Two and a half stars. I disliked the first book I read of the author's. This one was a much better experience. It was believable mostly. The plot contrivances were there for reasons, you know? And they were...less. I was glad this was a dual POV. It was interesting! The dynamics between the parents and kids versus the stepparents and kids would have...maybe been explored in another novel. The two plotlines were so different from one another. I have no sympathy for cheaters. The dad was pardoned over and over and over and I was so annoyed, and even at the end, he barely took any responsibility for his behavior. The unspoken view the whole family had was "we need to get over this immediately and suddenly because it's been seventeen years". VERILY AND YEA, PLOT CONTRIVANCE. Oh, -now- you're gonna discuss all that stuff and come to a neat resolution? Not realistically, you're not. It's because the author needed to wrap up the subplots in the book so it could end. The last few chapters had them trying to figure stuff out and become a blended family, but it was shoved into maybe fifty pages when that needed to be an entire book. With all the dad's wealth, why didn't he consider family therapy? Selfish, and in denial of the fact that this whole thing is indeed his doing. He is getting everything he ever wanted throughout the book. I did not like the dad one single bit. Nana was basically a twist villain in regards to the family, which I disliked.

I don't know if the slave game was based off a real event. In my mind, it could easily have been. I thought about the consequences the kids faced for awhile. It came off as melodrama really, which, ugh, fine.
And yet, I do wonder what a third book from this author would address. ( )

A brothers determination to clear his brothers name after the murder of their friend uncovers a racist game involving fellow classmates.

The Trudeau brothers live contrasting lives. Amir and Marcel Trudeau are step-brothers who are not close. Marcel's 16th birthday is attended by many of their fellow classmates. Chloe Danvers encourages Amir to attend his party, not knowing Amir's life is about to change drastically. Chloe's lifeless body is found by Amir after she asks him to stay with her for fear of something bad happening. Amir becomes the prime suspect of her murder after she is found at her home. Marcel's determination to clear his brothers name uncovers a slave game and its ties to a prominent family.

I loved the dynamics of the Trudeau brothers created by Jumata Emill. Step families can be challenging as both brothers discover. Marcel's detective skills were fun to read as he is determined to clear his brothers name. This is a heart warming story of a brotherly bond formed out of heartache and death of a friend. I highly recommend this book. ( )