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The Exchange
Sam has always dreamed of becoming an actress. But when she arrives in L.A., she quickly discovers that the path to fame and fortune is paved with danger and deception. With a dark secret in her past, Sam is desperate to escape her town and will do anything to make her dreams a reality. When she meets Corey, a mysterious and charismatic man who promises to help her, Sam thinks she's finally found the break she's been looking for. But as events unfold, she realizes that Corey is not who he seems, and his true intentions are far more sinister than she could have ever imagined. Trapped, Sam finds herself at the mercy of Corey's twisted game. He has promised her a career in exchange for her baby, but Sam knows that if she gives in, she may never see her child again. With no other options, she must find a way to escape and keep her child safe. In this heart-pounding psychological thriller, with twists and turns at every corner, The Exchange is a chilling tale of survival, revenge, and the high price of ambition.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2023
51 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Nadija Mujagic
30 books192 followersNadija has written several psychological thrillers and a memoir series. In her spare time, she enjoys playing sports and electric bass guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 26, 2023
This was a good book. I liked that it was easy to follow and there were some twists that i didn’t see coming. It kept my interest. I would recommend for people who like fast thrillers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2025
Bieži vien (it īpaši ārzemju lasītāju grupās) var redzēt, kā ar putām uz lūpām cilvēki (parasti autori) saka, ka ir jāatbalsta indie (neatkarīgie) autori, un es, labu gribot, diezgan bieži arī dodu viņiem iespēju. Dažreiz tā ir atrastas īstas pērles, dažreiz kas viduvējs un tad ir tādi darbi kā šie. Darbi, kuriem vēl nevajadzēja nonākt pie lasītāja. Darbi, kur autoram, ja nevar atļauties profesionālu redaktoru, vismaz vajadzētu atrast uzticamu draugu/Beta lasītāju, kurš "izravē" visas drukas, stilistikas un stāsta notikumu kļūdas.
Savas 2⭐️ iedevu par ideju, tikai par ideju, kas bija ļoti laba, bet izpildījums gan bija slikts.
Tālāk neliels ieskats pašā trillerī, lai ieskicētu to, kas mani kaitināja.
Sema ar četrgadīgo dēlu dodas uz publisko baseinu un, kamēr dēls plunčājas ūdenī, nedaudz aizsnaužas. Kad viņa atmostas, dēls ir pazudis!
Uzreiz sākam atskatu pirms četriem gadiem, kad Sema pēc koledžas beigšanas pameta savu dzimto mazpilsētu un pārcēlās uz Losandželosu, lai kļūtu par aktrisi (ak vai, cik unikāla karjeras izvēle un vieta!). Vienīgā (!) tikšanās ar talantu aģentu izvēršas par katastrofu (jo vienīgais, ko Sema īsti prot, ir attēlot Alu Pačīno no "Krusttēva"). Viņa dodas atpakaļ uz savu nolaisto īres dzīvokli un sāk meklēt darbu (jo mēģināt meklēt citus aģentus, doties uz kastingiem, veidot portfolio laikam nav nekas tāds, kas būtu jādara topošajai aktrisei). Atrod sludinājumu, kur meklē baristu kādā shady kafejnīciņā ar krīpī īpašnieku un kolēģi, kurš uzreiz sit kanti un, lieliski, tiek pieņemta darbā. Tur viņu ierauga fantastiski skaistais un neizsakāmi bagātais kafejnīcas klients Korijs un aicina uz randiņu. Randiņš ir izdevies, viss skaisti, abi attopas Korija savrupnamā skatoties filmu un padzert ūdeni (jo Sema nelieto alkoholu) un Semai nemaz neliekas dīvaini, ka viņa pamostas no rīta viesu guļamistabas gultā, neko neatceroties par iepriekšējo vakaru. Korijs vismaz zīmīti atstāja, lai jūtas kā mājās, un uzrakstīja arī vārtu kodu. Sema gan nokavē darbu 5 minūtes un tāpēc tiek atlaista. Bet nesatraucieties - Korijs, bruņinieks baltā zirgā, aicina viņu dzīvot pie sevis bez jebkādas maksas utt. Nemaz jau nav aizdomīgi, vai ne?
Korijs gan daudz ceļo dēļ darba (pilots), tāpēc Sema pa māju dzīvojas viena pati - sēž dienām pie baseina, izbauda pieliekamo, kas esot piekrāmēts tā, ka pusgadu nevajagot iet uz veikalu (nezinu gan, kā ar šādu pieeju, mājā nepārtraukti atrodas svaigi dārzeņi, augļi,piena produkti, jo tie tur ir), sauļojas un čīkst par to, ka jūk prātā šādi neko nedarot. Jo mājā nav arī zonas, baterija telefonam nosēdās, lādētāja nav... Nu, jūs jau saprotat - alus laikmets mūsdienās. Tad viņa beidzot atceras, ka var taču arī iet ārā no mājas, jo nav tur ieslodzīta (ak, ģēnijs Sema!). Izejot pa vārtiem gan viņa prāto par to, ka atrodas "off the grid", bet nākamajā rindkopā rakstīts, kā viņa staigā gar citu savrupnamu vārtiem un jūdzes attālumā ir pat piepilsētas rajona galvenā iela - ej nu saproti, kas katram skaitās "off the grid". Sema arī ir aizmirsusi, ka gribēja būt aktrise - nav tak svarīgi, ja var dzīvot bagātnieka mājā bez jebkādām problēmām.
