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The Donor: A High-Stakes YA Hacker Thriller
Hacktivist Cameron Foster wants to leave his mark before his heart condition takes him out.
Hacker Tasha Jenkins wants revenge on Cameron’s father, the man she believes killed her dad.
As the two become entangled, they uncover a dangerous organ smuggling ring that places both their lives in jeopardy. As the lines blur between enemies and allies, the two must race against time to expose the truth—or risk becoming the next victims.
Hacker Tasha Jenkins wants revenge on Cameron’s father, the man she believes killed her dad.
As the two become entangled, they uncover a dangerous organ smuggling ring that places both their lives in jeopardy. As the lines blur between enemies and allies, the two must race against time to expose the truth—or risk becoming the next victims.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
3 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 6, 2026
Jennifer Dyer's, newest novel, The Donor, is a fast-paced and addicting read. Through unique dual points of view, we are brought into the world of two hackers from opposite walks of life who discover an unimaginable secret. Hilarious dialogue, witty metaphors and a swoony romance abound in this adventure that will keep your heart racing from page one.
November 30, 2025
I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed reading The Donor. I was completely immersed in the story of Tasha and Cameron and all the twists and turns of the story made me not want to put the book down! SUCH an incredible read!
I was happy to receive an advance review copy of The Donor, and this review reflects my own opinions.
I was happy to receive an advance review copy of The Donor, and this review reflects my own opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tasha Jenkin’s thoughts are filled with plans to avenge her father’s death. Everyone in her life has encouraged her to move past her revenge plans. But she has no plan to let it go. She will be ready to take down the man who killed her father, Nigel Foster. Her plan is foolproof until she meets Cameron Foster, Nigel’s medically fragile son. Cameron is 17 and is ready to escape his medical equipment filled life and do something normal before his big surgery.
Tasha and Cameron meet at a gala and both make plans to use the other. Tasha wants to use Cameron to get closer to Nigel and Cameron is excited to find a peer with whom he can be “normal”.
A meet-up a Wataburger for burgers and fries, leads them both to question everything they know about Cameron’s illness and the death of Tasha’s fater. And from there the twists, turns, and truth just keep coming. The stakes get higher for Cameron as his heart surgery looms closer. As Tasha investigates Cameron’s illness and her father’s death, she finds out that there is more to Cameron and Nigel than she first thought.
Each of her investigations leads her closer to believing that Cameron isn’t medically fragile and may be in mortal danger. Trust grows as they compare notes and slowly, they find they have a common enemy.
Multiple “shattering truth” moments strip Cameron of his childhood innocence and catapult him into adulthood, forever changing everything he knew about himself, his childhood, and his family.
Jennifer Dyer masterfully weaves the lives of Tasha and Cameron together into a thrilling novel. The stakes got higher for Tasha and Cameron, the truths revealed kept me turning the pages, more and more anxious to know what happens next.
I highly recommend The Donor by Jennifer Dyer for its thrilling read. It is rare for me to find novels that craft the kind of shattering truth moment that I first found in the book Ender’s Game. This book delivers this and more all in the familiar setting of Dallas, Texas – a place I know well.
Tasha and Cameron meet at a gala and both make plans to use the other. Tasha wants to use Cameron to get closer to Nigel and Cameron is excited to find a peer with whom he can be “normal”.
A meet-up a Wataburger for burgers and fries, leads them both to question everything they know about Cameron’s illness and the death of Tasha’s fater. And from there the twists, turns, and truth just keep coming. The stakes get higher for Cameron as his heart surgery looms closer. As Tasha investigates Cameron’s illness and her father’s death, she finds out that there is more to Cameron and Nigel than she first thought.
Each of her investigations leads her closer to believing that Cameron isn’t medically fragile and may be in mortal danger. Trust grows as they compare notes and slowly, they find they have a common enemy.
Multiple “shattering truth” moments strip Cameron of his childhood innocence and catapult him into adulthood, forever changing everything he knew about himself, his childhood, and his family.
Jennifer Dyer masterfully weaves the lives of Tasha and Cameron together into a thrilling novel. The stakes got higher for Tasha and Cameron, the truths revealed kept me turning the pages, more and more anxious to know what happens next.
I highly recommend The Donor by Jennifer Dyer for its thrilling read. It is rare for me to find novels that craft the kind of shattering truth moment that I first found in the book Ender’s Game. This book delivers this and more all in the familiar setting of Dallas, Texas – a place I know well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was scrolling Insta when I came across a gorgeous cover reveal! I happened to know the cover artist and begged her to put in a good word for me! I know many have anxiously been awaiting my opinion and thoughts. It can’t be summed up into a tidy bow; it’s very much like CHD—a tangle of diagnoses where everything connects to the heart.
My name is Elise, and I was born with the congenital heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia, meaning I am missing my tricuspid valve—it can also be called HRHS, aka half heart syndrome. I was honored to be able to read this ARC by Jennifer Dyer.
To my CHD friends and community: this book will make you feel seen, but it also may make you hold your breath with all the twists and turns—don’t do that! There is a point in the story where you may feel sad and wonder, where did our representation go? BUT I PROMISE—it is there. It is there in the little details, and that is what I appreciate most about this story. It is there in Nigel being the overbearing sick-kid parent. It is there in Cameron’s crippling anxiety when he has to go in for yet another test. It is there in the comments from other characters saying, “You don’t look sick,” or “Isn’t there a surgery to fix that at birth?” CHD is never fixed and never goes away. CHD is a ticking time bomb, contained by ongoing surgeries, tests, appointments, and faith.
The story follows Cameron, a rich kid living with Transposition of the Great Arteries and due to have a heart transplant in just a few weeks. His dad, Nigel, owns and runs FMC, a leading manufacturer in ghost protocol organs (basically a science lab). I could write about Cameron all day—I loved how Jennifer showed his anxiety. It felt honest and real.
Then there’s Tasha—a teen with serious trauma and secrets of her own. She wants to get close to Cameron to expose his dad’s company for their evil deeds… but in the process, something more blooms. swooooon
NOW to the nitty gritty!
I’m about to spoil big things, so DIP NOW.
I MEAN IT!
Okay, it’s on you now—ha!
Cameron does not have a heart condition, and he is actually a clone of his father… WHAT THE FRICK?! I’ll be honest—at first, this really made me sad, because I think many of us with CHD wish it wasn’t real. We wish it were as easy as typing it onto a screen and hitting backspace. BUT DO NOT DESPAIR—someone does have a heart condition! There is foreshadowing, and I totally highlighted it and wondered.
What I find so AMAZING—and I have no idea if Jennifer meant to do this or not—is that she also gave representation to the science community. There are so many real aspects integrated into the story. For example, as Cameron is walking through FMC, there are hearts in glass cases. Cameron explains that pig hearts can have a potential host’s own DNA injected into them to avoid rejection. Did you know there are companies like WeBuildHearts that are taking sample cells from heart patients to enhance their existing heart muscle or even grow a new heart meant specifically for the patient? Science is seriously so amazing!
Jennifer has a beautiful way with words, and her descriptions genuinely made me LOL. She also weaves dark humor into Cameron’s POV, and that was chef’s kiss. Dark humor + sick kids = LOVE.
“She was Lara Croft in Converse.”
“He wanted to get out of this bed and hug her, or maybe more. Some interesting ideas fizzed in his mind, but considering he didn’t have his pants on, he stayed put.”
I cannot wait for the second book and to continue following Tasha and Cameron. I lost sleep over this book—I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish it! I hope everyone loves this story and that it leaves an imprint on your heart the way it did mine. Thank you, Jennifer, for writing this book. Amy would be so proud of you. 🤍
My name is Elise, and I was born with the congenital heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia, meaning I am missing my tricuspid valve—it can also be called HRHS, aka half heart syndrome. I was honored to be able to read this ARC by Jennifer Dyer.
To my CHD friends and community: this book will make you feel seen, but it also may make you hold your breath with all the twists and turns—don’t do that! There is a point in the story where you may feel sad and wonder, where did our representation go? BUT I PROMISE—it is there. It is there in the little details, and that is what I appreciate most about this story. It is there in Nigel being the overbearing sick-kid parent. It is there in Cameron’s crippling anxiety when he has to go in for yet another test. It is there in the comments from other characters saying, “You don’t look sick,” or “Isn’t there a surgery to fix that at birth?” CHD is never fixed and never goes away. CHD is a ticking time bomb, contained by ongoing surgeries, tests, appointments, and faith.
The story follows Cameron, a rich kid living with Transposition of the Great Arteries and due to have a heart transplant in just a few weeks. His dad, Nigel, owns and runs FMC, a leading manufacturer in ghost protocol organs (basically a science lab). I could write about Cameron all day—I loved how Jennifer showed his anxiety. It felt honest and real.
