Book Review for The Standout by Laurel Osterkamp

 

The Standout by Laurel Osterkamp

What happens when your past becomes your fiercest rival? The Standout by Laurel Osterkamp is a gripping psychological thriller that follows one woman’s journey through sabotage, paranoia, and the dangerous freedom of reinvention.

Published:  November 10, 2015 by Kindle Press

Robin Bricker signs up for The Standout, a ballet-themed fashion reality show, expecting drama—but not like this. From the moment she gets an anonymous ultimatum to dump her fiancé or suffer the consequences, her life begins to unravel. A website targeting her past emerges, fellow contestants become cutthroat, and Robin’s grip on reality starts to loosen. Her only support comes from her brother Ted and Zelda, a model and ballerina who’s keeping secrets of her own. As the show escalates and the stakes rise, Robin must confront her memories, her fears, and the possibility that the real enemy might be closer than she thinks.

My Thoughts:  Reality shows are hit and miss with me. A Fashion reality show would be a miss for me  but this book I could not put down.  I wanted to read another chapter and find out what would happen next to Robin.   I became invested, not in her winning the show, but in her winning in life.  

 Robin’s choice in friends had me shaking her head.  Many times I felt that there was no one on her side, yet she never gave up.  She did not let life knock her down, she took the punches and let them make her strong.   I am not sure that she even realized that she did have someone in her corner, Zelda her model.  Zelda was also being knocked around by life and I was so glad that she got paired with Robin.   They need each other. 

Thank you to Author Marketing Experts for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 

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Meet the Author:  Laurel Osterkamp is a multi-published author known for emotionally complex, character-driven novels that explore themes of betrayal, resilience, and identity. Her books include The Next Breath, The Side Project, and Beautiful Little Furies, which became an Amazon #1 bestseller. With an MFA in writing and over twenty years as an English teacher, Laurel brings literary flair and psychological nuance to every page. She lives in Minneapolis with her family and two endlessly dramatic cats. Visit her website or connect on Instagram.