Virtual Book Tour + Review + #Giveaway: Misguided Trust by Lauren Wagner @LoloWags @GoddessFish

MISGUIDED TRUST

Lauren Wagner

GENRE: Eco Thriller

BLURB:

Following a catastrophic nuclear war, Sara lives in a town where the government controls every drop of water. Strict rationing tightly regulates residents’ lives, and to fall sick is to be executed. Sara’s life becomes more dangerous and complicated when she first hides and cares for a small boy who has fallen sick, then takes him in when his parents are taken by the authorities.

Determined to care for the helpless child while struggling to keep alive the memory of her long-dead best friend, Sara leans on her friend’s older brother, Josh, an employee of the domineering water company that controls the water rationing. But Josh is under suspicion, and the city’s enforcement unit begins to observe their daily activities. Despite knowing that she’d be executed if her actions were known, Sara finds herself deeply and distressingly attracted to the lead investigator, navigating a complicated romance and finding a glimmer of hope in a world long dominated by fear and control.

Purchase MISGUIDED TRUST on Amazon

Excerpt:

Interfering with water restoration and conservation laws is strictly prohibited.

I scrutinize the large mahogany desk positioned before me as I sit in my shrink’s office later that afternoon. The legs curve out into claws with such immaculate details. I can’t help but wonder if the claws are supposed to symbolize each one of her patient’s secret desires to claw away at their skin. It’s morbid, really. It just makes people yearn for it more, long for the inevitable pain that accompanies the fight. Place a sword in a knight’s hand, and he will want to fight. Put a claw in a psychiatrist’s office and make it resemble a razor blade.

“Sara? Sara, are you even listening to me?”

Dr. Hammid slides her glasses down her nose and glares at me.

The black rims make her face look pointy and sharp around the edges.

I look up at her without changing the expression on my face. She is an older woman with wrinkles forming around the smile lines on her face. Her short hair makes her look captivating. She is actually brilliant, in small doses. And only brilliant on the days I am willing to listen to her. It’s like eating a piece of chocolate. Tasting one makes you want another, but it leaves you feeling nauseous after a handful.

My Review:

Misguided Trust is a story set in a world ravaged by nuclear war, told from Sara's perspective. Sara lives in an area where the government rations food and water. To conserve resources for others, anyone who falls ill is sent away.

 

Sara takes in a very young boy, Austin, whose parents were taken after they became sick. She recalls her best friend Tommy in flashbacks, a person who would stop at nothing to protect her. Currently, Tommy's best friend, Josh, is caring for Sara. Josh is under investigation by a law enforcement officer, Kye, who appears to be stalking her.

 

Kye claims to like Sara and takes her to movies and fancy restaurants, but can she trust him? Is he simply trying to extract information to aid in the investigation of Josh? Does he genuinely like Sara, or is he just doing his job—or perhaps using her?

 

Misguided Trust is a remarkable representation of a post-apocalyptic world. The descriptions are well-crafted, making it easy to get lost in this universe and visualize it as if I were there. The numerous twists and turns kept me wanting more, with the pages turning and the tension high.

If you are looking for your next fantastic book, I highly recommend Misguided Trust! Get a copy and start reading it right now!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lauren Wagner’s love for reading started as a young adult after discovering her town’s public library. After carrying out piles of books at a time, and re-reading them over and over again, she discovered her love for writing. She writes fantasy and science fiction as well as post-it notes about her future stories.

She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago where she presently resides with her husband and two children. She currently teaches upper elementary students to love and obsess over written works of art.

Connect with Lauren Wagner

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Giveaway:

$10 Amazon/BN GC

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