma and her sister are living in a foster home when her sister is killed in a hit and run. She learns more about the powers she’s been trying to hide and decides to go on the run. Theo has been on the run for 5 years from the authorities and can dream walk. After spending years seeing each other in their heads they are inexplicably drawn together and that’s where the fun begins. This takes place in southern US and i certainly hope it’s the first book in a series because it certainly is a great start!
September 21, 2024
I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I was instantly intrigued by Gemma. And even more by her and Theo's connection. I feel like I could see some of the events coming but there were a few that I was like "what the hell?" I loved the story line, the characters, the banter and the feel of the overall chemistry between everyone. The pain, the suffering, the loss. The love, and friendship. 🥰
February 18, 2024
A heart pumping read!
This story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. What a ride!! I looked forward to seeing what was around every corner and what adventures and trouble lie ahead. The details of characters made me feel like part of the family. I can not wait to see where the next book goes and follow Theo and Gemma in this strange love story adventure!
This story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. What a ride!! I looked forward to seeing what was around every corner and what adventures and trouble lie ahead. The details of characters made me feel like part of the family. I can not wait to see where the next book goes and follow Theo and Gemma in this strange love story adventure!
May 19, 2024
Usually for a YA book, I kept reading into the small hours of last night. It has a fast plot, and some interesting magic. Sibling bonds take centre stage, both of found family and blood.
The romance sub plot was intense but not spicy and although I found the end twists a little convenient, I suspect that for the target audience, they would fall beautifully.
The romance sub plot was intense but not spicy and although I found the end twists a little convenient, I suspect that for the target audience, they would fall beautifully.
February 15, 2024
Page turning
Strangers in Our Heads is an amazing story. I loved every part. The storyline, twists, magic, and let's not forget MCs!
Looking forward to reading more from Bri and of this story.
Strangers in Our Heads is an amazing story. I loved every part. The storyline, twists, magic, and let's not forget MCs!
Looking forward to reading more from Bri and of this story.
February 23, 2026
Interesting/difference concept. Enjoyed it!
November 14, 2023
SIOH is an exciting story about a group of teens with special abilities outrunning the evil authorities whose aim it is to capture them for being different. Gemma is an orphan who loses the only blood relation she has left in a hit-and-run that causes her full powers to blossom uncontrollably. Convinced the strange boy in her dreams is the only source of comfort she has left, she runs away from her foster home to protect those still in her life from herself. Meanwhile, Theo is watching over a group of other younger powerful misfits living off the grid by stealing food, siphoning gas, and participating in illegal fighting rings for cash that he spends on getting tattoos of the mystery girl from his dreams. It isn't until he and Gemma cross paths in the woods that they realize their subconscious held more truth than fantasy.
I absolutely adore dual POV, especially when I ship the main characters so much! Gemma and Theo have such unique voices and experiences that complement each other. Knowing that they're primed to find one another and already have such great chemistry makes the build up to their meeting all the more anticipated. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and it's a major theme in this story. The cast of side characters is fleshed out and they all contribute immensely to the overall plot; each one has their own backstory and unique personalities and I loved them all. The tension throughout the story mounts continuously until it all comes to a head in an explosive and exciting way. Secret after secret is creatively revealed, leaving me shocked.
I cannot wait to discover what's next for this ragtag group of misfits!
Huge thank you to the wonderfully talented author, Bri Eberhart, for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adore dual POV, especially when I ship the main characters so much! Gemma and Theo have such unique voices and experiences that complement each other. Knowing that they're primed to find one another and already have such great chemistry makes the build up to their meeting all the more anticipated. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and it's a major theme in this story. The cast of side characters is fleshed out and they all contribute immensely to the overall plot; each one has their own backstory and unique personalities and I loved them all. The tension throughout the story mounts continuously until it all comes to a head in an explosive and exciting way. Secret after secret is creatively revealed, leaving me shocked.
I cannot wait to discover what's next for this ragtag group of misfits!
Huge thank you to the wonderfully talented author, Bri Eberhart, for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2023
I was super lucky to have gotten an advance copy of this and I can’t wait to do a reread! If you love mysterious romance, magic, and big danger, you’ll love this!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews