After Hours

Gr 10 Up—Isa, Peter, Finn, and Xavi are four workers at an upscale restaurant. Finn is the jock next door. Isa is the mysterious new girl. Xavi's sole reason for working is to get out of their town to New York City. Peter, Xavi's stepbrother, simply loves to cook. Each is there for their own reasons, and their secrets and desires drive each to participate in the high stakes, employees-only game—Tips. It is the ultimate truth and dare competition—without the truth element. The rewards are plentiful, though to get them, players must succeed in overcoming the high risk challenge. Compelled to compete and win, all four of them will do whatever it takes to get what their heart's desire. Filled with dates, sex, theft, and twists, this fast-paced YA novel keeps readers absorbed in the story until the (fairly abrupt) ending. Told from alternating points of view, the book gives the perspectives of four main characters and four different personalities. An additional plot point revolves around their shady manger.