"I didn’t think the second book could top the ending of the first book. Boy was I wrong."
"The first book was captivating, and the second book is well...magnetic.”
At Westcott High, the Bella View Day students have arrived, taking over half of the coveted spots on the prestigious Chosen Ten list.
As a Chosen Ten contestant herself, Sonny knows she must expose the corruption of Principal Winchester, who continues to orchestrate which students rise—and which students fall.
But when a crime is committed on school property, damning evidence shines the spotlight on Sonny and her friends—and her plan takes a turn.
Can Sonny find the true culprit at Westcott’s Christmas Gala before it’s too late?
By the end of the weekend, they all get more than they bargained for.
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page! The best way to connect with me is via TikTok or Instagram, @sarahmellobooks.
Sarah Mello is a celebrated author of young adult mysteries, best known for leveraging social media to connect with her audience. Her work includes the Westcott High series, which garnered a dedicated fanbase after Sarah's digital marketing concept for the first-ever "book cast" launched in 2019. Following the series, Sarah published the standalone novel Row--another book brought to life across social media, and her latest, Plum Creek.
The story begins as Sonny and others waiting for the arrival of their ultimate competition. The Bella View High students are just as competitive as them and with their arrival, there are new problems for each one of them.
Sonny's complicated life was about to get more messy. Now more than ever trust will have a crucial role to play in their lives.
With every step of the way comes a new secret. How far are all of them willing to go before someone says or does something that could jeopardize everything?
The first book was captivating and the second book is well...... magnetic, that's the perfect word to describe it. I really enjoyed reading it. One of my favorite thing about the author is her engaging writing style. Although this is the second book, I didn't feel any of those "sequel lacking the excitement like the previous ones or so" feelings, infact Westcott High 2 really showed us a better picture into the lives of our favorite Violets and Cobalts.
With the introduction of brand new twists and turns and a well done cliffhanger, this book has definitely me anxious to know what happens next. It should come as surprise when I say I read the whole book in just one sitting because like I said before Sarah's writing style is a blend of perfection and anticipation.
Get ready for some pretty crazy revelations. Westcott High 2 will take your breath away and leave you speechless!
4.5 stars Reading back to back both stories in the series, definitely makes up for a better understanding of who is who and what actually is happening. So I recommend to read it in order. I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. The suspense was more on, especially after they had to keep a secret that could get them all in trouble. The friendships are tested again and especially the love interests are taking a higher stake in here. The writing is great and it’s definitely an author to look up for in the future.
I love the writing style, I love the characters and their entangled, strenuous relationships! And now that I’ve read the first one I understand the format, and I enjoyed the mystery, the end was chaotic and messy and I loved every second. I can’t wait for book 3!!
I want to start out by saying how much I love this series! 🤩
I literally feel like this could be a hit tv show with all its drama, and break ups.
Westcott High had me hooked from the very first book. I was patiently waiting to read this, so when I finally got a copy, I immediately started reading it. The suspense Mello creates is too good to wait for.
I did get some answers and some truths from book two that I was waiting for since book one. But don’t let Westcott High fool you, you can feel content with things one min and then the next, everything blows up and is being questioned.
Sarah’s talent goes beyond measure, not only with her writing, but with an authentic high school atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re actually back in HS walking down the halls.
Can’t recommend her books enough, especially if you’re a YA lover like me - you must read this series
It's rare that I find a second book better than the first in a series, but that is absolutely the case here..
In book 2 we get an even deeper look into each character and what makes them who they are. I feel so invested in each of them and where their stories are headed! There's more action, a lot of fights and deception, some questions are answered... A fantastic winter formal, complete with white leather couches and treachery? I want to know all the answers!!
And then Sarah expertly leaves us on a cliffhanger once again.
This series is fantastic, the way we are able to see the characters in a living way on the @westcotthigh IG account is such a magical touch. (Make sure you check it out!) These books play out like a perfect CW drama and I am 100% invested in this journey. It's the sign of an excellent series when you finish a book just itching to get your hands on the next installment.
The gang is back and the story picks up right where we left off.
Someone is trying to frame Sonny Carter, that is clear. Bickering and jealousy ensues within the group and tensions rise. They are all being questioned about the fire and it’s just making everyone suspicious.
The ending though, whoa. You get a sneak peak into the “stalkers” head and it’s crazy!
Book 3 is out and I highly recommend reading these back to back. I had actually read 1 and 2 a while back and had to come back to read before starting 3.
This is a more YA book, more mystery type. A tad of HS drama but not a lot. Very little “romance” other than seeing relationships and emotions. It’s a great little read though!
Reading back to back both stories in the series, definitely makes up for a better understanding of who is who and what actually is happening. So I recommend to read it in order. I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. The suspense was more on, especially after they had to keep a secret that could get them all in trouble. The friendships are tested again and especially the love interests are taking a higher stake in here. The writing is great and it’s definitely an author to look up for in the future.
I was so excited to read this book after reading the first Westcott...but I didn’t think it could have gotten better than book one but it was even BETTER than book one. I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up. It will keep you flipping and flipping just to figure out what happens and you’re still left with a CLIFF hanger, haha, get it?? Plus, Sarah Mello is a self-published author with an Instagram account for the characters and scenes. All around amazing. Hurry with book three!!!
It felt so good to be back into the competitive and dramatic atmosphere of Westcott High. The books picks up after the cliffhanger of the last book when the Bella View kids are supposed to come to Westcott High, thus further increasing the competition at the school to maintain their position.
The plot is thick with twists and turns, always leaving you wanting more and just when you think you have got it figured out, it twists away from your grip again.
Our main character Sonny is in the thick of it all. Sonny is a fun character to have in your head and though her habit of being nosy sometimes makes me want to roll my eyes, I love how she owns up to it. She knows she is nosy and curious by nature and it just adds to her character so much. After Jacob left her with nothing but a brooch and a beautiful note, she discovers that there was a different note hidden in the brooch box and now she has photos of their asshole Dean handling the Princeton package to Piper. Sonny and her group discuss if they should turn their principal in but Piper is against the whole idea and as the Princeton package is with her, they cannot do anything.
I can't help but admire the friendships the author has woven throughout the story. Winston and Sonny friendship always makes me laugh out loud because Winston is a baby with a sarcastic mouth I love. Sonny and Kyle's friendship is the friendship we all hope to have with someone. That you can you knocking on that person's door with tear stained face and they'll ask no questions and just be there for you. Sonny and Cliff's friendship is something I didn't see coming and my love for Cliff in this book just came out of no where and hit me in the face. I love that Cliff calls Sonny 'kid' and is always there to help her. Someone who has Sonny's back all the time. We don't see much of JC in this book but seriously the boy deserves it. He needs the semblance of normality. He's always a good friend to Sonny and when she receives that anonymous note, he's willing to go with her not wanting her to go alone. ( Also I loved that JC asked Sonny to go with him at his school dance as friend. we don't see this often)
The plot continues as Sonny and JC, having received a note on Sonny's doorstep asking her to meet in parking lot C. Wondering if the note is from Jacob, Sonny agrees. Somehow, the entire group turns up to stop Sonny from being reckless though the left wing blows up.
Unsure what else to do, everyone runs from the school, not wanting to be caught. The next day Sonny has to face with being a possible suspect in the arson she didn't cause and dealing with a very handsome Jacob being back. I am not going to talk any more about the plot 'cause I don't want to spoil anything.
The book is weaved with twists and turns and it feels like you are the one solving the mystery with the group. In the midst of it all, the Bella View kid Sawyer is sinking my Kyle and Casey ship though I have to say Kyle tried to sink it multiple times himself. Casey has shit loads of trouble at home and she has to raise her brothers and herself without any supportive parents. Sawyer is clearly taking advantage of her, we see it, Kyle and Sonny see it but Casey is apparently blind to it. And the whole Romeo Juliet debate had be screaming because Kyle you need to get over the fact that you'll ruin Casey, she can take care of herself.
Sonny is torn between Dean and Jacob and I seriously can't relate because who wouldn't chose Jacob. I just don't like Dean and after the way he treated Norah, breaking up with her like that, I don't like him at all. But at least by the end Sonny is sorta with Jacob so I am happy.
Cliff is literally my biggest shock. In the first book I didn't care for him but now I am all like I want Cliff to be my best friend. Losing his friendship with Kyle clearly hurts him but he doesn't show it and losing Ari as well but honestly Kyle was right, you don't need to be ashamed of someone you love and you don't cheat with your best friend's girlfriend. That's something I can't overlook.
Norah is an absolute bitch and I love her for it. She doesn't take anybody's shit and actually cares about Ari. At one point I was like wtf did you do Norah but still I admired her for it. She's hurt by how Dean dumped her and I don't blame her at all because that was a shitty move on his part.
I am still torn about Ari, I don't hate her anymore but I am still not over the fact that she cheated on Kyle and it sucks that she's being framed for something, I hope, she didn't do. And the whole goodbye scene between Kyle and Ari is really heart wrenching because it is clearly visible that it hurts both of them. Kyle actually loved her for exactly who she is and she has lost that.
Guy Penn is so weird, like first I can't get over the name and second of all how's everyone falling for Sonny. Though it's clear he's not the one igniting their asses on fire.
MY BABY KYLE DESERVES THE WORLD AND IT'S SO CUTE WHEN HE GETS JEALOUS. Though seriously Sarah, please stop trying sink my ship. Please let Casey and Kyle be together, please!! Kyle is such a great friend to Sonny and is always someone you can rely on to help you. He clearly has his own issues going on and his father is an absolute dick of a person. He lost Cliff and Ari and it's clear he's struggling from losses.
I love all these character and it's all down to the author for making them so believable. I love this world and I just can't wait to read more of it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Netflix and Hulu, this book is calling your name! Seriously, I am just waiting for this to be turned into the next drama series on my favorite streaming networks. Sarah Mello does it again, giving us all the drama, heartache, and cliffhangers we could ask for. Is it too soon to ask for the next book?
The Story: Just as with the first book, I was sucked in from the very start. I love the way Sarah Mello writes and I think it adds a lot of depth to the story. This story has it all! We get broken and cracking relationships, drama, arson, and so much more. I loved that the book kept you guessing until the very end and even though we get the big reveal of “whodunit,” we are still left with a huge cliffhanger. I think I liked this book even better than the first one because we really got to see the true colors of each character when they were finally pushed to their breaking point. It made them seem more real and gave us a glimpse of who they really are.
The Flow: The story is told in chronological order and uses Sonny Carter’s point of view for most of it. There are three chapters that are told using the voices of Cliff, Kyle, and Norah. This was such a cool change and gave us an inside look into the minds of some of our other main players of the story. This was such a quick read and once I got going I couldn’t put it down!
The Characters: Once again, Sarah Mello does an amazing job of creating and presenting such unique characters. Each one brings something completely different to the story and it’s so easy to distinguish one from the other. As I said before, it was so interesting to see each character at their breaking point and just how they react when under immense pressure. Sarah gives us both the good and the bad of each character, which I think makes them that much more real.
If you’re a fan of teen dramas, definitely pick this one up. I truly enjoyed this book and now I’m dying to get to the third book, and since this book was just released, I’m sure I’ll be anxiously waiting for a while!
I am so incredibly impressed with this author. The way she is able to make me as a reader connect with each of the characters is amazing. The plot twists just keep on going in this second book and I already can’t wait for the third. Normally I look past books based on high school dramas but this story line is so good I can barley put it down. Sarah Mello has one creative mind & I definitely recommend this series!!
My mind is blown. Where to even start with this book. I didn’t think the second book could top the ending of the first book. Boy was I wrong. Twists, turns, secrets, lies. I was convinced that I knew who started the fire. Boy was I wrong. If you love YA mystery books this is the book for you. It is a binge worthy series. I’m so excited to see what comes next !
I have been following the Westport High on TikTok for a while and decided to give the books a try and I’m so glad I did. These books were so captivating I managed to finish them both within a span of two days and I need more!! Please tell me there’s gonna be a third one?!?!??
Y’all, these books are incredible. So much mystery and whodunnit that gets wrapped around at the end to insane cliffhangers that leave you needing more. I can’t wait for WH3!
I loved the first book, I’m in love with book 2! I’m not gonna say that I didn’t see that one coming, but I can’t wait to see where you take me with the next one! Sarah Mello gets mysterious, mayhem, and trouble right. Just went out group of Ivy League mistfits think they slide by while being a huge blimp on Winchester’s radar they of course end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. And what’s the gasoline on top? The cellphone left at the scene. And what’s even worse someone’s got it out for Sonny and it seems that stakes are even higher than we thought! If you like ya mysteries with a side of rich kid drama and more then this is you cup of tea!!
Westcott High 2 was even better than the first! Sarah Mello did not hold back with installment number two - bigger drama and even more at stake. I especially enjoyed how she developed the characters and gives us more of an inside view of what it’s like to be a student at Westcott High - dealing with their pressures (and their parents). I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just end with this: I need book three immediately. K? Thanks