What do you think?
Rate this book
Riley Collins #1
A Dangerous Year
As the daughter of an American ambassador, seventeen-year-old Riley Collins has grown up in some of the world’s most dangerous cities.
She may have learned the art of politics from her dad, but it’s the lessons in survival taught by his security chief that she’s taken to heart.
When Riley is caught up in a violent incident, the State Department steps in, offering an all-expense paid senior year at Harrington Academy, one of the most elite boarding schools in Connecticut. The catch: she must use her tactical skills to keep her eye on heiress Hayden Frasier, the daughter of a tech billionaire intent on changing the world.
Immersed in American materialism and social media for the first time, it’s culture shock for Riley. Hayden resents her new roommate, and Riley learns nothing is ever private when there’s a cellphone around. She discovers allies in Von Alder, the cute class flirt; Sam Hudson, whose status as Hayden’s ex-boyfriend puts him on the forbidden list; and Major Grace Taylor, Harrington’s tough new head of security, and the only one who knows Riley’s true purpose at Harrington.
Disturbing signs begin to appear that Riley’s assignment wasn’t the walk in the park she’d been promised. She learns the death of Hayden’s former roommate might not have been an accident after all, and she spars with classmate Quinn, whose attempts at social sabotage causes Riley to take drastic measures.
As Riley’s relationship with Hayden thaws into her first opportunity at true friendship, the danger around her roommate heats up. Riley must fight for her life and Hayden’s – and the security of a nation – as those around her reveal themselves to be true friends, or the ultimate betrayers.
She may have learned the art of politics from her dad, but it’s the lessons in survival taught by his security chief that she’s taken to heart.
When Riley is caught up in a violent incident, the State Department steps in, offering an all-expense paid senior year at Harrington Academy, one of the most elite boarding schools in Connecticut. The catch: she must use her tactical skills to keep her eye on heiress Hayden Frasier, the daughter of a tech billionaire intent on changing the world.
Immersed in American materialism and social media for the first time, it’s culture shock for Riley. Hayden resents her new roommate, and Riley learns nothing is ever private when there’s a cellphone around. She discovers allies in Von Alder, the cute class flirt; Sam Hudson, whose status as Hayden’s ex-boyfriend puts him on the forbidden list; and Major Grace Taylor, Harrington’s tough new head of security, and the only one who knows Riley’s true purpose at Harrington.
Disturbing signs begin to appear that Riley’s assignment wasn’t the walk in the park she’d been promised. She learns the death of Hayden’s former roommate might not have been an accident after all, and she spars with classmate Quinn, whose attempts at social sabotage causes Riley to take drastic measures.
As Riley’s relationship with Hayden thaws into her first opportunity at true friendship, the danger around her roommate heats up. Riley must fight for her life and Hayden’s – and the security of a nation – as those around her reveal themselves to be true friends, or the ultimate betrayers.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2017
13 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Kes Trester
5 books68 followersA native of Los Angeles, Kes Trester is a former feature film development executive, independent film producer, and television commercial producer. In an attempt to raise kids who could actually pick their mom out of a line up, Kes turned to writing full-time. Her contemporary novels for young adults are cinematic, fast-paced, and above all, fun. Add an understanding husband and a pack of rescue dogs to the mix, and that’s also an apt description of life in the busy Trester household.
If you'd like to reach Kes or her representatives, please see the contact form at KesTrester.com.
If you'd like to reach Kes or her representatives, please see the contact form at KesTrester.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 13, 2017
Recommend for fans of Ally Carter.
Riley goes "undercover" at an elite high school to protect a technology heiress. While suspending disbelief is necessary as some scenes were obviously implausible, this is still a fast, fun YA read.
I liked all of the characters and their roles, and am excited to see who makes the cut to be in the next book.
Riley goes "undercover" at an elite high school to protect a technology heiress. While suspending disbelief is necessary as some scenes were obviously implausible, this is still a fast, fun YA read.
I liked all of the characters and their roles, and am excited to see who makes the cut to be in the next book.
August 2, 2020
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Curiosity Quills Press for allowing me to read and review this cute debut novel by Kes Trester! Whew! Riley sure packed in a lot of adventures in a single book. I loved Trester's rich descriptions of living overseas, the smells of the marketplace in Pakistan, the taste of the foods Riley had grown up eating and learned to crave. I could totally picture being there!
And I loved the adventures and descriptions once Riley comes to the US to serve as a bodyguard for a student in a boarding school. No one can beat Riley at anything. She is completely unstoppable, a super-soldier in the body of a young girl. The storytelling was very nicely done, and the pacing really picked up in the second half. And WOW that cliffhanger!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
And I loved the adventures and descriptions once Riley comes to the US to serve as a bodyguard for a student in a boarding school. No one can beat Riley at anything. She is completely unstoppable, a super-soldier in the body of a young girl. The storytelling was very nicely done, and the pacing really picked up in the second half. And WOW that cliffhanger!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
September 26, 2017
*4.75 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*sigh* I'm such a sucker for YA spy novels :D
----
Riley Collins lives in Pakistan with her father, who’s an ambassador for the US. After getting into a fight in the street protecting a girl and taking down three guys, her life might be in danger there. Thankfully, she gets an offer to protect the daughter of a computer scientist who has invented an incredible software that might change national security forever. But that means she has to go to boarding school next to New-York, and she knows nothing about that world.
I loved Riley, I loved the ambiance. I love YA spy novels. The story, the characters, the intrigue, I loved it all so much…. I read it so fast too… And I didn’t see most twists coming. I don’t even know what else to say, except that I can’t wait to read more from this series.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*sigh* I'm such a sucker for YA spy novels :D
----
Riley Collins lives in Pakistan with her father, who’s an ambassador for the US. After getting into a fight in the street protecting a girl and taking down three guys, her life might be in danger there. Thankfully, she gets an offer to protect the daughter of a computer scientist who has invented an incredible software that might change national security forever. But that means she has to go to boarding school next to New-York, and she knows nothing about that world.
I loved Riley, I loved the ambiance. I love YA spy novels. The story, the characters, the intrigue, I loved it all so much…. I read it so fast too… And I didn’t see most twists coming. I don’t even know what else to say, except that I can’t wait to read more from this series.
August 27, 2017
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of A DANGEROUS YEAR by Kes Trester in exchange for my honest review**
GRADE: A-
4.5 STARS
Riley Collins, who grew up in the Middle East along with her diplomat father, has been tapped by the US Government to watch over Hayden Frasier, daughter of a software mogul. Attending school for the first time, particularly among Harrington Academy's elite, is only one of Riley's challenges. Endearing herself to Hayden may be even more difficult.
I hadn't expected A DANGEROUS YEAR, the first book in the Riley Collins series, to be such a gem. Riley personifies badass. She's tough, strong and socially vulnerable. Her inexperience with peers and the teenage experience makes her even more endearing. She doesn't always make the best choices, but what seventeen-year-old does? I loved her relationship with her father and his assistant.
Trester's crisp writing kept the pace steady, although I never felt a real sense of concern for Riley and Hayden. While one mystery was solved, the ending started another conundrum that I'm certain Riley will help commandeer. I can't wait to see what happens next.
GRADE: A-
4.5 STARS
Riley Collins, who grew up in the Middle East along with her diplomat father, has been tapped by the US Government to watch over Hayden Frasier, daughter of a software mogul. Attending school for the first time, particularly among Harrington Academy's elite, is only one of Riley's challenges. Endearing herself to Hayden may be even more difficult.
I hadn't expected A DANGEROUS YEAR, the first book in the Riley Collins series, to be such a gem. Riley personifies badass. She's tough, strong and socially vulnerable. Her inexperience with peers and the teenage experience makes her even more endearing. She doesn't always make the best choices, but what seventeen-year-old does? I loved her relationship with her father and his assistant.
Trester's crisp writing kept the pace steady, although I never felt a real sense of concern for Riley and Hayden. While one mystery was solved, the ending started another conundrum that I'm certain Riley will help commandeer. I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 4, 2017
I could not put A Dangerous Year down once I started! The story, the characters, and the twists and turns are brilliantly written. Riley Collins is smart and strong, the kind of character you delight in watching as she navigates uncharted waters in an exclusive boarding school while trying to protect the daughter of a billionaire who’s developed software that can break any code in the world .
There are so many things to love about this engaging thriller—I especially enjoyed the high-tech spy gear Riley uses, the handsome but off limits love interest, and Benson’s Rules, a series of thoughtful protocol given to her by her father’s chief of security that guide her both in combat and in everyday life.
The ending will leave you eager for the next book in the series. Highly recommended!
There are so many things to love about this engaging thriller—I especially enjoyed the high-tech spy gear Riley uses, the handsome but off limits love interest, and Benson’s Rules, a series of thoughtful protocol given to her by her father’s chief of security that guide her both in combat and in everyday life.
The ending will leave you eager for the next book in the series. Highly recommended!
July 19, 2017
This is a clever, fast-paced thriller that will grab you from page one and demand not to be put it down. Seriously, I repeatedly stayed up late at night because I just HAD to know what happened next.
A marvelous debut for Kes Trester, A Dangerous Year has a lot to offer: high-stakes intrigue and suspense combined with the more traditional YA high-school drama and hints of romance that would be expected when the secret-service trained daughter of a diplomat is sent undercover to an elite New England boarding school to protect the daughter of a spyware developer.
Riley Collins is a well flushed out protagonist you not only root for but wish you were friends with (I bet she would have taught me some of those awesome MMA fight club moves). I loved that Riley, though motherless, is the product of a healthy, supportive and loving father-daughter relationship. And then there’s Benson, her diplomat father’s BFF and head of security, who is like a second father to Riley. I love Benson. I love his Aussie accent (I can actually hear it coming off the pages when I read), his doting concern for Riley, his entertaining and instructional BENSON’S RULES that are ingeniously made into chapter titles. What great characters! Even the secondary stars are well drawn and fully dimensional. I also appreciated Riley’s empathy, how though at times she is quick to judge (aren’t we all) she quite rapidly manages to put herself in the shoes of the ‘other girl’ and understands her actions, as would be expected of the daughter of a US Diplomat who has been exposed to various cultures and has been taught tolerance. What a great lesson for everyone. A Dangerous Year will not disappoint!
A marvelous debut for Kes Trester, A Dangerous Year has a lot to offer: high-stakes intrigue and suspense combined with the more traditional YA high-school drama and hints of romance that would be expected when the secret-service trained daughter of a diplomat is sent undercover to an elite New England boarding school to protect the daughter of a spyware developer.
Riley Collins is a well flushed out protagonist you not only root for but wish you were friends with (I bet she would have taught me some of those awesome MMA fight club moves). I loved that Riley, though motherless, is the product of a healthy, supportive and loving father-daughter relationship. And then there’s Benson, her diplomat father’s BFF and head of security, who is like a second father to Riley. I love Benson. I love his Aussie accent (I can actually hear it coming off the pages when I read), his doting concern for Riley, his entertaining and instructional BENSON’S RULES that are ingeniously made into chapter titles. What great characters! Even the secondary stars are well drawn and fully dimensional. I also appreciated Riley’s empathy, how though at times she is quick to judge (aren’t we all) she quite rapidly manages to put herself in the shoes of the ‘other girl’ and understands her actions, as would be expected of the daughter of a US Diplomat who has been exposed to various cultures and has been taught tolerance. What a great lesson for everyone. A Dangerous Year will not disappoint!
July 16, 2017
I absolutely LOVED this book. Smart, fast-paced, and full of surprises, A DANGEROUS YEAR delivers crisp, vivid writing, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters in the intrepid Riley Collins and her friends - and enemies.
June 12, 2017
Fast-paced, fun, exciting, and witty, with enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing, A DANGEROUS YEAR is a thrilling read.
Riley Collins has grown up as the only child of a career diplomat, serving the US in some of the world's most troubled hot spots. While she's learned the art of diplomacy from her father, it's her father's chief of security, Benson, who has made sure she can protect herself when (not if) she gets into trouble. Benson's Rules guide her actions, whether she's being followed in a Middle East market or is out on the town in New York City. She's asked to go undercover at an elite Connecticut boarding school to protect the daughter of a computer genius who may have just written software which could break any code.
While Riley knows a thing or two about reading a situation for potential danger, she is only 17 and has spent her life surrounded by diplomatic corps and tutors. High school is a whole new level of high stakes intrigue.
Riley Collins has grown up as the only child of a career diplomat, serving the US in some of the world's most troubled hot spots. While she's learned the art of diplomacy from her father, it's her father's chief of security, Benson, who has made sure she can protect herself when (not if) she gets into trouble. Benson's Rules guide her actions, whether she's being followed in a Middle East market or is out on the town in New York City. She's asked to go undercover at an elite Connecticut boarding school to protect the daughter of a computer genius who may have just written software which could break any code.
While Riley knows a thing or two about reading a situation for potential danger, she is only 17 and has spent her life surrounded by diplomatic corps and tutors. High school is a whole new level of high stakes intrigue.
June 3, 2017
I want to thank the author and Curiosity Quills Press for allowing me to read this book.
DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK?
I has everything I love when I need a quick read of good quality that will leave me dancing on my feet from expectations and guesses.
It's a secret service novel, I'm in! With a badass heroine! I'm double in!
Riley is the best main characters there is, at least for this type of book, and I enjoyed reading about her as she dive into a world that has never been hers.
I loved how the plot unraveled, how the action fitted into place, and how well crafted and thought-out this all was!
But do you know what I hated?
THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING!
Can't wait for the sequel!
DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK?
I has everything I love when I need a quick read of good quality that will leave me dancing on my feet from expectations and guesses.
It's a secret service novel, I'm in! With a badass heroine! I'm double in!
Riley is the best main characters there is, at least for this type of book, and I enjoyed reading about her as she dive into a world that has never been hers.
I loved how the plot unraveled, how the action fitted into place, and how well crafted and thought-out this all was!
But do you know what I hated?
THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING!
Can't wait for the sequel!
October 17, 2017
I had so much fun reading this book! Riley is immediately likable and I enjoyed meeting the rest of her eventual friends. Her tight knit family, and thus Riley’s, sense of humor is hilarious.
While you may give this one a skeptical eye I would encourage you to give it a shot. It’s well done and a fast read. I honestly wasn’t sure Trester could tie it up in time. But the was, in fact, in a neat little bow at the end. At least until that little sentence at the end ensuring the sequel as well as a piqued curiosity.
Likable characters, easy to follow plot, a few plot twist, and we have a winner folks. Perfect weekend read in between some of those heavier reads I tend to be into. Easily a 4 star and highly recommendable.
Thanks so much Booksparks!
*I was gifted a copy of this book. My words are my own. *
While you may give this one a skeptical eye I would encourage you to give it a shot. It’s well done and a fast read. I honestly wasn’t sure Trester could tie it up in time. But the was, in fact, in a neat little bow at the end. At least until that little sentence at the end ensuring the sequel as well as a piqued curiosity.
Likable characters, easy to follow plot, a few plot twist, and we have a winner folks. Perfect weekend read in between some of those heavier reads I tend to be into. Easily a 4 star and highly recommendable.
Thanks so much Booksparks!
*I was gifted a copy of this book. My words are my own. *
October 11, 2017
*Review copy received from publisher
A quick, fun read full of action and adventure. But predictable and very similar to Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series.
A quick, fun read full of action and adventure. But predictable and very similar to Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series.
September 8, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! It was funny, it was witty and it was action packed. This was the second ARC I have received from NetGalley and I am so glad I requested this book, the cover immediately caught my eye and once I read the synopsis I thought 'this is going to be good!' When I was telling my friends about this book, I described it as Agent Cody Banks meets Gossip Girl, I would definitely recommend A Dangerous Year!
There was so many things I liked about this book that I don't know where to begin! I love a good young adult mystery with plenty of sleuthing and A Dangerous Year did not disappoint, I was hooked and was guessing the outcome till the very end!
"Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never see coming."
I loved how this story was written and set out, I found myself laughing frequently at Riley's thoughts, her descriptions of people and events were very real and relatable. I also really liked the main character Riley and her fearlessness.
I have already purchased I hard copy of this book and I can not wait until the next book is out, the ending is making me want it right now!! haha. If you enjoy young adult contemporary mysteries, with a hint of romance and intrigue this book is definitely for you! My only criticism of this book is I wish it was longer, I am excited to see where the story will take us in book two!
