Description:
Taylor Dunkin had it all: star athlete, hometown legend, future NFL prospect. But one devastating injury changes everything, pulling him into a hidden battle that threatens to destroy him and everyone around him.
Brief description: Stacy A. Padula is the author of 3 book series, the founder of Briley & Baxter Publications, a co-founder of BLE Pictures, and the founder of South Shore College Consulting & Tutoring. Recently, she was named "Woman of the Year" by The CIO TIMES and "Top Global Impact Author of the Year" by IAOTP. Her Gripped series is currently being adapted for TV by Emmy(R) award-winning producer, Mark Blutman. She resides in Plymouth, Massachusetts with her husband Tim and their three miniature dachshunds, Baxter, Tony, and George.
Review Quotes:
"A riveting read from start to finish." - Midwest Book Review
"A compelling and gripping novel, with an important message." - Readers' Choice Book Awards, Gold Winner
"I've always looked for ways to affect young adults with a positive message in my work and so the opportunity to take the world Stacy created, a world showing how good kids can easily fall into life threatening drug addiction and eventually put the pieces of their lives back together, was an opportunity and challenge I was excited to bring to the small screen." - Mark Blutman, Emmy-Award winning producer
"I recommend this book to teens and young adults because there are so many of us who may be lost and struggling, and we're looking for hope, but in the wrong places." - TreVeyon Henderson, running back for the New England Patriots
"Invigorating, engaging and a must read. The characters in the Gripped Series diligently tackle the essence of forces that can limit greatness within." - LaTonya Pinkard from the Netflix Original Series 'Last Chance U'
"A must-read for young adults, parents, and educators alike, offering both a cautionary tale and a message of hope. Stacy Padula continues to deliver a series that is as impactful as it is engrossing." - Angelina Tzeng, Student Body President of Braintree High School
"What truly sets Gripped apart is its ability to educate without preaching. Unlike many other reads, Padula does not soften the realities of addiction, peer pressure, or mental health challenges, and instead presents them as they often appear in real life-messy, painful, and deeply impactful." - Ava Khouri, Senior Class President of Hanover High School
"The characters grow richer with each passing novel, as the depth of relationships between them approaches reality." - Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia