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Troublemaker

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All that glitters isn’t gold...

Seventeen-year-old “It Girl” Ava Riley has it all – stunning good looks, her own reality show, and endorsement deals with the hottest brands. It’s just too bad that she also has a stalker who’s hell-bent on destroying her life.

Desperate to keep Ava safe, the Rileys move to Mar de Lágrimas, a small coastal town in the Yucatán Peninsula. Ava knows it’s the perfect place to hide, to keep her true identity a secret until the police catch her stalker. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the vibrant culture, the breathtaking scenery, and a sexy local named Javier.

Javier is passionate, strong, and chivalrous – everything Ava wants in a guy – and even though a relationship is the last thing she needs right now, she can’t stay away from him. Their chemistry is intense, the time they spend together unforgettable, but she’s about to learn that he’s keeping some pretty big secrets, too.

Will Ava get her happily ever after with Javier, or will their troubled pasts put them both in danger?

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2019

21 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Heather Beck

59 books128 followers
Heather Beck is a Canadian Author and Screenwriter who began writing professionally at the age of sixteen. Since then she has written eleven well-reviewed books, including the bestselling series, The Horror Diaries, which has sold in six continents.

Heather received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on the Frostbitten series and has two anthologies slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include: Young Eyes, The Rarity, Too Sensible For Love, Circular, and the forthcoming Witch’s Brew.

Besides writing, Heather’s greatest passion is the outdoors. She is an award-winning fisherwoman and a regular hiker. Her hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with non-profit organizations.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
July 14, 2019
Ava needs a break from her crazy life. With fame comes obsession. She wants to stay on her game but with a stalker threatening her, it's time to lie low for a while. Her family moves to the small town of Yucatán Peninsula. Ava keeps her true identity a secret and has the opportunity to live a normal life. The town is more than she expects. Her new life offers a comparison to a world she never realised she could have or want with love, culture and a chance at romance.

Troublemaker wasn't all drama and Ava settled into her story nicely. It was an interesting take on a celebrity in hiding romance. It's available on kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Shirley.
988 reviews232 followers
July 30, 2019
Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Heather Beck!

Troublemaker
is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance about Ava and Javier. Ava is famous but because of a stalker she has to go to Mexico. In Mexico she meets Javier and everything changes…

Troublemaker is the first book I’ve read by Heather Beck and I really liked the story and the characters. Troublemaker is full of drama and that’s just what I needed! The book was really fast paced, I finished it in two days.

I really like the characters, Ava and Javier. They’re both so different, Ava is rich and is famous, and Javier is just the perfect gentleman. I really liked Javier from the beginning because he was just such a nice guy. I really liked that Ava didn’t have this big ego because she was famous and that she liked being in Mexico.

Troublemaker was such an enjoyable Contemporary read and I cannot wait to check out other books written by Heather Beck!
Profile Image for Kristy.
796 reviews41 followers
August 17, 2019
Overall decent book, however it was way longer than it needed to be. I did enjoy the romance and the main characters were good. The plot was pretty predictable but not overly so. I would recommend to those who enjoy romance.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
1,065 reviews11 followers
August 2, 2019
Title: Troublemaker
Author: Heather Beck
Publisher: Kiss & Tell Publishing
ISBN: B07TBP8D35
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
All that glitters isn’t gold...

Seventeen-year-old “It Girl” Ava Riley has it all – stunning good looks, her own reality show, and endorsement deals with the hottest brands. It’s just too bad that she also has a stalker who’s hell-bent on destroying her life. 

Desperate to keep Ava safe, the Rileys move to Mar de Lágrimas, a small coastal town in the Yucatán Peninsula. Ava knows it’s the perfect place to hide, to keep her true identity a secret until the police catch her stalker. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the vibrant culture, the breathtaking scenery, and a sexy local named Javier. 

Javier is passionate, strong, and chivalrous – everything Ava wants in a guy – and even though a relationship is the last thing she needs right now, she can’t stay away from him. Their chemistry is intense, the time they spend together unforgettable, but she’s about to learn that he’s keeping some pretty big secrets, too. 

Will Ava get her happily ever after with Javier, or will their troubled pasts put them both in danger?

Total Score: 5/5

Summary:
Ava’s world was turned upside down when the stalker threatened her life changing everything. Her parents decide to take Ava and her younger sister Tessa out of town and away form danger. The girls and their mother Isabelle travel to Mexico where Ava finds the freedom to be herself for the first time. Ava finds herself in danger until Javier, a very handsome local, comes to her rescue. In Mexico Ava is free to go where she wants without being stalked the press or crazy men while falling in love with everything about Mexico and Javier. As the relationship deepens, Ava is torn by the secret of her true identity she has kept from Javier. Javier has a past that he hasn’t been completely truthful with Ava. Can they build a future with so many secrets? Don’t forget about Ava’s stalker because he has definitely not forgot about her.

This was a wonderful and suspenseful story with a beautiful love story. Add to that experiencing the beauty of Mexico through Ava’s eyes as she sees the sights and culture for the first time.
Profile Image for (Love, Stars and Books).
248 reviews28 followers
August 5, 2019
(I received a free eARC from the author for a voluntary and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own)



Book review: Troublemaker by Heather Beck (3.5 stars)

Troublemaker by Heather Beck
Genre: YA, Romance, contemporary
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

(Synopsis from Goodreads) 

All that glitters isn’t gold...

Seventeen-year-old “It Girl” Ava Riley has it all – stunning good looks, her own reality show, and endorsement deals with the hottest brands. It’s just too bad that she also has a stalker who’s hell-bent on destroying her life. 

Desperate to keep Ava safe, the Rileys move to Mar de Lágrimas, a small coastal town in the Yucatán Peninsula. Ava knows it’s the perfect place to hide, to keep her true identity a secret until the police catch her stalker. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the vibrant culture, the breathtaking scenery, and a sexy local named Javier. 

Javier is passionate, strong, and chivalrous – everything Ava wants in a guy – and even though a relationship is the last thing she needs right now, she can’t stay away from him. Their chemistry is intense, the time they spend together unforgettable, but she’s about to learn that he’s keeping some pretty big secrets, too. 

Will Ava get her happily ever after with Javier, or will their troubled pasts put them both in danger? 

(Review)
(DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

This book reminded me of Follow me back by A. V. Geiger.

I did find that the book was well written and not bad. I personally enjoyed the story but did not emotionally connect to the characters or the story. The story was full of drama and fast pacing which made it a quick read for me.

I really liked that Ava wasn’t a spoiled rich brat despite her lush upbringing and she was a really fresh character to read about.
Profile Image for laura8759.
150 reviews18 followers
June 28, 2019
Thank you very much to heather becks for the pdf download of troublemaker this book is about
All that glitters isn’t gold...
Seventeen-year-old “It Girl” Ava Riley has it all – stunning good looks, her own reality show, and endorsement deals with the hottest brands. It’s just too bad that she also has a stalker who’s hell-bent on destroying her life.
Desperate to keep Ava safe, the Rileys move to Mar de Lágrimas, a small coastal town in the Yucatán Peninsula. Ava knows it’s the perfect place to hide, to keep her true identity a secret until the police catch her stalker. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the vibrant culture, the breathtaking scenery, and a sexy local named Javier.
Javier is passionate, strong, and chivalrous – everything Ava wants in a guy – and even though a relationship is the last thing she needs right now, she can’t stay away from him. Their chemistry is intense, the time they spend together unforgettable, but she’s about to learn that he’s keeping some pretty big secrets, too.
Will Ava get her happily ever after with Javier, or will their troubled pasts put them both in danger?
this book was so amazing a perfect book for a rainy day it has rained the last two day's here it was the perfect time I loved how the story was written so much unexpected stuff happened in this story a lot of twist and turns along the way a lot of suspense a great whodunit I like how Ava dealt with everything going on in her life and how Javier was so nice and taking her site seeing and stuff I could not put my device down it took me 2 day's to read this story I was surprised for someone like me who reads mostly R.L. Stine . I love this story I can't wait to read more of her books there so good and addicting love Laura8759.
68 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2019
~3.5 stars

So I’m going to talk about what I liked about this book first, and then what I didn’t like so much. For some reason it’s just easier for me to keep my thoughts organized when I write my reviews this way.

I liked this book. I liked the storyline and how there was a little bit of suspense too instead of just the romance. Even with the suspense though, it was lighthearted and easy to read, which I like every once in a while.

Ok. What I didn’t like so much. First, I felt like the characters seemed distant. I was hoping that I would connect with them at some point, but it never happened. I felt like I was just reading the book, not actually being immersed into Ava’s world. And speaking of characters, I wasn’t a big fan of Tessa. She was always getting into trouble, and then whining about it later how she’s not allowed to do anything. It wasn’t really a big deal, but it just kind of annoyed me how she thought she could just get away with anything. Also, I don’t really understand the title. Who’s the troublemaker? Tessa is sort of a troublemaker, but she’s just a side character. And the ending seemed kind of rushed for some reason. Everything was brought to a close, but it kinda felt like the ending just happened, and there wasn’t much building up to it.

So anyway, I did like this book. I hope this review doesn’t sound negative, because even with all the things I wasn’t such a big fan of, it was an quick and easy read, which I needed. I’ve been trying to read The Da Vinci Code, and this was a nice break. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a free arc.
Profile Image for Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus).
Author 23 books733 followers
July 9, 2019
*Thank you for the free ecopy of the book*
*Review contains spoilers*

