Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Crush

Rate this book
Sometimes being the new girl can be deadly.

Phoebe is finally ready to move on from her troubled past. When she starts Richmond High, she joins the cheer squad and the volleyball team. But Phoebe is thrilled when Laura welcomes her into her elite club, the Pink Ladies.

Everybody wants to be like Laura. She’s crazy rich, hosts the hottest parties, and gives the most expensive gifts. But as Phoebe’s popularity grows, so does Laura’s jealousy. In Laura’s eyes, there’s room for only one queen bee. And she’ll do anything to keep her spotlight, even if it means destroying the new girl.

This twisty girlhood thriller is perfect for fans of Jessica Goodman, Kara Thomas, and Netflix’s Dare Me series.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2022

306 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read

About the author

Niki Keith

6 books49 followers
**Niki Keith does NOT use Goodreads. You can reach her via email at twistythrillers@nikikeith.com.

----

Niki Keith writes twisty young adult thrillers about broken teens doing bad things for all the right reasons.

When she isn’t murdering fictional characters, she’s cuddling with her affectionate love-biting kitty, pondering what to read next in her TBR pile.

Visit nikikeith.com to download The Perfect Ride & The Perfect Daughter for free!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
168 (23%)
4 stars
232 (32%)
3 stars
222 (30%)
2 stars
63 (8%)
1 star
34 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for meg *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (semi ia).
177 reviews126 followers
September 18, 2025
wow, just utterly wow.

besides it being centered around high school and drama and such, this book really kept me on my toes the entire time.
Profile Image for Rhonda 🌒🌕🌘 🐈‍⬛.
930 reviews69 followers
March 20, 2023
I enjoyed this whodunit with it’s many twists and turns that keeps you guessing at who’s behind texts, pranks, scheming and the murders! The story itself was really good though and I enjoyed the book! That ending is insane!! I did NOT see that coming! After reading Phoebe’s mom’s chapter my stomach was knots. There were parts that gave me a Pretty Little Liars vibe.

There are some factual errors and some grammatical errors but the character development was well thought out. There are some trigger warnings to be aware of: bullying, assault, forced proximity, violence, mental health stability, sexual harassment, and animal slaughter.
Profile Image for ✧.*Emma✧.*.
260 reviews7 followers
February 8, 2024
This had so many mean girls vibes!! I loved the drama and the end wow 😳 so unexpected!!!!
Profile Image for ੈ✩‧₊˚ faithreads *ೃ༄ (inactive).
364 reviews70 followers
May 5, 2024
Woahhh. This book was so crazy😳 I normally love thrillers about high school drama set at a rich school, it’s literally the perfect plot and setting…but this one missed the mark. The story was confusing, the characters were honestly horrible, and so many things happened! It felt like a cheap knockoff of Mean Girls with murder😅 If I heard Laura call someone a name (ikyk) again I’m gonna lose itttt! And then at the end when that bombshell was dropped about Rory!? What!!!??? Overall this was not a good book, very full of content and TW, and I probably would not recommend. It was like a train wreck, I just couldn’t look away😬

Pages: 213
Language: 🫢🫢🫢🫢
TW⚠️: suicide, self harm, assault, drinking/drugs, mature language, lgtbq+ characters, cheating, parties
Genre: YA thriller
Format I read: Kindle (stuff ur kindle)
Would I recommend to others: No
3 reviews
January 6, 2024
This book took a number of twists and turns throughout, it has similar vibes to 'Pretty Little Liars' meets 'Mean Girls'.
I really love thriller and books with drama and straight away the front cover and description hooked me into wanting to read this and I finished it in a few hours. It is quite a short book but is incredibly fast paced although the second half felt a bit rushed as suddenly a lot of information came into play.
There are many twists throughout and i did see a few coming but wow i didn't expect one of the final twists which left me sitting there wondering what i just read and made me think over the whole novel.
At parts some of the writing felt a little cheesy but it was spot on for the type of petty teenage drama and worked wonderfully written.
I haven't heard of this author previously but this book really stood out for me and took me through many emotions. I'll definitely be looking at their other books!
Profile Image for Rachel Auer.
165 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
Giving it a 3.5 stars because there wasn't enough murder! It turned into Scream real quick at the end, which was the best part. I was on the edge of my seat! But the beginning kind of meandered a bit. I liked the twist at the end too, I only figured it out about a page before it was revealed, which makes it a great twist! I'd recommend it if you like Dare Me and other teen thriller shows/books.
Profile Image for Samanthasue218.
363 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2023
Thank you Niki Keith for this free e-book for a volunteer review.

NO SPOILERS.

This book was a thrill, that I was hooked on finding out how it ended. It was a great "who did it", and had so many twists. I was constantly thinking I knew who did it, but was shocked at the end! The storyline was well written. I read this book very fast, because there was not a good spot to stop, it had me guessing and wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Phoebe is in high school trying to keep her spot with the popular girls. It seems like everything comes so easily for her, but all of this is going to cause trouble in her life. Her fresh new start is not going to be rainbows and butterflies. The saying goes "if it's good, it must be too good to be true". Is Phoebe going to be able to stop the bad things happening before she loses herself? Find out with this thriller book!

Trigger warnings: past suicide attempt, murders, bulling, loss...
Profile Image for Ashley.
158 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2024
I hate when I guess who it is…
Profile Image for Emma Ashley.
1,354 reviews50 followers
November 19, 2022
I have just finished reading crush by niki Keith and this is my review.
I really enjoyed this thriller novel and it kept me gripped all the way through. I enjoyed the writing style and the storyline and would read more by the author.
I received a e book copy through vorious readers only in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Missy.
176 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2024
4.25, I got this for free on stuff your kindle day and holy crap. The writing was super easy and fast paced so I got through it quickly only opened it twice and finished it in the second sitting, I didn’t see ANY of the twists coming I was actually flabbergasted at the end especially the second reveal like ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
Profile Image for Danelle✍🏽 Reviewer.
63 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2023
And Niki does it again💥💥💥
Wow!!! I. Did. Not. See. That. Coming😱


Mimi, Cassie, Laura, Queen B Phoebe.
I would say everyone was a victim but...still...
some people are just born bad and yeah, poor Phoebe, but did she REALLY have to do Miss G like that? I mean.. and as for Laura and Zander...c'mon now😖

Y/A twisty crime thriller, CRUSH is filled with high school drama but add murder to the equation and it's a whole new game. Everyone's a victim and yet everyone is so, so guilty but I'm no snitch so ya'll are gonna have to find out the truth for yourselves!
Profile Image for Sophia.
51 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2024
Super fast read, lots of twists and turns. I feel like there was a little too much going on though. Still ate
324 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2022
I would like to thank Author Niki Keith for a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review. Oh my this book! When I tell you that you're going to be dodging all of the twists and turns I am not exaggerating! I love a book that keeps you guessing about who is the guilty party. He did it! No,she did it! The book revolves around Phoebe but is told through different points of view. She recently enrolled in a new school and immediately fits in with the popular crowd. No one knows about the problems in her past and she wants to keep it that way. Jealousy soon starts to form in the clique and someone seems to want Phoebe to suffer. The two people who seem to keep her grounded are her new friend Ethan and her brother Rory. When Phoebe starts to receive threatening texts she wonders if being part of the cool group is really worth it. Then she begins to see her father in the face of other men,something that had stopped happening. Trigger warnings: past suicide attempt,child abuse,bullying,parental loss.
Profile Image for Khala Grace.
Author 11 books2 followers
September 26, 2022
A Book fit for Film!

Fans of shows like "Pretty Little Liars" and films like "Enough" will enjoy this tale. "Crush" has a strong plot with many twists and turns like a labyrinth. As Phoebe is introduced, she seems like a teen progressing in tackling the pains of her past. She is in a new school and hanging with the popular girls. However, once jealousy becomes a device, Phoebe becomes placed in the hot seat.

Overall, Niki Keith does an outstanding job at keeping readers one the edge of their seat in her thriller. Her use of using multiple perspectives helps give insight into the minds of even though most despicable characters. Ultimately, the plot moves smoothly and unexpected. Bravo 👏
13 reviews
November 8, 2022
I was lucky to receive a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers. I really enjoyed the book. The story is entertaining and had great pace throughout. The characters were feisty and flawed which keeps things really interesting. Has a "Pretty Little Liars" type vibe, so you are guessing about all of the characters' motivations throughout. There are a couple of twists that I didn't see coming. The main character is a new girl at a High School, who is trying to fit in and lands in the popular/mean girl's group. She puts her best foot forward but is swimming in 'sharky' waters. I have suspicions there might be a follow-up book, which I would be in line to read as I want to find out what happens to the main character next.
Profile Image for L ☆.
111 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2023
Luckily, it was free. I think the editor went missing once again, because other than irrelevant scenes, I also found a few spelling mistakes and errors.

It was okay, I don’t have much to say about it plot-wise. However, the ending was a bit rushed.
Profile Image for Courtnee Turner.
Author 13 books225 followers
August 18, 2023
Niki Keith brings Richmond High to life in her book, Crush. Phoebe has been elevated to one of the most popular girls in the school, excelling in her work and gaining positions on the cheerleading and volleyball teams as well as earning a spot on the exclusive Pink Lady Club. Her life seems to be back on track after it took a dramatic turn following her father’s death when she hallucinated and attempted suicide. After a few disturbing texts, revealing videos, and catty remarks, her elite position at the school crumbles when the members of her group die. Phoebe looks at her list of remaining friends and acquaintances, searching for the one who could be the murderer.
Niki Keith has done a brilliant job of lining up vivid characters in her novel! Reading Crush is like watching a movie or television series, as the characters and scenes come to life. Everyone has secrets, and none of them are as perfect as their façade. From a lover’s triangle and queen bee gossip to back-alley hookups and concealed murderers, this is not a story you’ll want to put down. Hidden clues are left throughout the story, but readers will find a unique twist at the end. Everyone is a suspect, and no one is safe as Keith kills off her characters without remorse. The quickly plotted suspense will keep you on your toes. With hints of romance, mystery, and murder, this young adult book will be top on your list!
Profile Image for Samantha .
201 reviews55 followers
May 12, 2024
💭 My initial thoughts
Straight away I thought oh this is like mean girls. It's a very easy and quick read.

💭 Plot
The Plot for the book is addictive, you want to keep reading to see what happens next. The twists I didn't expect tho. You have multiple POVs so you understand what's going through everyone's mind.

💭 Characters
The Main characters are not likeable at all, they drove me crazy. Phoebe just wants to fit in I guess. Laura and Mimi are absolutely awful. Ethan is probably my favourite out of them all and he's a side character.

💭 Book Information
This is a Standalone
Its from many POVs.
YA Thriller
Available Now and is currently free to read buy on Kindle in the UK
302 Pages.




💭 Overall wrap up.

I read through this so quickly, it's an addictive read. It gives mean girl vibes. All the action is towards the end so there's alot of build up. I enjoyed everyone's POV as there is many. The characters aren't very likeable tho.

💭 Recommend
I would recommend this to anyone that wants a quick read and enjoys mean girl vibes.

💭 Favourite Quote
“Excellent, Phoebe. I’m so very proud of you. Just remember, no one is perfect. Your sessions with me aren’t about changing you into a flawless being. Think of it as guidance toward the best version of you. There is never anything wrong with help or support from your loved ones.”

💭 Favourite Chapter.
Chapter 23


💭 Summed up in one Sentence
Mean Girls.

💭 Stars
⭐️⭐️.75

💭 Twists And Thrills
🔪
Profile Image for Misty McClaskey.
210 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2024
I spent the first 25% of this book really irritated that I picked it. This author tried so hard to write from a teen POV, it was actually cringey. I am around kids all day and this is just… no. But, despite my doubts, and not one to quit easily, I trudged on and became hooked. This story was very twisty and curvy. I figured it out, but was open to the killer being not my choice… but I was right. I would offer that this is a YA novel. But the language is spicy, so if you’re not comfortable with your young adult reading that, then…

So, basically new girl moves to a school to repair her sketchy mental health. She gets in with the popular crowd and life is swell. There’s a hot new teacher she has a crush on. She’s popular. One of the hottest guys in school is obsessed with her. What could go wrong? Well, her school counselor/cheer coach goes missing. Wait. She does? Who killed her? Wait. Someone else dies? Who is the killer? Another death? What is happening? And you basically devour this book jumping from one POV to the other every so many chapters because it is crazy town, and you want to figure it out! I’m glad I stuck with it through the cringe. Because it was good! Short chapters are always a plus for me. And there definitely was a twist I didn’t expect. I will check this author’s other books out for sure!
Profile Image for Laura.
9 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2025
Ruined Stuff Your Kindle Day for me

This book just convinced me to not waste my time with any more stuff your kindle day finds (are they all self-published or something?) It’s basically a poorly written PLL fanfic script - there is no scene setting or character building whatsoever other than the occasional tootsie pop or sparkly hello kitty phone thrown in, as if the author assumes that world-building details would be appearing on screen somewhere to fill us in. There’s a dash of Mean Girls in there too, but much less clever - saying “that bitch” 4,000 times doesn’t have quite the same effect. Useless and one-dimensional characters, zero editing, and comically awful plot lines and dialog. I almost DNF’d several times but had already invested the time so decided to speed read the rest just to get it overwith. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
Profile Image for Sherri.
231 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2022
Niki Keith did a fabulous job writing this book. It is well written, flows smoothly and is easy to read.

The characters are extremely relatable. With the characters being high school students, you have your stereotypical jocks, popular mean girls, the new kid, and the kids who just want to belong.

Phoebe just moved to a new town with her family. She has a troubled past that she is trying to get away from. She is trying to get her life back on track. However, it may not be so easy.

This book kept me engrossed from the first page through the last. Once I started it I couldn't put it down.
2 reviews
March 15, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review, and I'm so glad VRO connected me to this author and this book! I finished it in one afternoon. It is a fast paced read that grabs you from the start and doesn't put you down until it's done.
The book starts off as a teen drama with the new girl in town trying to find her way in a new town and new school, and touches upon a number of sensitive topics including mental health, suicide, self harm, and assault, before ending in a who-done-it with an ending I did not see coming.
I would definitely recommend, and I will be looking at other novels by this author.
Profile Image for K.
524 reviews28 followers
March 25, 2023
I received an ARC of this book through Voracious Readers Only. First off, the cover art is AWESOME and really gives classic horror film vibes. I was excited for it! The characters are weak and the storyline even weaker, however, and the ending was SO rushed. It's a quick read, and if it were a twenty minute episode of something it might have been entertaining, but I didn't care for the simplistic writing that felt much younger than YA to me. I also found it completely and utterly unbelievable that a child .
20 reviews
October 13, 2023
A must read for sure

I couldn't put this book down at all! I wanted to keep reading and reading. I was intrigued from the beginning to the end. I was sitting here trying to guess who did what every time something went wrong. I like how Phoebe had people on her side even when things didn't go according to planned. I would definitely recommend this book to my best friend. He seems to be interested books in similar genre. I decided it would be best to do 4.5 star even if I can't because there were moments I definitely looked the main character side ways for something that was said or done. I'm a great read I must say though.
31 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2024
i don't really know what to think 😭 i got it cuz it was free on kindle, i expected a lot more thriller aspects. it was kinda giving mean girl vibes. the end was so quick i think it could've been spread out abit more. i do think it was very fast paced which i liked. i like the different povs and how each character has a different back story. i like how twisted the end was and genuinely didn't expect that and it left me in shock but it didn't make much sense. i think that's purely because it was so quick. the end was revealed and next page she was fine. idk it just didn't make sense. i think i give it a high 2⭐️ so 3 ish⭐️
22 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. The story follows Phoebe as she starts a new school and is welcomed into the popular clique. Unfortunately, drama is part of the clique as well, with the Queen Bee being very jealous of Phoebe. As typical in novels, Laura (the queen bee) does not deal with the jealousy well and uses people to help her get even.

This story is told from a few different perspectives, which I always enjoy. The only reason why I did not rate this story five stars was because the storyline became a little predictable at the end.

Overall, this was an enjoyable quick read.
Profile Image for Ash.
23 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2023
Sooo good!
This would make an awesome movie.
I love books that aren't obvious and I can't solve.
This book definitely fit that description.
Only thing that really annoyed me was that Zander seemed to pretty much get away with everything he did.
But I guess with his parents on the school board and his sister being a cop, it's pretty realistic of how things go in real life.

Bonus points for the fact that after reading this on the Kindle app there was an option to get another free book download from the same author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Madeline McMahon.
9 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2024
Niki Keith's 'Crush' masterfully weaves a suspenseful tale of rivalry and manipulation in a wealthy high school setting - although the world building is compact, it is still prominent and powerful within the plot development.

With its twisted storyline and complex character relationships, this gripping thriller explores the treacherous dynamics of young adult power struggles, keeping readers in suspense until the very end.

Start Date: 01/02/2024
End Date: 01/02/2024
Star Rating: 4/5
Spice Rating: 1/5
Profile Image for Kaylyn .
390 reviews19 followers
July 6, 2023
I found Crush to be a combination of Mean Girls and Dare Me, the Netflix series. The drama was immense, the characters were bitches, and that made for some great reading material.

However, I did think the ending was simply laughable and predictable so that killed it a bit for me and I thought the murdering was sort of unnecessary to the plot- It could've been great to leave it as a story of manipulation, narcissism, dishonesty, and drama.
Profile Image for Vishal Mudgal.
74 reviews20 followers
November 28, 2023
Read like a script

It was hurried throughout, felt like it could have been more but the author just was in hurry to finish it. The mental issues and other sociological and psychological issues were addressed but only superficially. I was hoping a bit more angst and depth in the subject matter. But, oh well, lately I have been reading the same kind of books. Must be that reader’s block, eh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.