Then there’s Tasha—a teen with serious trauma and secrets of her own. She wants to get close to Cameron to expose his dad’s company for their evil deeds… but in the process, something more blooms. swooooon
NOW to the nitty gritty!
I’m about to spoil big things, so DIP NOW.
I MEAN IT!
Okay, it’s on you now—ha!
Cameron does not have a heart condition, and he is actually a clone of his father… WHAT THE FRICK?! I’ll be honest—at first, this really made me sad, because I think many of us with CHD wish it wasn’t real. We wish it were as easy as typing it onto a screen and hitting backspace. BUT DO NOT DESPAIR—someone does have a heart condition! There is foreshadowing, and I totally highlighted it and wondered.
What I find so AMAZING—and I have no idea if Jennifer meant to do this or not—is that she also gave representation to the science community. There are so many real aspects integrated into the story. For example, as Cameron is walking through FMC, there are hearts in glass cases. Cameron explains that pig hearts can have a potential host’s own DNA injected into them to avoid rejection. Did you know there are companies like WeBuildHearts that are taking sample cells from heart patients to enhance their existing heart muscle or even grow a new heart meant specifically for the patient? Science is seriously so amazing!
Jennifer has a beautiful way with words, and her descriptions genuinely made me LOL. She also weaves dark humor into Cameron’s POV, and that was chef’s kiss. Dark humor + sick kids = LOVE.
“She was Lara Croft in Converse.”
“He wanted to get out of this bed and hug her, or maybe more. Some interesting ideas fizzed in his mind, but considering he didn’t have his pants on, he stayed put.”
I cannot wait for the second book and to continue following Tasha and Cameron. I lost sleep over this book—I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish it! I hope everyone loves this story and that it leaves an imprint on your heart the way it did mine. Thank you, Jennifer, for writing this book. Amy would be so proud of you. 🤍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It's rare to find a thriller with such a solid grasp on the medical components that often make up major plot elements. In this case, I found myself pleasantly surprised with the way the medical aspects of the plot were laid out without overshadowing the heart (pun not intended, but let's go with it anyway) of the story.
In one sense, we have a love story between the two leads, which progresses from them being strangers to being allies, friends, and ready to trust each other with their lives. On the other hand, and perhaps deeper, The Donor provides readers with a beautiful, high-paced story that examines what it means to live, versus simply being alive. I really found myself drawn to Cameron as he slowly uncovers the truth about his life and upbringing, and there were definitely some twists that had me gasping out loud at my computer screen.
If you like thrillers with elements of medical drama and a touch of sweet romance, this is the one for you! I received an advance reading copy from the publisher, but the opinions reflected in this review are entirely my own.
In one sense, we have a love story between the two leads, which progresses from them being strangers to being allies, friends, and ready to trust each other with their lives. On the other hand, and perhaps deeper, The Donor provides readers with a beautiful, high-paced story that examines what it means to live, versus simply being alive. I really found myself drawn to Cameron as he slowly uncovers the truth about his life and upbringing, and there were definitely some twists that had me gasping out loud at my computer screen.
If you like thrillers with elements of medical drama and a touch of sweet romance, this is the one for you! I received an advance reading copy from the publisher, but the opinions reflected in this review are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Donor is outside the genrea I normally read, but it had me from the start regardless. Every bit of the story sings with tension, mystery, and intrigue. I was so engrossed that my husband kept peering over my shoulder to see what I was reading. Later, he and I would stay up late discussing the story and speculating about potential plot twists.
Cameron was undoubtedly my favorite character; he's naive at first, ever so sweet, and yet very human. Tasha is rough, but it's easy to sympathize with her considering the trauma she's been through; she's also quite hilarious and grows in self-awareness through the course of the story. All of the characters were fantastically complex, and I couldn't help being suspicious of all of them at one point or another (except Cameron).
I just love this book and can't recommend it enough!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author.
Cameron was undoubtedly my favorite character; he's naive at first, ever so sweet, and yet very human. Tasha is rough, but it's easy to sympathize with her considering the trauma she's been through; she's also quite hilarious and grows in self-awareness through the course of the story. All of the characters were fantastically complex, and I couldn't help being suspicious of all of them at one point or another (except Cameron).
I just love this book and can't recommend it enough!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author.
January 31, 2026
A surprising read, this kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down! The unique premise of an organ smuggling ring, combined with student hackers, makes this thriller not only unfogettable, but thought provoking as well. If you like The Naturals, Mission Impossible and Calculated then you will love this story!
Add this one to your TBR and pick it up as soon as you can. You will not regret it!
Book Blurb:
Hacktivist Cameron Foster wants to leave his mark before his heart condition takes him out.
Hacker Tasha Jenkins wants revenge on Cameron's father, the man she believes killed her dad.
As the two become entangled, they uncover a dangerous organ smuggling ring that places both their lives in jeopardy. As the lines blur between enemies and allies, the two must race against time to expose the truth-or risk becoming the next victims.
A High-Stakes YA Hacker Thriller for fans of Mission Impossible, Calculated, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Naturals series.
Add this one to your TBR and pick it up as soon as you can. You will not regret it!
Book Blurb:
Hacktivist Cameron Foster wants to leave his mark before his heart condition takes him out.
Hacker Tasha Jenkins wants revenge on Cameron's father, the man she believes killed her dad.
As the two become entangled, they uncover a dangerous organ smuggling ring that places both their lives in jeopardy. As the lines blur between enemies and allies, the two must race against time to expose the truth-or risk becoming the next victims.
A High-Stakes YA Hacker Thriller for fans of Mission Impossible, Calculated, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Naturals series.
February 9, 2026
This book, you guys! I adore YA and Christian YA holds a special place in my heart. Through careful research the author has created a world where the dangers of the black market organ smuggling trade clash with science and scientists and young hackers who are just trying to find out the truth. Fast-paced action, a snarky female lead, a brilliant but awkward male lead, sparks, danger, and imperfect people doing their best to save the day when the whole world feels against them! I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kiss your bedtime goodbye, because you won’t be able to put The Donor down! Filled with sweet romance, crazy twists, and just enough scary, this debut thriller will take you on a fun ride.
I agreed to read this book early to potentially provide an endorsement blurb, and I’m glad I did!
I agreed to read this book early to potentially provide an endorsement blurb, and I’m glad I did!
February 7, 2026
This book grabbed me at the first and never let me go. I liked characters, the twisting plot and how the ending totally surprised me. I was happy to receive an advance copy of The Donor and this review reflects my own opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book grabs you from the start and keeps you guessing. Lots of unexpected twists and turns make this book my favorite read of the year. You need to check it out. February 2!
February 4, 2026
This is such a fantastic book! It's a twisty, turny, solid YA thriller. No language, sweet romance thread, and excellent suspense!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A much-needed twist on the traditional young adult novel, Jennifer Dyer's new novel, 'The Donor', takes readers on a thrilling ride through the world of hacking and gene manipulation.
Dyer does a wonderful job of putting her own twists on the traditional story beats found in most young adult novels which helps keep the story fresh. I also appreciated the more natural and subtle approach she takes with the obligatory teen romance.
The author does a nice job balancing how and when she relays important medical and hacking terms/information without getting overly technical or relying on massive info-dumps.
As well developed and written as any mainstream YA story (The Hunger Games, Maze Runner) this novel definitely deserves a place on your TBR! I am excited to see what's next for Tasha and Cameron.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the advance review copy. This review reflects my personal opinion.
Dyer does a wonderful job of putting her own twists on the traditional story beats found in most young adult novels which helps keep the story fresh. I also appreciated the more natural and subtle approach she takes with the obligatory teen romance.
The author does a nice job balancing how and when she relays important medical and hacking terms/information without getting overly technical or relying on massive info-dumps.
As well developed and written as any mainstream YA story (The Hunger Games, Maze Runner) this novel definitely deserves a place on your TBR! I am excited to see what's next for Tasha and Cameron.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the advance review copy. This review reflects my personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this book! I read it in 2 days! It’s full of witty dialogue and is action-packed with a lot of twists I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the high-tech and spy themes, and I really appreciate that the romance is age-appropriate. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I was happy to receive an advance review copy of The Donor, and this review reflects my own opinions.
I was happy to receive an advance review copy of The Donor, and this review reflects my own opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well written YA thriller with some great lessons about dealing with anxiety. Contains mild sensuality.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fast-paced, page-turning thriller! I’m not a huge suspense novel reader, but I couldn’t put this down. I binged the whole thing in one night! It has so many great aspects—the romance between the main characters, twists I didn’t expect (and I’m usually pretty good at guessing them!), and as a nerdy person, I loved the high-tech aspect of it. I’d definitely recommend this, especially to high schoolers. I can’t wait to read whatever Jennifer Dyer writes next!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews