Paige Skye

In "The Retreat" by Paige Skye, a seemingly idyllic summer camp turns into a web of intrigue and danger. Crest Valley Retreat is divided into two factions: the wealthy heirs of influential families and the scholarship students, each with their own hidden motives. Jayla, attending on a scholarship, aims to use the camp as a stepping stone to advance her future. Derian, a privileged heir, arrives seeking a taste of the elite lifestyle, while Geffen, sent by his family, struggles with the pressure to improve himself.

As Jayla contends with the unwanted advances of Sterling, the camp's charismatic master of ceremonies, she finds herself caught between two men—Derian and Geffen—each offering different forms of escape. Tensions rise as hidden agendas emerge and trust becomes increasingly uncertain. The struggle for survival intensifies, pushing each character to question their alliances and desires.

Skye crafts a thrilling and suspenseful narrative, blending romance and mystery with richly developed characters and an unpredictable plot that keeps readers hooked until the last page.

"The Retreat" is a fast-paced thriller/MFM story about a summer camp designed for the rich. Although there are some scholarships, and Jayla received one, the reality is that those students who come for free are targets for the elite's amusement. Jayla picks up quickly that there's something not quite right, especially when she becomes the target of Sterling, one of the authorities in the camp. She connects with Derian and Geffen, who want to help her stay away from Sterling, but end up in danger because of their protection. She falls for both Derian and Geffen, and as they fight to stay alive, the romance blooms.

This book reads, convincingly, like a well-written slasher horror movie, and because of that, it is a little uncomfortable (in a positive way). The characters are fantastic and the premise is very interesting and unique. The author's brilliant, vivid method of storytelling paints such an incredibly distinct picture that I felt like I was experiencing what the characters were, and that I was right beside them the whole time.

The author really nailed the vibes she was going for out of the park.