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When Nobody’s Watching
Class Action: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You follows a third-year law student who is unexpectedly drawn into a cheating scheme, where it threatens to derail her entire academic career while trying to balance her personal life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been intrigued by the idea that true character is exhibited when you take the high road even when there’s nobody watching. Behaving in an ethical manner and doing the right thing isn’t always convenient or expedient, but Lennon’s moral compass is unwavering. I love that about her.
What do you think were some of the defining moments in Lennon’s development?
When I first introduced 18-year-old Lennon Gallagher to readers in the 3rd book in the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series: Miranda Fights, she was a lonely young woman with trust issues. She had been in and out of foster homes and it wasn’t until she met Attorney Miranda Quinn that she developed the confidence to pursue an education and live a life of purpose. Other defining moments were turning down an opportunity for an ‘easy A’, discovering the truth about her father and meeting restaurant mogul Nick Russo.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I like to present obstacles and challenges to my characters, i.e. plot twists, to show how they respond, grow and develop over the course of the story. For Lennon, character wins out over convenience every time.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
Great question! The sequel to CLASS ACTION: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You is CLASS REUNION: Keep Your Friends CLOSER. Watch for it 10/1/26. Here’s a hint; Lennon’s up for partner at a top law firm and is planning her wedding. Everything is going great… until it’s not!
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Third year law student Lennon Gallagher’s life turns from complicated to overwhelming when she receives a message meant for someone else. The text offers an advance copy of a final exam—a guaranteed “A”—but accepting it will violate the honors code she refuses to break. When Lennon declines, the collaborators behind the cheating scheme demand her silence or they will ensure she takes the fall if necessary.
Fighting for her future while balancing an internship, exams, studying for the bar, a boyfriend who no longer seems to understand her, and a mother who needs help rebuilding her life after prison, Lennon tries to handle everything alone. But when she discovers the lead plaintiff in her firm’s class action lawsuit might be the father she’s never known, it’s the final straw. She needs help.
Class Action: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You
In Class Action by Gail Ward, we meet Lennon Gallagher, a third-year law student and non-legacy, who is unexpectedly drawn into a cheating scheme that threatens to derail her entire academic career. Readers of Olmsted’s Miranda Quin Legal Twist series may recognize Lennon from an earlier story. For newcomers, both Lennon and Miranda will feel fresh, making this book an ideal entry point for new readers while still providing familiar faces for longtime fans.
Unlike legacy students who benefit from family connections and inherited expectations, Lennon’s path through law school is defined by her outsider status and determination to succeed on her own terms. When she becomes entangled in a cheating scheme, she is forced to grapple with difficult moral and ethical dilemmas, as well as the relentless pressures of academic competition and the challenges faced by those without institutional privilege or support. Through Lennon’s story, Olmsted examines the complexities of integrity, ambition, and the demanding realities of legal education. With the added strain of personal relationships, Lennon must decide not only what she truly wants for herself but also who she can trust.
Olmsted’s narrative deftly balances the tension between personal ambition and collective responsibility, illustrating how Lennon’s decisions reverberate not only through her own life but also impact her peers and the broader academic community. The depiction of law school culture, marked by late nights, fierce competition, and the ever-present temptation to cut corners, feels authentic and immediate. Readers will find themselves empathizing with Lennon’s struggle to maintain her principles while navigating a system that often rewards those willing to bend the rules.
Those who are interested in legal thrillers with some added romance and tension, look no further than Class Action by Gail Olmsted. The strong characters, the incredible intricacies, and the excellent storytelling are all ripe for the reading.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0FHZVT6JX
The Last Rays of Ra
In The Last Rays of Ra, Karina McRoberts crafts a narrative that intertwines crime, magic, and ancient history, transporting readers on an adventurous journey alongside the novel’s central character, Vahlona Selket Faralay. Set against the backdrop of a series of perplexing murders in London, Scotland Yard Detective Jackson Randolph enlists the expertise of Egyptologist Vahlona. Their quest for a mysterious ancient artifact connected to the crimes takes Vahlona to Egypt, where she confronts various challenges, from dealing with dangerous terrorists and misogynistic police officers to facing the perils of the natural world.
McRoberts’s writing style is notable for its vivid atmosphere, effectively contrasting the brisk ambiance of London with the warmth of Egypt. This descriptive prowess immerses readers in diverse settings while maintaining a focus on the unraveling mystery. The novel is a testament to McRoberts’s ability to blend elements from multiple genres, creating a captivating reading experience. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities that add depth to the story. The pacing is skillfully managed, effectively maintaining reader engagement from start to finish. The narrative gains momentum towards the end, offering an exhilarating pace that brings the story to a dynamic conclusion, although some readers might appreciate a more gradual resolution. The book’s strengths, particularly in world-building and character development, make it a compelling read.
The Last Rays of Ra is a remarkable work of fiction that seamlessly blends multiple genres. McRoberts’s writing style is engaging and captivating, which makes the book an immersive experience for the readers. The storyline is particularly appealing to fans of historical mysteries and those who enjoy exploring ancient cultures. With its vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters, The Last Rays of Ra is a must-read for anyone interested in a thrilling adventure that takes them on an unforgettable journey.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0CYPVG46Y
LITERARY TITAN 