ARC Review: Cara Lynn Shultz - Spellbound

Cara Lynn Shultz - Spellbound

• Pub. Date: June 28, 2011
• Publisher: Harlequin
• Format: Paperback 352pp
• Age Range: Young Adult


Emma Connor is new at Vincent Academy, and she has her share of secrets. Living with her aunt isn't so much a choice as it is necessity at this point. The kids at the new school aren't making it easy on her, except for her younger cousin who just wants to help. Things take a turn for the interesting when she lays eyes on Brendan Salinger. Emma can't figure out why she feels so drawn to him until she befriends Angelique. They work together to figure it out, all while dealing with high school drama and then some.

This novel was a quick, enjoyable read! I really liked the mystery behind this story, and I haven't laughed this much while reading a book in a while! Oh my goodness, the humor in this book makes it worth reading, if you only need one reason. But I have more reasons than that!

Emma and Brendan are Bella-and-Edward-worthy. Emma needs protecting, and Brendan acts similar to Edward in a way. I hate to compare it to Twilight, but Spellbound honestly made me think of it multiple times - always in a good way, though! I reveled in the newness of their relationship. Those are always the best feelings! I felt like I was in the story some of the time. And the suspense was really suspenseful!! However.. the ending just seemed too good to be true. If there is going to be another one, I can see it taking a horrible turn.

What I liked:

• The humor! I can't say enough about how funny this book is. Emma is full of spunk and embarrassment for herself, and she's just hysterical. Even when she doesn't mean to be, she's super funny. I laughed out loud so many times!!
• The romance. I felt like I was in a brand new relationship, feeling the butterflies and all that again while reading this book. *swoons*
  
• The cover. It's gorgeous!! And the chapter headings also have the same font. I love that!
  

What I didn't like:

• Hopefully it is just the ARC but there were quite a few commas that didn't need to be there. We all know that I'm a stickler!
• The end just seems too good to be true, and that always makes me nervous!
• Anthony is such a craphead. UGH.

Bottom Line: Definitely a fantastic, entertaining YA read!

Rating:
4/5 book sharks

Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy, and thanks to Cara Lynn Shultz for the awesome book! Much appreciated, and I look forward to more :o)