Reviewed by Kelly on
Ellie Marney is nothing short of brilliant. She's crafted yet another contemporary mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Where she differs from other genre authors, her characters are realistic yet completely flawed. Rachel Watts and James Mycroft are simply two of the most likable and down to earth characters in young adult, intense, passionate and authentic. Rachel is a country girl who's family struggle to make ends meet, the bank foreclosing on their family farm and forced to move to the city. Mycroft is eccentric, a deep thinker and emotionally inapt with good reason. His parents were killed in an organised carjacking, something Mycroft is desperate to prove with his latest case.
Rachel and Mycroft's relationship is strained at best, her parents still untrusting and have forbade her to enter his house without supervision. They're barely surviving through stolen kisses over window panes and heated rendezvous on the odd occasion when Rachel finds herself home alone. Mycroft is emotionally broken, and starts pulling away from their relationship, the final straw when he leaves for London without saying a word. But Rachel won't give up without a fight and takes off for London within hours of Mycroft's departure.
Where Mycroft was abrasive, Rachel was equally as reckless and together the tension was delicious. Mycroft's anger and self loathing was verging on palpable. From the suburban Coburg to the streets of London, it was engaging, enthralling and intense. I loved it. If you're looking for a contemporary romance, this isn't it but the few scenes where Rachel and Mycroft find themselves overcome were passionate and fierce. This is one of the best young adult contemporary series out there, and you won't find a more praise worthy author than Ellie Marney. This country chick really knows her stuff.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 28 February, 2015: Finished reading
- 28 February, 2015: Reviewed