Review of Sooner Secrets

[Stephanie Runyon]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sooner Secrets" by Shelley L. Levisay.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Children often notice more than adults give them credit for. Ashley Brown was six years old when she heard her parents arguing. Sneaking out of bed, she peeks around the corner and sees her father beating her mother. Suddenly, her father falls to the floor with a knife in his back. Claire sees her daughter. She urges Ashley to go to bed and never talk to anyone. She tells her everything will be okay. Everything would not be okay. Claire faces the charge of murder, and Ashley is forced to live with her mean Nana Lara. 

Jenna Miller is the lawyer defending Claire Brown in her murder trial. The trial was high-profile because of who Claire's husband was. Devon Brown was a championship linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners. There was no doubt about Claire's guilt, and after listening to her account of Devon’s abuse, Jenna used self-defense to defend Claire. However, Claire refuses to allow Ashley to be part of the trial. Jenna hires Jaxson Stone to see if they can come up with something that would prove Jenna’s story of self-defense. Could the woman raised in a single-parent trailer home have an ulterior motive, or was Devon really a monster in disguise? 

Shelley L. Levisay's Sooner Secrets takes place in Oklahoma, where the Sooners' football players are celebrities. I could relate to how infatuated people are with the Sooners since I live in Oklahoma. I have witnessed fans become violent if anything negative is said about the team. Claire’s journal entries chronicle a whirlwind romance with Devon and describe multiple red flags. A young woman caught up in a superstar love story sounds like a romance, but it shows how naïve Claire was. Jenna Miller is assigned to Claire and has personal issues that make her appear cold towards her client. The alternating views from Ashley, Claire, Jenna, and Jaxson gave a full picture of how domestic violence is often tolerated. 

 I have no suggestions for improving this novel. I am awarding Sooner Secrets five out of five stars. This book's relatable characters, intriguing commentary, and depth all appeal to me. The plot was unpredictable, and several twists added suspense that was captivating. The end of the book was shocking. The testimony of the domestic violence expert gave facts and explained why many victims don’t “just leave” their abusive relationships.

 Fans of novels that are character-centered and involve finding justice will find Sooner Secrets appealing. This is a rare small town crime instead of focusing on a crime-ridden area. There are some profanities and details of domestic abuse that could be overwhelming for some readers.  

******
Sooner Secrets
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

[Yasmine ZM]

There is mystery, drama and social issue in this story. I am intrigued, I would like to know if Claire really killed her husband and if there were other reasons or secrets like suggested by the book's title. Perhaps there was someone else in the room with them, the one who really planted the knife on the victim's back. I guess there is one way to find out, I will have to read the book. Thanks for the review.

[Naushin Moledina]

The review of "Sooner Secrets" by Shelley L. Levisay highlights the novel's gripping plot and relatable characters. The story of Claire Brown's trial and the impact on her daughter Ashley is both emotional and suspenseful. The alternating perspectives offer a comprehensive view of domestic violence and its complexities. This compelling narrative, set in Oklahoma, keeps readers engaged with its unpredictable twists and shocking ending. Thank you for a great review!

[NetMassimo]

This murder mystery offers a lot in terms of emotions from the protagonists and the ramifications of the murder, as the victim was a famous and admired football player but was guilty of domestica violence. Thank you for your great review!

[Enkay Favour]

“Sooner Secrets” by Shelley L. Levisay delves into a gripping narrative of domestic violence set against the backdrop of Oklahoma’s football fervor. The multi-perspective storytelling—spanning from a young girl to a high-profile lawyer—offers a nuanced view of a high-stakes murder trial. Levisay’s portrayal of Claire’s turbulent life and the twists that reveal deeper truths about abuse and justice make this novel both compelling and thought-provoking. It seems like a powerful read for those interested in character-driven stories and legal dramas.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Shelley L. Levisay's Sooner Secrets takes place in Oklahoma, where the Sooners' football players are celebrities. I could relate to how infatuated people are with the Sooners since I live in Oklahoma. I have witnessed fans become violent if anything negative is said about the team. Claire’s journal entries chronicle a whirlwind romance with Devon and describe multiple red flags. A young woman caught up in a superstar love story sounds like a romance, but it shows how naïve Claire was. Jenna Miller is assigned to Claire and has personal issues that make her appear cold towards her client. The alternating views from Ashley, Claire, Jenna, and Jaxson gave a full picture of how domestic violence is often tolerated. 

People get way too invested in sports. In my country, it's soccer. I can appreciate the passion, but it can get out of control.

I have no suggestions for improving this novel. I am awarding Sooner Secrets five out of five stars. This book's relatable characters, intriguing commentary, and depth all appeal to me. The plot was unpredictable, and several twists added suspense that was captivating. The end of the book was shocking. The testimony of the domestic violence expert gave facts and explained why many victims don’t “just leave” their abusive relationships.

I hate that question. Domestic violence is way too complex to "just leave," and, actually, the most dangerous moment in a violent relationship is when the abuser discovers the victim is about to leave. Leaving an abusive situation needs to be done with extreme cautiousness.

I kind of hate that there's a kid involved, but I'm sure their point of view adds a whole new layer to the story.
I loved this review. Thank you!

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

*"Sooner Secrets" offers a gripping exploration of domestic violence and legal drama set against the backdrop of Oklahoma's football fame. With its relatable characters and suspenseful plot, it promises a compelling read for fans of character-driven narratives and justice themes. However, be prepared for intense portrayals of abuse and strong language.*

[Nuella Joseph]

*Sooner Secrets* sounds like a compelling read that delves deep into the complexities of domestic violence and the pursuit of justice. The multiple perspectives and unpredictable plot twists seem to add depth to the narrative, making it an engaging choice for readers who appreciate character-driven stories with a strong emotional core.

[Alice Heritage]

You got me really interested in this! Although intimate partner abuse would be hard to read about, the idea of a lawyer defending a case like this is fascinating. The refusal of the Sooners fans to believe anything negative about the team adds an intriguing dimension, too.