She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

Summary:

When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?

Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.

Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.

But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.

Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

My Review: 

What made me read this novel? I'll be honest. It was the cover. It's simple, I know, but the broken strand of pearls pulled me in. Now, when a cover pulls you in, what's inside could be a hit or miss for you. But this novel? Definitely a hit. I absolutely loved this novel. The main character, Ally was so... realistic. She definitely had a lot of strength for coming back to Orchard Hill and holding her own against her "friends", there were still those moments where she put her guard down and hoped for things to be back the way they were. I loved that about her- despite her determination to move on and start over, there were still the hope that her friends would take her back. And being honest, what person wouldn't feel that way? 

With her confidence and Jake's ego, they form an adorable couple. Ally's a no-crap kind of girl, which is exactly what Jake needs. I'll admit his ego  really put me off in the beginning, but as the book progressed, Jake really grew up, which finally got me rooting for him. 

Jake and Ally's relationship aside, I love how developed the other characters were in this novel. Even with the smallest characters, Scott made sure to hint that there was more to them. I especially loved Annie, Ally's new best friend, who sticks with her through everything. As for Ally's old friends, even though it's obvious though terrible they were (most of them, anyway), you shared those same moments of hope Ally did. Then there were those moments that I wanted to just scream at them for being so terrible. While, sure, I was angry with them, I loved that I felt so strongly about them. That, my friends, is good writing.

Overall, despite the terrible (but understood) cliquey-ness, I really loved this book. Be warned, the ending is definitely a cliffhanger,  but don't worry! I hear thy'll be a sequel next sumer!

My Rating:

Plot: A

Definitely not a storyline I've read before, but still had hints of classic girl-meets-boy love and battling friendships. Loved it.

Characters: A

A good variety of characters; some not likeable, all understandable.

Cover Art: A

Really simple, but fits the storyline perfectly.

Length:A

If I had not known there's going to be a sequel, I definitely would have been upset with the length. Knowing this, though, I love the cliffhanger (yes, even if it means waiting)

A novel that really makes you wonder: "Who cares what they think?",  I give it: 

Five Stars!

She's So Dead to Us is out now!