Reviewed by Kelly on
Becca Fitzpatrick's second foray into the world of young adult thrillers was brilliant. It blends a wonderful contemporary romance with a heart pounding thriller that will no doubt earn the Hush Hush author a more mature audience. I loved it and it's by far her best release to date. Mixing a contemporary with a traditional thriller, the blend produces an engaging and enthralling read that will no doubt also lure readers in with it's slow burning romance and intense storyline that sways between young and new adult.
Stella's character has been placed into obscurity for her own safety against a man she's accused of murder. Her mother's drug dealer with underworld crime connections is seeking revenge against the girl who's story has put him behind bars. She's angry, not only at her deadbeat mother placing her in that position but being forced to leave behind her comfortable life and boyfriend Reed. So when she's placed into witness protection with a gruff former police officer in a dust bowl of a tiny town, she's counting down the days until she turns eighteen and can escape.
But then she meets boy next door, the utterly charming Chet. Chet is not only raising his younger brother alone, but is still coping with the loss of his parents. He instantly forms an attraction to Stella's sassy attitude and the two form an easy but gentle friendship. I found the romance incredibly lovely and most surprisingly, relatively drama free. Being in witness protection, Stella can't reveal her true identity and although she's attracted to Chet, refuses to act on her feelings which is a refreshing change. She soon settles into life in Thunder Basin but being an outsider and not conforming to small town values, it isn't long before she catches the eye the town darling in Trigger. But Trigger isn't a love interest, far from it and his history of violence against the town's young female population may be notorious, but even authorities turn a blind eye. His vendetta against Stella becomes a dangerous situation not only due to his violent history but he knows that Stella isn't who she seems to be. It does touch on violence against women and may be a trigger for those who have been in a violent or abusive situation or relationship, so please be mindful that most readers will find Trigger's character confronting.
Stella undergoes an incredible transformation from wanting to escape Thunder Basin, to warming to the community and even her guardian in Carmina. Seeing their relationship bloom and the former police officer becoming the mother figure that Stella never had. Stella begins to realise she's fallen in love with her new life, but never becomes complacent. She's aware that her life is in danger, but ever allows that fear to overcome her or stop her from living.
Becca Fitzpatrick has finally found her niche, carving her very own genre with a blend of a contemporary thriller, with a slow burning romance and small town charm. From cover to cover, it delighted, enthralled and enchanted me. I loved it immensely.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 12 October, 2015: Finished reading
- 12 October, 2015: Reviewed