The good thing about this book was that I could stop it at any place and still continue days later without much trouble. The characters had issues, flaws, secrets, and emotions. Not all of them were likable, especially Tess, but there are people like her out there.
I couldn't relate to any of them which did make them distant and not so real for me.
The descriptions of the scenery were something I enjoyed. There wasn't much suspense, still, it was good enough to keep me hooked until the end.
Another thing I liked was how Ava finally stopped shielding Tess. It was that scene in the hospital that gave hints about how Tess was most likely the reason for Christoper to know about their hideout. The girl was portrayed as self-centered quite a few times but her love for Ava appeared genuine. It didn't make me off or something because Tess was more close to reality than other characters. Ava's reaction after getting to know the truth about Tess was something I enjoyed and the scenes between the sisters were written really well.
Javier was probably a bit too compassionate and understanding for me. He seemed to forgive Ava too easily at the end. Especially when she called him a liar and whatnot when she was herself hiding things from him.
Christoper didn't have much to do and it was good in a way. I'd don't enjoy reading too much about an obsessed psychopath. The scenes did not drag much, and there was some action that added to the drama.
Overall, it is a good story one can enjoy reading.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
September 3, 2019
Chills, drama, action and romance round this off into a read with tons of surprises, which keep those pages turning until the very end.

Ava is seventeen and already a famous celebrity thanks to the reality show her family is involved in. When a usual night out to show her face brings out a dangerous stalker, whose determined to make her his or kill her if he can't, her life falls into fear. With her body guard in the hospital facing life or death and the stalker still on the loose, her parents move her and her sister into hiding in Mexico. There does Ava not only meet her dream guy, but other secrets come to light...and not good ones.

She doesn't take things for granted, and has a good heart—all things which are refreshing for a celebrity read.

The book starts off strong and immediately shoves the stakes into high gear. The author keeps this tension as an ever present shadow in the background, even when things seem safe. This slides right along with the drama (and there is plenty of this too). There is plenty of action, and some more violent scenes, including the beginnings of a rape scene. There are times when the tale did pull a little slower than I prefer, but in general, the pacing holds nicely.

Young adult fans of thrillers, celebrities, and romance are sure to enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Jdlreads.
132 reviews19 followers
July 19, 2019
The author sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review. In no way my reviews/opinions were affected or influenced by this.

Troublemaker was about a 17-year-old celebrity, Ava, who has a really obsessed stalker claiming that they are inlove with each other.

I couldn't seem to put this down. I love how the story went. I loved plot, it was exciting, the characters felt real, the romance between Ava and Javier, the little humor with the dialogues, and the suspense/thriller part of it.

“I think you’re right. You and Javier may come from different backgrounds and have different upbringings, but I don’t think that truly makes you, well, different. Rowan says Javier has a good heart, and I know you do, too. At the end of the day, that’s what really matters, what really connects you.”

- Heather Beck, Troublemaker

The character that I didn't like was Tessa's. She knew everything that was happening with Ava but she still managed to be irresponsible.

I liked Heather Beck's writing style. It was an easy read and fast-paced. She described the characters well, I love that every one of them have a distinct characteristic.
Profile Image for Caroline Venables.
627 reviews8 followers
February 9, 2020
This is a really interesting book that takes a look at the celebrity lifestyle. A lot of people dream of becoming a star but forget the reality of what it must be like.

Ava is a star at only 17, the world at her feet she wants for nothing,well maybe some peace. Fame has not only bought her stardom but a stalker that seems to be hellbent on destroying her.

To keep Ava safe, her family move to Mexico, where Ava can assume a new identity until the police find and capture her stalker. Once there she discovers a slower pace of life, time to just be herself without the pressure of having to be Ava the star.

Along with the beautiful country, Ava also finds Javier. He has no idea of who she is, so Ava knows he likes her for herself not the persona. As her time continues in Mexico, Ava finds herself torn between a normal life with Javier and her real life. But she is about to learn that she is not the only one keeping secrets..
10.8k reviews125 followers
August 12, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Heather Beck; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Alvarez.
1,068 reviews42 followers
November 21, 2019
Not bad.

Honestly, the title is full is misdirection. Ava is running around and from dangers. And they are always lurking just beyond her grasp. Becoming invisible is hard after so many years in the spotlight. This was an entertaining story. The end was a tad sad. Overall, well done.
Profile Image for Kaili (Owl Book World).
275 reviews19 followers
July 11, 2019
So, I actually had a really hard time putting this book down! Troublemaker puts things into perspective on how the people you think have perfect lives really don't. This book actually kind of reminds me a little of Lauren Oliver's books.
4,012 reviews35 followers
July 27, 2019
The book is a good teen and young adult romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good. The story is an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna.
482 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2025
I received this book in return for an honest review

This book was good I wouldn’t say great. I did like it a lot but I don’t feel it flowed very well. The last three or four chapters were brilliant but up to that point it seemed to be a bit sluggish.
Profile Image for Stacey.
16 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2019
I absolutely loved this book I couldn't put it down so much happens in this book I would recommend this book to who ever i think will enjoy it
1 review
June 29, 2019
I really loved this book. My favorite parts were the descriptions because I felt like I was in the scenes with the characters and the plot twists because I never knew what would happen next. The relationship building between Ava and Javier was good and I really cared about them as a couple. There were sweet and steamy scenes so that's always a plus for me. Overall, a well-written book that I would recommend to young adult and romance fans alike. 
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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