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Behind the Mask
Tori Whittaker may have found a moment of happiness when she met Noah Matthews on the senior ski trip, but he’s back in Maine and she’s in Cedar Falls, and the miles apart feel farther than ever.
Between her new job, the upcoming auditions for the school’s production of Romeo and Juliet, and still trying to pick up the pieces from her dad leaving, she’s barely keeping it together.
Now, her life is about to be turned upside down when Noah shows up in Cedar Falls with a secret that will change everything; and her dad calls her out of the blue to ask her to come live with him in New York City.
Tori was just starting to be happy again, and now the biggest secret of all might just be the thing that shatters her completely.
Between her new job, the upcoming auditions for the school’s production of Romeo and Juliet, and still trying to pick up the pieces from her dad leaving, she’s barely keeping it together.
Now, her life is about to be turned upside down when Noah shows up in Cedar Falls with a secret that will change everything; and her dad calls her out of the blue to ask her to come live with him in New York City.
Tori was just starting to be happy again, and now the biggest secret of all might just be the thing that shatters her completely.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Cantrell
7 books15 followersI am a YA author from America who currently lives in the UK with my husband and two children. Together, we enjoy exploring ancient ruins, castles, small-town coffee shops and used bookstores.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 8, 2025
This was a sweet highschool romance. Tori met Noah when her life was at rock bottom. I am pretty sure Noah was good at everything.
January 23, 2025
Noah really is a dream. Nice mix of romance and high school life, but also dealing with real-life issues like parents separating. I think Tori handles the situation pretty well.
February 4, 2025
Thank you to S. A. Cantrell for sharing an ARC of Behind the Mask with me! I’ve been loving The Cedar Falls Series, and I’m thrilled to dive back into the story right where we left off in Over the Holidays.
I was already cheering for Tori and Noah in Over the Holidays, but in this book, my support for them only grew stronger! High school is tough enough, but when you add in a long-distance relationship, a demanding job, and serious family issues, things get even more complicated.
When Noah arrived in Cedar Falls, I totally related to Tori’s excitement and couldn’t help but celebrate with her. Noah is an amazing partner, surprisingly mature for his age, and his love and communication style match Tori’s needs perfectly.
Tori, a high schooler who’s been hurt by her dad walking out on them, has struggled with feeling like she or her siblings somehow caused it. I’m so glad this book gave us answers, and I have to say, Tori’s strength is impressive - she’s much stronger than I would have been.
I really enjoyed the friendships in this book, the heartwarming family dynamics between Tori and her mom and siblings, and the way Noah’s family meshed so well with Tori’s. They also crushed it in their play which was adorable to read about. I’m also really glad the cow made an appearance again! :)
And, of course, I loved their trip to NYC (minus a surprise guest!) since I grew up spending my weekends there.
Thanks again for the ARC - this one was a joy to read, and I’m hopeful we’ll get to see these characters again in college (or wherever their stories take them)!
The Cedar Falls Series is available now on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon. These can all be read as standalones, but you know you want to read the series! <3
I was already cheering for Tori and Noah in Over the Holidays, but in this book, my support for them only grew stronger! High school is tough enough, but when you add in a long-distance relationship, a demanding job, and serious family issues, things get even more complicated.
When Noah arrived in Cedar Falls, I totally related to Tori’s excitement and couldn’t help but celebrate with her. Noah is an amazing partner, surprisingly mature for his age, and his love and communication style match Tori’s needs perfectly.
Tori, a high schooler who’s been hurt by her dad walking out on them, has struggled with feeling like she or her siblings somehow caused it. I’m so glad this book gave us answers, and I have to say, Tori’s strength is impressive - she’s much stronger than I would have been.
I really enjoyed the friendships in this book, the heartwarming family dynamics between Tori and her mom and siblings, and the way Noah’s family meshed so well with Tori’s. They also crushed it in their play which was adorable to read about. I’m also really glad the cow made an appearance again! :)
And, of course, I loved their trip to NYC (minus a surprise guest!) since I grew up spending my weekends there.
Thanks again for the ARC - this one was a joy to read, and I’m hopeful we’ll get to see these characters again in college (or wherever their stories take them)!
The Cedar Falls Series is available now on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon. These can all be read as standalones, but you know you want to read the series! <3
February 17, 2025
Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Cinnamon Roll MMC
🏒They Play Romeo and Juliet
🏒He always protects her
Tori Whittaker met Noah Matthew’s on her schools senior ski trip and they hit it off. But now they are back in their respected homes miles apart.
Now that Tori is home and back in the swing of things: school, work, and auditioning for the school play. Oh yeah, and picking up the pieces and trying to hold her family together after her dad left.
Just when things are getting better (Noah surprises her in the best way possible) he father calls her. Now she has to navigate her feelings about her father and gain the courage to confront him about what she wants to know the most: the truth on why he left.
Tori is really does it all and keeps herself so busy. But boy is she so freaking stubborn. But I am so glad that she gave her father the chance he deserved. She grew up so much in this book, especially towards the end.
Oh Noah. Where can I get one? He is like the perfect boyfriend. He protects her, he is always there for her. And that surprise😍. He was there when she needed him the most and that was honestly my favorite part. But he is just absolutely the sweetest.
This was such a cute book. I honestly thought this book was going in a different direction when I was reading this, but I loved the direction this book went. It made my heart full. Another great book by S.A Cantrell.
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Cinnamon Roll MMC
🏒They Play Romeo and Juliet
🏒He always protects her
Tori Whittaker met Noah Matthew’s on her schools senior ski trip and they hit it off. But now they are back in their respected homes miles apart.
Now that Tori is home and back in the swing of things: school, work, and auditioning for the school play. Oh yeah, and picking up the pieces and trying to hold her family together after her dad left.
Just when things are getting better (Noah surprises her in the best way possible) he father calls her. Now she has to navigate her feelings about her father and gain the courage to confront him about what she wants to know the most: the truth on why he left.
Tori is really does it all and keeps herself so busy. But boy is she so freaking stubborn. But I am so glad that she gave her father the chance he deserved. She grew up so much in this book, especially towards the end.
Oh Noah. Where can I get one? He is like the perfect boyfriend. He protects her, he is always there for her. And that surprise😍. He was there when she needed him the most and that was honestly my favorite part. But he is just absolutely the sweetest.
This was such a cute book. I honestly thought this book was going in a different direction when I was reading this, but I loved the direction this book went. It made my heart full. Another great book by S.A Cantrell.
February 11, 2025
Oh my gosh, this book is just as good as the first book, it covers different topics and the MCs are different, so whilst it is nothing like the first book in those aspects, it is very much like the first in regards to how it makes you feel. It is so wholesome and gives you the warm and fuzzies throughout. The MMC is just the sweetest thing and the things he says to the FMC are just adorable and how every man should treat their woman. It is such a great YA book as it has characters that are facing real life issues but also are great models of how healthy relationships should look. The character growth is perfection and I love that this story is intertwined with the others. Seeing familiar characters and having their stories being linked together and having these adorable couples is just perfection. The FMC is a confident young lady going through some tough times and the story allows her to work through these issues and develop her character throughout so she can get through adversity in her own way. The FMC's brother made me laugh so hard, I had tears in my eyes. I had tears in my eyes a lot throughout from happy tears, to sadness to tears of laughter. This story makes you feel it all. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author as I have loved every single book she has published so far.
February 11, 2025
This super cute YA novel is available TODAY!!
The Cedar Falls Series is available now on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon. These can all be read as standalones, but you know you want to read the series!
A fun little romance story that is so much more!
Thank you @sacantrellauthor for the advanced copy!!
Happy Release Day!
The blurb:
Tori Whittaker may have found a moment of happiness when she met Noah Matthews on the senior ski trip, but he's back in Maine and she's in Cedar Falls, and the miles apart feel farther than ever. Between her new job, the upcoming auditions for the school's production of Romeo and Juliet, and still trying to pick up the pieces from her dad leaving, she's barely keeping it together. Now, her life is about to be turned upside down when Noah shows up in Cedar Falls with a secret that will change everything; and her dad calls her out of the blue to ask her to come live with him in New York City. Tori was just starting to be happy again, and now the biggest secret of all might just be the thing that shatters her completely.
The Cedar Falls Series is available now on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon. These can all be read as standalones, but you know you want to read the series!
A fun little romance story that is so much more!
Thank you @sacantrellauthor for the advanced copy!!
Happy Release Day!
The blurb:
Tori Whittaker may have found a moment of happiness when she met Noah Matthews on the senior ski trip, but he's back in Maine and she's in Cedar Falls, and the miles apart feel farther than ever. Between her new job, the upcoming auditions for the school's production of Romeo and Juliet, and still trying to pick up the pieces from her dad leaving, she's barely keeping it together. Now, her life is about to be turned upside down when Noah shows up in Cedar Falls with a secret that will change everything; and her dad calls her out of the blue to ask her to come live with him in New York City. Tori was just starting to be happy again, and now the biggest secret of all might just be the thing that shatters her completely.
March 7, 2025
Tropes:
Ya romance
Cinnamon roll mmc
Hockey Player
Theater kids
Family trauma
It's Tori's turn to shine! Behind the Mask is book 2 in the Cedar Falls series and it's told from Tori, Bailey's best friend from book 1!
Tori is still reeling from the emotional trauma of her dad leaving her family. Its a lot to process when you're 17, have 2 younger siblings at home, and you're preparing for college in the fall. Thankfully, Tori has Noah!
Having met Noah in the Over the Holidays novella, Noah's and his family have moved to Cedar Falls for his step-dad's job. Noah isn't complaining. He's able to see Tori everyday and the school has a decent hockey team for him to continue with.
What's so cute about this story is while Tori is going thru all the emotions, Noah is there for her 100%. They are the cutest, healthy, teenage relationship. Noah takes interest in helping her brother with hockey, and has connected their little sisters together as friends. He's truly there for Tori thru it all, good and bad. He has her back. Precious!!!
I wish my Highschool boyfriend had been a Noah. Lol
Ya romance
Cinnamon roll mmc
Hockey Player
Theater kids
Family trauma
It's Tori's turn to shine! Behind the Mask is book 2 in the Cedar Falls series and it's told from Tori, Bailey's best friend from book 1!
Tori is still reeling from the emotional trauma of her dad leaving her family. Its a lot to process when you're 17, have 2 younger siblings at home, and you're preparing for college in the fall. Thankfully, Tori has Noah!
Having met Noah in the Over the Holidays novella, Noah's and his family have moved to Cedar Falls for his step-dad's job. Noah isn't complaining. He's able to see Tori everyday and the school has a decent hockey team for him to continue with.
What's so cute about this story is while Tori is going thru all the emotions, Noah is there for her 100%. They are the cutest, healthy, teenage relationship. Noah takes interest in helping her brother with hockey, and has connected their little sisters together as friends. He's truly there for Tori thru it all, good and bad. He has her back. Precious!!!
I wish my Highschool boyfriend had been a Noah. Lol
February 9, 2025
** ARC REVIEW **
First of all, thank you for the author for the opportunity to arc read your work. You’re amazing 😍
After Through the Lens, I wanted to know more about Cedar Falls. I was so excited when S.A. Cantrell told us about Behind the Mask.
It follows Tori’s journey in the last year of high school. She has a boyfriend and will be the star of Romeo and Juliet. She has everything right? Wrong! Her dad just left them behind and she has to deal with that.
I loved how the book didn’t revolve around her relationship or the themes we are used to read about teenagers. The whole book talks about how she feels about her dad and how she now sees her mother.
Noah, her boyfriend, is really sweet and supports her in everything. When she goes to NYC to visit her father, he goes with her and shows her he’s there for whatever she needs. Noah is not only her boyfriend but he is also her best friend 🥹
I loved reading about Bailey and Ezra again. I missed them ✨
First of all, thank you for the author for the opportunity to arc read your work. You’re amazing 😍
After Through the Lens, I wanted to know more about Cedar Falls. I was so excited when S.A. Cantrell told us about Behind the Mask.
It follows Tori’s journey in the last year of high school. She has a boyfriend and will be the star of Romeo and Juliet. She has everything right? Wrong! Her dad just left them behind and she has to deal with that.
I loved how the book didn’t revolve around her relationship or the themes we are used to read about teenagers. The whole book talks about how she feels about her dad and how she now sees her mother.
Noah, her boyfriend, is really sweet and supports her in everything. When she goes to NYC to visit her father, he goes with her and shows her he’s there for whatever she needs. Noah is not only her boyfriend but he is also her best friend 🥹
I loved reading about Bailey and Ezra again. I missed them ✨
January 23, 2025
If you're looking for a tooth achingly sweet romance? This is the perfect book for you. It was a fun quick read. It follows Tori and Noah's reunion and how they navigate their relationship. It was so sweet how innocent and pure their love felt. It accurately portrayed how precious young love can be. Noah is a Godsend; he is so thoughtful and caring. Tori is such a strong a strong character with a heart of gold. Their interactions had me smiling and giggling, they are too perfect. It was also nice seeing how their two families interacted together, it added another layer of warmth to the book. Seeing Bailey and Ezra again was really amazing. Of course, the beautiful and unique writing style the author has carries on into the book which makes it a delight to read.
Thank you S.A Cantrell for an ARC.
Thank you S.A Cantrell for an ARC.
February 15, 2025
I give this 4 1/2 Stars!!
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a sweet young adult romance book. We have Noah and Tori. They met in the previous book, Over the Holidays. Noah is back in Maine and Tori is back in Cedar Falls. Tori is struggling with so much in her life but she is strong. Noah shows up in town and Tori is so happy to see him. Will Noah be able to help Tori through all she is going through? Will he be the guy she needs and deserves? Noah was just amazing I loved him. I loved watching him with Tori. I loved watching their relationship grow. When Tori’s dad contacts her out of nowhere wanting her to come live with him will she go? Will she be able to repair her relationship with him after he left? I loved this book. Overall, this was an amazing book.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a sweet young adult romance book. We have Noah and Tori. They met in the previous book, Over the Holidays. Noah is back in Maine and Tori is back in Cedar Falls. Tori is struggling with so much in her life but she is strong. Noah shows up in town and Tori is so happy to see him. Will Noah be able to help Tori through all she is going through? Will he be the guy she needs and deserves? Noah was just amazing I loved him. I loved watching him with Tori. I loved watching their relationship grow. When Tori’s dad contacts her out of nowhere wanting her to come live with him will she go? Will she be able to repair her relationship with him after he left? I loved this book. Overall, this was an amazing book.
February 11, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This was the perfect book for Valentine's week. The way Noah and Tori love each other; I got to read these kids grow more in love with each other. He didn't buy her houses or extravagant gifts but he was always there when she needed him a steady companion by her side always lending her strength when she needed it; she saw him for who he was not just the hero he portrayed but as Noah. This was so cheesy and romantic and honestly, I couldn't stop blushing every minute; when I say she could ask him to help her bury a body, he'll ask where they are meeting and what food to bring afterward ( she loves food). Also, I got my nerdy hockey-playing man!!
This was the perfect book for Valentine's week. The way Noah and Tori love each other; I got to read these kids grow more in love with each other. He didn't buy her houses or extravagant gifts but he was always there when she needed him a steady companion by her side always lending her strength when she needed it; she saw him for who he was not just the hero he portrayed but as Noah. This was so cheesy and romantic and honestly, I couldn't stop blushing every minute; when I say she could ask him to help her bury a body, he'll ask where they are meeting and what food to bring afterward ( she loves food). Also, I got my nerdy hockey-playing man!!
January 28, 2025
I really liked this one so much
The theatre aspect ,the hockey in it, I'm sucker for hockey, to be honest .Marcus is a sucky person and stuck up a bit, in my opinion. But Noah was the best in every way, people may see him as corny ,who doesn't love a mmc when he knows his girl is worth it,deserves everything ,the affection, the families especially tori mom she is Saint for everything she been through cause lord I was not happy with tori father I don't want say too much .Alice and Megan are so adorable .Derek had me laughing such a little brother 100%
The theatre aspect ,the hockey in it, I'm sucker for hockey, to be honest .Marcus is a sucky person and stuck up a bit, in my opinion. But Noah was the best in every way, people may see him as corny ,who doesn't love a mmc when he knows his girl is worth it,deserves everything ,the affection, the families especially tori mom she is Saint for everything she been through cause lord I was not happy with tori father I don't want say too much .Alice and Megan are so adorable .Derek had me laughing such a little brother 100%
February 7, 2025
Thank you to the author and publishing company for an ARC. This is a light YA read. There’s a theme throughout the book of going from being okay to being good and happy.
The NYC descriptions drove me nuts but someone that’s never been to NYC wouldn’t notice.
The characters are all flawed but it makes them real. Noah is almost too perfect in some ways. Bailey and their friendship aren’t mentioned as much as it should have been but just like in real life, a new relationship takes priority.
Overall a cute YA read.
The NYC descriptions drove me nuts but someone that’s never been to NYC wouldn’t notice.
The characters are all flawed but it makes them real. Noah is almost too perfect in some ways. Bailey and their friendship aren’t mentioned as much as it should have been but just like in real life, a new relationship takes priority.
Overall a cute YA read.
February 16, 2025
For Y.A. book, LOVED IT!
S.A. Cantrell nailed the Young Love factor!
If you read Over Through The Lens and The Holidays: A Cedar Falls Novella, then you will love Behind The Mask. She did not disappoint!
A great storyline and plot with character growth for both FMC and MMC. Tori and Noah's story made me smile and "oooh and aww" so many times. Enough romance for high school seniors without crossing that line. Reminded me of when I was in High School. It was definitely a cute book without the cheesiness.
A recommended read!
S.A. Cantrell nailed the Young Love factor!
If you read Over Through The Lens and The Holidays: A Cedar Falls Novella, then you will love Behind The Mask. She did not disappoint!
A great storyline and plot with character growth for both FMC and MMC. Tori and Noah's story made me smile and "oooh and aww" so many times. Enough romance for high school seniors without crossing that line. Reminded me of when I was in High School. It was definitely a cute book without the cheesiness.
A recommended read!
January 31, 2025
*Received ARC*
This was a cute YA romance in a high school setting. I enjoyed reading about Noah and Tori’s relationship, while they navigate the typical teenage life problems. This novel definitely reminds you the importance of forgiving those that hurt you in order for you to be your best self and not let it overtake your life. If you’re looking for a cute YA romance, no drama, but also good character development then you should definitely read this.
This was a cute YA romance in a high school setting. I enjoyed reading about Noah and Tori’s relationship, while they navigate the typical teenage life problems. This novel definitely reminds you the importance of forgiving those that hurt you in order for you to be your best self and not let it overtake your life. If you’re looking for a cute YA romance, no drama, but also good character development then you should definitely read this.
February 4, 2025
this was such a cute ya book. i could put it down once i started it. the character development was done so well too.
there is theatre and hockey in it, which if you know me, i love hockey and hockey romance books. so this was a definite yes for me.
if you are looking for a short, sweet romance book then look no further! go check this one out when it releases.
thank you so much S.A. Cantrell for gifting me this e-arc to read and review.
there is theatre and hockey in it, which if you know me, i love hockey and hockey romance books. so this was a definite yes for me.
if you are looking for a short, sweet romance book then look no further! go check this one out when it releases.
thank you so much S.A. Cantrell for gifting me this e-arc to read and review.
February 17, 2025
A cozy small-town sports Romance that will blow your mind with the kind of sweetness it has.
The love blooming, the warming hearts, the play, the ex drama and so much more.
The way it started and how Noah gave surprise to Tori, it was so sweet.
The writing style as always was wonderful by the author, I love her works.
This book was the perfect Valentine's Read and I want to say, it's definitely recommended.
The love blooming, the warming hearts, the play, the ex drama and so much more.
The way it started and how Noah gave surprise to Tori, it was so sweet.
The writing style as always was wonderful by the author, I love her works.
This book was the perfect Valentine's Read and I want to say, it's definitely recommended.
February 23, 2025
My opinions are my own
This is a cute high school romance. Noah is not your typical “high school jock” and is a such a sweetheart to Tori. They have a wonderful relationship and he is so protective of her! They met when her life was falling apart (her dad leaving the family and her mom struggling) and he was definitely what she needed in her life. While I did like this book, I’m not a sporty person so I personally didn’t enjoy the hockey part.
Thank you to S.A. Cantrell for this early read!
This is a cute high school romance. Noah is not your typical “high school jock” and is a such a sweetheart to Tori. They have a wonderful relationship and he is so protective of her! They met when her life was falling apart (her dad leaving the family and her mom struggling) and he was definitely what she needed in her life. While I did like this book, I’m not a sporty person so I personally didn’t enjoy the hockey part.
Thank you to S.A. Cantrell for this early read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
This was such a sweet story. I already read the novella where Tori met Noah so I was super excited for this book.
I love how Noah takes care of Tori and how he lets himself be vulnerable around her. The book also deals with some real life issues and how it impacts all aspects of life.
Loved the writing and looking forward to Book 3 in Cedar Falls.
I love how Noah takes care of Tori and how he lets himself be vulnerable around her. The book also deals with some real life issues and how it impacts all aspects of life.
Loved the writing and looking forward to Book 3 in Cedar Falls.
February 3, 2025
Sweet little High-school YA romance.
Noah is the perfect gentlemen and tori is such a strong fmc. She's helping her mom after some stuff went down. Gets a lovely surprise from her boyfriend.
Theres hockey, theres high-school love, reunion.
Fast read.
Noah is the perfect gentlemen and tori is such a strong fmc. She's helping her mom after some stuff went down. Gets a lovely surprise from her boyfriend.
Theres hockey, theres high-school love, reunion.
Fast read.
February 13, 2025
I was gifted a ARC! Loved this YA book.
Clean romance, family drama and forgiveness. You’ll love Tori’s story of dealing with boyfriends, parents, school and work!
Clean romance, family drama and forgiveness. You’ll love Tori’s story of dealing with boyfriends, parents, school and work!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews