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You Can Trust Me
Summer and Leo would do anything for each other. Inspired by the way each has had to carve her place in a hostile and unforgiving world, and united by the call of the open road, they travel around sunny California in Summer's tricked-out Land Cruiser. It's not a glamorous life, but it gives them the freedom they crave from the painful pasts they've left behind. But even free spirits have bills to pay. Luckily, Summer is a skilled pickpocket, a small-time thief, and a con artist--and Leo, determined to pay her own way, has learned a trick or two.
Eager for a big score, Leo catches in her crosshairs Michael Forrester, a self-made billionaire and philanthropist. When her charm wins him over, Leo is rewarded with an invitation to his private island off the California coastline for a night of fabulous excess. She eagerly anticipates returning with photos that can be sold to the paparazzi, jewelry that can be liquidated, and endless stories to share with Summer.
Instead, Leo disappears.
On her own for the first time in years, Summer decides to infiltrate Michael's island and find out what really happened. But when she arrives, no one has seen Leo--she's not on the island as far as they know. Plus, there was only one way on the island--and no way off--for the coming days. Trapped in a scheme she helped initiate, could Summer have met her match?
Eager for a big score, Leo catches in her crosshairs Michael Forrester, a self-made billionaire and philanthropist. When her charm wins him over, Leo is rewarded with an invitation to his private island off the California coastline for a night of fabulous excess. She eagerly anticipates returning with photos that can be sold to the paparazzi, jewelry that can be liquidated, and endless stories to share with Summer.
Instead, Leo disappears.
On her own for the first time in years, Summer decides to infiltrate Michael's island and find out what really happened. But when she arrives, no one has seen Leo--she's not on the island as far as they know. Plus, there was only one way on the island--and no way off--for the coming days. Trapped in a scheme she helped initiate, could Summer have met her match?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2023
354 people are currently reading
52039 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Heard
10 books1,101 followersWendy Heard is the author of books for adults and teens, including You Can Trust Me and She's Too Pretty To Burn. Wendy lives in Los Angeles, her hometown, and she enjoys haunting local bookstores and spending time with her little rescue dogs. You can hear more from Wendy through her newsletter at www.wendyheard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,094 reviews
March 23, 2023
Got me out of my thriller slump!
You Can Trust Me is a gripping thriller about two con artists whose target is not who he seems to be--putting their con and lives in danger.
Summer grew up off the grid. At a young age, she was taught to pickpocket, and now in her 30s, she is a master at not being seen stealing from those around her. She takes Leo, a young woman living on the streets, under her wing, and the two women join forces to con a billionaire. But when Leo doesn’t return from a trip with the billionaire, Summer must risk it all to save her friend.
The bulk of the story takes place in the present and the chapters alternate between Summer and Leo. Summer’s voice got me from the start--I was immersed within the first few pages. She is a strong and dynamic character. Leo’s voice is quiet but equally intriguing in a different way.
Both of their stories contain flashbacks which allow the reader insight into how they came to be. Summer’s character is more dynamic, but Leo’s story is just as intriguing as Summer’s. The friendship between these two women is strong, and their bond propels the narrative.
This book took me on a ride. I was never quite sure where it was headed or how things would play out. A significant plotline revolves around a pretty big conscience, which normally would irk me, but in this case, it is so tightly wound that it works. You Can Trust Me is packed with tension and suspense, twists and turns, and one super creepy character.
Thrillers are my favorite genre, but lately, I have read dud after dud--even by my go-to authors. When I started this book, I went in with zero expectations--I have never read anything by Wendy Heard, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself instantly immersed. What makes her a standout is her strong characterization. While I have read plenty of plots revolving around con artists, this one felt fresh, and it was exciting to read.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
You Can Trust Me is a gripping thriller about two con artists whose target is not who he seems to be--putting their con and lives in danger.
Summer grew up off the grid. At a young age, she was taught to pickpocket, and now in her 30s, she is a master at not being seen stealing from those around her. She takes Leo, a young woman living on the streets, under her wing, and the two women join forces to con a billionaire. But when Leo doesn’t return from a trip with the billionaire, Summer must risk it all to save her friend.
The bulk of the story takes place in the present and the chapters alternate between Summer and Leo. Summer’s voice got me from the start--I was immersed within the first few pages. She is a strong and dynamic character. Leo’s voice is quiet but equally intriguing in a different way.
Both of their stories contain flashbacks which allow the reader insight into how they came to be. Summer’s character is more dynamic, but Leo’s story is just as intriguing as Summer’s. The friendship between these two women is strong, and their bond propels the narrative.
This book took me on a ride. I was never quite sure where it was headed or how things would play out. A significant plotline revolves around a pretty big conscience, which normally would irk me, but in this case, it is so tightly wound that it works. You Can Trust Me is packed with tension and suspense, twists and turns, and one super creepy character.
Thrillers are my favorite genre, but lately, I have read dud after dud--even by my go-to authors. When I started this book, I went in with zero expectations--I have never read anything by Wendy Heard, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself instantly immersed. What makes her a standout is her strong characterization. While I have read plenty of plots revolving around con artists, this one felt fresh, and it was exciting to read.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2023
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I do not like books that have plots where you can't use or have your cell phone...that was the first strike against this book. The second strike was how easily these supposed street-smart women trusted these men. The third strike was how these supposed smart tech giants were so easily swayed by the women, there was just a lack of intelligence all around. It just got worse from there so I stopped counting the strikes after that.
Not only was the plot too far-fetched for me but the book also has a really weird timeline bouncing back and forth in the same chapter and between multiple characters. The characters are all shallow and unlikeable, I didn't care what happened to any of them. The storyline and the characters lacked depth and plausibility, it was just too convoluted for my liking and the twist was easily figured out.
I have seen many high ratings and reviews for this and I guess it would be okay for some as a beach read just for fun. I read it in a single sitting because it is a short book but I found it bordered on the absurd.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
I do not like books that have plots where you can't use or have your cell phone...that was the first strike against this book. The second strike was how easily these supposed street-smart women trusted these men. The third strike was how these supposed smart tech giants were so easily swayed by the women, there was just a lack of intelligence all around. It just got worse from there so I stopped counting the strikes after that.
Not only was the plot too far-fetched for me but the book also has a really weird timeline bouncing back and forth in the same chapter and between multiple characters. The characters are all shallow and unlikeable, I didn't care what happened to any of them. The storyline and the characters lacked depth and plausibility, it was just too convoluted for my liking and the twist was easily figured out.
I have seen many high ratings and reviews for this and I guess it would be okay for some as a beach read just for fun. I read it in a single sitting because it is a short book but I found it bordered on the absurd.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
January 2, 2023
You can tell the author tried really hard.
June 19, 2024
This breathtakingly intense, excessively claustrophobic, and absolutely exciting thriller grabs you from the beginning! With each chapter, you become more drawn into the universe of drifters and enigmatic, ultra-rich billionaires.
The story revolves around two misfits, grifters, and tough survivors: Summer and Leo. They are accomplices, soul sisters, and con women. Leo, in her late twenties, ran away from her hometown after losing her sister in an accident and becoming tired of picking up the broken pieces of her family. She was found by Summer on the streets at her lowest point: penniless, hungry, and lost.
Summer never knew her full name, her father, or her real birthday. She doesn't exist on paper. Her nomadic mother gave birth to her at the back of a van, and Summer spent her childhood drifting from campsite to campsite with her mother. At the age of 17, her mother left her at a campsite with nothing and without any direction for her life. For years, she searched for Jane Does to find out where her mother was, but she never found her. Leo is the only family she has.
Summer teaches Leo pickpocketing, and they find themselves living in a tricked-out Land Cruiser, lurking around California. As Summer keeps stealing from rich people, Leo sharpens her seduction skills and chooses at least ten-year-older rich men as her prey.
They need more money to keep their heads above water. Luckily, Leo sets her sights on tech billionaire Michael Forrester. She gets an invitation to their party filled with rich investors and plans to end the night in Michael's bed, promising to text Summer the next day at noon.
But the text never comes. That's unlike Leo. Summer returns to the hotel where Michael is staying but realizes he has already checked out and cannot be reached.
Could her friend have decided to fly solo, being sick of her protective manner and leaving her behind?
The only way to find out is for Summer to seduce one of Michael's co-workers to get an invitation to Michael's private island off the coast for a top-secret technology meeting. There are only 50 people invited to this occasion, and Summer thinks she will find her friend as Michael's date, tanning on the beach, sipping a cocktail, and having the time of her life.
But as soon as she takes her first step onto the island, surrounded by tall, gigantic walls, heavily guarded, and wired, she realizes that something very dangerous is going on in this place. She puts herself in a more dangerous position than she expected, but she is determined to find her friend and get the hell out of this claustrophobic place before all hell breaks loose!
The characterization is perfect, and the riveting pacing and eccentric mystery keep you on your toes. It's a tense, action-packed, dark, and twisty read that thriller lovers will enjoy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Bantam for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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The story revolves around two misfits, grifters, and tough survivors: Summer and Leo. They are accomplices, soul sisters, and con women. Leo, in her late twenties, ran away from her hometown after losing her sister in an accident and becoming tired of picking up the broken pieces of her family. She was found by Summer on the streets at her lowest point: penniless, hungry, and lost.
Summer never knew her full name, her father, or her real birthday. She doesn't exist on paper. Her nomadic mother gave birth to her at the back of a van, and Summer spent her childhood drifting from campsite to campsite with her mother. At the age of 17, her mother left her at a campsite with nothing and without any direction for her life. For years, she searched for Jane Does to find out where her mother was, but she never found her. Leo is the only family she has.
Summer teaches Leo pickpocketing, and they find themselves living in a tricked-out Land Cruiser, lurking around California. As Summer keeps stealing from rich people, Leo sharpens her seduction skills and chooses at least ten-year-older rich men as her prey.
They need more money to keep their heads above water. Luckily, Leo sets her sights on tech billionaire Michael Forrester. She gets an invitation to their party filled with rich investors and plans to end the night in Michael's bed, promising to text Summer the next day at noon.
But the text never comes. That's unlike Leo. Summer returns to the hotel where Michael is staying but realizes he has already checked out and cannot be reached.
Could her friend have decided to fly solo, being sick of her protective manner and leaving her behind?
The only way to find out is for Summer to seduce one of Michael's co-workers to get an invitation to Michael's private island off the coast for a top-secret technology meeting. There are only 50 people invited to this occasion, and Summer thinks she will find her friend as Michael's date, tanning on the beach, sipping a cocktail, and having the time of her life.
But as soon as she takes her first step onto the island, surrounded by tall, gigantic walls, heavily guarded, and wired, she realizes that something very dangerous is going on in this place. She puts herself in a more dangerous position than she expected, but she is determined to find her friend and get the hell out of this claustrophobic place before all hell breaks loose!
The characterization is perfect, and the riveting pacing and eccentric mystery keep you on your toes. It's a tense, action-packed, dark, and twisty read that thriller lovers will enjoy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Bantam for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
August 22, 2025
I'm happy to say that You Can Trust Me is more than just a beautiful cover. In fact, it ends up being my favorite Wendy Heard novel to-date.
Quick and addicting, though slightly predictable, I had a ton of fun reading it. IMO, it's a great Summer Thriller.
In this story we follow two perspectives, best friends, Summer and Leo. I call them best friends, but in truth, they're more like sisters.
Both Summer and Leo are on their own and have been for years. They make their way through the cruel world the best ways they know how, usually by conning people, and for Summer, even some stealthy pick-pocketing.
Leo is more a long-game kind of girl, but she still gets enough dough to get by. The girls are free-spirited. Preferring the open road to being tied down in one place.
They've been traveling around California in Summer's Land Cruiser and things have been good. They're happy with and supportive of one another. In truth, they're a great match.
Their constant hustle can get tiring though, but Leo has her eyes on a big payout, via a well known billionaire and philanthropist, Michael Forrester.
Michael seems to be taken by Leo's charms and she receives an invite to his private island. She can hardly believe her luck. She's about to hit the mother-load.
Then Leo disappears. When she doesn't return back to the Land Cruiser when she should, and Summer hasn't heard from her, Summer panics.
She needs to find her. Something must be wrong. Leo would never leave her without saying goodbye, would she?
Determined to find her friend, Summer sets out to infiltrate Michael's island. This could be her toughest and most dangerous con yet, but Leo is worth it.
Leave no woman behind.
Going into this, I'll be honest, from the synopsis, I wasn't sure if it was going to be for me. However, I was very quickly wrapped up into the story. I loved learning about Leo and Summer and watching how they lived their lives.
It wasn't a relatable lifestyle to me, by any means, but I do always love a devious long-game, so Leo was my jam. I had a lot of fun watching them plot and scheme.
I also thought the setting of Michael's private island was quite interesting. There was something very Jeffrey Epstein about it. I enjoyed having something real life to sort of compare this to. It made it feel more realistic to me.
The way the girls could get swept away to this island and once there, they honestly could have vanished into the ether. They were just playthings for the powerful men visiting the island; mere arm candy, trotted around like little prizes.
Additionally, I enjoyed how Heard switched the perspectives back and forth. They're also not completely synced in time through most of it, so it was interesting watching the truth of what happened to Leo unfold.
While all the present drama is unfolding, you also get to learn quite a bit about both Leo and Summer's past; like before they met up and became friends.
I enjoyed that background information quite a bit. I think it helped to explain a lot about their lifestyle, reliance on one another, as well as some of their decision-making and motivations.
Again, this helped to make it feel more realistic to me. I could see how, considering what they had been through, they would end up in their current predicament.
Overall, I found this to be really enjoyable. Heard did a nice job with the character work and I liked the steady build-up of intensity over the course of the story. The conclusion was satisfying as well, which made it a nice, well-rounded story.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a quick, Summer-vibes Thriller, with devious characters and a wild plot. This would make a great weekend read.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm a little late to the party, but glad I finally made the time for this one!
Quick and addicting, though slightly predictable, I had a ton of fun reading it. IMO, it's a great Summer Thriller.
In this story we follow two perspectives, best friends, Summer and Leo. I call them best friends, but in truth, they're more like sisters.
Both Summer and Leo are on their own and have been for years. They make their way through the cruel world the best ways they know how, usually by conning people, and for Summer, even some stealthy pick-pocketing.
Leo is more a long-game kind of girl, but she still gets enough dough to get by. The girls are free-spirited. Preferring the open road to being tied down in one place.
They've been traveling around California in Summer's Land Cruiser and things have been good. They're happy with and supportive of one another. In truth, they're a great match.
Their constant hustle can get tiring though, but Leo has her eyes on a big payout, via a well known billionaire and philanthropist, Michael Forrester.
Michael seems to be taken by Leo's charms and she receives an invite to his private island. She can hardly believe her luck. She's about to hit the mother-load.
Then Leo disappears. When she doesn't return back to the Land Cruiser when she should, and Summer hasn't heard from her, Summer panics.
She needs to find her. Something must be wrong. Leo would never leave her without saying goodbye, would she?
Determined to find her friend, Summer sets out to infiltrate Michael's island. This could be her toughest and most dangerous con yet, but Leo is worth it.
Leave no woman behind.
Going into this, I'll be honest, from the synopsis, I wasn't sure if it was going to be for me. However, I was very quickly wrapped up into the story. I loved learning about Leo and Summer and watching how they lived their lives.
It wasn't a relatable lifestyle to me, by any means, but I do always love a devious long-game, so Leo was my jam. I had a lot of fun watching them plot and scheme.
I also thought the setting of Michael's private island was quite interesting. There was something very Jeffrey Epstein about it. I enjoyed having something real life to sort of compare this to. It made it feel more realistic to me.
The way the girls could get swept away to this island and once there, they honestly could have vanished into the ether. They were just playthings for the powerful men visiting the island; mere arm candy, trotted around like little prizes.
Additionally, I enjoyed how Heard switched the perspectives back and forth. They're also not completely synced in time through most of it, so it was interesting watching the truth of what happened to Leo unfold.
While all the present drama is unfolding, you also get to learn quite a bit about both Leo and Summer's past; like before they met up and became friends.
I enjoyed that background information quite a bit. I think it helped to explain a lot about their lifestyle, reliance on one another, as well as some of their decision-making and motivations.
Again, this helped to make it feel more realistic to me. I could see how, considering what they had been through, they would end up in their current predicament.
Overall, I found this to be really enjoyable. Heard did a nice job with the character work and I liked the steady build-up of intensity over the course of the story. The conclusion was satisfying as well, which made it a nice, well-rounded story.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a quick, Summer-vibes Thriller, with devious characters and a wild plot. This would make a great weekend read.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm a little late to the party, but glad I finally made the time for this one!
July 5, 2025
Had a lot of fun reading this one, I could totally see it as a super scandalous TV series. I couldn’t figure out where it was going but I’m a sucker for a sisterhood and honestly this was perfect to binge on a summer afternoon.
June 28, 2023
Solidly entertaining thriller.
Summer and Leo are twenty-something pickpockets and con artists. Living in sunny LA, they do what they need to in order to get by. Both come from troubled pasts, but they are content with their existence. Leo sets her sights on meeting Michael, a billionaire tech genius, and he whisks her off to his private island for the night. When Summer doesn't hear from Leo the next day, she begins to investigate and gets herself invited to an exclusive weekend on the island to try to find Leo. Things seem fine on the surface, but the longer she is there, Summer begins to believe that everything is not as it seems.
The book is told from both Summer's and Leo's alternating perspectives, we get to know their pasts and what made them the people they are, as well as the wild events of the present. And ooooh, are they wild. There is definitely some suspension of disbelief needed, especially for some way too convenient coincidences, but if you can just go with the story it is shocking, entertaining, and actually thrilling. There are far too few thrills in thrillers these days, but this one has plentiful thrills.
I can totally see this as a movie because it is packed with dark twists, action, and danger. I was rooting for the success of the main characters and was invested all the way through. If you're looking for a fun summer thriller then this is a great choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Summer and Leo are twenty-something pickpockets and con artists. Living in sunny LA, they do what they need to in order to get by. Both come from troubled pasts, but they are content with their existence. Leo sets her sights on meeting Michael, a billionaire tech genius, and he whisks her off to his private island for the night. When Summer doesn't hear from Leo the next day, she begins to investigate and gets herself invited to an exclusive weekend on the island to try to find Leo. Things seem fine on the surface, but the longer she is there, Summer begins to believe that everything is not as it seems.
The book is told from both Summer's and Leo's alternating perspectives, we get to know their pasts and what made them the people they are, as well as the wild events of the present. And ooooh, are they wild. There is definitely some suspension of disbelief needed, especially for some way too convenient coincidences, but if you can just go with the story it is shocking, entertaining, and actually thrilling. There are far too few thrills in thrillers these days, but this one has plentiful thrills.
I can totally see this as a movie because it is packed with dark twists, action, and danger. I was rooting for the success of the main characters and was invested all the way through. If you're looking for a fun summer thriller then this is a great choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 14, 2023
Leo and Summer live a life of nomads in the back of a Land Cruiser, traveling up and down the California coastline. They’re both self-employed.😉
Summer is an expert pickpocket. While Leo goes after the big fish for a single huge score.
But their luck just ran out. This time things don’t exactly go as planned!
After Leo’s next billionaire mark sweeps her off to a private island, Summer starts to panic. Leo hasn’t checked in. Clearly something has gone wrong. Summer needs to find a way to get to the island and find Leo before it’s too late!
An extremely fast-paced thriller I finished in only a couple sittings. As with most recent thrillers the ending veered off in a bit of a strange direction. But overall it was a very well formulated thriller that kept me engaged throughout!
This was my first read by this author and I’ll definitely be looking at more of her books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine.
Summer is an expert pickpocket. While Leo goes after the big fish for a single huge score.
But their luck just ran out. This time things don’t exactly go as planned!
After Leo’s next billionaire mark sweeps her off to a private island, Summer starts to panic. Leo hasn’t checked in. Clearly something has gone wrong. Summer needs to find a way to get to the island and find Leo before it’s too late!
An extremely fast-paced thriller I finished in only a couple sittings. As with most recent thrillers the ending veered off in a bit of a strange direction. But overall it was a very well formulated thriller that kept me engaged throughout!
This was my first read by this author and I’ll definitely be looking at more of her books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine.
July 4, 2023
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House-Ballantine, and Wendy Heard for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 6.13!**
You've got to pick a pocket or two...
Summer and Leo have a rhythm: travel sunny California together in a Land Cruiser, find their wealthy marks...and leave them a bit less wealthy than they found them. Summer is an expert pickpocket artist, and can work her way through a crowded room and end up with a fistful of cash...and no one the wiser. Leo's into more of the long con: she would consider falling in love with a rich and powerful man...if at the end of the day, she could end up with some money to help fund her free-wheeling lifestyle with Summer, where's the harm? The two are running from tortured pasts after all, and every dollar helps.
But when Leo meets billionaire Michael Forrester, he seems different than the wealthy men she's met before. Michael has made his fortune battling climate change, and he sweeps Leo off her feet...and quickly. When Michael invites Leo to his fabulous private island, she can't believe her good luck...until she doesn't come back, leaving Summer's mind spinning. Summer, in a desperate bid to save her friend, decides to take matters into her own hands and infiltrate the island herself. Relying on her street smarts to win the day, she cozies up to some of Michael's posh friends...but something just seems off. Has Leo cut and run...or can Summer outwit the cadre of security and find her friend...before it's too late?
This bright and flashy cover promises a sun-soaked summer thriller, perfect for poolside reading...and for the most part, this book fits the bill.The premise was intriguing, and the two girls had just enough depth and character development to keep me curious about their histories...AND their collective future. I always enjoy a read where clever women sort of 'stick it' to the bad guys orbiting their world, and I thought this was going to be a bit of a billionaire comeuppance story...and for a long time, it seemed things were going that way. It was a fairly 'easy' read, despite some bouncing timelines, and I was happily chugging along, thinking this was sure to be a solid four star read.
UNTIL about 75-80%...which is approximately the place this book went from a fast-paced, action packed, locked room style thriller into somewhat ridiculous, eye-rolling territory.
It's been a few days since I've finished this one, and I STILL can't quite put my finger on what changed. The dialogue went from intense and believable to goofy and over the top. The characters (who already read a bit young for women who were supposed to be 30) regressed into full-blown teenagers who were pretty foolish. And the 'bad guy', who was supposed to possess a sort of elite gravitas, came off looking sillier than a Scooby Doo villain, complete with campy dialogue and implausible actions aplenty.
Throw in a big reveal that was VERY predictable and my disappointment plummeted even further. I think what was so disappointing to me personally is that this was a popcorn thriller that took itself too seriously at the beginning and went off the rails by the end...and I think the author could have had a more cohesive book if she had picked ONE lane and stuck in it. This is certainly a book that will help you pass an afternoon, but it could have either made a statement OR been JUST silly enough to be OTT through and through.
Though I'm glad Heard has 'made the jump' from YA, this book went from feeling like a thrilling bungee jump to feeling more like a cliff dive...but more specifically, a Wile E Coyote cliff dive.
*splat*
3.5 stars, rounded down from 4
You've got to pick a pocket or two...
Summer and Leo have a rhythm: travel sunny California together in a Land Cruiser, find their wealthy marks...and leave them a bit less wealthy than they found them. Summer is an expert pickpocket artist, and can work her way through a crowded room and end up with a fistful of cash...and no one the wiser. Leo's into more of the long con: she would consider falling in love with a rich and powerful man...if at the end of the day, she could end up with some money to help fund her free-wheeling lifestyle with Summer, where's the harm? The two are running from tortured pasts after all, and every dollar helps.
But when Leo meets billionaire Michael Forrester, he seems different than the wealthy men she's met before. Michael has made his fortune battling climate change, and he sweeps Leo off her feet...and quickly. When Michael invites Leo to his fabulous private island, she can't believe her good luck...until she doesn't come back, leaving Summer's mind spinning. Summer, in a desperate bid to save her friend, decides to take matters into her own hands and infiltrate the island herself. Relying on her street smarts to win the day, she cozies up to some of Michael's posh friends...but something just seems off. Has Leo cut and run...or can Summer outwit the cadre of security and find her friend...before it's too late?
This bright and flashy cover promises a sun-soaked summer thriller, perfect for poolside reading...and for the most part, this book fits the bill.The premise was intriguing, and the two girls had just enough depth and character development to keep me curious about their histories...AND their collective future. I always enjoy a read where clever women sort of 'stick it' to the bad guys orbiting their world, and I thought this was going to be a bit of a billionaire comeuppance story...and for a long time, it seemed things were going that way. It was a fairly 'easy' read, despite some bouncing timelines, and I was happily chugging along, thinking this was sure to be a solid four star read.
UNTIL about 75-80%...which is approximately the place this book went from a fast-paced, action packed, locked room style thriller into somewhat ridiculous, eye-rolling territory.
It's been a few days since I've finished this one, and I STILL can't quite put my finger on what changed. The dialogue went from intense and believable to goofy and over the top. The characters (who already read a bit young for women who were supposed to be 30) regressed into full-blown teenagers who were pretty foolish. And the 'bad guy', who was supposed to possess a sort of elite gravitas, came off looking sillier than a Scooby Doo villain, complete with campy dialogue and implausible actions aplenty.
Throw in a big reveal that was VERY predictable and my disappointment plummeted even further. I think what was so disappointing to me personally is that this was a popcorn thriller that took itself too seriously at the beginning and went off the rails by the end...and I think the author could have had a more cohesive book if she had picked ONE lane and stuck in it. This is certainly a book that will help you pass an afternoon, but it could have either made a statement OR been JUST silly enough to be OTT through and through.
Though I'm glad Heard has 'made the jump' from YA, this book went from feeling like a thrilling bungee jump to feeling more like a cliff dive...but more specifically, a Wile E Coyote cliff dive.
*splat*
3.5 stars, rounded down from 4
April 11, 2023
My thanks to Random House/Balkantine, Wendy Heard and Netgalley.
This is nearly "so close!" a popcorn read.
I didn't like these women in the beginning. Scammers and users. Ugh! They eventually grew on me.
Fact is that this is a terrific story!
I grew to love these women.
I also found someone that I really, really wanted to die. In the most long, suffering, drawn out, days long death possible. ☺
Also made me want to go camping again. "After a few seconds thought,...Nope, just a brain fart!
Great story!
This is nearly "so close!" a popcorn read.
I didn't like these women in the beginning. Scammers and users. Ugh! They eventually grew on me.
Fact is that this is a terrific story!
I grew to love these women.
I also found someone that I really, really wanted to die. In the most long, suffering, drawn out, days long death possible. ☺
Also made me want to go camping again. "After a few seconds thought,...Nope, just a brain fart!
Great story!
August 1, 2023
It's a story about Summer and Leo, two unconventional grifters. We get to look at what Summer and Leo are thinking, told from Summer and Leo's different points of view. We get a look into Summer and Leo's past through different timelines. They have different skill sets; Leo is great at seducing older wealthy men and plays the long game. Summer is the best at the con, cash, credit cards, and photo IDs. And can grift with the best of them. Summer's street smarts have made her a survivor. Both women have suffered from traumatic events in their lives. After Summer found Leo on the streets of LA five years earlier, she taught Leo everything she knew over the years. These two women have developed a strong bond with each other over the five years they've been together. They would risk anything for each other and see the lengths they will go to protect each other when one is in trouble. No matter the cost.
They've formed a close bond, their family— sisters. Leo lives with her in Summer's Land Cruiser. She wanted to make it feel like more of a home than a vehicle, so she removed the back seats and added a mattress. And some drawers for storage so they could store their belongings. She even stuck some stickable stars on the ceiling. Which made them both feel like they were looking at the night sky. They travelled the tremendous open road of the California coast. When money is getting tight, Leo wants to repay Summer for every she has done for her. She sets her sights on tech billionaire Michael Forrester. Leo has found her—whale. She knows how important this is for both of them. They discuss all the expensive gifts he will give her that they can trade in for cash and thinks of all the photos she could sell to media outlets and are both excited thinking about how this will help their money issues. Leo has been watching Michael's movements on his Instagram account.
Leo discovers he'll be jogging on the beach in front of the hotel he's staying at. So she devises a plan and arranges for Summer and herself to be suntanning on the beach. He immediately notices Leo and invites them to a party he's throwing that night. Leo disappears from the party. Summer thinks nothing of it at first and thinks she's just gone to Micheal's room and will call her later. But after not hearing from Leo since Wednesday night at the party. Summer becomes frantically worried. It's not like her to ignore Summer's calls and texts. So when Allan invites her to dinner, she reluctantly takes him up on his invitation. When she finds out over dinner that Micheal is holding an event on his private island for his investors over the weekend, she subtly gets Allan to invite her as his plus one to the island. Where Summer hopes that's where Leo has been— When she arrives at the island, she discovers it isn't like anything she thought it would be. What possibly could go wrong? A fast-paced, fun read with short chapters, plot twists, and the bonds of friendship sprinkled with humour—the juxtaposition between the feisty lovable characters. And unlikeable characters make for an enjoyable reading experience for me.
I'm so glad I changed my mind and read this because I was surprised in the best possible way. I was hooked right from the start and had difficulty putting it down. Heard took me on a fun-filled journey with suspense and plot twists. This book came at the perfect time for me. I needed a fun-filled guilty pleasure read. Wendy Heard created an atmospheric setting with a beautiful private island in California. It felt like I was right there. I felt the sun on my face l could taste the salty air.
Perfect Summer Read⛱️😎☀️
They've formed a close bond, their family— sisters. Leo lives with her in Summer's Land Cruiser. She wanted to make it feel like more of a home than a vehicle, so she removed the back seats and added a mattress. And some drawers for storage so they could store their belongings. She even stuck some stickable stars on the ceiling. Which made them both feel like they were looking at the night sky. They travelled the tremendous open road of the California coast. When money is getting tight, Leo wants to repay Summer for every she has done for her. She sets her sights on tech billionaire Michael Forrester. Leo has found her—whale. She knows how important this is for both of them. They discuss all the expensive gifts he will give her that they can trade in for cash and thinks of all the photos she could sell to media outlets and are both excited thinking about how this will help their money issues. Leo has been watching Michael's movements on his Instagram account.
Leo discovers he'll be jogging on the beach in front of the hotel he's staying at. So she devises a plan and arranges for Summer and herself to be suntanning on the beach. He immediately notices Leo and invites them to a party he's throwing that night. Leo disappears from the party. Summer thinks nothing of it at first and thinks she's just gone to Micheal's room and will call her later. But after not hearing from Leo since Wednesday night at the party. Summer becomes frantically worried. It's not like her to ignore Summer's calls and texts. So when Allan invites her to dinner, she reluctantly takes him up on his invitation. When she finds out over dinner that Micheal is holding an event on his private island for his investors over the weekend, she subtly gets Allan to invite her as his plus one to the island. Where Summer hopes that's where Leo has been— When she arrives at the island, she discovers it isn't like anything she thought it would be. What possibly could go wrong? A fast-paced, fun read with short chapters, plot twists, and the bonds of friendship sprinkled with humour—the juxtaposition between the feisty lovable characters. And unlikeable characters make for an enjoyable reading experience for me.
I'm so glad I changed my mind and read this because I was surprised in the best possible way. I was hooked right from the start and had difficulty putting it down. Heard took me on a fun-filled journey with suspense and plot twists. This book came at the perfect time for me. I needed a fun-filled guilty pleasure read. Wendy Heard created an atmospheric setting with a beautiful private island in California. It felt like I was right there. I felt the sun on my face l could taste the salty air.
Perfect Summer Read⛱️😎☀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
Sharp, twisty good fun with a pair of spiky yet lovable female con artists who grift their way unabashedly through California's elite--but they meet their match when they get a tech billionaire in their sights, and one of the pair disappears. How far will a girl go for her partner in crime? Loved it; will be reading more Wendy Heard for sure.
May 4, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 - One of the best thrillers I've read in a while! Especially if you like California scenery, absolutely secretly unhinged characters, and loyal friendships!!
This is the novel that broke my crappy thriller novel streak. You Can Trust Me was everything I needed it to be and that ending was wild. I completely did not expect how things played out and even if I had known more crucial pieces in the beginning.. I still think I would have missed it because the story was wild.
But wild... in a plausible way. Not wild in a 'that's not possible' so the story isn't fun to read way? Because as a thriller/suspense reader, I've definitely read those as well and it kind of ruins the ending?
My favorite part of You Can Trust Me is the first moment you realize one of the characters isn't psychologically *right*. You know that little feeling when something just sticks out? There's one scene in particular that the author did so well and I loved that moment! It's that eery, uncomfortable moment that reminds me that we don't really know anyone!!!
Book Released June 13th, 2023 - See more June 2023 Book Releases Here!
Follow Me On Instagram! || More Bookish Posts Here
**Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
This is the novel that broke my crappy thriller novel streak. You Can Trust Me was everything I needed it to be and that ending was wild. I completely did not expect how things played out and even if I had known more crucial pieces in the beginning.. I still think I would have missed it because the story was wild.
But wild... in a plausible way. Not wild in a 'that's not possible' so the story isn't fun to read way? Because as a thriller/suspense reader, I've definitely read those as well and it kind of ruins the ending?
My favorite part of You Can Trust Me is the first moment you realize one of the characters isn't psychologically *right*. You know that little feeling when something just sticks out? There's one scene in particular that the author did so well and I loved that moment! It's that eery, uncomfortable moment that reminds me that we don't really know anyone!!!
Book Released June 13th, 2023 - See more June 2023 Book Releases Here!
Follow Me On Instagram! || More Bookish Posts Here
**Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
January 15, 2025
You can trust me: skip this one.
June 13, 2023
Update 6/13/23: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of You Can Trust Me in exchange for an honest review.
Summer and Leo each have a tragic past: Summer was abandoned by her mother when she was 17, and Leo’s sister was murdered ten years ago. But since they met five years ago, they’ve been each others’ found family. They live together in Summer’s Land Cruiser, traveling around California, picking pockets and running other cons to get enough money to live. But Leo thinks she’s found her big break, an opportunity to meet and swindle Michael Forrester, the “billionaire tech start-up guy, entrepreneur, UN climate ambassador, global philanthropist, blah, blah, blah.” Summer plays the good wingwoman, but gets worried when Leo seemingly disappeared after her night with Michael. Desperate to find her missing friend, Summer wheedles an invitation to Michael’s private island where she hopes to find Michael.
The marketing for You Can Trust Me compares Summer and Leo to Lucia and Mia from Season 2 of The White Lotus. That’s high praise … and completely justified. Summer and Leo are fascinating, richly developed characters with believable backstories. They are the kind of criminals you’re rooting for: not looking to physically hurt anyone, but more than happy to pick your pocket or trade on their sexuality if that will lead to the promise of wealth. I did figure out what had happened pretty much the first time a clue was given, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. The plot moves at a good pace throughout, picking up even more steam in the final pages. And the structure of the story works well, not only using dual narrators in Summer and Leo but staggering Leo’s to usually be a day behind Summer so that the reader is often as unaware as Summer about what’s happening to Leo.
You Can Trust Me is a solid mystery/thriller. It’s a fun, fast read that I believe it’s going to be a breakthrough hit for the author. Recommended.
I’m tired of men. I wish they weren’t simultaneously so easy and the most difficult, dangerous thing in the world.
…
That’s what friendship is: If she falls into the fire, I follow. If one doesn’t escape, neither does the other.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of You Can Trust Me in exchange for an honest review.
Summer and Leo each have a tragic past: Summer was abandoned by her mother when she was 17, and Leo’s sister was murdered ten years ago. But since they met five years ago, they’ve been each others’ found family. They live together in Summer’s Land Cruiser, traveling around California, picking pockets and running other cons to get enough money to live. But Leo thinks she’s found her big break, an opportunity to meet and swindle Michael Forrester, the “billionaire tech start-up guy, entrepreneur, UN climate ambassador, global philanthropist, blah, blah, blah.” Summer plays the good wingwoman, but gets worried when Leo seemingly disappeared after her night with Michael. Desperate to find her missing friend, Summer wheedles an invitation to Michael’s private island where she hopes to find Michael.
The marketing for You Can Trust Me compares Summer and Leo to Lucia and Mia from Season 2 of The White Lotus. That’s high praise … and completely justified. Summer and Leo are fascinating, richly developed characters with believable backstories. They are the kind of criminals you’re rooting for: not looking to physically hurt anyone, but more than happy to pick your pocket or trade on their sexuality if that will lead to the promise of wealth. I did figure out what had happened pretty much the first time a clue was given, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. The plot moves at a good pace throughout, picking up even more steam in the final pages. And the structure of the story works well, not only using dual narrators in Summer and Leo but staggering Leo’s to usually be a day behind Summer so that the reader is often as unaware as Summer about what’s happening to Leo.
You Can Trust Me is a solid mystery/thriller. It’s a fun, fast read that I believe it’s going to be a breakthrough hit for the author. Recommended.
September 8, 2023
Five years ago, con artist Summer rescued Leo from a life on the streets. Ever since then, they’ve roamed from town to town all over California depending on only one another. With the freedom to do whatever they like, the two have carved out the kind of life not necessarily made for everyone, but is perfect for them.
Even drifters, however, need to buy food. After a lifetime of thievery and with finely honed con artist skills, Summer has taught Leo everything she knows. But Leo has her own special talents. Specifically, she is an expert at getting men to trust her, which she has learned to use to her advantage. Determined to pay back Summer for all she has done for her, Leo is looking for her next big score.
One night out, she discovers the perfect mark named Michael Forrester. A handsome yet obscenely wealthy billionaire, he could mean the pairs’ biggest payday to date. So when he invites Leo back to his exclusive private island, she’s more than intrigued. Surely, it will not only be a good time, but will offer her the chance at wining and dining a man who could set the girls up financially for months.
But when Summer wakes up the next morning and hasn’t heard a peep from Leo, the hairs on the back of her neck start to rise. As close as they are, she would never simply disappear, but that’s exactly what Leo’s done. The only thing Summer can do is try to discover what’s become of the one person she trusts and cares for most in this world.
Using all of her wiles, Summer manages to wrangle an invitation to Michael’s island herself. Once there, she sets about searching everywhere for Leo. But at the first big function, she’s alarmed to find that there’s not a single sign of her. Now stuck on the island for the rest of the weekend, Summer is afraid she may just have met her match in Michael. Shrewd and charming, all answers lie with him. Can Summer outsmart the wily billionaire? Or has both her and Leo’s fate already been sealed?
You Can Trust Me was quite the ride. For the most part… See, for me, this book could easily be split in half: the five star wind up and the action-packed, over-the-top, twist-filled conclusion. There were definite pluses to both, although I do have to say that I enjoyed the first half decidedly more than the second. Let me explain.
From the word go, I was pulled into a story packed with unbridled tension, devious twists, and one truly evil individual. It was the characters, however, that made this book a star. Told in dual POVs over a number of days, both Summer and Leo had clear cut identities that, for the first half, rang with authenticity. But as the book turned the corner around the halfway point, the plot, and the characters, devolved into an uncomfortable melodrama that left most genuineness by the wayside.
Speaking of that flip of the script. The plot itself was thoroughly entertaining, keeping me spellbound throughout. With a magical beginning that had a certain Pretty Woman feel, I was delighted by the snarky humor and compelling relationships. As the first twist was revealed, however, a very definite game of cat-and-mouse was begun. While it was riveting, it was also, as I’ve already mentioned, just a little bit too over-the-top. After all, for the story to be believed, the reader must stomach one altogether gigantic coincidence that felt just a bit too contrived for my liking.
The flaws, as I saw them, for this one were twofold. One was that very definite change in pace and delivery between the two halves. The other, however, was what sort of bungled the entire plot, just the same. For during one of the many flashbacks, I figured out the entire direction of the plot. Not just an inkling, but a “this is how it’s going to happen” lightbulb. A fact that was disappointing to say the least.
In the end, though, even that wasn’t enough to totally wreck my enjoyment of this book. Totally bingeable, thoroughly dark, and deliciously twisty, I just could not put this one down. Granted, it did have some flaws, but even they didn’t entirely derail the thrills. The first by Wendy Heard that I’ve read, I’m now over the moon at the prospect of diving into her lengthy backlist. All I need to figure out now is which one to tackle next. Rating of 4 stars.
Scroll down for a possibly plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: abandonment by a parent, strangulation, disappearance and death of a sibling, gaslighting, being drugged, death by gunshot
Even drifters, however, need to buy food. After a lifetime of thievery and with finely honed con artist skills, Summer has taught Leo everything she knows. But Leo has her own special talents. Specifically, she is an expert at getting men to trust her, which she has learned to use to her advantage. Determined to pay back Summer for all she has done for her, Leo is looking for her next big score.
One night out, she discovers the perfect mark named Michael Forrester. A handsome yet obscenely wealthy billionaire, he could mean the pairs’ biggest payday to date. So when he invites Leo back to his exclusive private island, she’s more than intrigued. Surely, it will not only be a good time, but will offer her the chance at wining and dining a man who could set the girls up financially for months.
But when Summer wakes up the next morning and hasn’t heard a peep from Leo, the hairs on the back of her neck start to rise. As close as they are, she would never simply disappear, but that’s exactly what Leo’s done. The only thing Summer can do is try to discover what’s become of the one person she trusts and cares for most in this world.
Using all of her wiles, Summer manages to wrangle an invitation to Michael’s island herself. Once there, she sets about searching everywhere for Leo. But at the first big function, she’s alarmed to find that there’s not a single sign of her. Now stuck on the island for the rest of the weekend, Summer is afraid she may just have met her match in Michael. Shrewd and charming, all answers lie with him. Can Summer outsmart the wily billionaire? Or has both her and Leo’s fate already been sealed?
You Can Trust Me was quite the ride. For the most part… See, for me, this book could easily be split in half: the five star wind up and the action-packed, over-the-top, twist-filled conclusion. There were definite pluses to both, although I do have to say that I enjoyed the first half decidedly more than the second. Let me explain.
From the word go, I was pulled into a story packed with unbridled tension, devious twists, and one truly evil individual. It was the characters, however, that made this book a star. Told in dual POVs over a number of days, both Summer and Leo had clear cut identities that, for the first half, rang with authenticity. But as the book turned the corner around the halfway point, the plot, and the characters, devolved into an uncomfortable melodrama that left most genuineness by the wayside.
Speaking of that flip of the script. The plot itself was thoroughly entertaining, keeping me spellbound throughout. With a magical beginning that had a certain Pretty Woman feel, I was delighted by the snarky humor and compelling relationships. As the first twist was revealed, however, a very definite game of cat-and-mouse was begun. While it was riveting, it was also, as I’ve already mentioned, just a little bit too over-the-top. After all, for the story to be believed, the reader must stomach one altogether gigantic coincidence that felt just a bit too contrived for my liking.
The flaws, as I saw them, for this one were twofold. One was that very definite change in pace and delivery between the two halves. The other, however, was what sort of bungled the entire plot, just the same. For during one of the many flashbacks, I figured out the entire direction of the plot. Not just an inkling, but a “this is how it’s going to happen” lightbulb. A fact that was disappointing to say the least.
In the end, though, even that wasn’t enough to totally wreck my enjoyment of this book. Totally bingeable, thoroughly dark, and deliciously twisty, I just could not put this one down. Granted, it did have some flaws, but even they didn’t entirely derail the thrills. The first by Wendy Heard that I’ve read, I’m now over the moon at the prospect of diving into her lengthy backlist. All I need to figure out now is which one to tackle next. Rating of 4 stars.
Scroll down for a possibly plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: abandonment by a parent, strangulation, disappearance and death of a sibling, gaslighting, being drugged, death by gunshot
February 14, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ California & an island
Publication date ~ June 13, 2023
Est page Count ~ 292 (p+ 46 dated chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 36 minutes
Narrators ~ Kelsey Navarro Foster, Natalie Naudus
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, locked room (island)
Summer & Leo are bff's and con artists. When Summer doesn't hear from Leo after a night out on a private island with a billionaire she just met she begins to worry. Summer gets herself on that island, but she soon finds out it might not be as easy to get herself off of it.
We get some flashbacks to 15 and 10 years ago and I wasn't sure how they would get woven into the present, but it was nicely done. The back and forth between their perspectives and being stranded on a island really built up the suspense wonderfully. Overall, a solid thriller.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well. Either way worked perfectly fine.
Narration notes:
They both did a wonderful job. Properly frantic when necessary. I have no complaints.
*Thanks to the author, Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ California & an island
Publication date ~ June 13, 2023
Est page Count ~ 292 (p+ 46 dated chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 36 minutes
Narrators ~ Kelsey Navarro Foster, Natalie Naudus
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ multiple timelines, locked room (island)
Summer & Leo are bff's and con artists. When Summer doesn't hear from Leo after a night out on a private island with a billionaire she just met she begins to worry. Summer gets herself on that island, but she soon finds out it might not be as easy to get herself off of it.
We get some flashbacks to 15 and 10 years ago and I wasn't sure how they would get woven into the present, but it was nicely done. The back and forth between their perspectives and being stranded on a island really built up the suspense wonderfully. Overall, a solid thriller.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well. Either way worked perfectly fine.
Narration notes:
They both did a wonderful job. Properly frantic when necessary. I have no complaints.
*Thanks to the author, Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
February 12, 2023
Summer and Leo are thieves. Leo meets billionaire Michael and sees dollar signs. She meets up with him at a hotel then disappears. Summer gets worried when she doesn’t come back. She hears that Leo has went to a private island with Michael and sets out to look for her. When she gets to the island she gets more than she bargained for.
This was a great book full of suspense and twists. I hope to read more of this author’s books.
Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC that will be released June 13, 2023!
This was a great book full of suspense and twists. I hope to read more of this author’s books.
Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC that will be released June 13, 2023!
July 4, 2023
You Can Trust Me is a story of two friends, Summer and Leo, who are used to doing whatever they have to do to get by and meet their needs — They both have rough pasts and now live a nomadic lifestyle, roaming California, pickpocketing wealthy men and conning their way to more.
When Leo meets Michael Forrester, a tech billionaire and philanthropist, she’s determined to make this her biggest success yet. Michael invites her to a private island for his company’s exclusive investor weekend and she gladly accepts. Summer finds her own way there too, but when she arrives, she can’t find Leo and begins to worry. The vibe is very secretive, there’s limited cell service, and Summer suspects things aren’t actually as they seem.
I did enjoy this story, especially the first half as the scene was set and the tension began to build, but I felt the story became too over-the-top and far-fetched as the ending got closer and plot details were revealed. I’m into fictional drama, but I have a threshold and this detracted from my total enjoyment. Still, You Can Trust Me was an easy book to spend a couple summer afternoons reading, especially with its CA and island settings — 3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Bantam Books for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
When Leo meets Michael Forrester, a tech billionaire and philanthropist, she’s determined to make this her biggest success yet. Michael invites her to a private island for his company’s exclusive investor weekend and she gladly accepts. Summer finds her own way there too, but when she arrives, she can’t find Leo and begins to worry. The vibe is very secretive, there’s limited cell service, and Summer suspects things aren’t actually as they seem.
I did enjoy this story, especially the first half as the scene was set and the tension began to build, but I felt the story became too over-the-top and far-fetched as the ending got closer and plot details were revealed. I’m into fictional drama, but I have a threshold and this detracted from my total enjoyment. Still, You Can Trust Me was an easy book to spend a couple summer afternoons reading, especially with its CA and island settings — 3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Bantam Books for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2023
4.5 Stars →
OK, wow, I loved this book! YOU CAN TRUST ME is a riveting woman-power, pro-female friendship thriller, and one of my favorite reads this year. I adored the two lead protagonists, Summer and Leo.
Con artist and pickpocket Summer had a very unconventional upbringing, which lead to an adulthood as a loner, until she met likeminded Leo. Now the two women are inseparable, grifting and living free around California in Summer’s Land Cruiser. Until…
Leo sets her sights on a tech billionaire, hoping to scam some riches out of him, along with a fun night on his secluded private island. Except she doesn’t come home!! Now it’s up to Summer to con her way onto the island and find out what happened to her missing bestie.
The chapters alternate POVs between the two women, both in present day and the past, which kept the tension building perfectly. The twists were so good, and I definitely had a few jaw-dropping “what?!?” moments. I think some of it was a tad over the top, but still very fun. Highly recommended to fans of tense cat and mouse thrillers with compelling characters.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a digital review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
OK, wow, I loved this book! YOU CAN TRUST ME is a riveting woman-power, pro-female friendship thriller, and one of my favorite reads this year. I adored the two lead protagonists, Summer and Leo.
Con artist and pickpocket Summer had a very unconventional upbringing, which lead to an adulthood as a loner, until she met likeminded Leo. Now the two women are inseparable, grifting and living free around California in Summer’s Land Cruiser. Until…
Leo sets her sights on a tech billionaire, hoping to scam some riches out of him, along with a fun night on his secluded private island. Except she doesn’t come home!! Now it’s up to Summer to con her way onto the island and find out what happened to her missing bestie.
The chapters alternate POVs between the two women, both in present day and the past, which kept the tension building perfectly. The twists were so good, and I definitely had a few jaw-dropping “what?!?” moments. I think some of it was a tad over the top, but still very fun. Highly recommended to fans of tense cat and mouse thrillers with compelling characters.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a digital review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Read
December 30, 2023Holy shit. This book took me on a ride. I was
not expecting any of it! definitely a recommended read.
not expecting any of it! definitely a recommended read.
September 13, 2025
You Can Trust Me is the latest book from author Wendy Heard, a new writer I found on NetGalley after the book was listed as a most requested or top read for 2023. Focused on two late-twenties women, Summer and Leo, the story builds slowly to share how they became friends and what happened in their pasts to leave them either homeless or purposely living in their cars. The women each use their skills (theft, lying, et al) to lift money from other people (rather than work a legitimate job) because they cannot be confined to a traditional career. At first, it was off-putting because I was angered by the way in which they stole from others but as their pasts were revealed, my ire lessened, eventually becoming more of a hope they would turn things around and find a way to live their best lives without stealing from others (pickpocketing, credit card fraud, etc.). About a third in, both girls separately end up on the same yacht that's sailing to a billionaire's private island. They assume the other is safe and happy with the mark she's chosen and make the best of their scam. Except... it seems there is something darker going on with why the billionaire and his friends invited them both to his secret hideaway. At that point, it was an intense and very well written ride. I eagerly read through to the end and loved the way in which the author shows how human nature can be manipulated on so many levels. With an extremely fiery ending, life definitely changes for the women, and I'm not entirely sure I like where they end up, but at least it was a thrilling ride. Will definitely read another from the author's backlog in the coming months and watch for future releases.
July 8, 2023
i had 0 expectations for this book but absolutely enjoyed the entire ride! love it when you find an underrated, new release (and i think this is one of the best covers of 2023 🔥🙌🏼).
this is also the most perfect beach/pool thriller binge ever. it also has con-artist vibes and is the perfect blend of mystery and suspense, while also set in a very fun setting (a secret, private island owned by a tech billionaire) and follows two besties up to no good.
it gave me THE LIES I TELL meets THE LAST MRS PARRISH vibes.
if you’re looking for something new and fun that’s quick and bingeworthy, add this to your summer TBR immediately!
thanks to Randomhouse for the gifted copy. definitely one of my more enjoyed reads of 2023!
this is also the most perfect beach/pool thriller binge ever. it also has con-artist vibes and is the perfect blend of mystery and suspense, while also set in a very fun setting (a secret, private island owned by a tech billionaire) and follows two besties up to no good.
it gave me THE LIES I TELL meets THE LAST MRS PARRISH vibes.
if you’re looking for something new and fun that’s quick and bingeworthy, add this to your summer TBR immediately!
thanks to Randomhouse for the gifted copy. definitely one of my more enjoyed reads of 2023!
May 11, 2023
Getting more than you anticipated can be a double-edged sword!
This is a great thriller about two best friends who grift their way through California until their scam hits a snag.
I loved that we get two perspectives, both Leo's and Summer’s. Although I was pulled in with Summer’s story, it was good to get Leo’s take on the scheme and see what paths led them to where they find themselves at present. Despite how different they are, they are united in their friendship and their desire to con Michael Forrester, a billionaire philanthropist in California.
Survival takes skill, but so does maintaining a friendship and con-scheme. When one of them doesn’t report in as planned, you would think that the scam is paused until the duo is reunited. But, no. More scam is needed. The balance is tipped and friendship and survival become foremost. I was feverishly turning pages hoping that all would turn out well. I was uncomfortable, excited, hopeful, and anxious while reading this great unique thriller that will stand out as memorable for quite some time.
I was gifted this copy by Random House Publishing Group, Ballentine, Bantam and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is a great thriller about two best friends who grift their way through California until their scam hits a snag.
I loved that we get two perspectives, both Leo's and Summer’s. Although I was pulled in with Summer’s story, it was good to get Leo’s take on the scheme and see what paths led them to where they find themselves at present. Despite how different they are, they are united in their friendship and their desire to con Michael Forrester, a billionaire philanthropist in California.
Survival takes skill, but so does maintaining a friendship and con-scheme. When one of them doesn’t report in as planned, you would think that the scam is paused until the duo is reunited. But, no. More scam is needed. The balance is tipped and friendship and survival become foremost. I was feverishly turning pages hoping that all would turn out well. I was uncomfortable, excited, hopeful, and anxious while reading this great unique thriller that will stand out as memorable for quite some time.
I was gifted this copy by Random House Publishing Group, Ballentine, Bantam and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 1, 2023
This was a fast paced thriller that was a quick and easy read. I devoured this book in a single setting and didn’t even notice that time was passing. I loved the characters and thought the story had some good twists. The book is told in a couple of timelines and from both Summer and Leo’s perspectives which I liked. It gives some of each of their backstories and their take on the current adventure. Leo and Summer are thieves living off the grid and grifting their way up and down California. Leo has her sights set on a billionaire named Michael who can set them up for a while. But when she doesn’t come home and her phone appears to be off Summer gets worried. As she works to track down Leo’s movements Summer learns that you truly can’t trust anyone.
January 3, 2023
Clear your schedule and settle in, because
You Can Trust Me
by Wendy Heard will pull you in right from the start. This is one hell of a thriller about doing whatever it takes to survive, and the power of female friendship. I devoured, and loved, every single page.
July 28, 2023
What a pleasant surprise this novel was! To say I expected a story about two female con-artists, and instead got a much darker, multi-layered mystery/thriller would definitely be an understatement!
Summer and Leo have been best friends and scamming the obnoxious, California elite for some time now, and they have their sights set on their biggest score yet - self-made billionaire environmental philanthropist, Michael Forrester. When Leo charms her way into Michael's crosshairs, and lands an invitation to a getaway on his luxurious private island, the girls realize this could very well be their biggest payoff yet, if they play their cards right! Only Leo doesn't come home when Summer expects her to. As a matter of fact, Leo seems to have disappeared, without so much as a goodbye!
At first Summer thinks little of it, but as time goes by, she realizes this is not HER Leo. Leo wouldn't just walk out on her...not after everything they've both been through! Summer quickly infiltrates her way onto Michael's exclusive island to investigate what's become of her bestie. What she discovers will not only put her in immediate danger, but also shed light on a decades-old traumatic mystery from her past she thought she'd put behind her. A mystery so dangerous that it could very well be the death of her! Will she find Leo and escape before it's too late?
Initially, I had some issues distinguishing Summer from Leo, but once I did, and a few chapters of set-up, this story really took off running and I was truly intrigued! If you are a fan of unresolved, mysterious disappearances like I am, this novel will most definitely be right up your alley! Once I was invested in the mystery element of this story, I had no choice but to keep reading, and this turned into a truly unexpected edge-of-your-seat thriller! It was atmospheric, and I truly felt a palpable simmering sense of danger the closer Summer got to unraveling what happened to Leo.
On top of the incredible mystery storyline, I also really enjoyed the relationship dynamic between the Summer and Leo, especially as I learned more about their backgrounds, and the fact that they were much more than just best friends, but actually FAMILY BY CHOICE, and willing to do anything for the other, it added complexity to the characters and just made this story that much deeper and emotional for me in the end. I just loved it. If I hadn't had the issues I had with keeping the characters straight, this very well could have received a 5-Star review. To reveal any more detail would be spoiling this one, so I'll just say You Can Trust Me is HIGHLY recommended!
Summer and Leo have been best friends and scamming the obnoxious, California elite for some time now, and they have their sights set on their biggest score yet - self-made billionaire environmental philanthropist, Michael Forrester. When Leo charms her way into Michael's crosshairs, and lands an invitation to a getaway on his luxurious private island, the girls realize this could very well be their biggest payoff yet, if they play their cards right! Only Leo doesn't come home when Summer expects her to. As a matter of fact, Leo seems to have disappeared, without so much as a goodbye!
At first Summer thinks little of it, but as time goes by, she realizes this is not HER Leo. Leo wouldn't just walk out on her...not after everything they've both been through! Summer quickly infiltrates her way onto Michael's exclusive island to investigate what's become of her bestie. What she discovers will not only put her in immediate danger, but also shed light on a decades-old traumatic mystery from her past she thought she'd put behind her. A mystery so dangerous that it could very well be the death of her! Will she find Leo and escape before it's too late?
Initially, I had some issues distinguishing Summer from Leo, but once I did, and a few chapters of set-up, this story really took off running and I was truly intrigued! If you are a fan of unresolved, mysterious disappearances like I am, this novel will most definitely be right up your alley! Once I was invested in the mystery element of this story, I had no choice but to keep reading, and this turned into a truly unexpected edge-of-your-seat thriller! It was atmospheric, and I truly felt a palpable simmering sense of danger the closer Summer got to unraveling what happened to Leo.
On top of the incredible mystery storyline, I also really enjoyed the relationship dynamic between the Summer and Leo, especially as I learned more about their backgrounds, and the fact that they were much more than just best friends, but actually FAMILY BY CHOICE, and willing to do anything for the other, it added complexity to the characters and just made this story that much deeper and emotional for me in the end. I just loved it. If I hadn't had the issues I had with keeping the characters straight, this very well could have received a 5-Star review. To reveal any more detail would be spoiling this one, so I'll just say You Can Trust Me is HIGHLY recommended!
March 7, 2023
Like eating an enjoyable bag of chips. Salty and satisfying but only empty calories.
June 28, 2023
TRUST ME......
if you enjoy books with deeply flawed and free-spirited con women protagonists, "You Can Trust Me" is a "must-read".
This "blazingly sharp feminist thriller" was fast-paced, fun, fresh, entertaining, and unputdownable.
When a grifter sets into action her biggest scam yet and fails to return from her first date with a tech billionaire, her con woman mentor is determined to rescue her.
Unfolding from alternating POVs of two con women, the book is absorbing with compelling and powerful characterizations.
The first portion of the book was much stronger than the eye-rolling second half of the book but, overall, this was a riveting read.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Kelsey Navarro Foster and Natalie Naudus.
Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
With a protagonist named Summer, this is a perfect beach read.
4.5 stars.
August 6, 2023
This is my first time reading this author. I want to thank my Goodreads friends for introducing me to this book, specifically.
This is an exciting thriller that will grab the reader right away – so I am just going to say, hold on to your hats – because every character is far more than what they seem. Whatever you think you know, think again.
Also…
With 2 unreliable narrators, readers will be drawn into a world of drifters, rich billionaires (yes, you heard me right!) and a roller coaster ride that just doesn’t seem to want to let up.
The story centers around two grifters named Summer and Leo who have bonded over loss. Leo ran away from her hometown after her sister died and her parents buried themselves in their grief. Summer doesn’t exist on paper, and has led a nomadic lifestyle from the beginning, being abandoned by her mother at 17. When Leo chooses to seduce a rich billionaire and then disappears, Summer determines to find her – and discovers the billionaire’s private island and all his secrets.
The characters are very richly portrayed.
The time frames shift between past and present between the 2 women.
The pacing of the story is fast, and the plotting is intricate and interesting.
This is a dark, and very twisted read.
Will Summer be successful in finding Leo?
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