High school reporter, Sloane Masterson, must investigate a story involving hot new guy Hayden Lancaster, but the story turns into more than she could've imagined. Sloane Masterson is a reporter for her high school's newspaper. She's quirky, obsessed with all things horror and has plans to one day be a screenwriter in LA. She's not one to go with the crowd and she always speaks her mind. She does have confidence issues, thanks to many classmates, but she tries her best to ignore and overcome them.
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The editor of the paper, Devin, is a perv that often stares at Sloane's voluptuous chest (one of the things she's self-conscious about). Devin has assigned her to a possible hacking story, the subject being Hayden Lancaster. Hayden is the hot new guy at school and just so happens to be Sloane's crush. So, obviously, she has no problem “studying” him.
While eating lunch with her best friend, Viola, Sloane is distracted by Hayden arguing with his younger brother, Zach. During what appears to be a rather heated discussion, Sloane observes Hayden bending a fork, possibly with his mind. Her journalism side, of course, is intrigued. She wonders if there's much more to Hayden than just some lame hacking story.
Not long after the day of the insane fork-bending incident, Sloane is observing Hayden outside school. She spies a dog wandering in the road and before she is able to get to it, a vehicle appears, heading straight for the defenseless animal. Suddenly, there's a flash and when Sloane looks up, Hayden is holding the dog, now in the direct path of the vehicle. Thankfully, the vehicle screeches to a halt, barely grazing the rescuer's legs.
Another crazy happening that makes Sloane's imagination stir. How was Hayden able to get to the dog so quickly? Is it teleportation? Is he some kind of superhero? Well, Sloane doesn't have the chance to find out. Hayden is called by his brother and has to make a quick escape, while Sloane is left with returning the animal to its owners.
When Hayden later confronts Sloane about her “observing” habits, she lies about the reason, claiming she needs to interview him for the paper since he's a new student. It takes some convincing, but Hayden eventually lets Sloane interview him. (The interviewing continues over a few different sessions.) Only he gives what seem to be humorous responses, like he was born in a secret government lab. Obviously, Sloane laughs it off. She does throw in a few questions regarding the unusual incidences, but doesn't learn anything helpful.
One day, while researching the internet for reasons of Hayden's powers, Sloane's phone chimes, indicating a text message. To her surprise, it's Hayden. He insists on coming to see her so they can talk.
He's concerned about him being in the school paper, so he offers a deal—the two of them get to know one another and for now his family will be left out of the paper, with the condition that they remain only friends. Sloane couldn't pass up the chance to have more time with Hayden, friends or not, so she agrees.
On this same day, Sloane missteps and staggers into the road, right in front of an oncoming vehicle. Hayden's quick reaction shoves Sloane to safety, allowing himself to be hit…hard. Sloane rushes to his side, but he lays there, motionless. Finally, he comes to and begs Sloane to take him to his brother. She tries to calm him down, telling him there's an ambulance on the way. But he is adamant and finally confesses that he can't be found out. It's a vague hint, but Sloane knows it's serious so she obliges.
She gets him to his brother, but is told to go home after arriving there. She reluctantly leaves. This same day, she finds a strange-looking SUV parked not far from her house. It gives her the feeling of being watched, but she quickly dismisses it.
The next day, Hayden messages Sloane to meet him and she quickly agrees. On this very day, during a guessing game, Sloane guesses what he is. Hayden Lancaster is a hybrid-alien (part human, part alien).
He tells the story of how his extraterrestrial family came to be—how his great grandfather was a human in the military and was working with a special-ops program where they would connect human DNA with an ancient alien race; how, as a hybrid-alien, he has advanced-intelligence and has the power to heal quickly and even teleport. He explains the laws of not sharing these secrets and how dangerous it can be, but how he trusts Sloane and feels the need to tell her everything. She accepts what he tells her, promising to keep his secrets safe.
The story continues and the relationship between Sloane and Hayden strengthens. The friendship that was agreed upon transpires into something that neither can control. They have this connection, this need to be with one another. This is, of course, despite others (mainly Hayden's brother) trying to keep them apart. And like any other young couple in love, there are obstacles and doubts that arise, such as continuing in a relationship when they are from two different worlds or when parents don't approve.
And let's not forget Sloane's occasional feelings of being stalked, thanks to the SUV that keeps showing up at odd times and the added mysterious man in dark glasses. Come to find out, the mystery man is from the government and suspects Hayden of sharing his secrets with Sloane. Hayden convinces the government agent that he and Sloane are only friends, but this doesn't stop the agent from continuing to spy on them. This turns out to be a good thing—his spying. At a late night friends outing, Hayden and Sloane are confronted by other hybrid-aliens that feel Sloane is a risk. The agent comes in to save them at the last minute, allowing Hayden and Sloane to leave, unharmed.
The same night of the confrontation, after escaping to a family cottage, the couple is attacked by the before mentioned hybrid-aliens. Hayden is beaten, while Sloane is kidnapped and taken to an abandoned warehouse.
The plan is to kill the human, to be rid of the risk. Sloane is left alone in the warehouse with a female hybrid and puts up a good fight, stabbing her assailant. Before a male hybrid reenters the room, Hayden shows up and saves Sloane's life from the gun-holding bad guy.
Calvary soon arrives in a much nicer hybrid-alien and the government agent. For now, Sloane and Hayden are safe and out of harm's way, but this could very well be temporary because other hybrids may not be as accepting of their unusual relationship. Sloane happily swears to secrecy. After all, her life is at stake.
In the end, after everything that has happened—all the dangers, the kidnapping, the threats—Hayden decides to end the relationship that he and Sloane had worked so hard for. She, of course, is devastated and tries to talk him out of it, but his mind is made up.
The story ends with Sloane returning home, emotional and exhausted. After entering through the kitchen door, ready to hide out in her bedroom, a brilliant light illuminates the living room. Sloane immediately panics (with good reason!). When she walks towards the light, she finds her dad…who just teleported into the living room……
Best part of story, including ending:
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written book, with its dynamic and spunky characters. The book keeps you interested from page one, with an amazing suspenseful love story.
Best scene in story:
Outside the abandoned warehouse, where they almost didn't make it out alive, Sloane and Hayden are sharing a passionate kiss. Breaking the embrace, Hayden confesses that he's falling in love and will do whatever it takes to make things right.
Opinion about the main character:
I like that Sloane Masterson isn't afraid to go against the crowd. She always stands her ground and fights for what she believes in, including her relationship with Hayden.
