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Eden Falls Academy #3
The Ruse
What’s the first rule of getting the lead in the school musical? Don’t fall for your bad-boy co-star.
When Elyse Cohen gets the lead in her private school’s winter musical, she thinks it’s a dream come true. That is, until she finds out she’s playing opposite Asher Park—the bad boy rumored to have been involved in the mysterious disappearance of his ex last spring. Soon, what seemed like a dream role has her worried she’ll be the next girl to get close to her enigmatic co-star and go missing.
After getting run out of the only home he had left, the last thing Asher wants is to return to Eden Falls Academy. But since a theater scholarship is his only hope for getting into a good college, he returns halfway through the school year to face the rumors swirling around him. As long as he keeps his head down and continues the ruse he started the year before, he might make it to graduation without too many scars.
He never anticipated Elyse in any of his plans.
But as the pair play love interests on stage and sparks ignite, the less Elyse wants to believe the rumors about Asher. And even though Asher knows letting people close leaves him vulnerable to being burned, he finds himself wanting to tell Elyse all his secrets.
When Elyse Cohen gets the lead in her private school’s winter musical, she thinks it’s a dream come true. That is, until she finds out she’s playing opposite Asher Park—the bad boy rumored to have been involved in the mysterious disappearance of his ex last spring. Soon, what seemed like a dream role has her worried she’ll be the next girl to get close to her enigmatic co-star and go missing.
After getting run out of the only home he had left, the last thing Asher wants is to return to Eden Falls Academy. But since a theater scholarship is his only hope for getting into a good college, he returns halfway through the school year to face the rumors swirling around him. As long as he keeps his head down and continues the ruse he started the year before, he might make it to graduation without too many scars.
He never anticipated Elyse in any of his plans.
But as the pair play love interests on stage and sparks ignite, the less Elyse wants to believe the rumors about Asher. And even though Asher knows letting people close leaves him vulnerable to being burned, he finds himself wanting to tell Elyse all his secrets.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2022
360 people are currently reading
5237 people want to read
About the author
Judy Corry
34 books1,399 followersJudy Corry is the USA Today Bestselling Author of YA and Contemporary Romance. She writes romance because she can't get enough of the feeling of falling in love. She's known for writing heart-pounding kisses, endearing characters, and hard-won happily ever afters.
She lives in Southern Utah with the boy who took her to Prom, their four amazing kids, and two dogs. She's addicted to love stories, chai latte's and dark chocolate.
She is represented by Lane Heymont at The Tobias Agency.
Keep updated with Judy and her books here ➜ https://subscribepage.com/judycorry
Find her on Instagram and TikTok: @authorjudycorry
She lives in Southern Utah with the boy who took her to Prom, their four amazing kids, and two dogs. She's addicted to love stories, chai latte's and dark chocolate.
She is represented by Lane Heymont at The Tobias Agency.
Keep updated with Judy and her books here ➜ https://subscribepage.com/judycorry
Find her on Instagram and TikTok: @authorjudycorry
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 10, 2022
4.5
This book is a fascinating mix of genre. Its a YA bad boy romance with a love triangle. But it's based at a boarding school so the lack of parental involvement makes it seem like the kids are older. Plus, they are all like Gossip Girl rich so that adds to the illusion. So, yes, it's YA. And yes, it's clean. Definitely steamy, maybe a pepperoncini pepper worth of spice. (In my head, there's a scale: wholesome, clean, sweet, steamy, spicy, and then more that I can't categorize because I'm unfamiliar)
So, if you like theater, specifically Phantom of the Opera, love triangles, mysterious pasts, sisters, family bonding, and boarding schools, check this out! Think Gossip Girl meets She's the Man meets Get Over It.
This book is a fascinating mix of genre. Its a YA bad boy romance with a love triangle. But it's based at a boarding school so the lack of parental involvement makes it seem like the kids are older. Plus, they are all like Gossip Girl rich so that adds to the illusion. So, yes, it's YA. And yes, it's clean. Definitely steamy, maybe a pepperoncini pepper worth of spice. (In my head, there's a scale: wholesome, clean, sweet, steamy, spicy, and then more that I can't categorize because I'm unfamiliar)
So, if you like theater, specifically Phantom of the Opera, love triangles, mysterious pasts, sisters, family bonding, and boarding schools, check this out! Think Gossip Girl meets She's the Man meets Get Over It.
February 19, 2022
I don’t know how she does it, but somehow Judy’s books just keep getting better and better. (And they were amazing to start with!)
This book was soooo good. I laughed, I cried (a little, not nearly as much as The Facade), and I swooned so hard! Asher is hands down one of my all-time favorite male characters. He is perfection. And the chemistry between him and Elyse is off the charts. I loved their banter. I laughed out loud so many times in this because Asher is hilarious. He’s confident and hot and fun and tender and I’m so glad we got to know him in this book.
Elyse is amazing and I loved seeing the different sides of her. I love that she’s a “good girl” with a different side that only Asher is able to bring out.
And the mystery had me in the edge of my seat and flipping pages as fast as I could. I had to know what happened to Bailee. Everything played out just perfectly and it’s amazing that Judy could keep all the moving pieces in her head because this book had so much going on. Judy said it’s her longest book but it didn’t feel long because I was completely enthralled in the story.
And those kisses did not disappoint! I don’t know of any other author who can make me feel so much. Which is why she is my favorite.
Now I’m rambling, but this book was soooo good and if you like YA romance that keeps you on your toes, this book is for you!
This book was soooo good. I laughed, I cried (a little, not nearly as much as The Facade), and I swooned so hard! Asher is hands down one of my all-time favorite male characters. He is perfection. And the chemistry between him and Elyse is off the charts. I loved their banter. I laughed out loud so many times in this because Asher is hilarious. He’s confident and hot and fun and tender and I’m so glad we got to know him in this book.
Elyse is amazing and I loved seeing the different sides of her. I love that she’s a “good girl” with a different side that only Asher is able to bring out.
And the mystery had me in the edge of my seat and flipping pages as fast as I could. I had to know what happened to Bailee. Everything played out just perfectly and it’s amazing that Judy could keep all the moving pieces in her head because this book had so much going on. Judy said it’s her longest book but it didn’t feel long because I was completely enthralled in the story.
And those kisses did not disappoint! I don’t know of any other author who can make me feel so much. Which is why she is my favorite.
Now I’m rambling, but this book was soooo good and if you like YA romance that keeps you on your toes, this book is for you!
May 30, 2025
why do I even bother
March 6, 2022
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Every part of it was beautiful. I want to be part of this world sooooo bad! The characters, the story, everything is just so perfectly written. The chemistry between Asher and Elyse was off the charts. I loved the feud between Nash and Asher and the way that Elyse’s emotions were written out. I had so much fun reading about certain parts, no spoilers, but if you’ve read the book then you’ll know what I mean by “cabin.” I’m really interested in what will happen with the Bailee plot of the book and can’t wait for whatever comes next. I love this author’s writing style and this is truly a book worth reading!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Every part of it was beautiful. I want to be part of this world sooooo bad! The characters, the story, everything is just so perfectly written. The chemistry between Asher and Elyse was off the charts. I loved the feud between Nash and Asher and the way that Elyse’s emotions were written out. I had so much fun reading about certain parts, no spoilers, but if you’ve read the book then you’ll know what I mean by “cabin.” I’m really interested in what will happen with the Bailee plot of the book and can’t wait for whatever comes next. I love this author’s writing style and this is truly a book worth reading!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2022
Elyse can't believe she got the lead role in the school musical, but her ecstasy soon dissipates when she hears that she will be performing alongside Asher Park, the guy whose reputation in school has everyone terrified and suspicious of him. She's first terrified of him, too, but as she gets to know him better, she realizes that he's a lot more than what people think of him. But how can she fall for Asher when she's already dating her dream crush, Nash Hastings? Now she's confused as her feelings get more and more complicated.
Asher didn't want to come back to Eden Falls Academy, but he was persuaded to by his drama teacher. Besides, if he does well in the musical, maybe he'lll get a theatre scholarship to a good college—hopefully—since he can't afford to pay for it on his own. He plans on just laying low and getting through the rest of the school year, avoiding all the eyes of the students, and maybe trying to fix things just enough to get people to stop acting like he's a murderer. Then he meets Elyse.
※ ※ ※
…I'm very conflicted about how I feel about this series now. I liked Judy Corry's Ridgewater High series before, and I did enjoy some parts of this book. However, Corry went too far on the steam, in my opinion. This is supposed to be a clean romance. The level of steam is a bit much for the genre, I'd say. If you read this as a clean romance, then you may be disappointed. However, if you don't read it as a clean romance, it probably would be pretty good.
Here are some things that bothered me:
The topic of s*x is indirectly referred to at least twice in the story and once in the bonus epilogue, which I wasn't expecting at all in a clean romance. Elyse gets carried away when she and Asher kiss and practically starts undressing him. (Though thankfully she does stop before going too far.) Also, Corry spends too much time giving play-by-plays of things we don't really need to know. Like, she spent 16 whole pages detailing a single makeout session! It was cloying, and I was grossed out by the end.
Another thing I didn't like much was how obvious the so-called "mystery" was. The disappearance of Bailee wasn't hard to figure out at all, and I already figured out what happened to her pretty early on. So I basically just spent the rest of the book waiting for the MCs to figure it out, which, as any mystery lover would know, isn't very fun if not executed correctly.
In addition, the way Corry always, always incorporates her titles into the book has been getting more and more lazy recently and kind of gets annoying sometimes. 🤦♀️
On the positive side of things, the characters were okay and likable enough, and some of the things they thought or did was relatable.
Elyse - Elyse was a little frustrating sometimes, though. I really liked her in the previous book, The Charade. She was always reserved and shy and awkward, and I related to her much more than Ava. But in this book she was too stupid sometimes. She was also really indecisive. Also, I really hated all that gross daydreaming she always did. *Facepalm* Like, really? Do girls really think like that?
Nash - I felt so bad for Nash throughout the entire story, even though he still annoyed me sometimes. He's really sweet, but he just isn't lucky with girls, I guess. He really did care for Elyse, and he wanted what was best for her.
Asher - Asher was someone I could sort of relate to, with how he analyzes people and uses humor to lighten serious situations and stuff. He seemed understanding, too. However, he seemed too needy sometimes. Like, he'd get offended and hurt too easily just because Elyse was with Nash or something. The same was true for Nash.
Honestly, the whole thing between all of them was just really a crazy roller coaster of confused feelings, misunderstandings, relationship ups and downs, and just DRAMA. That's why, you never should get involved in a love triangle. SMH. I just got really tired and annoyed with it all after a little while. But that's because I just don't like drama much, and this book was chock-full of it. I know some people love reading it, though.
Nonetheless, I do feel like the story itself was executed well, and I did enjoy reading it to a certain degree. I also really enjoy reading the Easter eggs and all the references to the Ridgewater High series. That was fun. As I said earlier, while those who read this as a clean romance may find it a bit much, those who don't will probably be okay with the level of steam. I was in the former category, so I think that's why I didn't enjoy it as much. But feel free to give it a try!
Asher didn't want to come back to Eden Falls Academy, but he was persuaded to by his drama teacher. Besides, if he does well in the musical, maybe he'lll get a theatre scholarship to a good college—hopefully—since he can't afford to pay for it on his own. He plans on just laying low and getting through the rest of the school year, avoiding all the eyes of the students, and maybe trying to fix things just enough to get people to stop acting like he's a murderer. Then he meets Elyse.
※ ※ ※
…I'm very conflicted about how I feel about this series now. I liked Judy Corry's Ridgewater High series before, and I did enjoy some parts of this book. However, Corry went too far on the steam, in my opinion. This is supposed to be a clean romance. The level of steam is a bit much for the genre, I'd say. If you read this as a clean romance, then you may be disappointed. However, if you don't read it as a clean romance, it probably would be pretty good.
Here are some things that bothered me:
The topic of s*x is indirectly referred to at least twice in the story and once in the bonus epilogue, which I wasn't expecting at all in a clean romance. Elyse gets carried away when she and Asher kiss and practically starts undressing him. (Though thankfully she does stop before going too far.) Also, Corry spends too much time giving play-by-plays of things we don't really need to know. Like, she spent 16 whole pages detailing a single makeout session! It was cloying, and I was grossed out by the end.
Another thing I didn't like much was how obvious the so-called "mystery" was. The disappearance of Bailee wasn't hard to figure out at all, and I already figured out what happened to her pretty early on. So I basically just spent the rest of the book waiting for the MCs to figure it out, which, as any mystery lover would know, isn't very fun if not executed correctly.
In addition, the way Corry always, always incorporates her titles into the book has been getting more and more lazy recently and kind of gets annoying sometimes. 🤦♀️
On the positive side of things, the characters were okay and likable enough, and some of the things they thought or did was relatable.
Elyse - Elyse was a little frustrating sometimes, though. I really liked her in the previous book, The Charade. She was always reserved and shy and awkward, and I related to her much more than Ava. But in this book she was too stupid sometimes. She was also really indecisive. Also, I really hated all that gross daydreaming she always did. *Facepalm* Like, really? Do girls really think like that?
Nash - I felt so bad for Nash throughout the entire story, even though he still annoyed me sometimes. He's really sweet, but he just isn't lucky with girls, I guess. He really did care for Elyse, and he wanted what was best for her.
Asher - Asher was someone I could sort of relate to, with how he analyzes people and uses humor to lighten serious situations and stuff. He seemed understanding, too. However, he seemed too needy sometimes. Like, he'd get offended and hurt too easily just because Elyse was with Nash or something. The same was true for Nash.
Honestly, the whole thing between all of them was just really a crazy roller coaster of confused feelings, misunderstandings, relationship ups and downs, and just DRAMA. That's why, you never should get involved in a love triangle. SMH. I just got really tired and annoyed with it all after a little while. But that's because I just don't like drama much, and this book was chock-full of it. I know some people love reading it, though.
Nonetheless, I do feel like the story itself was executed well, and I did enjoy reading it to a certain degree. I also really enjoy reading the Easter eggs and all the references to the Ridgewater High series. That was fun. As I said earlier, while those who read this as a clean romance may find it a bit much, those who don't will probably be okay with the level of steam. I was in the former category, so I think that's why I didn't enjoy it as much. But feel free to give it a try!
March 16, 2022
Thank you Judy Corry for the copy of your latest release! All thoughts are my own.
This book was so fun and utterly sweet, mixed with enough depth to let you see the real hearts of the characters.
Elyse has a lot of growth over this book. She learns what it means to fall in love, and how to fight for what she wants. Also, she learns that everything is not always as it seems.
Asher is the bad boy, flirty, and all around infuriating character. I loved him! He was equal parts bad and soft as we got to know him and I was here for it.
The romance was sweet and full of passionate high school love. I also adored the musical aspect of this book.
This book was so fun and utterly sweet, mixed with enough depth to let you see the real hearts of the characters.
Elyse has a lot of growth over this book. She learns what it means to fall in love, and how to fight for what she wants. Also, she learns that everything is not always as it seems.
Asher is the bad boy, flirty, and all around infuriating character. I loved him! He was equal parts bad and soft as we got to know him and I was here for it.
The romance was sweet and full of passionate high school love. I also adored the musical aspect of this book.
May 12, 2022
5 ⭐️
This was absolute PERFECTION. I knew this was gonna be amazing considering how good the first two books were. Judy DELIVERED.
Bad boy Asher in a rivalry with Nash who both want the same girl? Sign me up!
Asher was perfect, an absolute flirt. The cheeky comments he made has me in stitches. The tension between him and Elyse was undeniable. I adored Elyse, you feel sympathetic for her because of the position she was in having to choose between the two. I won’t spoil anything but that one scene 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
Most of this book I really couldn’t guess it, I didn’t know where it was going. There was only one part I guessed but still it was a shock. It definitely keeps you on your toes and makes you not want to put it down. So much happens in these 400 pages but not in a chaotic way which I love.
This is definitely her best series! I have no patience for book 4
Content: kissing only.
This was absolute PERFECTION. I knew this was gonna be amazing considering how good the first two books were. Judy DELIVERED.
Bad boy Asher in a rivalry with Nash who both want the same girl? Sign me up!
Asher was perfect, an absolute flirt. The cheeky comments he made has me in stitches. The tension between him and Elyse was undeniable. I adored Elyse, you feel sympathetic for her because of the position she was in having to choose between the two. I won’t spoil anything but that one scene 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
Most of this book I really couldn’t guess it, I didn’t know where it was going. There was only one part I guessed but still it was a shock. It definitely keeps you on your toes and makes you not want to put it down. So much happens in these 400 pages but not in a chaotic way which I love.
This is definitely her best series! I have no patience for book 4
Content: kissing only.
March 20, 2022
4.25 ⭐️
Elyse Cohen thought she had it all figured out, trying to get Nash Hastings to finally see her as more than just a friend. However what she doesn’t anticipate is her life to become the play she is acting the lead in, when she starts to develop feelings for her co-star bad boy Asher Park too with the more time she spends with him. Though she knows she should be cautious around him, considering his involvement within the disappearance of his Ex.
With two guys vying for her attention, who will she choose?
Elyse and Asher’s journey within The Ruse had so much going on, that it kept you intrigued, given all that went on throughout the entirety of the book. Given the mixture of tropes/genres, it lead to a fun adventure that gave you drama, suspense surrounding the side storyline of the mystery that was going on. Allowing it to give you that thrilling feeling, alongside the many other emotions and feelings that came into play.
There was just something about Elyse and Asher and their journey from Friends to Lovers that was enjoying to follow again with. The way their friendship blossomed into so much more, was just too sweet and adorable to watch, from the cuteness of two given some of the awkward moments it lead to. On top of the funny moments that occurred too, it had you LOL'ing.
Although Elyse and Asher were complete opposites personality wise, on the outside at least. On the inside they shared some similar traits, like their feelings and emotions they were dealing with.
Having their dual perspective allowed us to see the feelings they were not only hiding in regards to each other. But their thoughts when it came to them struggling with it, trying to figure how to handle it and ultimately what to do about it.
Especially for Elyse who seemed to be in a dilemma with having feelings for both Asher and Nash.
It has to be said, the way Asher was able to bring Elyse out of her shell more and more each time within their journey, was just too cute and had me swooning. Especially since he done it in such a caring manner showing there was another side to him, other than the “bad boy” that people made him out to be. Seeing as he took it slow and steady with Elyse, something that was unexpected given the feelings on the inside he was fighting in regards to her.
Asher and Elyse were truly the perfect couple. To see where and how they started off from, to how far they had come from the evolving steps their relationship took to get to where they were by the end was no easy feat. Given the hurdles they encountered with the bumps that came along the way. Yet it never stopped them from pushing through, proving they were meant to be endgame.
It should known there did come a time where the story had me starting to lose a little focus, feeling like the narrative could possibly be dragged out. However before my attention could even pull away, Judy managed to reel me right back. Pulling me even further into Elyse and Asher’s story than ever before.
All in all, The Ruse was a great story. In fact it has to be my favourite from Eden Falls Academy series. Judy Corry truly did a good job in writing Elyse and Asher’s story, especially with the cute bonus epilogue included at the end. Can't wait to read the next book she writes.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Elyse Cohen thought she had it all figured out, trying to get Nash Hastings to finally see her as more than just a friend. However what she doesn’t anticipate is her life to become the play she is acting the lead in, when she starts to develop feelings for her co-star bad boy Asher Park too with the more time she spends with him. Though she knows she should be cautious around him, considering his involvement within the disappearance of his Ex.
With two guys vying for her attention, who will she choose?
Elyse and Asher’s journey within The Ruse had so much going on, that it kept you intrigued, given all that went on throughout the entirety of the book. Given the mixture of tropes/genres, it lead to a fun adventure that gave you drama, suspense surrounding the side storyline of the mystery that was going on. Allowing it to give you that thrilling feeling, alongside the many other emotions and feelings that came into play.
There was just something about Elyse and Asher and their journey from Friends to Lovers that was enjoying to follow again with. The way their friendship blossomed into so much more, was just too sweet and adorable to watch, from the cuteness of two given some of the awkward moments it lead to. On top of the funny moments that occurred too, it had you LOL'ing.
Although Elyse and Asher were complete opposites personality wise, on the outside at least. On the inside they shared some similar traits, like their feelings and emotions they were dealing with.
Having their dual perspective allowed us to see the feelings they were not only hiding in regards to each other. But their thoughts when it came to them struggling with it, trying to figure how to handle it and ultimately what to do about it.
Especially for Elyse who seemed to be in a dilemma with having feelings for both Asher and Nash.
It has to be said, the way Asher was able to bring Elyse out of her shell more and more each time within their journey, was just too cute and had me swooning. Especially since he done it in such a caring manner showing there was another side to him, other than the “bad boy” that people made him out to be. Seeing as he took it slow and steady with Elyse, something that was unexpected given the feelings on the inside he was fighting in regards to her.
Asher and Elyse were truly the perfect couple. To see where and how they started off from, to how far they had come from the evolving steps their relationship took to get to where they were by the end was no easy feat. Given the hurdles they encountered with the bumps that came along the way. Yet it never stopped them from pushing through, proving they were meant to be endgame.
It should known there did come a time where the story had me starting to lose a little focus, feeling like the narrative could possibly be dragged out. However before my attention could even pull away, Judy managed to reel me right back. Pulling me even further into Elyse and Asher’s story than ever before.
All in all, The Ruse was a great story. In fact it has to be my favourite from Eden Falls Academy series. Judy Corry truly did a good job in writing Elyse and Asher’s story, especially with the cute bonus epilogue included at the end. Can't wait to read the next book she writes.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
AHHHHHH!!! I freakin LOVE Asher!! Once I read the epilogue in The Facade I knew Asher was my man! He's everything!
"From the front, he was basically the kind of guy who every girl from the ages of twelve to sixty would leave their boyfriend or husbands for if he asked." I absolutely adore the way Judy writes. Her characters are 3 dimensional with quirks, personality, and real life struggles. Elyse and Asher just might be my all time fav characters she's ever written! Asher has a lot of bad stuff going on in his life. His struggles are hard to read but built him into this phenomenal person. Elyse is awkward and struggles as the quieter half of twins. I just adore them both. And that one bed scene is my all time favorite!! I haven't laughed in a book that hard in a long time!! Whew and the couch backstage scene! (fans face) Love it!!
I also loved the little cameos by Logan and Jace, Justin Banks in his new movie, and Jess at the ball. I love hearing old characters from earlier series making special guest appearances!
This book took on some hard experiences and I thought they were so well written and handled. The book doesn't shy away from those things but doesn't write them to just be gratuitous. There's some steam which is hot but doesn't cross the line into smut which I appreciate!
"Because home didn't always have to be a place. It wasn't always a specific location that you could mark "X" on a map. Sometimes, home was a feeling. A rare moment in time where you were wrapped in a cocoon of safety and love and acceptance from someone else you cared deeply about. Someone you loved. It was having someone know about the good and the bad parts and not just loving you in spite of them. It was having them love you because of the person they had shaped you to be." Seriously, isn't that the most beautiful thought you've ever read?! I love how Judy writes things that make you think and feel. She makes you laugh and cry. And to me that's the hallmark of a well written book. One I'll definitely be rereading!! I can't recommend this read more!!!
