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Rockford High #3
Don't Trust the Impostor
He was hot. And charming. And a total fake.
Destiny couldn't help but like Eli. He was cute and always knew what to say to make her pulse race. But she was dating Jack so she kept her distance. Too bad Jack was treating her like a jerk.
When she finally decided to dump the jerk so she could go out with Eli, she overhears Eli talking on the phone and finds out the truth. Eli was not actually into her. He was being paid to flirt with her.
Destiny swears she will never speak to Eli again. But he won't stop. Her heart is torn. Can she trust the impostor?
Destiny couldn't help but like Eli. He was cute and always knew what to say to make her pulse race. But she was dating Jack so she kept her distance. Too bad Jack was treating her like a jerk.
When she finally decided to dump the jerk so she could go out with Eli, she overhears Eli talking on the phone and finds out the truth. Eli was not actually into her. He was being paid to flirt with her.
Destiny swears she will never speak to Eli again. But he won't stop. Her heart is torn. Can she trust the impostor?
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2019
97 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 27, 2019
It's High School!!
This is another cute addition to this YA high school series. The characters are likable and relatable and take me right back to my own high school days. The mean girls, popular crowd, dances, the lunchroom and first loves. Thank goodness there was no social media when I was in high school! Poor Destiny really takes a beating there for doing the right thing. I love how her friends rally, especially Eli. I just loved him.
This is another cute addition to this YA high school series. The characters are likable and relatable and take me right back to my own high school days. The mean girls, popular crowd, dances, the lunchroom and first loves. Thank goodness there was no social media when I was in high school! Poor Destiny really takes a beating there for doing the right thing. I love how her friends rally, especially Eli. I just loved him.
September 4, 2019
This cute YA continuing the travails of a group of students at Rockford High School. This is Destiny's story. I didn't care for Destiny in the last book Don't Fall for Trouble because she had stolen her cousin's boyfriend, but even she doesn't deserve a guy like Jack for a boyfriend.
Eli is such a sweet guy. He's new to the town and to the school. His parents are getting divorced and he misses living by the beach, surfing and his dog. He really does like Destiny, but takes a bet with Destiny's jerk-of-a-boyfriend Jack to make some money to pay his car insurance. Of course right when things are going well for him and Destiny his dirty secret comes to light. He makes up for it in the sweetest and best way a guy could. Hopefully Destiny realizes she has a keeper with Eli.
This is a cute, fun story that takes you back to high school. Each time I read these high school books I'm so glad I went to an all girl school--I don't think I could've handled the pressure with guys there to see all my teenage awkwardness. This book is great for a quick afternoon escape. It's a clean romance with just kisses.
I received a complimentary copy but all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Eli is such a sweet guy. He's new to the town and to the school. His parents are getting divorced and he misses living by the beach, surfing and his dog. He really does like Destiny, but takes a bet with Destiny's jerk-of-a-boyfriend Jack to make some money to pay his car insurance. Of course right when things are going well for him and Destiny his dirty secret comes to light. He makes up for it in the sweetest and best way a guy could. Hopefully Destiny realizes she has a keeper with Eli.
This is a cute, fun story that takes you back to high school. Each time I read these high school books I'm so glad I went to an all girl school--I don't think I could've handled the pressure with guys there to see all my teenage awkwardness. This book is great for a quick afternoon escape. It's a clean romance with just kisses.
I received a complimentary copy but all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
August 25, 2019
This is a super cute young adult romance. Eli is new in town and Destiny has caught his eye, but she has a boyfriend. When said boyfriend, Jack, pays Eli to flirt with her to get her to dump him, Eli jumps at the chance. I don't get why Jack just didn't break up with Destiny himself, but nonetheless, it made for a really cute story.
Eli is adorable! I thought he would be a jerk at first, because of the payoff, but he's such a sweet, witty, and attentive guy and the connection between him and Destiny is real and authentic--how can you deny something that tangible? But of course, secrets are always uncovered and always usher in the drama. Poor Destiny!
Speaking of her, she's an ultra loyal and overcompensating girlfriend, but again--magic chemical connection. I liked her and felt some empathy towards her, which is the sign of a great character.
This series is so much fun and takes me back to the rose-colored glasses days of my past. It's always fun to revisit the good times and Lieski does a great job of transporting me there, heart and soul.
Content: mild romance (some high school cheating)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Eli is adorable! I thought he would be a jerk at first, because of the payoff, but he's such a sweet, witty, and attentive guy and the connection between him and Destiny is real and authentic--how can you deny something that tangible? But of course, secrets are always uncovered and always usher in the drama. Poor Destiny!
Speaking of her, she's an ultra loyal and overcompensating girlfriend, but again--magic chemical connection. I liked her and felt some empathy towards her, which is the sign of a great character.
This series is so much fun and takes me back to the rose-colored glasses days of my past. It's always fun to revisit the good times and Lieski does a great job of transporting me there, heart and soul.
Content: mild romance (some high school cheating)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
January 18, 2023
Cute, sweet, clean YA reading. This is part of a series and is best read in order.
October 13, 2022
2.5 stars
This one was fine but the premise didn't work for me - too much misunderstandings!
The audiobook is on Youtube if you want to check it out (I'll post the link here when I have time.
Now, on to the next one in the series. It sounds like fun.
This one was fine but the premise didn't work for me - too much misunderstandings!
The audiobook is on Youtube if you want to check it out (I'll post the link here when I have time.
Now, on to the next one in the series. It sounds like fun.
September 7, 2019
This was another fun addition in the Rockford High series! If you are a YA reader and enjoy stories revolving around high school and teens, this is a series I highly recommend for you. You can read them as stand alone novels but I think that they're a lot more fun reading them in order. The characters interconnect in each story. Sometimes just a little bit, but the stories are all happening around the same time frame. So when you read this one, you're getting a little throwback to the first book and the bet made in it. We met Jack and Eli in the first book. Jack makes a bet with the main male character and Eli is the new kid who happens to be there and gets caught up in the bet on the side.
Destiny is a sweet character and not afraid to stand up for what is right. She's trying to make all the right choices and not understanding when things don't work out how she thinks they will by making the right choices. Hold on Destiny! Of course we as the reader know what's happening and feel for Destiny. But Eli is the one who is always there to pick up the pieces and support, help and be her friend.
Cute story, a little high school/teenage drama. But overall cute and sweet. I really am enjoying the moral messages that Victorine is adding to her stories. Not preachy but I love how all of the characters are forced with choices and then must face the consequences of those choices. There's great character growth and learning. And as a mother of teenagers I love finding books that my teenagers will truly enjoy reading, but are also seeing that life is full of choices, some hard and some easier. But that those choices are affecting everyone.
If you have teenagers who enjoy these types of stories, grab a copy for them and for you to read as well. Victorine's stories are always ones that make me laugh, smile, and sometimes cry!
Content: Clean. Nothing more than a few kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Destiny is a sweet character and not afraid to stand up for what is right. She's trying to make all the right choices and not understanding when things don't work out how she thinks they will by making the right choices. Hold on Destiny! Of course we as the reader know what's happening and feel for Destiny. But Eli is the one who is always there to pick up the pieces and support, help and be her friend.
Cute story, a little high school/teenage drama. But overall cute and sweet. I really am enjoying the moral messages that Victorine is adding to her stories. Not preachy but I love how all of the characters are forced with choices and then must face the consequences of those choices. There's great character growth and learning. And as a mother of teenagers I love finding books that my teenagers will truly enjoy reading, but are also seeing that life is full of choices, some hard and some easier. But that those choices are affecting everyone.
If you have teenagers who enjoy these types of stories, grab a copy for them and for you to read as well. Victorine's stories are always ones that make me laugh, smile, and sometimes cry!
Content: Clean. Nothing more than a few kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 25, 2019
Cute YA book with fun characters in a high school environment. Great characters, believable plot. Deals with some bully issues and standing up for one’s self. Fun, fast read that was very enjoyable.
January 4, 2024
This book not so much my favorites in the series.
I don't like Destiny, she's a very annoying character, very whiny, and I don't quite understand why there is such a long story when the plot is really very simple and there are no surprises, everything is known from the last scene in the previous book, and they can solve the rest if they just talk, and there is no reason for Jack to pay eli, he can just breaks up with her and she will do nothing, There is nothing preventing this, because Destiny did not do much after discovering the agreement between her former and current boyfriend, so I did not see the importance of the story being in the first place.
the writing is decent and I liked the character of eli, but using it with a character that is annoying and superficial to this extent is not interesting to read.
I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the rest of the series, and I think it will be the weakest of the five books in this series.
1.6/5
I don't like Destiny, she's a very annoying character, very whiny, and I don't quite understand why there is such a long story when the plot is really very simple and there are no surprises, everything is known from the last scene in the previous book, and they can solve the rest if they just talk, and there is no reason for Jack to pay eli, he can just breaks up with her and she will do nothing, There is nothing preventing this, because Destiny did not do much after discovering the agreement between her former and current boyfriend, so I did not see the importance of the story being in the first place.
the writing is decent and I liked the character of eli, but using it with a character that is annoying and superficial to this extent is not interesting to read.
I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the rest of the series, and I think it will be the weakest of the five books in this series.
1.6/5
April 5, 2022
*Read as a standalone*
It's decent. A bit cliché, but I really like the ending.
It's decent. A bit cliché, but I really like the ending.
March 22, 2024
Definitely for teens but was a quick fun read.
August 22, 2019
(2.5 stars) - Ambivalent
I liked the premise of this story in theory, but not so much in how it was fleshed out. There was no real reason for Jack to pay Eli.
The writing is decent, as is the dialogue, but there were too many stereotyped characters & I had a hard time warming up to the main characters.
Destiny's willingness to let Jack walk all over her & then blame herself for things wasn't just immature but pathological - not to mention frustrating as all get out to watch.
Eli was more sympathetic - except for the contrivance of Jack paying him. He should have told Destiny when he was talking to her about his dad screwing him & his mom over, and he needed a job. Sure the fact that he didn't is the book's conflict, but conflicts need to appear organic not manufactured.
And the peer pressure pop girls episode was like elementary school or maaaybe jr high stuff.
I didn't dislike it. I was able to finish it without too much trauma. But it wasn't particularly satisfying.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
I liked the premise of this story in theory, but not so much in how it was fleshed out. There was no real reason for Jack to pay Eli.
The writing is decent, as is the dialogue, but there were too many stereotyped characters & I had a hard time warming up to the main characters.
Destiny's willingness to let Jack walk all over her & then blame herself for things wasn't just immature but pathological - not to mention frustrating as all get out to watch.
Eli was more sympathetic - except for the contrivance of Jack paying him. He should have told Destiny when he was talking to her about his dad screwing him & his mom over, and he needed a job. Sure the fact that he didn't is the book's conflict, but conflicts need to appear organic not manufactured.
And the peer pressure pop girls episode was like elementary school or maaaybe jr high stuff.
I didn't dislike it. I was able to finish it without too much trauma. But it wasn't particularly satisfying.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
August 22, 2019
Eli thinks Destiny is pretty, and when he's approached by her boyfriend, Jackson to help break them up, he reluctantly agrees. He wants to get to know Destiny better, and what could go wrong? Famous last words right?
I don't get why Jackson couldn't man up and break up with his own girlfriend, but I did love Eli and Destiny together. I loved when she called him out on his over the top (and insincere) flirting. I also loved when they really got to know one another. Eli was incredibly sweet. I liked how he showed Destiny how a good boyfriend should treat her.
This was a fun, light-hearted romance, with surprising depth with some issues like bullying and fitting in with the popular crowd. I loved how Eli supported Destiny, and how they each handled those obstacles.
Content: Clean (some kissing)
I don't get why Jackson couldn't man up and break up with his own girlfriend, but I did love Eli and Destiny together. I loved when she called him out on his over the top (and insincere) flirting. I also loved when they really got to know one another. Eli was incredibly sweet. I liked how he showed Destiny how a good boyfriend should treat her.
This was a fun, light-hearted romance, with surprising depth with some issues like bullying and fitting in with the popular crowd. I loved how Eli supported Destiny, and how they each handled those obstacles.
Content: Clean (some kissing)
August 15, 2019
I loved Eli from the beginning. It took me a while to warm up to Destiny. She was blind when it came to Jack. I liked Amanda and Cole. I can’t wait to read their story
December 15, 2025
Jane Friedman mentioned Lieske's book in one of her blogs and this made me curious about it. Since I'm not in romance in general, I was curious what made Lieske's writing so interesting. Previously, I found that Rainbow Rowell has an interesting way of writing and I found the same thing with Lieske's writing. The characters could be real and not as polished and I like how some of them are just downright clumsy.
May 26, 2020
Destiny liked Eli. But she was dating Jack, who acted like a jerk. When she finally broke up with him, she dates Eli. Until she overhears that Eli was paid to flirt with her.
I have enjoyed this series. It's smooth reading with a dash of flair. The characters are real and easy to like. At least, most of them. The story took me back to my high school years, to dream of it being different.
I have enjoyed this series. It's smooth reading with a dash of flair. The characters are real and easy to like. At least, most of them. The story took me back to my high school years, to dream of it being different.
April 16, 2023
2.75✨
I liked the idea and the characters but it felt a little insta love which I don't appreciate a lot. And there were also some parts that if they had talked they could have avoided half of the book. But well ...
It was my least favorite in the series so far.
I liked the idea and the characters but it felt a little insta love which I don't appreciate a lot. And there were also some parts that if they had talked they could have avoided half of the book. But well ...
It was my least favorite in the series so far.
May 22, 2025
Content: Clean
I dunno. I enjoyed the first two but this one felt really shallow where the other two seemed to have more depth. I get they tried with the honesty thing but yeah. Maybe would have given it 2 Stars up until the ending. I'm a sucker for people supporting someone like that.
I dunno. I enjoyed the first two but this one felt really shallow where the other two seemed to have more depth. I get they tried with the honesty thing but yeah. Maybe would have given it 2 Stars up until the ending. I'm a sucker for people supporting someone like that.
May 29, 2025
This is a great high school series. Eli was a very likable character and Luke was such a jerk. I definitely understand Destiny not wanting to fail at her first real relationship, but she should have realized how toxic their relationship was.
January 24, 2020
This was a nice story. I enjoy Victorine’s characters.
September 9, 2022
Nice plot and cute story, and there’s a happy ending.
December 22, 2022
Hmm. Another bet. I was worried going into this book, but I really did get caught up in it. More characters with family things and teenage issues.
March 5, 2024
Very quick read. The conclusion felt a bit rushed but it was an okay love story overall.
x1.25
0🌶️/5
x1.25
0🌶️/5
September 7, 2019
Awesome read
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
***¥•• I splash a bunch of spoilers throughout this review•••*^^^^¥¥
This book was awesome. I didn’t know I was 63% done until I had looked. I was like WOW I’m halfway finished with this book and didn’t realize I was. It’s different when you read books with longer words writing in one chapter. “I think that’s the says” lol!
But anyway, it’s interesting to know that Destiny found out about that BET well more so Eli taking money from Jack the wack job! Towards the ending of the book. Because I was like when is she going to learn what happened and why Jack and Eli be sneak talking! But clearly Destiny couldn’t see the LIGHT until Eli came in the picture because without Eli; 9 out of 10 she would’ve been with Jack. If he didn’t break up with her first; or that girl that Jack was dating didn’t come forward and snitch on him about his cheating!
Lord knows I was HAPPY when she broke it off with Jack; especially when learning, he was with another girl when she called to break up with him. Plus when she found out about Eli and the money; and him helping Jack get rid of her. I was like she better forgives Eli because Jessica (her cousin) forgave her for taking/cheating with her ex-boyfriend Jack. Who by the way was a piece of crap even Jessica in her book; told Destiny, Jack wasn’t any good.. at least Destiny met Eli through Jessica and ended up actually happy.
I do hope that Eli ended up getting his dog back, but the author never mentioned anything else about his dog or them getting a house or apartment that accepts animals. But I am so ready to read the book with Cole and Amanda.. because she’s so clueless about Cole feelings; though she has feelings for him on the DL.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
***¥•• I splash a bunch of spoilers throughout this review•••*^^^^¥¥
This book was awesome. I didn’t know I was 63% done until I had looked. I was like WOW I’m halfway finished with this book and didn’t realize I was. It’s different when you read books with longer words writing in one chapter. “I think that’s the says” lol!
But anyway, it’s interesting to know that Destiny found out about that BET well more so Eli taking money from Jack the wack job! Towards the ending of the book. Because I was like when is she going to learn what happened and why Jack and Eli be sneak talking! But clearly Destiny couldn’t see the LIGHT until Eli came in the picture because without Eli; 9 out of 10 she would’ve been with Jack. If he didn’t break up with her first; or that girl that Jack was dating didn’t come forward and snitch on him about his cheating!
Lord knows I was HAPPY when she broke it off with Jack; especially when learning, he was with another girl when she called to break up with him. Plus when she found out about Eli and the money; and him helping Jack get rid of her. I was like she better forgives Eli because Jessica (her cousin) forgave her for taking/cheating with her ex-boyfriend Jack. Who by the way was a piece of crap even Jessica in her book; told Destiny, Jack wasn’t any good.. at least Destiny met Eli through Jessica and ended up actually happy.
I do hope that Eli ended up getting his dog back, but the author never mentioned anything else about his dog or them getting a house or apartment that accepts animals. But I am so ready to read the book with Cole and Amanda.. because she’s so clueless about Cole feelings; though she has feelings for him on the DL.
