Lauren's Secret: Full-Out

by Jenifer Ruff

Some secrets change your entire life. Some secrets get you killed. Lauren is an elite gymnast training full-time to qualify for the Olympic team, when an unexpected and terrifying incident changes everything in her world. Forced to abandon her identity, she has no choice but to become someone else, somewhere else, and face high school for the first time. A brand-new scene of cliques, competitive cheerleading, and teenage drama would shake anyone, but that isn't the worst of Lauren's problems. Anyone who likes a good mystery and appreciates the intense discipline and rigor of women’s gymnastics and competitive cheerleading at their highest levels will love Lauren's Secret, by USA Today and International Bestselling author, Jenifer Ruff. Lauren's Secret is appropriate for older elementary school children through adults. There is no inappropriate language or sexual content. This book was previously titled Full-Out.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2016

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff writes dark and twisty mystery thrillers, including the award-winning Agent Victoria Heslin Series. Jenifer spends her days writing with the goal of keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and putting the clues together. She adores peace and quiet, animals, and exercise, especially hiking. If she’s not writing, she’s probably out exploring trails with her dogs. Sign up for her Reader's Newsletter at Jenruff.com and never miss a new release.

Reviews

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of YA books. This one felt even a little younger than YA, more tweenish. It was an interesting story and an enjoyable read, but a bit simplified in some ways - we never really got to know any of the characters other than Ryan, and Ben was just a bit too perfect. Actually most of the characters were, even Emily the antangonist.

Still enjoyed it though.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trying to read the shortest books on my Kindle to help me catch up and maybe have a prayer to meet my Goodreads goal (looking unlikely- homeschooling my son and having to re-learn algebra and AP European History has put a dent in my reading for fun), and this was one I've had for a year or two. The story is a little ridiculous- an elite gymnast witnesses a mob murder (all VERY vague) while home healing from an injury, and her family has to suddenly enter witness protection, forcing her to change her name, move across the country and reinvent their lives. No longer an Olympic hopeful, she tries out for cheerleading and winds up experiencing real high school for the first time, complete with mean girls and a first dance. A little saccharine, but an entertaining read- food for middle or low level hugh school gymnastics fans. 3 stars.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was much scarier than I expected!

I mean, I knew since she had to be in witness protection that it must’ve been bad, but I tend to empathize with characters in books and movies too much... her situation would have been absolutely terrifying if it happened in real life.

I enjoyed reading about her life as an athlete. I’ve never been an athletic person, but knowing how they do to keep their bodies in shape, their relationships with food and exercise, how in tune they are with their bones and muscles, it was all really interesting.

There were some grammar mistakes in the Kindle edition, and the last chapter/epilogue (I can’t remember which it was) seemed super-rushed, so that’s why I’m giving it the rating I am.

4 stars.

[Terry Milner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

Not sure if this was a true story, it definitely seemed like it. I read another book by this author and could not put it down. This book was the same. I am going to read another by her as soon as I finish this review. I am writing this review, which I hate doing just so I could give 5 stars.

[Lara Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic storyline and lesson

I don't leave many reviews but I found this storyline very refreshing. It makes you really think about how your own life could compare and then how much better one can feel when they put others ahead of themselves.

[Erin Predmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a suspenseful teenage drama I can read in one sitting. Perfect for a day off work.

[Kassandra Poisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️

[modezireads {slump} · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was boring, i didnt finish it

[Delia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for teen readers who like mystery books. There is no foul language, no sexual content and has a good message included. It was a good read.

[4teenliars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Out by Jenifer Ruff
Hello Liars,
Full out was sent to me by Jenifer Ruff for a review. Jenifer has done an Author Interview on my blog. Which I hope you know something about her now so I do not have to write another paragraph that will prevent you from the book review. Anyway Liars. Let’s get FULL OUT.
One thing I still trying to figure out is what Full Out must do with the story I know what the cover does but not the title. But this story was nice quick read. I got a physical copy of Full Out. It was one of those American floppy Paperbacks, which in my time of buying books I have not come across them in the UK. So, it was my first. I read a lot of this book in school, on the bus. So basically, my school public. On the bus a lot of my friends thought it was a movie but to my understanding it is not. So, I think there is a movie called Full Out also based on gymnastics. For the first time my friends took an interest in what I was reading.
This book is told from two setting but it does not confuse with what is going on in another setting. It helps you understand it. But it is told from one viewpoint. I do not think this books was made to make you cry but I found it very interesting. It was like it was based on a real story but I do not think it is.
Furthermore, it is quick and simple read. It has little pictures at the end of chapters which what made me think it was based on a real story but then certain elements also make you think it is just a fictional read. I would recommend this book to anyway who does not like reading that much because it is simple.
You should read this if you enjoyed I, Girl X by Annalise Grey.
RATING:4/5
TAGS: Olympics, Prom, American, High school, Mean girls, Cheerleading, Lawyers, Crime, FBI, Gymnastics

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenifer Ruff's latest book injects crime and suspense into the world of elite gymnastics and competitive cheerleading. Lauren is a teenage who's never experienced the drama of high school. She's been focused solely on her ultimate goal of Olympic glory in gymnastics, talented enough to draw the attention of the top coaches in the US and train across the country from her parents. It's on a brief visit home that she witnesses a frightening crime, plunging her family into a new life through Witness Protection - a life that can't involve drawing attention to herself, and can't involve gymnastics. The family relocates to a small town, where Lauren's parents settle into a happy life, while Lauren navigates the pitfalls of high school, cheerleading, and young love, all for the first time. In the meantime, danger lurks around every corner as the past catches up to her family.
It's a riveting story and a page-turner that will keep the reader engaged from the beginning. Great read!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would think a book about a high school teen could be so captivating, I was totally engaged and loved it. Finally something different, written with some life’s lessons mixed in. With the included pictures at the end of the chapters one could think this is a real life story, and it could be. Well done Jenifer Ruff! I highly recommend this book. 5

I read Full Out and now I read Lauren’s Secret: Full Out. A great story well worth any readers time. Life’s lessons come in all forms and sometimes they surprise us. 5. July 2023

[Lou Hunley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of gymnastics and cheerleading will enjoy this young adult novel.

Ryan thinks her life as an elite gymnast is over when she witnesses a murder and has to go into the witness protection program.

The end is resolved seems unlikely.

Also, her view of gymnastics of only skinny girls who have not yet had their periods doesn’t fit with today’s elite. For example, this year’s Olympic team were all at least 18, and two were 24.

[Reita Pendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping thriller showcases Ruff's ability to weave a captivating story which appeals to readers from teenagers to baby boomers. The villains are dark, the teen-age rivals are snark. Ruff knows the world of competitive cheerleading inside out. For her young heroine, it's a toss-up as to who's the nastiest - the criminals who want her dead or the competitors who just want her to go away.