"From the front, he was basically the kind of guy who every girl from the ages of twelve to sixty would leave their boyfriend or husbands for if he asked." I absolutely adore the way Judy writes. Her characters are 3 dimensional with quirks, personality, and real life struggles. Elyse and Asher just might be my all time fav characters she's ever written! Asher has a lot of bad stuff going on in his life. His struggles are hard to read but built him into this phenomenal person. Elyse is awkward and struggles as the quieter half of twins. I just adore them both. And that one bed scene is my all time favorite!! I haven't laughed in a book that hard in a long time!! Whew and the couch backstage scene! (fans face) Love it!!
I also loved the little cameos by Logan and Jace, Justin Banks in his new movie, and Jess at the ball. I love hearing old characters from earlier series making special guest appearances!
This book took on some hard experiences and I thought they were so well written and handled. The book doesn't shy away from those things but doesn't write them to just be gratuitous. There's some steam which is hot but doesn't cross the line into smut which I appreciate!
"Because home didn't always have to be a place. It wasn't always a specific location that you could mark "X" on a map. Sometimes, home was a feeling. A rare moment in time where you were wrapped in a cocoon of safety and love and acceptance from someone else you cared deeply about. Someone you loved. It was having someone know about the good and the bad parts and not just loving you in spite of them. It was having them love you because of the person they had shaped you to be." Seriously, isn't that the most beautiful thought you've ever read?! I love how Judy writes things that make you think and feel. She makes you laugh and cry. And to me that's the hallmark of a well written book. One I'll definitely be rereading!! I can't recommend this read more!!!
March 17, 2022
Swoony & Irresistible!
For a “clean” YA read this one packs authentic steam, is bursting with feels and it’s exactly why I can’t get enough of this series. Throw in an Asian bad boy hero and a quiet heroine who finds her voice to go for what she wants and I. AM. DONE.
Elyse Cohen had a thing for bad boys who didn’t seem to stick around. Now she’s at a new school and her outgoing twin sister has already found the love of her life. All Elyse wants is to land a leading role in the school play, make some friends and just maybe, she’ll find someone to love too.
Asher Park, bad boy of the stage and the guy whose last girlfriend suddenly disappeared and hasn’t been heard from in almost a year. To say his return to Eden Falls Academy sparked some controversy would be an understatement.
Elyse saw past the gossip about Asher to the vulnerable person underneath who was just as confused as everyone else about what happened the year before. The one who had a huge heart that was full of care and love but scared to share it.
The chemistry between Elyse and Asher was heart thumpingly good. I think Elyse didn’t have a thing for bad boys as much as a gift for appreciating why someone’s perfectly imperfect.
There were a lot of things going on in this one and it takes a truly talented writer like Judy to weave them all together to create an emotional, poignant story of how things are never quite what they seem on the surface and it’s often worth finding out what someone’s real story is. I’m in love with how this series is endearing, swoony and always challenging the sweet YA type with unexpected twists.
Don’t be late to the show-grab The Ruse now!
For a “clean” YA read this one packs authentic steam, is bursting with feels and it’s exactly why I can’t get enough of this series. Throw in an Asian bad boy hero and a quiet heroine who finds her voice to go for what she wants and I. AM. DONE.
Elyse Cohen had a thing for bad boys who didn’t seem to stick around. Now she’s at a new school and her outgoing twin sister has already found the love of her life. All Elyse wants is to land a leading role in the school play, make some friends and just maybe, she’ll find someone to love too.
Asher Park, bad boy of the stage and the guy whose last girlfriend suddenly disappeared and hasn’t been heard from in almost a year. To say his return to Eden Falls Academy sparked some controversy would be an understatement.
Elyse saw past the gossip about Asher to the vulnerable person underneath who was just as confused as everyone else about what happened the year before. The one who had a huge heart that was full of care and love but scared to share it.
The chemistry between Elyse and Asher was heart thumpingly good. I think Elyse didn’t have a thing for bad boys as much as a gift for appreciating why someone’s perfectly imperfect.
There were a lot of things going on in this one and it takes a truly talented writer like Judy to weave them all together to create an emotional, poignant story of how things are never quite what they seem on the surface and it’s often worth finding out what someone’s real story is. I’m in love with how this series is endearing, swoony and always challenging the sweet YA type with unexpected twists.
Don’t be late to the show-grab The Ruse now!
March 27, 2022
I have read every book in this series so I couldn’t wait to read elyses book. I have read quiet a few books of Judy Corry’s even before this series and her writing had changed in an amazing way. There’s just more from her and I can sense the love she’s poured into them. Anyways let’s get back to my review. This is sort of love triangle.
what starts off one way sort of flips to another. I loved the chemistry between Elyse and Asher. I loved how she never judged him even though others did. I love the build up, the twists, the swooney feelings I felt but back to the twists so many and so unexpected but I welcome them with open arms. These two are the cutest and the moments they share had me awwwing and fighting for them, both coming from different types of lifestyles, Asher never thinks he’s good enough for elyse even though they are so perfect together and the more I read the more I felt that way. It’s one of the most easiest reads I’ve read lately and cannot wait for more from this series. The little teaser at the end introducing us to the next book had me screaming wanting it today. I highly recommend this book if you love all romances, even if this is a ya romance, there’s always more to Judy’s writing it’s not about loving a trope but falling in love with characters written beautifully by this amazing author.
what starts off one way sort of flips to another. I loved the chemistry between Elyse and Asher. I loved how she never judged him even though others did. I love the build up, the twists, the swooney feelings I felt but back to the twists so many and so unexpected but I welcome them with open arms. These two are the cutest and the moments they share had me awwwing and fighting for them, both coming from different types of lifestyles, Asher never thinks he’s good enough for elyse even though they are so perfect together and the more I read the more I felt that way. It’s one of the most easiest reads I’ve read lately and cannot wait for more from this series. The little teaser at the end introducing us to the next book had me screaming wanting it today. I highly recommend this book if you love all romances, even if this is a ya romance, there’s always more to Judy’s writing it’s not about loving a trope but falling in love with characters written beautifully by this amazing author.
July 9, 2022
Elyse has always been my least favorite character. With that being said I loved Nash and knowing he was in this one as a possible love interest I had to read it. We get introduced to a new character and he’s a “bad boy” well as bad as a boy can possible be being in high school that is. Even though Nash was a favorite of mine he annoyed me in the beginning of this book. Like MAKE A MOVE ALREADY! Ugh! At 30% (the porch scene) the book started to get really good. I knew from this point on who I was rooting for. I really loved the mystery element to the book. It had me thinking the whole time. Once the mystery was solved I was SHOOK! I wasn’t expecting all that. Okay but that ending… YEEEESSSSS 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I didn’t realize how much I needed a “4 years later” moment! Oh and did I mention I read this book practically in one sitting. Sooooo good!
December 6, 2023
Quick Summary: A forget me not YA/NA romance
My Review: The Ruse by Judy Corry is part of the Eden Falls Academy series. It is installment #3.
About the Book: When a bad boy with a questionable past returns to Eden Falls Academy, Elyse Cohen couldn't help but notice. Sure, she had a thing for Nash, but there was just something about Asher Park that she really liked. Who knew she would be a part of a love triangle?
My Final Say: I love this series! I love the stories. I love all of the characters. I love the HEAs. I love the epilogues. It's all strawberries and cream.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: OYA/NA
Status: Clean
Level: 🍨
#libraryread
My Review: The Ruse by Judy Corry is part of the Eden Falls Academy series. It is installment #3.
About the Book: When a bad boy with a questionable past returns to Eden Falls Academy, Elyse Cohen couldn't help but notice. Sure, she had a thing for Nash, but there was just something about Asher Park that she really liked. Who knew she would be a part of a love triangle?
