Quick take
A social project backfires and creates a delicious upper-elite drama that's just oh-so fun to witness.
Good to know
Fast read
Female friendships
LOL
Snarky
Synopsis
Julia Summers seems to have it all: a Fifth Avenue apartment, a successful husband, and two adorable children attending the best private school in the city. She relishes wielding influence over her well-heeled girlfriends . . . but her star appears to be fading. That's why, when stranded in Manhattan for the summer as the entire Upper East Side flees to the Hamptons, Julia is on the hunt for the next big thing--the hot, new fad that will put her back on top.
Enter Flame, the new elite fitness craze. Seductive and transformative, Flame is exactly what Julia needs—and demure, naïve instructor Tatum is her ticket in. Turning Tatum from giggly blonde to trendy guru proves hard work. Yet Julia's triumphant comeback at summer's end doesn't quite go as planned, and when things suddenly get ugly—and even deadly—she realizes she may have been in way over her head. And Tatum, waiting in the wings, begins to grasp just how much power her newfound stardom holds . . .
Then, with Julia's life already spiraling out of control, her husband is arrested for fraud and bribery. As her so-called friends turn their backs on her, and Tatum pursues her own agenda, Julia is forced to rethink everything she knew about her world to reclaim her perfect life.
But does she even want it back?
Member ratings (884)
Kristin C.
Morganville, NJ
Yes, it’s a fun easy read, but it’s also smart and the characters have a little more depth than expected. I grew up in the manhattan private school scene and these characters feel VERY true to life.
Hilary M.
Clovis, CA
A book for any female that has tried too hard to make or keep friends. I felt for the main character bec most females have been in similar situations. It really opens your eyes to who true friends are
Alisa W.
Canton, MS
We've all had that one friend who we think we can "help them be better versions of themselves" aka what we want and this book is the power struggle that unfolds when that happens. An easy, fun read!
Nicole A.
Mesa, AZ
Its give you new understand between Julie and Tatum relationship of frenemies. How much are willing to pay on top vs modern life without lots luxurys. She does discover who more important in life.
Jennifer W.
Hibbing, MN
I always dreamed of living in the upper East side, but after reading this book, I’ve realized their lives are nowhere near perfect. Great read and different than what I normally buy. Loved it!