If you have read this book, I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'll be posting a video to my YouTube soon which will be more spoilery as I need to talk about this in detail! haha
There was so many things I liked about this book that I don't know where to begin! I love a good young adult mystery with plenty of sleuthing and A Dangerous Year did not disappoint, I was hooked and was guessing the outcome till the very end!
"Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never see coming."
I loved how this story was written and set out, I found myself laughing frequently at Riley's thoughts, her descriptions of people and events were very real and relatable. I also really liked the main character Riley and her fearlessness.
I have already purchased I hard copy of this book and I can not wait until the next book is out, the ending is making me want it right now!! haha. If you enjoy young adult contemporary mysteries, with a hint of romance and intrigue this book is definitely for you! My only criticism of this book is I wish it was longer, I am excited to see where the story will take us in book two!
If you have read this book, I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'll be posting a video to my YouTube soon which will be more spoilery as I need to talk about this in detail! haha
September 3, 2017
***Thank you to NetGalley for approving me to read this to give an honest review***
This book was lighthearted with a bit of action and suspense added in.
The main character Riley Collins is a young female daughter of an American diplomat who has spent her childhood and teen years moving around the world being brought up by her widowed father and the help of a gruff ex-army best friend. Riley is a well adjusted and fun character who knows how to look after herself.
The book starts off action packed where Riley saves a young female from attackers in the Karachi market place. You see that she is not someone you mess with! Due to this she is picked to work for the State Department and take up babysitting duty at a prestigious boarding school for the rich and famous protecting a daughter of a businessman who is building software that would change the course of the world.
You see Riley trying to fit into high school after being homeschooled and trying to do a good job as a special agent for the state department. There she meets some characters that you can't help but gore to like from
Von, Sam, Steff and Hayden.
Riley comes up against the bad guys at the end and one you aren't expecting!! Definitely read this book if you like a bit of action, romance and sarcasm.
Well written and an open ending for the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will definitely be reading the next one.
This book was lighthearted with a bit of action and suspense added in.
The main character Riley Collins is a young female daughter of an American diplomat who has spent her childhood and teen years moving around the world being brought up by her widowed father and the help of a gruff ex-army best friend. Riley is a well adjusted and fun character who knows how to look after herself.
The book starts off action packed where Riley saves a young female from attackers in the Karachi market place. You see that she is not someone you mess with! Due to this she is picked to work for the State Department and take up babysitting duty at a prestigious boarding school for the rich and famous protecting a daughter of a businessman who is building software that would change the course of the world.
You see Riley trying to fit into high school after being homeschooled and trying to do a good job as a special agent for the state department. There she meets some characters that you can't help but gore to like from
Von, Sam, Steff and Hayden.
Riley comes up against the bad guys at the end and one you aren't expecting!! Definitely read this book if you like a bit of action, romance and sarcasm.
Well written and an open ending for the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will definitely be reading the next one.
September 6, 2017
Finally, another book with cool teen spy action like Alex Rider, but with a super cool girl MC, who has an actual character and cultural history. Not to mention, I'm really really wanting her spy gadgets, if I can't at least have her fighting prowess.
This is a great mix of action, suspense, boarding school, snobby kids, and girl bonding, with good male characters too. Hot guys without insta-love, and actual character development. This is a gold mine.
I highly recommend. Can't wait for the next.
For those of you who've read: this is in the same spirit of Chris Bradford's BuddyGuards, or maybe a bit of Robert Muchmore.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (But seriously, this book is great!)
This is a great mix of action, suspense, boarding school, snobby kids, and girl bonding, with good male characters too. Hot guys without insta-love, and actual character development. This is a gold mine.
I highly recommend. Can't wait for the next.
For those of you who've read: this is in the same spirit of Chris Bradford's BuddyGuards, or maybe a bit of Robert Muchmore.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (But seriously, this book is great!)
September 2, 2017
20 Stars!!! Of all the books I have read this Summer I think this really is my favorite. This reminds me a little of the Gallagher Girls series. Riley is funny, snarky, smart, brave, honest, and a feisty. I cannot wit to read the next book in the series and I cannot wait until it is released on Amazon Unlimited so I can reread it. Riley, Von, Sam, Hayden, are just a few of the fantastic characters in this book. Once you start reading you do not want to stop.
Thank you NetGalley and Kes Trester for allowing me to read and write a honest review of this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Kes Trester for allowing me to read and write a honest review of this book.
June 30, 2017
What a fun read! From the get-go, Riley Collins is quite an impressive young person -- seemingly fearless as she takes on the local Taliban-like gang, defending the rights for a local Pakistani girl to an education. The book launches off (quite cinematically) at a rollicking pace, and unfolds to a similarly exciting cinematic conclusion... with a cliffhanger, of course!
Riley's voice is one of a mostly confident young woman raised to voice her opinions but nonetheless canny & diplomatic due to her experience as an ambassador's daughter. In fact, her unusual childhood makes the prospect of attending an elite Northeast boarding school -- as a US State Department bodyguard, no less -- threatening. But, with her intelligence & (presumably) connection with US upscale teen culture via the internet, she attends & (kind of) blends in.
The characters are nicely sketched in, from her beloved Benson, the Aussie bodyguard who helped raise her with her dad, to her snotty roommate, Hayden, whom she's charged with protecting, to her compatriots at Harrington Hall, with whom she flirts & competes, to the array of government operatives, both good & bad. The premise is believable in a contemporary Nancy-Drew-Meets-James-Bond sort of way. Our girl Riley is well-versed in all the latest spy equipment & software, courtesy of the US government & maybe, also, her own inquiring mind.
Overall, a really nice debut novel!
Riley's voice is one of a mostly confident young woman raised to voice her opinions but nonetheless canny & diplomatic due to her experience as an ambassador's daughter. In fact, her unusual childhood makes the prospect of attending an elite Northeast boarding school -- as a US State Department bodyguard, no less -- threatening. But, with her intelligence & (presumably) connection with US upscale teen culture via the internet, she attends & (kind of) blends in.
The characters are nicely sketched in, from her beloved Benson, the Aussie bodyguard who helped raise her with her dad, to her snotty roommate, Hayden, whom she's charged with protecting, to her compatriots at Harrington Hall, with whom she flirts & competes, to the array of government operatives, both good & bad. The premise is believable in a contemporary Nancy-Drew-Meets-James-Bond sort of way. Our girl Riley is well-versed in all the latest spy equipment & software, courtesy of the US government & maybe, also, her own inquiring mind.
Overall, a really nice debut novel!
October 15, 2017
“Grades aren’t always good enough,” he said. “Right now, the only extracurriculars you can list on a college application are street fighting and instigating international incidents.”
It is with this sentence that Riley Collins finds herself heading away from her life as a diplomats daughter and into the illustrious halls of Harrington Academy. She wonders which is more dangerous: the streets of Pakistan where a price is on her head, or the halls of a school filled with spoiled rich kids who would rather eat her alive than befriend her.
“They may not kill you here, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to eat you.”
Her attendance is a little more complicated than just attending her Senior Year and getting some talking points for her college resume. She has been tasked with an actual mission from the State Department. Official oath and everything.
Once she agrees, it takes little time to whisk her to New York. There she is groomed to within an inch of her life, thrown into a shopping spree most girls only dream of and given an “emergency” American Express. Maybe this year won’t be quite so bad after all.
“They had to perform an extraction. In my world, that meant a black ops team going into dangerous territory to recover a lost man. Here it involved squeezing every pore on my face until I would have willingly confessed to anything.”
Why does there always have to be an ‘except’?
Her reception to Harrington is less than warm and fuzzy. The head mistress makes it clear she is actively looking for a way to throw her out. Her roommate, Hayden, ignores that she even exists. This is sort of a problem though, since Hayden is the mission. Well, protecting her is the mission. Riley finds it difficult to make sure she’s okay when you have no idea where she is throughout the day. Or acting like a stalker.
Even worse, she finds out that the reason for Hayden’s chilly reception is that Riley is taking the place of her former roommate and best friend Rose. Who was killed a week before the term began.
“There was a reason Harrington didn’t admit seniors; they had to wait for one of them to die to make room! What else was out there waiting to ambush me?”
This was such a fun read! I loved it! Riley is a delight. She has an incredibly fun sarcastic humor to her. I loved that she used growing up as a diplomat’s daughter to her advantage by applying the lessons her dad would teach her. Very useful in negotiating angry head mistresses and demanding teachers. She also comes fully equipped with all the lessons her bodyguard and second father, Benson, taught her. Mainly fighting and military tactics. The combination is entertaining and extremely amusing!
In addition to Riley and Hayden, who does eventually thaw to Riley, we get an ensemble of characters, each just as enjoyable as Riley. Von, the cute boy who she meets her first day. He is helpful in showing her around the school, but also in helping her get near Hayden. Quinn, Hayden’s new sidekick and BFF. She starts off nice to Riley, but as Hayden warms to her, Quinn takes a jealous turn for the worse. Stef, who is probably my absolute favorite character outside of Riley. Gorgeous and charming with a lovely penchant for the dramatic, Stef is delightful to read. And then there’s, Sam. The insanely hot head of the MMA club who makes Riley’s insides melt when he looks at her. Too bad he’s Hayden’s ex, which equals very off-limits. It’s also too bad he doesn’t agree with that assessment.
The adults in this book are excellent too. There is nothing worse than reading a YA book with great teenagers and all the adults are duds. This is not the case here!
I adored her dad and Benson. Her dad teaches her diplomatic skills and parents her the best way he can. And Benson sends her a footlocker full of tasers, tactical equipment and spyware. Which is how he helps and loves her the best way he can. It’s awesome! I smiled at every interaction they had.
“My dad would probable be appalled at what I was considering, but Benson would cheer me on from the sidelines.”
Mr. Bracken is also a treat! Described as “Bracken the Kracken” by other students and known for being extremely tough in his classroom, he was far more well-rounded than just another hard-ass teacher. Yes, he takes student expectations to a whole new level, but there is a lot of substance to him and he was very enjoyable to get to know.
“I’m thinking I should send you on your way. I wouldn’t want to lose the most entertaining TA I’ve had in years.”
This novel sounds like a spy novel for kids, but it’s so much more. It’s James Bond meets Mean Girls. How does that NOT sound like an amazing combination? Every obstacle Riley encounters feel real. She has to balance trying to be a bodyguard and navigate the treacherous waters of High School. Sometimes she makes mistakes, or does the wrong thing. Which you would expect. I didn’t find the adults to be flat or annoying, or the kids to be uber-adult. They all felt exceptionally well balanced and well rounded.
Using her dad as an international diplomat, along with Benson training her with military tactics and skills, the way Riley problem-solves various situations make a lot of sense. And again, she doesn’t know everything. She asks for help. She makes mistakes. She just uses what she knows to try and problem solve.
This is the first book in an expected series and I cannot wait for book 2! I will absolutely be continuing to read future books. This is a story I could easily see becoming a movie or a TV show, although I really hope they do the writing justice. If you’re a fan of spy novels, or military type novels, and you also love YA, this book is definitely for you! Less explosions, but no less entertaining.
Thank you BookSparks and Curiosity Quills Press for sending a copy to read and review!
It is with this sentence that Riley Collins finds herself heading away from her life as a diplomats daughter and into the illustrious halls of Harrington Academy. She wonders which is more dangerous: the streets of Pakistan where a price is on her head, or the halls of a school filled with spoiled rich kids who would rather eat her alive than befriend her.
“They may not kill you here, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to eat you.”
Her attendance is a little more complicated than just attending her Senior Year and getting some talking points for her college resume. She has been tasked with an actual mission from the State Department. Official oath and everything.
Once she agrees, it takes little time to whisk her to New York. There she is groomed to within an inch of her life, thrown into a shopping spree most girls only dream of and given an “emergency” American Express. Maybe this year won’t be quite so bad after all.
“They had to perform an extraction. In my world, that meant a black ops team going into dangerous territory to recover a lost man. Here it involved squeezing every pore on my face until I would have willingly confessed to anything.”
Why does there always have to be an ‘except’?
Her reception to Harrington is less than warm and fuzzy. The head mistress makes it clear she is actively looking for a way to throw her out. Her roommate, Hayden, ignores that she even exists. This is sort of a problem though, since Hayden is the mission. Well, protecting her is the mission. Riley finds it difficult to make sure she’s okay when you have no idea where she is throughout the day. Or acting like a stalker.
Even worse, she finds out that the reason for Hayden’s chilly reception is that Riley is taking the place of her former roommate and best friend Rose. Who was killed a week before the term began.
“There was a reason Harrington didn’t admit seniors; they had to wait for one of them to die to make room! What else was out there waiting to ambush me?”
This was such a fun read! I loved it! Riley is a delight. She has an incredibly fun sarcastic humor to her. I loved that she used growing up as a diplomat’s daughter to her advantage by applying the lessons her dad would teach her. Very useful in negotiating angry head mistresses and demanding teachers. She also comes fully equipped with all the lessons her bodyguard and second father, Benson, taught her. Mainly fighting and military tactics. The combination is entertaining and extremely amusing!
In addition to Riley and Hayden, who does eventually thaw to Riley, we get an ensemble of characters, each just as enjoyable as Riley. Von, the cute boy who she meets her first day. He is helpful in showing her around the school, but also in helping her get near Hayden. Quinn, Hayden’s new sidekick and BFF. She starts off nice to Riley, but as Hayden warms to her, Quinn takes a jealous turn for the worse. Stef, who is probably my absolute favorite character outside of Riley. Gorgeous and charming with a lovely penchant for the dramatic, Stef is delightful to read. And then there’s, Sam. The insanely hot head of the MMA club who makes Riley’s insides melt when he looks at her. Too bad he’s Hayden’s ex, which equals very off-limits. It’s also too bad he doesn’t agree with that assessment.
The adults in this book are excellent too. There is nothing worse than reading a YA book with great teenagers and all the adults are duds. This is not the case here!
I adored her dad and Benson. Her dad teaches her diplomatic skills and parents her the best way he can. And Benson sends her a footlocker full of tasers, tactical equipment and spyware. Which is how he helps and loves her the best way he can. It’s awesome! I smiled at every interaction they had.
“My dad would probable be appalled at what I was considering, but Benson would cheer me on from the sidelines.”
Mr. Bracken is also a treat! Described as “Bracken the Kracken” by other students and known for being extremely tough in his classroom, he was far more well-rounded than just another hard-ass teacher. Yes, he takes student expectations to a whole new level, but there is a lot of substance to him and he was very enjoyable to get to know.
“I’m thinking I should send you on your way. I wouldn’t want to lose the most entertaining TA I’ve had in years.”
This novel sounds like a spy novel for kids, but it’s so much more. It’s James Bond meets Mean Girls. How does that NOT sound like an amazing combination? Every obstacle Riley encounters feel real. She has to balance trying to be a bodyguard and navigate the treacherous waters of High School. Sometimes she makes mistakes, or does the wrong thing. Which you would expect. I didn’t find the adults to be flat or annoying, or the kids to be uber-adult. They all felt exceptionally well balanced and well rounded.
Using her dad as an international diplomat, along with Benson training her with military tactics and skills, the way Riley problem-solves various situations make a lot of sense. And again, she doesn’t know everything. She asks for help. She makes mistakes. She just uses what she knows to try and problem solve.
This is the first book in an expected series and I cannot wait for book 2! I will absolutely be continuing to read future books. This is a story I could easily see becoming a movie or a TV show, although I really hope they do the writing justice. If you’re a fan of spy novels, or military type novels, and you also love YA, this book is definitely for you! Less explosions, but no less entertaining.
Thank you BookSparks and Curiosity Quills Press for sending a copy to read and review!
October 3, 2017
God I love crack like this!! Fast-paced, YA thriller fluff is my jam, and this book reminded me of The Fixer which I also adore. Definitely keeping up with this series!
July 21, 2017
Smart heroine? Check. Tons of action and terrific pacing? Check. Humor, a great voice, and an ending that leaves you wanting more? You'll find it all right here in Trester's debut novel. Can't wait for the rest of the series!
June 6, 2017
WONDERFUL READ! I couldn't put it down, and at the end it left me wanting more! I highly recommend this for anyone who likes a nice a strong female lead and an exciting plot line.
December 12, 2018
Kes Trester is the debut author of A DANGEROUS YEAR, the first book in the new Riley Collins series from Curiosity Quills Press. Trester has worked in a variety of occupations before becoming a published author including a feature film development executive, independent film producer and commercial TV producer. Blurbed by the producer of Twilight, The Maze Runner, and The Fault in Our Stars, A DANGEROUS YEAR released in September 2017.
A DANGEROUS YEAR is the story of Riley Collins, the daughter of an American ambassador who has been stationed in countless cities all around the world. Currently, Riley is living with her father and another father figure who is in charge of security: Benson in Karachi, Pakistan. When Riley gathers too many enemies to be safe in Karachi, the U.S. State Department recruits her for a mission at the elite Harrington Academy in Connecticut. Her job is to keep the affluent and famous Hayden Frazier safe from people who want to keep her father’s revolutionary technology from the government and its allies.
I had nonexistent expectations for this debut, and I was stunned by how much fun I had while reading this book. Barely over the two hundred page mark, this book will leave you wanting more adventures and danger. While I thought that the setting and plot were well-researched, some of the story was a bit unbelievable. Action-packed as it was, those questions of reality were quickly forgotten. I appreciated the addition of revolutionary technology and found it makes the novel stand out among other similar stories. The boarding school setting is always one full of drama and intrigue, and the future books in the series have the opportunity to go anywhere in the world, which offers a lot of potential for Trester to expand these characters and the plot.
Each chapter begins with one of Benson’s rules for Riley. The relationship between Riley, Benson and her dad was perfect, and the family dynamic was compelling and unique to the genre. Even if the nature of the story was notably predictable, it did not stop me from wondering what would happen next. Because it is such a fast read, it is ideal to get any reader out of a reading slump. With an apparent building love triangle and a jaw-dropping conclusion, the Riley Collins series is bound to become more and more enthralling with each installment. Overall, A DANGEROUS YEAR was truly riveting and makes me excited to see what work Kes Trester will produce in the future.
I would recommend A DANGEROUS YEAR to teens who enjoy romance, mystery and adventure. Blending all three aspects in a fast-paced and engaging style, this novel is incredibly difficult to put down. Read Trester’s debut if you are looking for a fun and refreshing read that will leave you aching for more of the characters and world.
Reviewed by Grace P., Teen Board Member
A DANGEROUS YEAR is the story of Riley Collins, the daughter of an American ambassador who has been stationed in countless cities all around the world. Currently, Riley is living with her father and another father figure who is in charge of security: Benson in Karachi, Pakistan. When Riley gathers too many enemies to be safe in Karachi, the U.S. State Department recruits her for a mission at the elite Harrington Academy in Connecticut. Her job is to keep the affluent and famous Hayden Frazier safe from people who want to keep her father’s revolutionary technology from the government and its allies.
I had nonexistent expectations for this debut, and I was stunned by how much fun I had while reading this book. Barely over the two hundred page mark, this book will leave you wanting more adventures and danger. While I thought that the setting and plot were well-researched, some of the story was a bit unbelievable. Action-packed as it was, those questions of reality were quickly forgotten. I appreciated the addition of revolutionary technology and found it makes the novel stand out among other similar stories. The boarding school setting is always one full of drama and intrigue, and the future books in the series have the opportunity to go anywhere in the world, which offers a lot of potential for Trester to expand these characters and the plot.
Each chapter begins with one of Benson’s rules for Riley. The relationship between Riley, Benson and her dad was perfect, and the family dynamic was compelling and unique to the genre. Even if the nature of the story was notably predictable, it did not stop me from wondering what would happen next. Because it is such a fast read, it is ideal to get any reader out of a reading slump. With an apparent building love triangle and a jaw-dropping conclusion, the Riley Collins series is bound to become more and more enthralling with each installment. Overall, A DANGEROUS YEAR was truly riveting and makes me excited to see what work Kes Trester will produce in the future.
I would recommend A DANGEROUS YEAR to teens who enjoy romance, mystery and adventure. Blending all three aspects in a fast-paced and engaging style, this novel is incredibly difficult to put down. Read Trester’s debut if you are looking for a fun and refreshing read that will leave you aching for more of the characters and world.
Reviewed by Grace P., Teen Board Member
October 5, 2017
I loved every part of this book. The love triangle and fast paced action had me hanging on to every word. This is making my 2017 favourites list and I can’t wait for the next book, I must have it!
The characters were great, I loved them all and my favourite has to be Benson as he is very wise and fatherly to Riley, the protagonist. What I particularly liked about this book were the relationships formed and how the author kept you guessing who was the culprit and the mastermind behind it all.
The plot was superb. Yes I used that word, but it was good and a definite easy, quick read that has you on the edge of your seat. I know a lot of people don’t love love triangles but I am the biggest fan of them and this novel was the perfect blend of romance and action.
The narrative was first person and it connects you better with Riley Collins and how she deals with all the hurdles she is faced with, so this is a must read. Even if you don’t love love triangles, your are stil going to love this story. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
5/5
October 10, 2017
The only thing "dangerous" about this book is how good it is. I could not stop reading it. Riley made this book what it is...awesome. Riley is a no nonsense type of gal with brains, sass, and can kick butt. In other words...me. Yet, Riley was not the only one that kept things interesting, The guys Von and Sam are good eye candy. The battle of the brawns had me laughing. There was this scene where Von and Sam were competing for Riley's affection; Riley was having not of it. Instead she was playing them for the fools they were. Besides the laughs, there is action, and a good storyline. Oh and a cliff hanger of an ending that left me silently screaming "Nooooooo". I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what new trouble Riley finds herself in (she will).
October 1, 2017
Despite having quite a few typical YA stereotypes, this book pleasantly surprised me! It was a quick light read with an interesting premise! It's like if you combined Gossip Girl with a chiller version of James bond! Despite the fact that it's mainly set at a rich white people school, there is a lot of diversity in this book in terms of sexuality and race, and both things are not viewed in a bad light. (except for the first few scenes, not too sure that's a good depiction of Baghdad). Even the love triangle wasn't too cringey. I definitely suggest that if you're in the middle of a reading slump to pick this book up!
August 12, 2018
I really liked to read this book: is funny, interesting and catching!
It is a a book that you can read between other deep and heavy books because it is a soft and fast reading!
The characters are a little cliché but nothing that you can't endure. However, they are really captivating and, the most of them, cute.
The main action is nothing out of this world, however, it entertains a lot and makes the reader want to know more about what is going to happen.
Even though the main action is not super original and different, this books has some interesting original things happening that got me that impressed me and made me like the book more.
I rate this book with 3,3 out of 5.
It is a a book that you can read between other deep and heavy books because it is a soft and fast reading!
The characters are a little cliché but nothing that you can't endure. However, they are really captivating and, the most of them, cute.
The main action is nothing out of this world, however, it entertains a lot and makes the reader want to know more about what is going to happen.
Even though the main action is not super original and different, this books has some interesting original things happening that got me that impressed me and made me like the book more.
I rate this book with 3,3 out of 5.
December 10, 2018
I love characters who in literature theory could be called "tricksters". Con artists, thieves, spies - I love them all, so I knew that I'll like this book. I just didn't know I'll like it that much.
The thing is, when we have a plot like this, is very difficult to think of something new. I knew that Riley will have hard time in school, that there will be some biching from the cool girls, there will be an untouchable love interest... And I got all of this, but in a lot milder ways than I thought I will. It actually felt like Harrington could be a real school with real people inside it. Yes, some of the characters are a bit cliché, but at the same time most of them are likeable and funny. The plausibility of the events is highly questionable, but I loved the ambassador's daughetr - undercover agent thing.
The thing is, when we have a plot like this, is very difficult to think of something new. I knew that Riley will have hard time in school, that there will be some biching from the cool girls, there will be an untouchable love interest... And I got all of this, but in a lot milder ways than I thought I will. It actually felt like Harrington could be a real school with real people inside it. Yes, some of the characters are a bit cliché, but at the same time most of them are likeable and funny. The plausibility of the events is highly questionable, but I loved the ambassador's daughetr - undercover agent thing.
October 14, 2017
Wow, very mixed feelings on this one. Most of the book had little annoyances throughout, like the author saying “hooker red lipstick” or not knowing how MCM/WCW actually work. I didn’t love the romance (the sort-of love triangle wasn’t really the issue though) and I’m not sure how I feel about Riley as a person or friend. However, the ending was a whirlwind! I thought I had everything figured out but there were soooo many surprises in the last 10% alone. There was a definite cliffhanger that I’m curious about, so I’ll be reading the next book.
December 26, 2017
I had nonexistent expectations for this debut, and I was stunned by how much fun I had while reading this book. Barely over the two hundred page mark, it will leave you wanting more adventures and danger. While I thought that the setting and plot were well-researched, some of the story was a bit unbelievable. Action-packed as it was, those questions of realisticness were quickly forgotten. I appreciated the addition of revolutionary technology and found it makes the novel stand out among other similar stories. The boarding school setting is always one full of drama and intrigue, and the future books in the series have the opportunity to go anywhere in the world, which offers a lot of potential for Trester to expand these characters and the plot.
Each chapter begins with one of Benson’s rules for Riley. The relationship between Riley, Benson, and her dad was perfect, and the family dynamic was compelling and unique to the genre. Even if the nature of the story was notably predictable, it did not stop me from wondering what would happen next. Because it is such a fast read, it is ideal to get any reader out of a reading slump. With an apparent building love triangle and a jaw-dropping conclusion, the Riley Collins Series is bound to become more and more enthralling with each installment. Overall, A DANGEROUS YEAR was truly riveting and makes me excited to see what work Kes Trester will produce in the future.
I would recommend A DANGEROUS YEAR to teens who enjoy romance, mystery, and adventure. Blending all three aspects in a fast-paced and engaging style, the novel is incredibly difficult to put down. Read Trester’s debut if you are looking for a fun and refreshing read that will leave you aching for more of the characters and world.
Each chapter begins with one of Benson’s rules for Riley. The relationship between Riley, Benson, and her dad was perfect, and the family dynamic was compelling and unique to the genre. Even if the nature of the story was notably predictable, it did not stop me from wondering what would happen next. Because it is such a fast read, it is ideal to get any reader out of a reading slump. With an apparent building love triangle and a jaw-dropping conclusion, the Riley Collins Series is bound to become more and more enthralling with each installment. Overall, A DANGEROUS YEAR was truly riveting and makes me excited to see what work Kes Trester will produce in the future.
I would recommend A DANGEROUS YEAR to teens who enjoy romance, mystery, and adventure. Blending all three aspects in a fast-paced and engaging style, the novel is incredibly difficult to put down. Read Trester’s debut if you are looking for a fun and refreshing read that will leave you aching for more of the characters and world.
August 30, 2017
I loved this book!
November 9, 2017
I like teen spy books and I especially like teen spy books set at boarding schools that may or may not have some of its own secrets. I thought the main character, Riley, was pretty fun. She seemed way smart without being chippy or over-dramatic. And by chippy, I mean having a HUGE chip on her shoulder/needing to prove herself at every opportunity. The other characters were okay as well if a little flat–perhaps they’ll be developed more in later books. I really liked Riley’s relationship with her dad and the security guy. I wasn’t a big fan of the love triangle that developed, but what are you going to do? In the end, I would definitely be interested in reading more from this series.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews