Genre: Romance (New Adult)
Release Date: August 22nd, 2023
Pages: 368
Publisher: Bloom Books
My Rating: ⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“They say revenge is a dish best served cold… Penn Scully has had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to him, and now his heart is completely iced over. He took her first kiss, and she took away the only person he ever loved. He asked her to save the rest of her firsts for him, and she walked all over his heart in stiletto heels and left it bleeding out on a bright summer day. Now, everything has changed. When circumstances leave Penn homeless in his senior year, the Followhills take him in as their latest shiny project. That means, for the time being, he’s Daria’s housemate, living right across the hall. And once he sees her again, he’s determined to make this spoiled princess pay for ruining the only good thing in his life. But Daria is used to being misunderstood. Being slammed for every snarky comment, cynical eye roll, and foot she puts in the way of the people who hurt her. Being the girl everyone wants to see cry, and keeping her tears hidden. Penn wanted her firsts, but she wants to be his last everything. The problem is, once they see past each other’s cutting barbs and wounded hearts, the truths they uncover might just start something new altogether.”
My Review:
This is my first L.J. Shen book. I have seen this author literally everywhere and have been dying to finally read something from her.
I was so excited to get a copy of this one. But, I have to be honest, it was really a struggle for me. I don’t really know how to feel about it.
I was expecting morally grey, dark, taboo… but not necessarily vile. Daria is actually a terrible, awful human, even for a teenager.
She is the epitome of a spoiled, immature, ruthless brat. And while sometimes this type of character can be written in a way that still keeps them redeemable… I’m not sure that was accomplished here.
I had very few moments where I could empathize with her. Otherwise, she was just the worst of the worst, stereotypical, high school bully. And I wasn’t really buying into their hate-passion.
I didn’t understand their attraction or connection on a deeper level. Maybe it’s supposed to be superficial? I’m not sure. Are her characters usually like this?
There were some very emotional moments and my heart did ache for Penn. I had such high hopes and truly expected this to be a five star for me.
I may try something else from this author in the future. I enjoyed the plot and the setting, but my hate toward the MFC really detracted from my experience with this book.
Also, I tried so hard to find this original cover, cigarette and all, because it’s to die for but sadly I could not.
The new cover by Bloom, while I understand is on trend for this genre right now, is not an accurate vibe for this level of depravity.
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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