Nobody's Business

by Linda Duddridge

Some secrets should never be kept

CJ Witmore seems to have the perfect life, but being the son of a Hollywood star means keeping a dark family secret. Despite constant pleas from his girlfriend, CJ refuses to share that part of his life, fearful that if she learns the truth, his whole world will crumble.

Enter Emily, a girl CJ meets at the worst possible time, as he’s being triggered by an upsetting phone call. Although CJ’s first interaction with Emily is a disaster, he finds her intriguing. Hell, he may even like her, but he’s soon forced to ask Who is Emily? What is she hiding? It seems Emily has secrets of her own.

When CJ learns the details of his Dad’s impending marriage, he’s no longer able to think of just himself. CJ must do whatever it takes to protect a boy he barely knows, even if it means putting himself at risk. He’s forced to face his past and decide once and for all if his secrets are everyone’s business or nobody’s business.Trigger abuse (sexual, physical, emotional), suicide, child pornography

Genres: Young Adult

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2021

About the author

Linda Duddridge is the author of Nobody’s Business, a semi-finalist in the Booklife Prize Fiction Contest in 2021.
She’s a true introvert who, when not writing characters who’ll break your heart, loves binge-watching shows/movies, reading, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Currently living in Calgary, Alberta, she grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she studied Justice and Law Enforcement at the University of Winnipeg. She dreams of having a secret office hidden behind a bookcase door with a fireplace and a gorgeous view of the mountains.

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Reviews

[*. ⋆• maude ⋆·˚ ༘ * · Rating 4 out of 5]

some parts of this book were hard to get through considering the topics this book tackles (tw for abuse (sexual, physical, emotional), suicide, child pornography)) but i still really loved it! especially the way the characters were written; I liked following their evolution and their relation with the other characters.

[Kasey Connors-Beron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Nobody's Business by Linda Duddridge thanks to the publisher through Discovery in exchange for an honest review.

Content warnings: child abuse, rape, neglect, sexual abuse, bullying, emotional abuse, drug use, blackmail

Review:

This is a story not for those with unresolved triggers. It is graphic and emotional. It hurt to read CJ’s story: both the past and current times. As he works through his trauma while dealing with the media, CJ breaks down. He is unable to handle what happened when he loses his safety net.

Too many children will identify with CJ, who is just trying to keep himself, something that he hasn’t really experienced in the past decade. His struggle was haunting and will definitely be lingering with me for a long time. Other adults my age may remember Go Ask Alice and the wave it created. This has the potential to do the same, but I am hoping that isn’t the case. Even if children identify with CJ, I don’t think they should read it (even teens). At least not without having moral support afterwards.

Yes, the story was wonderful. I enjoyed the writing and character development. There was a great balance between flashbacks and current events. Overall, the story was amazing just very emotionally/mentally taxing. If you are up to the triggers, I highly recommend. If these are something that upset you at all, I recommend passing.

[Amber Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through all of CJ's trauma he was such a broken scared kid that could not get the words past his lips of what happened to him. All he knew was there was a new child involved and he had to make sure with everything he was that he would protect him. From the beginning to the end I enjoyed watching CJ slowly come to realization that he could not be silenced or threatened anymore.

He tries harder then anyone could to let his future family know what was going and that they needed to rethink what they were doing but he didn't have the strength. I love how the Author goes back and forth to slowly unravel CJ's past and the future where he gets the guts to tell all.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really deep young adult novel that dealt with tough topics, the writing was beautifully done and I really enjoyed going through this book. Linda Duddridge had a great way of creating interesting characters and I story that gets you invested and keeps you reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Domenica South · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a friend. I’m so glad I listened. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Very well written and kept me wanting to find out more about each of the characters and what led to their current relationships. Highly recommend!

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant absolutely loved this book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters will read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[syd ⋆˚꩜｡]

this book was very well written and I really do think it was good, but I cannot give it a star rating because it was legitimately the most horrifying thing I’ve ever read and now I don’t know what to do with myself.

[Faith Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was an extremely tough read at some parts but it was very good.

[Katie Harland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so captivating! It has some pretty dark themes, but the writer does an incredible job of handling the topics and presenting them in a way that makes you want to keep reading and know what happens. I finished this book in under 24 hours, definitely a must read!