My Final Say: I love this series! I love the stories. I love all of the characters. I love the HEAs. I love the epilogues. It's all strawberries and cream.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: OYA/NA
Status: Clean
Level: 🍨
#libraryread
February 17, 2022
Let me start off by saying that I was one of the few readers who figured out that the main character would be Asher instead of Nash. Since I was totally in love with Nash I felt sure that I would hate Asher. But I was wrong...so badly wrong. I began to like him from almost the first chapter. Honestly, if you thought Elyse was good with Nash wait until you read about her with Asher. The banter between these two was amazing. The chemistry much better than with Nash. Honestly, I had a hard time seeing the jealous version of Nash. He’s always been so sweet but that’s what makes Judy such a good author. Her characters have flaws and they’re not perfect. Seeing their vulnerabilities just makes her books so much better. I couldn’t put it down once I started. This book had all the feels. I laughed, I cried and I had the time of my life. Definitely one of the best books I have EVER read. Also I loved the cameos by the Ridgewater High characters. Especially Jace and Logan. Their scenes were so fun. This series has quickly become one of my favourites. Cant wait to read Hunter and Scarlett’s story. They have both been intriguing me since book one.
I got an ARC for this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I got an ARC for this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 9, 2023
The first 70%-ish was a snooze fest and I almost quit multiple times but after that, it was super good. I really liked the epilogue too (quite unusual for a YA book).
December 29, 2022
I found this author on tik tok and I have really enjoyed her books. This one may be my least favorite so far in the series only because I felt the give and take between her feelings was a bit much. But high school feelings are generally like that and maybe I’m just getting older. Lol! Still a great book.
February 13, 2024
What’s the first rule of getting the lead in the school musical? Don’t fall for your bad-boy co-star.
When Elyse Cohen gets the lead in her private school’s winter musical, she thinks it’s a dream come true. That is, until she finds out she’s playing opposite Asher Park—the bad boy rumored to have been involved in the mysterious disappearance of his ex last spring. Soon, what seemed like a dream role has her worried she’ll be the next girl to get close to her enigmatic co-star and go missing.
After getting run out of the only home he had left, the last thing Asher wants is to return to Eden Falls Academy. But since a theater scholarship is his only hope for getting into a good college, he returns halfway through the school year to face the rumors swirling around him. As long as he keeps his head down and continues the ruse he started the year before, he might make it to graduation without too many scars.
He never anticipated Elyse in any of his plans.
But as the pair love interests on stage and sparks ignite, the less Elyse wants to believe the rumors about Asher. And even though Asher knows letting people close leaves him vulnerable to being burned, he finds himself waiting to tell Elyse all his secrets.
“Though, I’m sure you could wear a garbage bag and I’d still think you were beautiful.”
“I wasn’t having one of those romantic fantasies you think all guys my age have when a pretty girl walks into the restaurant.”
“But you do think she’s pretty, though.” Rosa smirked mischief in her brown eyes.
“Sure, she’s pretty.” I shrugged. Only an idiot would pretend not to find a girl who looked like she could be a doppelganger for Ariana Grande attractive. For all I knew, Elyse had every guy at our private school wrapped around her finger.
As an introvert who usually needed time alone to recharge, it was kind of amazing that I was still having as good of a time with him tonight as I was.
“Are you a sleep talker?” He sounded intrigued.
“Not really.” I smiled. “Though, I bet you wish I was.”
He chuckled. “I definitely wouldn’t mind getting a little peek into what goes on in that lovely brain of yours.”
I just didn’t want him to want her, because I wanted him to want me.
That I’d been falling in love with her since the moment we met. That she was everything I’d been searching for. She was funny and smart and beautiful and amazon…and falling for her had been inevitable.
Asher was the guy I couldn’t let go of.
Because home didn’t always have to be a place. It wasn’t always a specific location that you could mark with an “X” on a map.
Sometimes, home was a feeling. A rare moment in time where you were wrapped in a cocoon of safety and love and acceptance from someone else you cared deeply about.
Someone you loved.
It was having someone know about the good and the bad parts and not just loving you in spite of them. It was having them love you because of the person that has shaped you to be.
This is a YA bad boy romance with a love triangle, theater theme (Phantom of the Opera), mysterious pasts, sisters, family bonding, boarding schools, friendships. I enjoyed this book so much. So far, it’s my favorite book out of the series. I’m excited to read Hunter and Scarlett’s story in the next book. 4.75 stars.
When Elyse Cohen gets the lead in her private school’s winter musical, she thinks it’s a dream come true. That is, until she finds out she’s playing opposite Asher Park—the bad boy rumored to have been involved in the mysterious disappearance of his ex last spring. Soon, what seemed like a dream role has her worried she’ll be the next girl to get close to her enigmatic co-star and go missing.
After getting run out of the only home he had left, the last thing Asher wants is to return to Eden Falls Academy. But since a theater scholarship is his only hope for getting into a good college, he returns halfway through the school year to face the rumors swirling around him. As long as he keeps his head down and continues the ruse he started the year before, he might make it to graduation without too many scars.
He never anticipated Elyse in any of his plans.
But as the pair love interests on stage and sparks ignite, the less Elyse wants to believe the rumors about Asher. And even though Asher knows letting people close leaves him vulnerable to being burned, he finds himself waiting to tell Elyse all his secrets.
“Though, I’m sure you could wear a garbage bag and I’d still think you were beautiful.”
“I wasn’t having one of those romantic fantasies you think all guys my age have when a pretty girl walks into the restaurant.”
“But you do think she’s pretty, though.” Rosa smirked mischief in her brown eyes.
“Sure, she’s pretty.” I shrugged. Only an idiot would pretend not to find a girl who looked like she could be a doppelganger for Ariana Grande attractive. For all I knew, Elyse had every guy at our private school wrapped around her finger.
As an introvert who usually needed time alone to recharge, it was kind of amazing that I was still having as good of a time with him tonight as I was.
“Are you a sleep talker?” He sounded intrigued.
“Not really.” I smiled. “Though, I bet you wish I was.”
He chuckled. “I definitely wouldn’t mind getting a little peek into what goes on in that lovely brain of yours.”
I just didn’t want him to want her, because I wanted him to want me.
That I’d been falling in love with her since the moment we met. That she was everything I’d been searching for. She was funny and smart and beautiful and amazon…and falling for her had been inevitable.
Asher was the guy I couldn’t let go of.
Because home didn’t always have to be a place. It wasn’t always a specific location that you could mark with an “X” on a map.
Sometimes, home was a feeling. A rare moment in time where you were wrapped in a cocoon of safety and love and acceptance from someone else you cared deeply about.
Someone you loved.
It was having someone know about the good and the bad parts and not just loving you in spite of them. It was having them love you because of the person that has shaped you to be.
This is a YA bad boy romance with a love triangle, theater theme (Phantom of the Opera), mysterious pasts, sisters, family bonding, boarding schools, friendships. I enjoyed this book so much. So far, it’s my favorite book out of the series. I’m excited to read Hunter and Scarlett’s story in the next book. 4.75 stars.
February 22, 2022
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! I have been loving this series, so I was excited to get to read The Ruse. The Ruse is the third book in Judy Corry’s Eden Falls Academy series.This was a really fun book and I think I liked it even more than the first two! It was just that good! Also I am just loving these covers! They are so fun and different! The Ruse is about Elyse who definitely deserved her own book and this new character who just popped back on the scene, Asher.
Asher and Elyse had me from the beginning! I love them both and it was so fun getting to know them. Asher was such a wounded hero and I loved getting to know him. At first he came off as the bad boy, but there was so much hidden behind his walls. He was sweet and struggling, he wanted to find a place to call home. Oh, I just liked him so much. However he wasn’t perfect, he could be competitive and headstrong, but he was kind and he was nicer then he appeared. He had to learn how to let Elyse in and fight for her.
I also liked Elyse from the beginning. She was driven but she was also the quiet twin. I actually don't usually like these kinds of characters, but there was something different about her. She was full of life and her little quirks were funny. I liked her overactive imagination, she was just so relatable. It was sweet how she went out of her way to get to know Asher and how she became his friend first. Their romance was sweet. Elyse had to learn to step out in faith and not just settle.
Elyse and Asher had so much romantic tension and chemistry. I really liked their interactions and banter. They were a perfect match and helped each other to be better people. It was cool how they were in a play together, that was just another fun tidbit. At first I was shocked when I heard that Asher was going to be the guy, but obviously he stole my heart. I am however still hoping that Nash will get his own book.
The side characters were great, I just wish that there were more scenes with them. So I actually adored this book, however there were a couple of content themes that I wasn’t all for and that is why the book is at 4.5 stars. It was a closed door book so I expected some sexual tension, but there was a taboo relationship between two side characters that caught me off guard. But this book was still amazing!
The Ruse is a must read! And I am beyond excited for the next book! I would recommend it to those 16 and up because it was more closed door.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I really enjoyed this book! I have been loving this series, so I was excited to get to read The Ruse. The Ruse is the third book in Judy Corry’s Eden Falls Academy series.This was a really fun book and I think I liked it even more than the first two! It was just that good! Also I am just loving these covers! They are so fun and different! The Ruse is about Elyse who definitely deserved her own book and this new character who just popped back on the scene, Asher.
Asher and Elyse had me from the beginning! I love them both and it was so fun getting to know them. Asher was such a wounded hero and I loved getting to know him. At first he came off as the bad boy, but there was so much hidden behind his walls. He was sweet and struggling, he wanted to find a place to call home. Oh, I just liked him so much. However he wasn’t perfect, he could be competitive and headstrong, but he was kind and he was nicer then he appeared. He had to learn how to let Elyse in and fight for her.
I also liked Elyse from the beginning. She was driven but she was also the quiet twin. I actually don't usually like these kinds of characters, but there was something different about her. She was full of life and her little quirks were funny. I liked her overactive imagination, she was just so relatable. It was sweet how she went out of her way to get to know Asher and how she became his friend first. Their romance was sweet. Elyse had to learn to step out in faith and not just settle.
Elyse and Asher had so much romantic tension and chemistry. I really liked their interactions and banter. They were a perfect match and helped each other to be better people. It was cool how they were in a play together, that was just another fun tidbit. At first I was shocked when I heard that Asher was going to be the guy, but obviously he stole my heart. I am however still hoping that Nash will get his own book.
The side characters were great, I just wish that there were more scenes with them. So I actually adored this book, however there were a couple of content themes that I wasn’t all for and that is why the book is at 4.5 stars. It was a closed door book so I expected some sexual tension, but there was a taboo relationship between two side characters that caught me off guard. But this book was still amazing!
The Ruse is a must read! And I am beyond excited for the next book! I would recommend it to those 16 and up because it was more closed door.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
April 30, 2024
Very good! I think my favorite in the Eden Fall Academy series so far!
I'm glad that Elyse ended up with Asher. There's already too many half-sibling pairings, we needed some new characters. I liked that Asher was felt knew but also knew some of the characters.
I don't read too many love triangles but I enjoyed this one. I liked that Elyse needed to figure out what she wanted. I also liked that her friends did not try to push her towards one guy or another.
The best part of the story was Elyse and Asher's small playful interactions. I would have loved more but don't feel like more was necessary to make me love their relationship.
I'm conflicted about the Bailee subplot. I like the concept of Asher having some issues before coming back to school and I thought it was well written with the readers learning a little bit at a time. But I HATE .
I really liked that Elyse and Asher were a little more wild than their friends. Yes, they got carried away a bit sometimes but they never crossed a line they were uncomfortable with. I felt that the times they were together were more realistic than some other characters who were just a bit too chaste. Not that it's not possible for a relationship to be so clean, but these are teenagers living away from their parents with minimal supervisor. They probably would be getting a little carried away sometimes.
I thought the Ridgewater connection was a little too convenient. I know that Judy Corry's series often have some mentions in another series, which is a fun little call back. And yes, there needed to be a reason for Asher to but it was too much. Especially with - not necessary. I haven't read all the Ridgewater series, but now I might finish it.
Very, very good. I look forward to finally seeing Nash get his girl later in the series.
I'm glad that Elyse ended up with Asher. There's already too many half-sibling pairings, we needed some new characters. I liked that Asher was felt knew but also knew some of the characters.
I don't read too many love triangles but I enjoyed this one. I liked that Elyse needed to figure out what she wanted. I also liked that her friends did not try to push her towards one guy or another.
The best part of the story was Elyse and Asher's small playful interactions. I would have loved more but don't feel like more was necessary to make me love their relationship.
I'm conflicted about the Bailee subplot. I like the concept of Asher having some issues before coming back to school and I thought it was well written with the readers learning a little bit at a time. But I HATE .
I really liked that Elyse and Asher were a little more wild than their friends. Yes, they got carried away a bit sometimes but they never crossed a line they were uncomfortable with. I felt that the times they were together were more realistic than some other characters who were just a bit too chaste. Not that it's not possible for a relationship to be so clean, but these are teenagers living away from their parents with minimal supervisor. They probably would be getting a little carried away sometimes.
I thought the Ridgewater connection was a little too convenient. I know that Judy Corry's series often have some mentions in another series, which is a fun little call back. And yes, there needed to be a reason for Asher to but it was too much. Especially with - not necessary. I haven't read all the Ridgewater series, but now I might finish it.
Very, very good. I look forward to finally seeing Nash get his girl later in the series.
March 25, 2022
Swoon!!! I have been impatiently awaiting Elyse’s story, in hopes that she would end up with Nash, but seeing the chemistry between her and bad boy Asher Park, and I became Team Asher all the way. Now I am longingly anticipating Nash’s story! I can’t wait to see this sweetheart get his happily ever after!
Elyse finds herself caught in a love triangle that parallels the play that the three are all in perfectly, blurring the lines between what is an act, and what is reality. Elyse and Nash have had a connection since the first novel, and it seemed like they would be falling in love in The Ruse, but Elyse never expected Asher. Nash and Asher have had a rivalry since childhood, and it seems like Elyse is the next conquest between the adversaries, but Asher is also mourning the disappearance of his girlfriend, Bailee, so there are multiple layers of theatrics that make for quite the page-turner.
I must admit, The Ruse was my favorite novel in the series so far. All the characters are easily identifiable, and I liked that Asher and Elyse’s story focused less on the physical, and more on the emotional. They truly became friends before anything physical, though when they did finally confess their true passions it was pretty steamy, surprisingly evoking memories from my own backstage shenanigans.
I have truly found a kindred spirit in Elyse. She is a fellow dreamer, one who gets lost in her daydreams, which is something I’ve been guilty of my whole life. That, plus her love of drama and music, spoke to my performing arts past, though she went much further than I ever did. I continue to stay in my dreams, while she went after what she desired, which I immensely admired.
Every novel in this series gets better and better, making me anticipate the next installment as soon as I read the last sentence. Though it can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading them in order, as it helps you grasp the characters, and all of their unique situations, but be forewarned: you will fall head over heels in love.
Elyse finds herself caught in a love triangle that parallels the play that the three are all in perfectly, blurring the lines between what is an act, and what is reality. Elyse and Nash have had a connection since the first novel, and it seemed like they would be falling in love in The Ruse, but Elyse never expected Asher. Nash and Asher have had a rivalry since childhood, and it seems like Elyse is the next conquest between the adversaries, but Asher is also mourning the disappearance of his girlfriend, Bailee, so there are multiple layers of theatrics that make for quite the page-turner.
I must admit, The Ruse was my favorite novel in the series so far. All the characters are easily identifiable, and I liked that Asher and Elyse’s story focused less on the physical, and more on the emotional. They truly became friends before anything physical, though when they did finally confess their true passions it was pretty steamy, surprisingly evoking memories from my own backstage shenanigans.
I have truly found a kindred spirit in Elyse. She is a fellow dreamer, one who gets lost in her daydreams, which is something I’ve been guilty of my whole life. That, plus her love of drama and music, spoke to my performing arts past, though she went much further than I ever did. I continue to stay in my dreams, while she went after what she desired, which I immensely admired.
Every novel in this series gets better and better, making me anticipate the next installment as soon as I read the last sentence. Though it can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading them in order, as it helps you grasp the characters, and all of their unique situations, but be forewarned: you will fall head over heels in love.
March 2, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 3 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Elyse and Asher’s points of view
– nothing beyond kissing/making out for current events in the story; kissing included tongue, roaming hands (above the waist), and the guy losing his shirt (this occurs once)
Review:
I really enjoyed watching Elyse and Asher fall for each other! I loved that in the beginning, Elyse didn’t know about the rumor circulating about Asher and instead enjoyed listening to him play the piano. And though she was a bit uncomfortable around him once she did discover the rumor, Elyse was still curious about Asher. She couldn’t really see how the rumor could be true based on what she saw of him in play activities and in the common rooms. I liked watching Asher liking Elyse, struggling with wanting to continue getting under Nash’s skin through her, and then apologizing to Elyse after he chose to try and go through with it. I also really enjoyed the scenes from the cabin (both the accidental kiss and getting stuck together) and when they practiced in Asher’s room.
Elyse is excited to be the lead in her school’s winter play (Phantom of the Opera), especially since the boy she’s crushing on will be playing one of the characters vying for her character’s heart. But that excitement dwindles when she learns that the other character vying for hers will be played by none other than Asher, the bad-boy who is rumored to have a hand in his ex-girlfriend’s disappearance last year. That is, until Elyse spends more time with Asher and sees that there’s more to him than just the rumors.
Asher would have never come back to his school if he didn’t need a scholarship for college. But he knows the rumors that have been following him since last spring and how to handle them. What he didn’t expect was to find someone who would look past the rumors. What he didn’t expect was Elyse to be that person, let alone that he would begin to fall for her.
Though Asher is still recovering from being burned by someone he cared about, he wants to open up to Elyse. And Elyse is finding that she doesn’t want to believe any part of the rumors the more she gets to know Asher and his heart. Can they both let themselves fall or will something get in their way?
– this is book 3 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Elyse and Asher’s points of view
– nothing beyond kissing/making out for current events in the story; kissing included tongue, roaming hands (above the waist), and the guy losing his shirt (this occurs once)
Review:
I really enjoyed watching Elyse and Asher fall for each other! I loved that in the beginning, Elyse didn’t know about the rumor circulating about Asher and instead enjoyed listening to him play the piano. And though she was a bit uncomfortable around him once she did discover the rumor, Elyse was still curious about Asher. She couldn’t really see how the rumor could be true based on what she saw of him in play activities and in the common rooms. I liked watching Asher liking Elyse, struggling with wanting to continue getting under Nash’s skin through her, and then apologizing to Elyse after he chose to try and go through with it. I also really enjoyed the scenes from the cabin (both the accidental kiss and getting stuck together) and when they practiced in Asher’s room.
Elyse is excited to be the lead in her school’s winter play (Phantom of the Opera), especially since the boy she’s crushing on will be playing one of the characters vying for her character’s heart. But that excitement dwindles when she learns that the other character vying for hers will be played by none other than Asher, the bad-boy who is rumored to have a hand in his ex-girlfriend’s disappearance last year. That is, until Elyse spends more time with Asher and sees that there’s more to him than just the rumors.
Asher would have never come back to his school if he didn’t need a scholarship for college. But he knows the rumors that have been following him since last spring and how to handle them. What he didn’t expect was to find someone who would look past the rumors. What he didn’t expect was Elyse to be that person, let alone that he would begin to fall for her.
Though Asher is still recovering from being burned by someone he cared about, he wants to open up to Elyse. And Elyse is finding that she doesn’t want to believe any part of the rumors the more she gets to know Asher and his heart. Can they both let themselves fall or will something get in their way?
March 14, 2022
“Some people loved with their hearts or their heads, but Asher loved with his whole soul”
I used to read Judy Corry sporadically if I needed a super clean sweet read. I knew it was going to be a YA, boy meets girl, they fall for each other, something happens, they get back together, couple chaste PG kisses & it was over BUT she’s changed up her writing just a little & this series is everything. Straight perfection. It has all the angst, I get all the feels, I get a creative in depth story line with some twists + turns, amazing characters, all the kisses without having to turn the page. Don’t get me wrong it is still a sweet clean read but it’s unlike anything she’s written before that I have read. You get all the feels without the details (they’re teenagers & they don’t come close to getting it on btw, they just really like kissing like most teenagers. Not everything is about sex. Just in case you were reading what kind of sweet book this is. I’d rate it PG-13). Guys it’s perfect. No other words! I love this series & hope she keeps up this kind of writing. Not to mention I can relate the Elyse’s bad boy type because girl, same. But those “bad boys” that are actually good boys are the best! My heart went out to Asher through the first half of the book, not gonna lie (also have a soft spot for broken boys). He had so much against him but his heart is gold. Even though I knew Eyse would end up with him, I still felt like I was rooting for him, now that’s good writing! I can’t wait for Scarlett’s story next! I am still curious to see who Nash ends up with. This series is my fav! I can’t get enough! I need a book for every character now!
“I was the complete opposite of Nash in that arena. He was the sun. I was the midnight.”
February 19, 2024
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The Ruse is the third book in the Eden Falls Academy series and having liked the first two so much, I knew I had to keep going. As usual, Judy Corry came through for me.
I love reading a series and being able to follow the same characters along. What I love about this series is that I get to see all these characters from different perspectives. Corry does a great job with character growth and showing the deep side of each of the characters. I liked the love triangle in this story as well because there were these two guys who seemed like good choices. Usually, there is a good one and a bad one and you don't know what way it's going to go.
The only thing keeping me from giving it five stars is that I still feel there could be just a little more substance or meat to the story. There is nothing wrong with it, and I loved the story, but sometimes I just wanted a bit more.
Overall, this story followed the pattern of the other books and left the story open for even more stories from the friend group. I cannot wait to get more into these stories with the next book. Corry has written a great YA series filled with drama, romance, and adventures. Pick it up and check it out.
The Ruse is the third book in the Eden Falls Academy series and having liked the first two so much, I knew I had to keep going. As usual, Judy Corry came through for me.
I love reading a series and being able to follow the same characters along. What I love about this series is that I get to see all these characters from different perspectives. Corry does a great job with character growth and showing the deep side of each of the characters. I liked the love triangle in this story as well because there were these two guys who seemed like good choices. Usually, there is a good one and a bad one and you don't know what way it's going to go.
The only thing keeping me from giving it five stars is that I still feel there could be just a little more substance or meat to the story. There is nothing wrong with it, and I loved the story, but sometimes I just wanted a bit more.
Overall, this story followed the pattern of the other books and left the story open for even more stories from the friend group. I cannot wait to get more into these stories with the next book. Corry has written a great YA series filled with drama, romance, and adventures. Pick it up and check it out.
February 26, 2022
I couldn’t help but love this story. I was all team Nash at the beginning, hoping Elyse and Nash would be together. But then when Asher makes an appearance and changes everything, it’s definitely chemistry in the making!
Asher is known to be the guy that killed his girlfriend, Bailee. They were really good together, being Prom King and Queen, being the cutest couple in the school. They were the perfect pair in everyone’s eyes. But then she disappeared suddenly without anyone knowing where she went and the main suspect was Asher.
Asher is playing the part of Raoul, the main love interest in Phantom of the Opera. Elyse ends up getting the main female character, Christine and Nash is the Phantom.
I think I’ve only seen Phantom of the Opera once from the 2004 movie so it was good to have descriptions of things that happened during the musical.
I absolutely adored the story, it made me excited to know how things played out. It was unpredictable, I didn’t expect a lot of what happened and that made us super exciting to read! I absolutely encourage everyone that’s read the last couple books to read on!!
Asher is known to be the guy that killed his girlfriend, Bailee. They were really good together, being Prom King and Queen, being the cutest couple in the school. They were the perfect pair in everyone’s eyes. But then she disappeared suddenly without anyone knowing where she went and the main suspect was Asher.
Asher is playing the part of Raoul, the main love interest in Phantom of the Opera. Elyse ends up getting the main female character, Christine and Nash is the Phantom.
I think I’ve only seen Phantom of the Opera once from the 2004 movie so it was good to have descriptions of things that happened during the musical.
I absolutely adored the story, it made me excited to know how things played out. It was unpredictable, I didn’t expect a lot of what happened and that made us super exciting to read! I absolutely encourage everyone that’s read the last couple books to read on!!
March 11, 2022
Another Judy Corry winner!
As a reader, I really enjoy these stories set at Eden Falls Academy. And as a mother of teenagers, it fuels open discussion with my girls even though the thought of my eldest being 17 in several weeks does make me think. 🙊
*dons reader hat* What a challenging book this must've been for the author to weave the intricacies of Asher and Elyse's individual stories with those of Nash, Bailee and the usual cast, but what a job well done! I felt each heartstring tug in one direction to the other for poor Elyse, and felt SO much for Asher and his depressing backstory. Yikes! What a bunch of tough breaks he endured.
Nash's part of the story added another dimension to him (some of it not so good, heh), and now I'm super curious as to what's going to happen with him in the future. As for Bailee, I did guess one part of her story from the very first breadcrumb left on the trail, but didn't expect the rest. I'm hoping we'll get a complete resolution to that messy story later down the track.
Totally excited for Hunter and Scarlett. I suspect Hunter might end up being my favourite EFA student. 🙊
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
As a reader, I really enjoy these stories set at Eden Falls Academy. And as a mother of teenagers, it fuels open discussion with my girls even though the thought of my eldest being 17 in several weeks does make me think. 🙊
*dons reader hat* What a challenging book this must've been for the author to weave the intricacies of Asher and Elyse's individual stories with those of Nash, Bailee and the usual cast, but what a job well done! I felt each heartstring tug in one direction to the other for poor Elyse, and felt SO much for Asher and his depressing backstory. Yikes! What a bunch of tough breaks he endured.
Nash's part of the story added another dimension to him (some of it not so good, heh), and now I'm super curious as to what's going to happen with him in the future. As for Bailee, I did guess one part of her story from the very first breadcrumb left on the trail, but didn't expect the rest. I'm hoping we'll get a complete resolution to that messy story later down the track.
Totally excited for Hunter and Scarlett. I suspect Hunter might end up being my favourite EFA student. 🙊
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
March 17, 2022
Judy did it again. She stole my breath away once more. And everybody who read the book will know exactly what scene I am referring to. *ahem ahem*
I have read all books from Judy Corry. She gets one out, I am here for it! When it was hinted that Nash might not be the beau in the Ruse, I was all here for it too. Btw, no spoiler, she posted about it! Why? Because Elyse has spunk and she deserved somebody else than sweet Nash to reel her in. She needed the bad boy she was trying to avoid. Sweet shy Elyse actually has that vibrant personnality under her shell and I liked her. I saw my teenager shelf in her. Which by the way is a testimony that you can also marry the bad boy you did not want to fall for. Anyway, let's recoup here.
Judy always has that talent to sunk you in with detailed scenes. For this book, she took it up a notch even more. And I adored it.
The usual YA romance for laughs, a little misty eyes sometimes and sweet oh sweet scenes. Get this book. Do yourself a favor. Grab of a cup of tea (if you're a real fan of the series), take your favorite blanket and dive in. You won't be disappointed.
I have read all books from Judy Corry. She gets one out, I am here for it! When it was hinted that Nash might not be the beau in the Ruse, I was all here for it too. Btw, no spoiler, she posted about it! Why? Because Elyse has spunk and she deserved somebody else than sweet Nash to reel her in. She needed the bad boy she was trying to avoid. Sweet shy Elyse actually has that vibrant personnality under her shell and I liked her. I saw my teenager shelf in her. Which by the way is a testimony that you can also marry the bad boy you did not want to fall for. Anyway, let's recoup here.
Judy always has that talent to sunk you in with detailed scenes. For this book, she took it up a notch even more. And I adored it.
The usual YA romance for laughs, a little misty eyes sometimes and sweet oh sweet scenes. Get this book. Do yourself a favor. Grab of a cup of tea (if you're a real fan of the series), take your favorite blanket and dive in. You won't be disappointed.
March 17, 2022
What a book!
I loved how smart, loyal, talented and cautious Elyse is. Her character development throughout the story is just exquisite. You get to understand her choices and perspective so well.
Don't even get me started on Asher. What a man! He is such a dream. He has the full bad boy scene written in his face. He's mysterious, portrays confidence, is full trouble, with that smirk and flirty smiles. As you get to know him, you see that behind the aloof persona he portrays, he's the kindest soul ever. I just fell in love with how sensitive and strong he is. He went to some rough patches in his life and still remained kind. There were so many moments in which my heart felt for him, I laughed, got frustrated and most of all loved this book 💕. It became my favorite from the series. They just keep getting better.
The romance, the connections, the plot, the mystery, the chemistry, those kisses💞 It is so well written, you have to check it out for yourself!
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
I loved how smart, loyal, talented and cautious Elyse is. Her character development throughout the story is just exquisite. You get to understand her choices and perspective so well.
Don't even get me started on Asher. What a man! He is such a dream. He has the full bad boy scene written in his face. He's mysterious, portrays confidence, is full trouble, with that smirk and flirty smiles. As you get to know him, you see that behind the aloof persona he portrays, he's the kindest soul ever. I just fell in love with how sensitive and strong he is. He went to some rough patches in his life and still remained kind. There were so many moments in which my heart felt for him, I laughed, got frustrated and most of all loved this book 💕. It became my favorite from the series. They just keep getting better.
The romance, the connections, the plot, the mystery, the chemistry, those kisses💞 It is so well written, you have to check it out for yourself!
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
December 25, 2024
Review: I really enjoyed this book! This book follows Elyse and Asher. Cambrielle is the lead in the winter musical at Eden Falls Academy. This is a dream role until she has to play opposite Asher Park. Asher Park is rumored to be involved in the disappearance of his ex last year. Elyse is worried that she will get to close to Asher and go missing. Elyse starts to get to know Asher and starts to not beleive the rumors about him. Asher finds himself wnats to tell Elyse all his secrets. I loved the banter and character development. I loved the friendships in this book. IThere is no spice, only kissing. I can’t wait to read the last 2 books in the series.
Favorite Quote “Because home didn't always have to be a place. It wasn't always a specific location that you could mark "X" on a map. Sometimes, home was a feeling. A rare moment in time where you were wrapped in a cocoon of safety and love and acceptance from someone else you cared deeply about. Someone you loved. It was having someone know about the good and the bad parts and not just loving you in spite of them. It was having them love you because of the person they had shaped you to be."
Favorite Quote “Because home didn't always have to be a place. It wasn't always a specific location that you could mark "X" on a map. Sometimes, home was a feeling. A rare moment in time where you were wrapped in a cocoon of safety and love and acceptance from someone else you cared deeply about. Someone you loved. It was having someone know about the good and the bad parts and not just loving you in spite of them. It was having them love you because of the person they had shaped you to be."
May 3, 2022
The Ruse was another great addition to the Eden Falls Academy series by Judy Corry. If you like misunderstood hero’s then Asher Park will be a fave! The chemistry between Asher and Elyse was undeniable and unquestionably was my favorite parts of this book! Asher had a complicated past and Elyse is really drawn to him against all odds. These characters had serious talks about feelings, family, past relationships and more as they got to know one another and ultimately fell for each other. I could have done with a little less emphasis on Asher’s past girlfriend Bailee as I felt like it took up a lot of the pages of this book, but I understand why the author needed to highlight their relationship. There are some steamy kisses in this one, but things didn’t stray past my comfort level for a clean read. I love Judy Corry’s writing and am already anticipating the next release in this series! There might even be a bit of a teaser at the end!
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