Protams, Korijs kādā brīdī arī atgriežas, viņiem ir jaukas vakariņas un atkal Sema nez kā nonāk situācijā, ka vienkārši no rīta pamostas pēc sazin kā noslēgta vakara (nemaz nav aizdomīgi...). Un tad tik sākās - beidzot atklājas, ka Korijs ir viņu apbērnojis un nu viņa ir stāvoklī. Māja, kurā viņa dzīvo, nemaz nav Korija īstā mājvieta, jo tiek izmantota tikai šāda veida darījumiem. Vārtu kods tiek nomainīts, viņai atved aprūpētāju un tiek izteikts piedāvājums - aktrises karjera pret bērnu. Sema saprot, ka, protams, karjera ir svarīgāka par kaut kādu tur bērnu un negribīgi piekrīt. Ar laiku gan viņā pamostas kaut kādas mātes jūtas.
Tad sazin kāda iemesla šajā mājā, kas ir cilvēku tirdzniecības galvenais centrs, tiek rīkota Halovīna ballīte Korija draugu lokam! Sema uzmet sev virsū palagu, notēlo spoku un izbēg pa atvērtajām durvīm...
Tad atkal pēc četriem gadiem - aizmigusi māte, pazudis bērns, aizdomas uz Koriju. Publiskais baseins tiek slēgts, jo ir darba dienas beigas un ko tad viņi tur tā paliks ilgāk, lai sauktu policiju uz notikumu vietu. Labāk lai Sema dodas pati uz iecirkni.
Oi un tad tik sākās - visa valsts meklē mazo puisēnu, tikai viņu un nevienu citu, jo ASV taču tikai pa vienam bērnam pazūd ne vairāki uzreiz, vai ne? Tad viņš ir pazudis nedēļu, pēc pāris rindkopām trīs dienas. Sema neitrāli norāda uz Koriju, par kuru četru gadu laikā nav ziņojusi. It kā nezināja mājas adresi (tik pēc pirmā randiņa uz turieni Uber izsauca), it kā baidījās (bet pēc izbēgšanas devās atpakaļ uz savu dzimto mazpilsētu pie mammas, kur kaut kā četrus gadus bija neatrodama?). Koriju apcietina, mistisko māju atrod, visi saņem pēc nopelniem. Un dēls bija paslēpts Semas pagrabā, lai iegāztu Koriju.
The end.
Ak jā, un Semai ir šizofrēnija (bet acīmredzot izpausmju nav gandrīz nekādu un zāles nav jālieto, bet nez kāpēc šis tika pasniegts kā kaut kas nozīmīgs) un visi, kas viņu satiek, saka, ka viņai ir skaists vārds. 😅
Savas 2⭐️ iedevu par ideju, tikai par ideju, kas bija ļoti laba, bet izpildījums gan bija slikts.
Tālāk neliels ieskats pašā trillerī, lai ieskicētu to, kas mani kaitināja.
Sema ar četrgadīgo dēlu dodas uz publisko baseinu un, kamēr dēls plunčājas ūdenī, nedaudz aizsnaužas. Kad viņa atmostas, dēls ir pazudis!
Uzreiz sākam atskatu pirms četriem gadiem, kad Sema pēc koledžas beigšanas pameta savu dzimto mazpilsētu un pārcēlās uz Losandželosu, lai kļūtu par aktrisi (ak vai, cik unikāla karjeras izvēle un vieta!). Vienīgā (!) tikšanās ar talantu aģentu izvēršas par katastrofu (jo vienīgais, ko Sema īsti prot, ir attēlot Alu Pačīno no "Krusttēva"). Viņa dodas atpakaļ uz savu nolaisto īres dzīvokli un sāk meklēt darbu (jo mēģināt meklēt citus aģentus, doties uz kastingiem, veidot portfolio laikam nav nekas tāds, kas būtu jādara topošajai aktrisei). Atrod sludinājumu, kur meklē baristu kādā shady kafejnīciņā ar krīpī īpašnieku un kolēģi, kurš uzreiz sit kanti un, lieliski, tiek pieņemta darbā. Tur viņu ierauga fantastiski skaistais un neizsakāmi bagātais kafejnīcas klients Korijs un aicina uz randiņu. Randiņš ir izdevies, viss skaisti, abi attopas Korija savrupnamā skatoties filmu un padzert ūdeni (jo Sema nelieto alkoholu) un Semai nemaz neliekas dīvaini, ka viņa pamostas no rīta viesu guļamistabas gultā, neko neatceroties par iepriekšējo vakaru. Korijs vismaz zīmīti atstāja, lai jūtas kā mājās, un uzrakstīja arī vārtu kodu. Sema gan nokavē darbu 5 minūtes un tāpēc tiek atlaista. Bet nesatraucieties - Korijs, bruņinieks baltā zirgā, aicina viņu dzīvot pie sevis bez jebkādas maksas utt. Nemaz jau nav aizdomīgi, vai ne?
Korijs gan daudz ceļo dēļ darba (pilots), tāpēc Sema pa māju dzīvojas viena pati - sēž dienām pie baseina, izbauda pieliekamo, kas esot piekrāmēts tā, ka pusgadu nevajagot iet uz veikalu (nezinu gan, kā ar šādu pieeju, mājā nepārtraukti atrodas svaigi dārzeņi, augļi,piena produkti, jo tie tur ir), sauļojas un čīkst par to, ka jūk prātā šādi neko nedarot. Jo mājā nav arī zonas, baterija telefonam nosēdās, lādētāja nav... Nu, jūs jau saprotat - alus laikmets mūsdienās. Tad viņa beidzot atceras, ka var taču arī iet ārā no mājas, jo nav tur ieslodzīta (ak, ģēnijs Sema!). Izejot pa vārtiem gan viņa prāto par to, ka atrodas "off the grid", bet nākamajā rindkopā rakstīts, kā viņa staigā gar citu savrupnamu vārtiem un jūdzes attālumā ir pat piepilsētas rajona galvenā iela - ej nu saproti, kas katram skaitās "off the grid". Sema arī ir aizmirsusi, ka gribēja būt aktrise - nav tak svarīgi, ja var dzīvot bagātnieka mājā bez jebkādām problēmām.
Protams, Korijs kādā brīdī arī atgriežas, viņiem ir jaukas vakariņas un atkal Sema nez kā nonāk situācijā, ka vienkārši no rīta pamostas pēc sazin kā noslēgta vakara (nemaz nav aizdomīgi...). Un tad tik sākās - beidzot atklājas, ka Korijs ir viņu apbērnojis un nu viņa ir stāvoklī. Māja, kurā viņa dzīvo, nemaz nav Korija īstā mājvieta, jo tiek izmantota tikai šāda veida darījumiem. Vārtu kods tiek nomainīts, viņai atved aprūpētāju un tiek izteikts piedāvājums - aktrises karjera pret bērnu. Sema saprot, ka, protams, karjera ir svarīgāka par kaut kādu tur bērnu un negribīgi piekrīt. Ar laiku gan viņā pamostas kaut kādas mātes jūtas.
Tad sazin kāda iemesla šajā mājā, kas ir cilvēku tirdzniecības galvenais centrs, tiek rīkota Halovīna ballīte Korija draugu lokam! Sema uzmet sev virsū palagu, notēlo spoku un izbēg pa atvērtajām durvīm...
Tad atkal pēc četriem gadiem - aizmigusi māte, pazudis bērns, aizdomas uz Koriju. Publiskais baseins tiek slēgts, jo ir darba dienas beigas un ko tad viņi tur tā paliks ilgāk, lai sauktu policiju uz notikumu vietu. Labāk lai Sema dodas pati uz iecirkni.
Oi un tad tik sākās - visa valsts meklē mazo puisēnu, tikai viņu un nevienu citu, jo ASV taču tikai pa vienam bērnam pazūd ne vairāki uzreiz, vai ne? Tad viņš ir pazudis nedēļu, pēc pāris rindkopām trīs dienas. Sema neitrāli norāda uz Koriju, par kuru četru gadu laikā nav ziņojusi. It kā nezināja mājas adresi (tik pēc pirmā randiņa uz turieni Uber izsauca), it kā baidījās (bet pēc izbēgšanas devās atpakaļ uz savu dzimto mazpilsētu pie mammas, kur kaut kā četrus gadus bija neatrodama?). Koriju apcietina, mistisko māju atrod, visi saņem pēc nopelniem. Un dēls bija paslēpts Semas pagrabā, lai iegāztu Koriju.
The end.
Ak jā, un Semai ir šizofrēnija (bet acīmredzot izpausmju nav gandrīz nekādu un zāles nav jālieto, bet nez kāpēc šis tika pasniegts kā kaut kas nozīmīgs) un visi, kas viņu satiek, saka, ka viņai ir skaists vārds. 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
First Indie writers out there, thank you. This was a twisted thriller and I loved it. The book kept me hooked.
The ending was great. I’ll be reading more of your books.
I loved your thank you at the end of the book. I didn’t realize how important reviews were to Indie Authors until I seen a post on facebook how important is to leave a review. Actually I think it may have been a post from you.
Hope you don’t mind I copied this to put on my review.
I sincerely thank you for reading this book! If you enjoyed it, a positive review would mean the world to me. Like other small-press and indie authors, I rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations to reach new readers. Please consider leaving a review, even if it’s only a sentence,
The ending was great. I’ll be reading more of your books.
I loved your thank you at the end of the book. I didn’t realize how important reviews were to Indie Authors until I seen a post on facebook how important is to leave a review. Actually I think it may have been a post from you.
Hope you don’t mind I copied this to put on my review.
I sincerely thank you for reading this book! If you enjoyed it, a positive review would mean the world to me. Like other small-press and indie authors, I rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations to reach new readers. Please consider leaving a review, even if it’s only a sentence,
May 27, 2025
The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic
Let me just say… this is the fourth book I’ve read by Nadija Mujagic, and she continues to blow me away. She is absolutely brilliant in everything she writes, and I’ve yet to be disappointed.
The Exchange was packed with twists I didn’t see coming. I was completely lost in the story, feeling every emotion right alongside the main character, Sam. The suspense had me glued to the pages, staying up way too late just to see what would happen next. I literally had to force myself to put it down and get some sleep.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that keep you on edge and turning pages deep into the night, I highly recommend The Exchange—or honestly, any book by Nadija Mujagic. She’s a master of the genre.
Let me just say… this is the fourth book I’ve read by Nadija Mujagic, and she continues to blow me away. She is absolutely brilliant in everything she writes, and I’ve yet to be disappointed.
The Exchange was packed with twists I didn’t see coming. I was completely lost in the story, feeling every emotion right alongside the main character, Sam. The suspense had me glued to the pages, staying up way too late just to see what would happen next. I literally had to force myself to put it down and get some sleep.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that keep you on edge and turning pages deep into the night, I highly recommend The Exchange—or honestly, any book by Nadija Mujagic. She’s a master of the genre.
September 28, 2024
The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a super exciting and twisty thriller story! It has an interesting premise and continues to gain in intensity and suspense throughout!
Sam wants to be an actress and moves to LA to try and fulfill her dreams. Lots of crazy things happen to Sam after her move, but non of them involve acting!
The story really grabbed me and I was super intrigued to keep reading!
The ending of the book was a shocker too! The story is very well written and the author did a fantastic job with the twisty storyline!
This book is out now, and it’s a great read!
Any books from Nadija Mujagic are on my must read list!! 🩷📖🩵📖
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a super exciting and twisty thriller story! It has an interesting premise and continues to gain in intensity and suspense throughout!
Sam wants to be an actress and moves to LA to try and fulfill her dreams. Lots of crazy things happen to Sam after her move, but non of them involve acting!
The story really grabbed me and I was super intrigued to keep reading!
The ending of the book was a shocker too! The story is very well written and the author did a fantastic job with the twisty storyline!
This book is out now, and it’s a great read!
Any books from Nadija Mujagic are on my must read list!! 🩷📖🩵📖
March 4, 2023
Before this book I had never heard of Nadija Mujagic, but now that I have, I am hooked and must read more of her amazing work. As a mother the first chapter definitely set the mood of the book, Sam’s four-year-old son Jake goes missing from the local public pool. Heart racing, I couldn’t put the book down and before I realized I was nearly halfway through the book needing to learn more. Chapter two is the first-time jump, going back four years to before she had her son. Living in small towns I understand her hunger for something bigger and better.
Her dream is to be an actress, so she starts by looking for an agent to represent her, to help her get into the industry. When Stacy Goldberg responds saying she will only discuss things with her in person 5 days later Sam has no choice but to quickly find an apartment and get a bus ticket to L.A.. Our dreams never seem to play out the way they do in our heads, no matter how many different paths you think of and Sam’s were no different. Her first meeting ends with her feeling confused and like her career is already over. Stacy tells Sam she has “the look” and then tells her you either parish or persist. While trying to figure out how to go about auditioning she begins working as a barista at a local café. Michael her new coworker who freelances as a writer asks her to dinner, declining she says she’s not currently in a good place. Only other than not being attracted to him her biggest fear in any new situation is anyone getting closer to her and wanting to dig into her dirty past. By the age of six Sam had lost her paternal grandparents, the only ones she ever knew, and her father. After her fathers death her mother seemed to care more about her next high than her daughter so she learned to be independent at a young age. Only Sam has a deep dark secret, a secret so terrible that she not only has to keep it from her mother, best friend, and small town but from herself.
Will Sam parish or persist in the world of acting? How does the handsome stranger she meets at work play into her dream? Is it possible for her to continue to keep her secret after all these years? The world the author creates is realistic, no sugar coating on the ways of the world while always keeping her character relatable. The twists and turns this book had kept me entranced from page one and I couldn’t stop until I was done.
Her dream is to be an actress, so she starts by looking for an agent to represent her, to help her get into the industry. When Stacy Goldberg responds saying she will only discuss things with her in person 5 days later Sam has no choice but to quickly find an apartment and get a bus ticket to L.A.. Our dreams never seem to play out the way they do in our heads, no matter how many different paths you think of and Sam’s were no different. Her first meeting ends with her feeling confused and like her career is already over. Stacy tells Sam she has “the look” and then tells her you either parish or persist. While trying to figure out how to go about auditioning she begins working as a barista at a local café. Michael her new coworker who freelances as a writer asks her to dinner, declining she says she’s not currently in a good place. Only other than not being attracted to him her biggest fear in any new situation is anyone getting closer to her and wanting to dig into her dirty past. By the age of six Sam had lost her paternal grandparents, the only ones she ever knew, and her father. After her fathers death her mother seemed to care more about her next high than her daughter so she learned to be independent at a young age. Only Sam has a deep dark secret, a secret so terrible that she not only has to keep it from her mother, best friend, and small town but from herself.
Will Sam parish or persist in the world of acting? How does the handsome stranger she meets at work play into her dream? Is it possible for her to continue to keep her secret after all these years? The world the author creates is realistic, no sugar coating on the ways of the world while always keeping her character relatable. The twists and turns this book had kept me entranced from page one and I couldn’t stop until I was done.
March 2, 2023
After graduation Sam leaves her small hometown behind her to move to LA and start a career in acting. Once in LA it is not as easy as Sam was hoping that it would be nor is life as she had expected. Her apartment is rundown, the neighborhood she lives in is rampant with crime, and her money is running out. Things start to look up for Sam when she lands a meeting with a talent agent, but her hopes are quickly dashed when the agent rejects her. With her hopes and dreams suddenly shattered Sam starts to look for a job to make ends meet. She finds a small coffee shop that hires her immediately and she eagerly accepts the job.
While at work an attractive man comes into the coffee shop and flirts with Sam who instantly becomes smitten with him. Cory promises her that he can help her with her acting career and takes her under his wing. He helps her out of her desperate situation and offers her a room in his house where she can feel safe. It does not take long before Sam realizes that something is not right with her living situation but with nowhere else to go, and no money, or job, she brushes off her uneasy feeling. When Sam becomes pregnant Cory offers a proposition that seems too good to be true. He can make all her acting dreams come true in exchange for her child.
Four years go by, and Sam is living a normal life and raising her child on her own. When her child suddenly goes missing without a trace Sam wonders if Cory has made good on the deal and taken her child. She is desperate to find her son, at any cost, but what will that cost be? To what lengths will Sam go to in order to save her child?
This book was a brilliant read and I instantly fell in love with the character of Sam. She was smart, determined, strong, and never gave up hope no matter how dire the situation became. She kept her wits about her when most others would have given up all hope and fallen into despair. Cory was superficially charming but something sinister lurked under the surface. This book took some twists and turns that I did not suspect coming and they caught me off-guard. To say that Sam was clever is an understatement. Wow, just wow! I will not spoil it; you will have to read it for yourself. Brilliantly written!
While at work an attractive man comes into the coffee shop and flirts with Sam who instantly becomes smitten with him. Cory promises her that he can help her with her acting career and takes her under his wing. He helps her out of her desperate situation and offers her a room in his house where she can feel safe. It does not take long before Sam realizes that something is not right with her living situation but with nowhere else to go, and no money, or job, she brushes off her uneasy feeling. When Sam becomes pregnant Cory offers a proposition that seems too good to be true. He can make all her acting dreams come true in exchange for her child.
Four years go by, and Sam is living a normal life and raising her child on her own. When her child suddenly goes missing without a trace Sam wonders if Cory has made good on the deal and taken her child. She is desperate to find her son, at any cost, but what will that cost be? To what lengths will Sam go to in order to save her child?
This book was a brilliant read and I instantly fell in love with the character of Sam. She was smart, determined, strong, and never gave up hope no matter how dire the situation became. She kept her wits about her when most others would have given up all hope and fallen into despair. Cory was superficially charming but something sinister lurked under the surface. This book took some twists and turns that I did not suspect coming and they caught me off-guard. To say that Sam was clever is an understatement. Wow, just wow! I will not spoil it; you will have to read it for yourself. Brilliantly written!
February 11, 2023
The Exchange
By: Nadija Mujagic
This was such an amazing suspenseful book! I was completely unable to put this book down until I finished it. I literally lost sleep over this book and I do not regret it one book. This book had such an interesting premise but it also focused on how many people make decisions they regret if they are in Los Angeles trying to find their big break. I truly don’t want to give too much information as I don’t want to risk spoiling this book for anyone. The premise is this - Sam flees to L.A. escaping her small town and her past. This is where she meets Corey, who woos her and charms her. He also offers her a big break. But it comes with the agreement to do some questionable things. Corey takes her and the reader on an absolutely insane psychological ride. I definitely recommend this book, just make sure to start it when you have time to finish it. I can guarantee you won’t put it down.
By: Nadija Mujagic
This was such an amazing suspenseful book! I was completely unable to put this book down until I finished it. I literally lost sleep over this book and I do not regret it one book. This book had such an interesting premise but it also focused on how many people make decisions they regret if they are in Los Angeles trying to find their big break. I truly don’t want to give too much information as I don’t want to risk spoiling this book for anyone. The premise is this - Sam flees to L.A. escaping her small town and her past. This is where she meets Corey, who woos her and charms her. He also offers her a big break. But it comes with the agreement to do some questionable things. Corey takes her and the reader on an absolutely insane psychological ride. I definitely recommend this book, just make sure to start it when you have time to finish it. I can guarantee you won’t put it down.
February 10, 2024
Twists, turns and a mystery
Sam wants to be an actress and she moves to LA leaving her small town behind. Not only is she leaving her small town, she is trying to go beyond her guilt at something she had done when she had been younger.
She and her mother have grown estranged over the years and her only friend in the small town is Michelle. In this situation, she meets Corey, who promises to get her an opening in the movies.
The story moves on as she finds herself out of a job she gets in LA and she receives help from Corey.
Then Sam slowly comes to know more about the mysterious Corey and what he wants from her.
The story then goes awry as nothing goes as planned for Sam.
Then comes the twists, turns and plenty of intrigue as things move too fast for Sam to understand. She has no choice but to come back home and then there are even more shocking things waiting for her.
Nice twisting mystery.
Sam wants to be an actress and she moves to LA leaving her small town behind. Not only is she leaving her small town, she is trying to go beyond her guilt at something she had done when she had been younger.
She and her mother have grown estranged over the years and her only friend in the small town is Michelle. In this situation, she meets Corey, who promises to get her an opening in the movies.
The story moves on as she finds herself out of a job she gets in LA and she receives help from Corey.
Then Sam slowly comes to know more about the mysterious Corey and what he wants from her.
The story then goes awry as nothing goes as planned for Sam.
Then comes the twists, turns and plenty of intrigue as things move too fast for Sam to understand. She has no choice but to come back home and then there are even more shocking things waiting for her.
Nice twisting mystery.
February 15, 2023
Nadija Mujagic’s The Exchange will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what twists and turns it will take next! I could not put this book down, right from the very beginning you are thrown into a mystery that will keep you asking, what happened to Jake? I love how the author starts chapter 1 with what is happening right NOW and then in chapter 2 she takes you back to the past 4 years prior and leads you back to the present to finish the book. Be prepared to be shocked at all the things that Sam goes through in her life before she gets back to her search for Jake. You will fall in love with several of the characters and others you grow to despise, beware that not everyone is who you think they are! There are parts that will have you in tears, and other times that you will be gnawing at your fingernails, anxious about what is going to happen next.
@BrandyRymer 2/2023
@BrandyRymer 2/2023
March 4, 2023
This book took me for a rollercoaster ride! I hadn’t read anything by Nadija Mujagic before, but they are definitely on my watch list now. I love psychological thrillers so this was right up my alley. When you think of moving to LA to chase your dreams of becoming an actress, you get the feeling it will be difficult but worth it, right? Once Sam graduated high school, she decided to do just that and leave quite the secret behind her. Only she didn’t realize just what was in store for her. She was receiving rejections left and right until she met Corey. He swears he can help her achieve her dreams if she does him the small favor of giving him a child. I won’t give anything away but WOW! This book kept me glued to the pages and had twists that I never saw coming. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a go if you enjoy psychological thrillers!
February 26, 2023
The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic is a psychological thriller about Sam Crawford, a small-town high school grad that goes to L.A. to pursue her dreams of being an actress. While Sam has trouble making it she meets a man named Corey who will open doors for Sam in exchange for her giving him a child. This book has a very interesting premise and I was very excited to jump into it. I have to say this story really has you going. There are so many twists and turns and not all that easy to figure out. Sam is a very naive character and as you go along this journey with her you really root for her. I found myself unable to put this book down. The author is very good at holding your interest. This was a very entertaining story.
July 13, 2025
Y’all! From the first page, The Exchange had me hooked. Sam’s chasing fame in L.A., but behind the glitz is a world full of shadows—and Corey is the smooth-talking devil hiding in plain sight. He promises everything she’s ever wanted, but the price? Chilling.
This book is pure adrenaline. Secrets, suspense, and shocking twists fly fast. Mujagic masterfully blends the bright lights of ambition with the dark corners of manipulation. You feel the tension in your chest, taste the danger in every scene, and you can’t stop flipping pages.
Sam is bold, broken, and brilliant—a survivor you can’t help but root for. And Corey? So charming it’s terrifying.
Fast-paced, twisty, and deeply unsettling in the best way. A must-read for thriller lovers.
This book is pure adrenaline. Secrets, suspense, and shocking twists fly fast. Mujagic masterfully blends the bright lights of ambition with the dark corners of manipulation. You feel the tension in your chest, taste the danger in every scene, and you can’t stop flipping pages.
Sam is bold, broken, and brilliant—a survivor you can’t help but root for. And Corey? So charming it’s terrifying.
Fast-paced, twisty, and deeply unsettling in the best way. A must-read for thriller lovers.
July 16, 2025
Another outstanding book by Nadija, had me hooked from the beginning. Sam's dream to become an Actress took her on a dark journey where her acting skills served her well!!! 'Corey' was a slimeball who seemed like her answer to all her problems but really, it was only the beginning of them. That ending though....WTAF Nadija? I loved Sam's character, she was innocent, vulnerable and ruthless at the same time. Thanks so much, Daisy Adam's and I will now get acquainted for my next reads x
July 26, 2024
This was quite the suspenseful story. I found it a quick read. There were a few predictable spots. It's an original story that will have you feeling the suspense. The characters are young and modern, so they are fairly relatable. The story flows well. I enjoyed it. I loved the suspense and it kept me glued till the end.
July 26, 2024
Sam cannot wait to flee her hometown and her big secret and go to L.A. to chase her dream of being an actress. It’s not as easy as she thought, but then she meets Corey. He’s charming, and offers to help her acting career with one condition. This book had me on edge, rooting for Sam, and dying to know what was going to happen. I was shocked at the end!
February 21, 2023
Sam is young and naive. She moves to LA to pursue an acting career. When she loses her job unexpectedly, she trusts Corey to help her. Her life takes a turn and she must try to save herself. Her decisions have consequences for years to come.
April 13, 2024
Editor needed, but not bad
The further the story progressed, the more the writing felt rushed. A good editor would have made a substantial difference. But overall, it’s a decent book.
The further the story progressed, the more the writing felt rushed. A good editor would have made a substantial difference. But overall, it’s a decent book.
June 26, 2025
Wow! This was an unputdownable read for me. It's a great twisty thriller that kept me reading to the end. Sam Crawford has acting plans in her future. She meets Corey and everything changes. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. Amazing!
November 12, 2025
Unfortunately, this book was not as good as it could have been. I liked the base of the storyline and it had the potential to be really good, but there were parts of the story that just didn’t fit and made it confusing at times. I also wasn’t surprised by the ending at all.
December 31, 2025
I got this in a 3box set and this one kept me engaged the whole time. I was trying to figure out who was who and how this was going to end. when Sam found out the plan, I thought she would succumb. would she allow her dream of being an actress to come at whatever cost?
March 23, 2023
Story was pretty good. The huge twist at rhe end was underwhelming. Characters were underdeveloped.
July 14, 2024
Read this book in one sitting. That ending was unexpected, given the character's profile. Good read!
March 4, 2025
really good book
I read this in a couple days. Great creative storyline you don’t see coming. It has you thinking all over the place but never where it goes.
I read this in a couple days. Great creative storyline you don’t see coming. It has you thinking all over the place but never where it goes.
March 16, 2025
The suspense keeps you going through this book as soon as you think you know what is going to happen then boom a twist I definitely did not expect!! I will definitely be recommending this book!
July 15, 2025
meeeh!
February 24, 2023
Haunting. Bizarre. Suspenseful. Twisted. Tormenting. Sad. Hollow.
These are a few words to describe this novel as well as how it left me feeling at the end. This one will grip you from the first page and leave you possibly doing a happy dance and throwing a victory fist in the end.
Samantha "Sam" has had enough of her mother and living in New Mexico. Her sights are set on the big lights of California and the dream of becoming a well-known actress. Once she gets confirmation of an audition, Sam sets the wheels in motion to find an apartment and get herself out to California. When the audition doesn't go as planned, Sam looks for work and has to look no further than a local coffee shop. She's given a warning the first day of work to never be late and has no intentions of doing so. Her co-worker Michael is giving her some weird vibes and her boss...well he's a bit of a creep but he's given her an opportunity to work while looking for her big break.
Then Corey enters her life. He has a nice car, a huge house with a pool, and seems to be on the right track in life. Afterall, he has a friend who is going to introduce Sam to the right people and get her the auditions she's been after. Corey isn't around much though. He's flying important people all around the world.
Things start to get weird for Sam and she finds out she's pregnant, although she doesn't remember doing anything that would cause that for her. That's when Corey drops the bomb on her that she's to exchange her baby for her acting career. Sam starts to find out that she really can't trust anyone she knows and something isn't sure she should trust herself.
This book isn't going to be for everyone. There are several issues that could be triggers for certain people. I did find this book enjoyable though and was a bit intrigued as to how it all happened right up until the very end. There were parts of the story that did seem to drag some but overall, a recommended read.
These are a few words to describe this novel as well as how it left me feeling at the end. This one will grip you from the first page and leave you possibly doing a happy dance and throwing a victory fist in the end.
Samantha "Sam" has had enough of her mother and living in New Mexico. Her sights are set on the big lights of California and the dream of becoming a well-known actress. Once she gets confirmation of an audition, Sam sets the wheels in motion to find an apartment and get herself out to California. When the audition doesn't go as planned, Sam looks for work and has to look no further than a local coffee shop. She's given a warning the first day of work to never be late and has no intentions of doing so. Her co-worker Michael is giving her some weird vibes and her boss...well he's a bit of a creep but he's given her an opportunity to work while looking for her big break.
Then Corey enters her life. He has a nice car, a huge house with a pool, and seems to be on the right track in life. Afterall, he has a friend who is going to introduce Sam to the right people and get her the auditions she's been after. Corey isn't around much though. He's flying important people all around the world.
Things start to get weird for Sam and she finds out she's pregnant, although she doesn't remember doing anything that would cause that for her. That's when Corey drops the bomb on her that she's to exchange her baby for her acting career. Sam starts to find out that she really can't trust anyone she knows and something isn't sure she should trust herself.
This book isn't going to be for everyone. There are several issues that could be triggers for certain people. I did find this book enjoyable though and was a bit intrigued as to how it all happened right up until the very end. There were parts of the story that did seem to drag some but overall, a recommended read.
February 23, 2023
3 Stars
The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic is the first book that I have read by this author. It popped up on my recommended book list and after seeing the cover and reading the blurb, I was intrigued. I picked up a copy and jumped right in.
The premise promises a thrilling suspense, with a psychological edge, mystery, drama, twists, manipulation, intrigue, an ‘exchange/bargain gone wrong, and more. And for the most part it was a gripping read. But, I had anticipated being on the edge of my seat the whole way through- and that wasn’t the case here. It was definitely intriguing, and had some gripping, twisted moments- but I felt the story was much slower and more predictable than I had expected. I was hyped up for an intense read, so it fell a little short, for me. There were a few unexpected developments which were what kept me turning the pages to find out how it all played out in the end. I was a little frustrated throughout the story, as I really think this has so much more potential to be a stellar story, but just missed the mark. It didn’t help that I found the transitions to be quite abrupt, which disrupted the flow of the story (for me) as I had to ‘settle’ back into the groove every time.
Sam Moves to L.A. looking for her big break- but the doors to success remained shut. So when she’s offered help to realise her dreams- she thinks things are finally looking up for her, then things take an interesting turn. A bargain is reached, an ‘exchange’ agreed upon. But things go a bit awry along the way. What happens? You’ll need to read all the dramatic developments for yourself…
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Nadija Mujagic!
The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic is the first book that I have read by this author. It popped up on my recommended book list and after seeing the cover and reading the blurb, I was intrigued. I picked up a copy and jumped right in.
The premise promises a thrilling suspense, with a psychological edge, mystery, drama, twists, manipulation, intrigue, an ‘exchange/bargain gone wrong, and more. And for the most part it was a gripping read. But, I had anticipated being on the edge of my seat the whole way through- and that wasn’t the case here. It was definitely intriguing, and had some gripping, twisted moments- but I felt the story was much slower and more predictable than I had expected. I was hyped up for an intense read, so it fell a little short, for me. There were a few unexpected developments which were what kept me turning the pages to find out how it all played out in the end. I was a little frustrated throughout the story, as I really think this has so much more potential to be a stellar story, but just missed the mark. It didn’t help that I found the transitions to be quite abrupt, which disrupted the flow of the story (for me) as I had to ‘settle’ back into the groove every time.
Sam Moves to L.A. looking for her big break- but the doors to success remained shut. So when she’s offered help to realise her dreams- she thinks things are finally looking up for her, then things take an interesting turn. A bargain is reached, an ‘exchange’ agreed upon. But things go a bit awry along the way. What happens? You’ll need to read all the dramatic developments for yourself…
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Nadija Mujagic!
February 11, 2023
Such a twisted and bizarre novel. I didn’t love it but I still couldn’t put it down either. The Exchange is definitely an experience. The author makes you feel the negative feelings projected. The author makes you root for the lead female character. Those two things are what kept me invested. Everything I was thinking was going on when I first started was definitely wrong. A fre of the minor details were right, but the rest I was far off. It’s nice when the author can artfully surprise you. Well I was definitely surprised.
Sam had big dreams. Moving to LA and becoming an actress. So much belief in herself, till she got there. She couldn’t get an audition, she couldn’t get an acting job. She had no choice but to answer a classified, little did she know that classified would change her life forever.
Corey’s a charmer. It took him very little to woo Sam. Take her on dates, convince her to move in just to make things easier for them. Once he has her in his mits he abandons her. Ceases contact and leaves her stranded with no wifi, cell, or phone service.
Was that his intention?
Did Corey really abandon Sam?
Those questions are few questions, when this book causes millions. Though it also answers every single, which is what keeps one interested and intrigued.
A psychological thriller at its best! Can be a slight trigger warning but definitely worth the read!
Sam had big dreams. Moving to LA and becoming an actress. So much belief in herself, till she got there. She couldn’t get an audition, she couldn’t get an acting job. She had no choice but to answer a classified, little did she know that classified would change her life forever.
Corey’s a charmer. It took him very little to woo Sam. Take her on dates, convince her to move in just to make things easier for them. Once he has her in his mits he abandons her. Ceases contact and leaves her stranded with no wifi, cell, or phone service.
Was that his intention?
Did Corey really abandon Sam?
Those questions are few questions, when this book causes millions. Though it also answers every single, which is what keeps one interested and intrigued.
A psychological thriller at its best! Can be a slight trigger warning but definitely worth the read!
February 16, 2023
This was a really gripping read. The twists and turns in this book had my head spinning and completely took me by surprise. The author writes in a way that you really get to feel every emotion that the lead character goes through. Her childhood is traumatic and she seems easily taken advantage of. Sam's naivety really leads her into some dangerous and scary situations as she finds her way in life.
I also like how the author starts at the present day with her little boy going missing before going back and telling us the tale of how she got to this situation in the first place.
Sam leaves her past behind her and moves to LA to become an actress. However her plans aren't working out how she wants. That is until she meets Corey.
Corey is a charmer, he sweeps her off her feet and promises her everything she desires in return he wants her to have a baby.
And so begins the twisted tale but when she is left alone but imprisoned its not the dream she imagined.
Fast forward 4 years later and her little boy goes missing. Is this Corey finally making the exchange complete? Who is really the bad guy in this tale?
This book was great in that you don't know who to trust, who to believe and who is the actual mastermind and who is the person dragged along for the ride.
I also like how the author starts at the present day with her little boy going missing before going back and telling us the tale of how she got to this situation in the first place.
Sam leaves her past behind her and moves to LA to become an actress. However her plans aren't working out how she wants. That is until she meets Corey.
Corey is a charmer, he sweeps her off her feet and promises her everything she desires in return he wants her to have a baby.
And so begins the twisted tale but when she is left alone but imprisoned its not the dream she imagined.
Fast forward 4 years later and her little boy goes missing. Is this Corey finally making the exchange complete? Who is really the bad guy in this tale?
This book was great in that you don't know who to trust, who to believe and who is the actual mastermind and who is the person dragged along for the ride.
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