August 20, 2019
Another great book in the Rockford high series. This is book three. Each book is a stand alone but you do get to see some of the same main characters of the high school. And there are more to come in the series. This one is about Jack and Destiny. She has been dating him for a while and she thought he was cheating on her. He convinced her he wasn’t but he actually has a new girl but he can’t break up with Destiny. If he does he will lose a bet with Gabe for $200. He sees the new kid Eli flirting with her and he gets a great idea. If he can get Eli to continue to flirt with Destiny she will break up with Jack and he won’t lose the bet. He offers Eli a $100 split if he can get Destiny to dump him. Eli needs the cash and he likes her anyway. What could go wrong?
This is an interesting concept but things always go wrong when secrets are involved. I have to agree with another reviewer that said Destiny was really blind when it came to Jack. She was pushing for a relationship that was obviously broken. This is a clean, light read.
This is an interesting concept but things always go wrong when secrets are involved. I have to agree with another reviewer that said Destiny was really blind when it came to Jack. She was pushing for a relationship that was obviously broken. This is a clean, light read.
August 15, 2019
😍Some romance and teen moral dilemmas: sweet and light😏
August 15, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👥🎒🏫 This was a fairly simple teen story and, compared with the two earlier books in the series, a bit less appealing for me. Something about the writing struck me as very simplistic. But the plot was fine, focusing on a pair of young lovers, each with his own moral dilemma to confront. The angst is brief, and the ending is positive. Cliques, mean girls and social media shaming play into their drama, but, in what high school would they not these days?!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 15, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👥🎒🏫 This was a fairly simple teen story and, compared with the two earlier books in the series, a bit less appealing for me. Something about the writing struck me as very simplistic. But the plot was fine, focusing on a pair of young lovers, each with his own moral dilemma to confront. The angst is brief, and the ending is positive. Cliques, mean girls and social media shaming play into their drama, but, in what high school would they not these days?!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 16, 2019
A charade that back-fires
This is a book that is written for the younger teen. It is clean a bit of kissing, but it more of a story about morals and what some people will do even if it would hurt a person or be against the law. Nothing good can come from a lie but when the truth is known it is possible that things will turn out so much better. The characters Amanda, Cole, Jessica, Jack, Destiny, and Eli were a good mix of showing the good and bad of people. For the younger set, this is a good one to read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is a book that is written for the younger teen. It is clean a bit of kissing, but it more of a story about morals and what some people will do even if it would hurt a person or be against the law. Nothing good can come from a lie but when the truth is known it is possible that things will turn out so much better. The characters Amanda, Cole, Jessica, Jack, Destiny, and Eli were a good mix of showing the good and bad of people. For the younger set, this is a good one to read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 22, 2019
An enjoyablesweet, clean light story. It is the 3rd in the Rockford High Series but is read as a standalone with cameos from previous characters. An engaging read as the characters learn about jumping to conclusions, who their friends really are, who they can trust, secrets, love, and forgiveness. The characters are interesting and believable. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC and can't wait to read more from this entertaining series and amazing author.
August 30, 2019
Romance, clean; YA; series but stand alone read
Cute light, YA romance. Eli was a great character torn between the truth and his feelings, not sure why he made his promise and regretting more and more as he falls more and more for her.
Two honest hearts, one of whom has to see what is right in front of her, and recognize misplaced loyalty. Fun, light, romantic read.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own
Cute light, YA romance. Eli was a great character torn between the truth and his feelings, not sure why he made his promise and regretting more and more as he falls more and more for her.
Two honest hearts, one of whom has to see what is right in front of her, and recognize misplaced loyalty. Fun, light, romantic read.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own
October 20, 2019
Jack and Destiny are dating. However, Jack is being a jerk and is ignoring Destiny.
Enter the new kid, Eli, he is cute and charming, but she is with Jack.
When Eli finally talks Destiny into dumping Jack and going out with him, all seem right in the world. Until Destiny hears that Jack paid Eli to date her.
She is crushed.
Eli feels terrible, especially because, he truly had feelings for her.
Can they make up, or will Destiny return to Jack?
Only time will tell.
Enter the new kid, Eli, he is cute and charming, but she is with Jack.
When Eli finally talks Destiny into dumping Jack and going out with him, all seem right in the world. Until Destiny hears that Jack paid Eli to date her.
She is crushed.
Eli feels terrible, especially because, he truly had feelings for her.
Can they make up, or will Destiny return to Jack?
Only time will tell.
August 22, 2019
What a cute book. It's another win for Victorine. These are such well written cute, fun, and fast books. I love the hero. The heroine was adorable storyline was predictable for high school, but It didn't take away from it being so cute.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews