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Tahlwood: Secrets In The Woods
The charming quarterback, Cody Miller, sets out to make a big name for himself in small town Tahlwood. He quickly climbs to the top of Tahlwood High School's social ladder as the elected Queen's boyfriend. Still, he fears one wrong move could ruin everything. Until he decides to take a chance on an unlikely and secret friendship that could either secure his status for years to come or completely destroy it.
Kristy Phillips only wants to experience another normal year of school with her two best friends. However, Tahlwood's Queen has made Kristy the object of every boys' desire. To make matters worse, her twin brother has always hated her. When he finally reveals his secret to her, everything spirals out of control.
The woods surrounding Tahlwood have a way of keeping secrets in, but it might be time for all their darkest secrets to come out.
Kristy Phillips only wants to experience another normal year of school with her two best friends. However, Tahlwood's Queen has made Kristy the object of every boys' desire. To make matters worse, her twin brother has always hated her. When he finally reveals his secret to her, everything spirals out of control.
The woods surrounding Tahlwood have a way of keeping secrets in, but it might be time for all their darkest secrets to come out.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 15, 2025
DNF at 50%. not bad, I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I will pick this up and try again later.
January 28, 2024
✨️Arc Review✨️
Tahlwood: Secrets in the Woods
by DM Gearhart
Welcome to Tahlwood
Where the secrets you keep are
bound to come out
✨️Young Adult Novel
✨️Multiple 3rd Person POV
✨️Forbidden Friendship
✨️Brutal Slow Burn
✨️Friends to Lovers
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Reluctant Close Proximity
✨️Small Town
Please check your TW before reading.
SA, drvg/sunst@nce ab*se, bl00d
The charming quarterback, Cody Miller, sets out to make a big name for himself in small town Tahlwood. He quickly climbs to the top of Tahlwood High School's social ladder as the elected Queen's boyfriend. Still, he fears one wrong move could ruin everything. Until he decides to take a chance on an unlikely and secret friendship that could either secure his status for years to come or completely destroy it.
Kristy Phillips only wants to experience another normal year of school with her two best friends. However, Tahlwood's Queen has made Kristy the object of every boys' desire. To make matters worse, her twin brother has always hated her. When he finally reveals his secret to her, everything spirals out of control.The woods surrounding Tahlwood have a way of keeping secrets in, but it might be time for all their darkest secrets to come out.
Talk about the ultimate. What in the hell is happening in this town? Im so glad my high school days have come and gone, because its a trying time for all teenagers, coming of age, where you need to decide what youre going to do with your life, and according to society, have it all figured out, most teenagers especially the ones in Tahlwood, have no clue what they are doing and in my opinion have no guidance. I really loved to hate some of the characters until i saw underneath the surface, all the pain and suffering going on around them. I wish i could've given them all a hug and told them it gets better, to just hold on and keep going.
If anyone out there reading this feels alone or misunderstood, you're not alone. There is help and people who care no matter what. Everyone deserves unconditional love. ❤️
This debut novel is an amazing start to this coming of age series, you will say what the f guys, i stayed up way too late gasping multiple times at the things that were happening, and that damn plot twist you never see coming.
Thank you, Destiny, for the arc and replying to my messages while i was reading. Everyone should go read this. It's a brutal slow burn in the beginning, but once the character development ams background is set, the story barrels through to the end. Oh.....and it ends on a cliffy.
AVAILABLE JANUARY 31st!!!
Tahlwood: Secrets in the Woods
by DM Gearhart
Welcome to Tahlwood
Where the secrets you keep are
bound to come out
✨️Young Adult Novel
✨️Multiple 3rd Person POV
✨️Forbidden Friendship
✨️Brutal Slow Burn
✨️Friends to Lovers
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Reluctant Close Proximity
✨️Small Town
Please check your TW before reading.
SA, drvg/sunst@nce ab*se, bl00d
The charming quarterback, Cody Miller, sets out to make a big name for himself in small town Tahlwood. He quickly climbs to the top of Tahlwood High School's social ladder as the elected Queen's boyfriend. Still, he fears one wrong move could ruin everything. Until he decides to take a chance on an unlikely and secret friendship that could either secure his status for years to come or completely destroy it.
Kristy Phillips only wants to experience another normal year of school with her two best friends. However, Tahlwood's Queen has made Kristy the object of every boys' desire. To make matters worse, her twin brother has always hated her. When he finally reveals his secret to her, everything spirals out of control.The woods surrounding Tahlwood have a way of keeping secrets in, but it might be time for all their darkest secrets to come out.
Talk about the ultimate. What in the hell is happening in this town? Im so glad my high school days have come and gone, because its a trying time for all teenagers, coming of age, where you need to decide what youre going to do with your life, and according to society, have it all figured out, most teenagers especially the ones in Tahlwood, have no clue what they are doing and in my opinion have no guidance. I really loved to hate some of the characters until i saw underneath the surface, all the pain and suffering going on around them. I wish i could've given them all a hug and told them it gets better, to just hold on and keep going.
If anyone out there reading this feels alone or misunderstood, you're not alone. There is help and people who care no matter what. Everyone deserves unconditional love. ❤️
This debut novel is an amazing start to this coming of age series, you will say what the f guys, i stayed up way too late gasping multiple times at the things that were happening, and that damn plot twist you never see coming.
Thank you, Destiny, for the arc and replying to my messages while i was reading. Everyone should go read this. It's a brutal slow burn in the beginning, but once the character development ams background is set, the story barrels through to the end. Oh.....and it ends on a cliffy.
AVAILABLE JANUARY 31st!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
This book was a really… I don’t know that fun is the right word but it’s what I’m going with since I got to read it and didn’t have to live it… journey back to high school. I was a quiet kid even then, not popular but not unpopular either and this book was a fascinating dive into the part of high school I never experienced. A dark side with a look behind the ruthless kids who own a school.
I don’t generally read YA but couldn’t pass up the opportunity for this ARC!! The story follows quite a few people at the high school and their stories all blend together nicely, but it could help to keep notes on this one. Ashley’s secret made this book so hard to put down and the need to know Cody’s secret is strong!!! I felt like I was following a trail of breadcrumbs right into the forest. By chapter 8 I had a good handle on all the characters so if you feel overwhelmed, stick with it!
There are definitely dark elements to this story but it’s a fascinating reminder of just how brutal high school can be and how hard it is for a lot of kids trying to navigate that world. It makes me wonder what was happening in the lives of those who walked the halls with me way back when.
This is a great debut novel and Im looking forward to book 2, especially because the preview for it has me totally on the edge of my seat!!
I don’t generally read YA but couldn’t pass up the opportunity for this ARC!! The story follows quite a few people at the high school and their stories all blend together nicely, but it could help to keep notes on this one. Ashley’s secret made this book so hard to put down and the need to know Cody’s secret is strong!!! I felt like I was following a trail of breadcrumbs right into the forest. By chapter 8 I had a good handle on all the characters so if you feel overwhelmed, stick with it!
There are definitely dark elements to this story but it’s a fascinating reminder of just how brutal high school can be and how hard it is for a lot of kids trying to navigate that world. It makes me wonder what was happening in the lives of those who walked the halls with me way back when.
This is a great debut novel and Im looking forward to book 2, especially because the preview for it has me totally on the edge of my seat!!
June 22, 2025
This was the first book in the series and was a really good YA novel. I feel like the characters and the setting were very well written. The characters were definitely relatible.
This book to me would be perfect for younger adults but it also would be perfect for older adults, like me, who love YA novel. To me, that's when you know you have found a good YA author, when they appeal to people no matter what the age.
Cody was a very good character who showed different dimensions of himself in this book. I like how the author showed the complexities of what kids this age go through. Sometimes trying to maintain that social status can be more difficult than you expect it to be.
I probably loved Kristy's character the most. Her story was raw and emotional and often very difficult.
This is definitely a book that you will want to add to your must read list.
This book to me would be perfect for younger adults but it also would be perfect for older adults, like me, who love YA novel. To me, that's when you know you have found a good YA author, when they appeal to people no matter what the age.
Cody was a very good character who showed different dimensions of himself in this book. I like how the author showed the complexities of what kids this age go through. Sometimes trying to maintain that social status can be more difficult than you expect it to be.
I probably loved Kristy's character the most. Her story was raw and emotional and often very difficult.
This is definitely a book that you will want to add to your must read list.
June 24, 2025
The series'debut novel was a truly high intense YA read, with vivid characters, setting the stage that was a major draw, making it all the more mysterious and impactful.
A highschool party, new school and new social statuses. No one is safe from the socialites, giving hazing elements(ROTS).This book brings back high school vibes, not always in all its glory.
A candid exploration of teenage secrets, and pressures from Peers showing each component is integral, propelling the reader forward. The plot delves into somber, deep, and emotional themes, mirroring the complexities of real life for Cody and Kristy. There secrets that unfold with many minor characters all integrals part of their story.
The conclusion is decidedly memorable, not what I was expecting..more in-store for book 2
A highschool party, new school and new social statuses. No one is safe from the socialites, giving hazing elements(ROTS).This book brings back high school vibes, not always in all its glory.
A candid exploration of teenage secrets, and pressures from Peers showing each component is integral, propelling the reader forward. The plot delves into somber, deep, and emotional themes, mirroring the complexities of real life for Cody and Kristy. There secrets that unfold with many minor characters all integrals part of their story.
The conclusion is decidedly memorable, not what I was expecting..more in-store for book 2
January 28, 2024
It's crazy to think that this is actually how some high schoolers live. The secrets, the drugs, the sex, the partying. There's not really any dull moments in the book. Every part is necessary and makes you want to keep reading. There's some dark and deep and emotional parts, and that's just what the reality is for a lot of people. And damn, that ending! You get to a point of curiosity of how is this going to end and it's so unexpected and not at all like what I would have thought was coming. Definitely makes you want to read the second one!!
October 9, 2024
There are many elements of this book I liked and others that had me very puzzled. The book follows multiple points of view that help separate plot points.
Pros:
- I liked how the author stayed true to Kristy’s religion. It can be easy to lose who the character really is by creating a steamy plot point to have her totally disregard her morals, but I liked how the author didn’t give in.
- This book had many realistic aspects to it that some other books/shows forget to add. For example, in the book the students actually go to school and have homework. Some YA books forget this aspect of being a teenager and that a teenager spends most of their time at school.
Cons:
- A few things I noticed were plain, in your face typos. For example: on page 261, grandma was ‘shoring’ not ‘snoring’. Or another on page 344, when Cheyenne is trying ‘they’re’ cake instead of ‘their’ cake. There are many more throughout the book that could have easily been fixed.
- Another small detail that really bothered me was that on the back of the book it explains that Jeremy and Kristy are twins but this isn’t mentioned in the book until over halfway through it (page 301). The author made it more confusing because they weren’t in the same grade so you wouldn’t just assume they would be twins that way either. You finally learn on page 402 why they are not in the same grade even though they are twins. It just felt like a big plot hole that could have easily been solved if the author would have explained it in the beginning.
- The last point I was confused on is the question of Cheyenne’s ethnicity. It’s never explicitly said if she is Hispanic, but there are many small details throughout the book that hint to this. For example: her family friend has a last name of Hernandez, her father uses words like “Rapido” and she used to belong to a Catholic Church. I wish the author would have just come out and said that she is Hispanic over giving all these small hints.
Pros:
- I liked how the author stayed true to Kristy’s religion. It can be easy to lose who the character really is by creating a steamy plot point to have her totally disregard her morals, but I liked how the author didn’t give in.
- This book had many realistic aspects to it that some other books/shows forget to add. For example, in the book the students actually go to school and have homework. Some YA books forget this aspect of being a teenager and that a teenager spends most of their time at school.
Cons:
- A few things I noticed were plain, in your face typos. For example: on page 261, grandma was ‘shoring’ not ‘snoring’. Or another on page 344, when Cheyenne is trying ‘they’re’ cake instead of ‘their’ cake. There are many more throughout the book that could have easily been fixed.
- Another small detail that really bothered me was that on the back of the book it explains that Jeremy and Kristy are twins but this isn’t mentioned in the book until over halfway through it (page 301). The author made it more confusing because they weren’t in the same grade so you wouldn’t just assume they would be twins that way either. You finally learn on page 402 why they are not in the same grade even though they are twins. It just felt like a big plot hole that could have easily been solved if the author would have explained it in the beginning.
- The last point I was confused on is the question of Cheyenne’s ethnicity. It’s never explicitly said if she is Hispanic, but there are many small details throughout the book that hint to this. For example: her family friend has a last name of Hernandez, her father uses words like “Rapido” and she used to belong to a Catholic Church. I wish the author would have just come out and said that she is Hispanic over giving all these small hints.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews