What an interesting turn for the usually sweet and softer Willa Nash! Ivy is an edgier and soapier story than I’ve read before- but I really enjoyed the wild ride. New adult characters means new adult emotions- it’s a bit campy, full of juicy secrets, and quite entertaining a la other new adult favs like Pretty Little Liar.s Not quite what I expected from Willa Nash, but a treat nonetheless.
We have a trio of heroines that center this story- and a barrage of all things new adult that makes for all the good drama. Young love, school life, bullying, elite world responsibilities, and lots and lots of secrets. While this certainly is a bully romance with a ample amount of mystery and suspense, it also still has that Devney/Will flair- amazing characters, meaningful connections, a well constructed and steadily meted plot, and butterfly moments, too. Ivy, Cassia, and Elora are all intriguing leading women, each with their own secrets and agendas. Different parts of their stories and character arcs resonated with me in different ways, but what I love most of all is how distinctly they drive this story. We have plenty of romance and some yummy leading men- but the girls are the queen bees.
This story’s serial beginnings are certainly apparent in the reading experience, an interesting juxtaposition of narrative styles and how they are best presented now that Vella and other more serialized methods are making their way back into mainstream and indie romance story telling. And the serial aspect has assets, and some lesser so. A perk is we get the stories of multiple main characters, each bring their own dramatic flair to the whole but with individual arcs of their own. Another implication of the serial approach is that each snippet POPS- mini episodes that really keep the drama high and keep you connected and dialed into the unfolding plot. The downside is that to some, me included), the drama feels a bit drawn out and some plot lines meander a bit to keep things in the air. The storyline is full of secrets and juicy drama, so at least with the length it’s fun and entertaining, though the resolution felt a bit brief.
All in all, a super consumable load of fun and a true page turner. Interesting to see Willa try her hand in different sub-genres and put her own spin on them. And is this cover not to die for?!