I got an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review :) there were things I really liked about this story, but on the other hand there were a few issues I had as well... but all in all I have to say that it was an addicting read full of drama, angst and intrigue ;) it's a standalone, but I definitely see a lot of potential for possible future stories about certain secondary characters :) 4 solid and entertaining stars ;) so how about I will tell you a bit more about my thoughts and feelings about this book :)
I have to start with our main couple... Nora and Asher... usually I tend to stay away from *just* young adult stories... not that there's anything wrong with them, I just feel like I'm way to old to truly connect to such young characters... and no, I am not THAT old ;) turning 31 in a couple of days actually ;) but sometimes I feel like there is an abyss between me and people in high school ;) anyway... :) I don't mind as much when characters are younger in more fantasy-ish books or something like that, where there is more going on besides just the romance... but I decided to give this story a try, because I am a huge fan of Carrie and her writing style in general, and I am always willing to give one of her books a try :) so back to our main characters :) Nora is being thrown straight into a very unfamiliar situation... after her mother catches the eye of a british dignitary they move to London and she transfers schools... now a senior in a very elite Winston Academy, full of snobistic and egotistical teenagers, she needs to find her footing... which is not easy, when she's targeted by Asher... he has an agenda when it comes to her and her soon-to-be-stepfather... I don't want to go into too many details, but there is defintiely plan for revenge... ;) like I mentioned, I usually have lots of problems with such young characters... mainly because I can't relate to all the unnecessary angst and drama and all the usual miscommunication... and even though it DID appear in this book as well, I have to say that it was done actually really well... :) and yes, I am perfectly aware that I cannot expect from young adults to behave like adults, but since those are my personal preferences, I just want to be completely honest with you guys :) that's probably why I gave this book 4 stars... it was that kind of a read for me, but if you like those types of stories, you will love this one :) what I think about Nora and Asher? well... I liked her throughout the majority of the book... there were certain reactions toward the end that I wasn't the biggest fan of, but like I said... nobody is perfect ;) Asher on the other hand... well... he was a jerk... that is the nicest way I can describe him... and trust me, I have better words for him... I just can't share them in my review ;) yeah, he went through a bit of a character development in the story... but I think I would have liked him more with a few additional scenes showing that growth... I can't really explain it more, because it's all connected to his revenge plan and how he proceeds to trick Nora into falling for him... which is of course much more complicated than that, but again... due to my #NoSpoilers rule... I can't say more ;)
All in all I actually really enjoyed this story :) which was very surprising ;) it's written in 2 POVs, which means we got to see chapters from Nora's perspective, as well as Asher's :) and it's my favourite kind, so I was one happy reader ;) although there were a few moments when it felt like I missed a scene here and there... I had to check to make sure I haven't skipped a chapter or something ;) but maybe it was the late hour when I was finishing this book... we will never know... ;) even though it's a standalone, I see a few possibilities for stories, that I definitely wouldn't mind reading at some point in the future... something to think about ;) I liked the secondary characters in this book, especially Nora's mom :) it was a story filled with drama, angst, intrigue and secrets... very fast paced and supper addicting... it felt like an episode of "Gossip girl" and if we're being honest there was a time, when I was absolutely addicted to that show, sooooo... ;) if you are looking for a quick and entertaining summer read, I highly recommend you guys to check out this one :) it will keep you glued to the pages and curious to see how it all ends ;)
XOXO
A