Review: Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars, #10) by Sara Shepard

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

For years scandal has rocked Rosewood, Pennsylvania—and high school seniors Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer have always been at the center of the drama. They’ve lost friends, been targeted by a ruthless stalker named A, and narrowly escaped death. And it’s not over yet.

Aria’s love life is on the fritz. Emily’s exploring her wild side. Hanna’s kissing the enemy. And someone from Spencer’s past—someone she never thought she’d see again—is back to haunt her.

But none of that compares to what happened last spring break. It’s their darkest secret yet and guess who found out? Now A is determined to make them pay for their crime, and the only thing scarier than A is the fear that maybe, just maybe, they deserve what’s coming to them.

Review:

It's no secret around here that I adore the Pretty Little Liars series. Yes, the books are not especially life changing or amazingly well developed, but I love them nonetheless, and there's little (if anything) that can change that. Therefore, when Ruthless showed up on my doorstep the eve of its release, I dove right in, because I was dying to know what was up next for my four favorite Pretty Little Liars! As it turns out, it was just as scandalous and juicy as the previous ones, especially given the cameos and surprises that were often thrown in.

With Ruthless, the tenth Pretty Little Liars book, readers are thrown back into the world of Rosewood, where secrets grow with every word spoken. Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna are still dealing with the things that haunted them in the previous book: the Tabitha problem and the new, deadly A. However, little’s going to get them down given how well things have been going lately. Aria’s old love is back and better than ever. Spencer is the lead in the play and may have even caught the eye of another over achiever. Emily’s also found love in a new place thanks to her oldest sister’s crazy new ways. Lastly, Hannah’s gone back to being daddy’s favorite and met a new guy who makes her heart flutter in ways it has never done before. However, as with most things in Rosewood, not everything is as it seems, especially when A is involved. What way is she going to torment them and their lives next? Better yet, what’s up with Tabitha and new A? Well, only time and more pages can tell in this heart racing new addition!

One of my favorite parts of this series has been seeing the point of views of the four girls, and it was just the same in Ruthless. I loved watching the girls get involved in new trouble, because not only did it provide for a suspenseful read, but it also provided some amazing cameos, especially when it came to Aria’s storyline. The only problem I had with the characters in this one was the little character development that occurred, but there’s still the chance of it being helped in future books.

Moving on, I loved the plot in this one! It was so SCANDLOUS! There was always a new twist or turn with every chapter. In addition, for once every girl got a chance at love in this one, which proved not only some sweet moments but also some big secrets. The ending was also shocking, and given that cliffhanger ending, I can’t wait to see what’s up next!

Full of suspense, romance, and lots of secrets, Ruthless is yet another fun addition to the Pretty Little Liars series, one that I’m sure diehard fans of PLL were eagerly eat right up, even if it means waiting for the next one that's sure to leave them with even more questions than answers.

Grade: A- 

Ruthless (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out! 

Source: Publisher 

Twisted by Sara Shepard

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

It’s been a year since the torturous notes from A stopped and the mystery of Alison DiLaurentis’s disappearance was finally put to rest. Now seniors in high school, Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily are older, but they’re not any wiser. The pretty little liars have more secrets than ever—twisted secrets that could destroy the perfect lives they’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

Aria’s jealous of her boyfriend’s new exchange student. Spencer’s getting a little too cozy with her soon-to-be-stepbrother. Hanna’s one scandalous photo away from ruining her dad’s Senate campaign. And Emily will do anything to get a swim scholarship.

Worst of all: Last spring break in Jamaica, they did something unforgivable. The girls are desperate to forget that fateful night, but they should know better than anyone that all secrets wash ashore . . . eventually.

Review:

I have been a big fan of the Pretty Little Liars series ever since I read the first book way back when, but after the eighth book, I was left feeling a bit disappointed. Therefore, when I heard that Sara Shepard would be continuing the series with four new books, I have to admit that while I was excited (I mean, who wouldn’t want new books in one of their favorite series?), I was also worried that the new books would follow the same path of the eight. However, Twisted did more than just live up to the previous books- it managed to be even better. It brought a series back to life with fabulous, twisted new plot lines, as well as some fabulous characters.

Twisted opens up just as the four girls (Aria, Spencer, Hannah, and Emily) as well as Noel, Aria’s boyfriend, and Mike, Hanna’s boyfriend, are in Jamaica, enjoying some needed R&R after the Ali dilemma. However, everything changes after they spot someone eerily similar and commit an unforgivable sin. Fast forward to the middle of their senior year, and everything is once again awry. The girls are not talking and are quickly amassing new secrets and lies. Aria is worried about losing her boyfriend to the new and surprisingly hot Finland exchange student. Spencer feels an amazing connection with a new boy named Zach…too bad he may be her stepbrother sometime soon and hiding secrets of his own. Hannah’s dealing with the stress that has come with her dad’s senate campaign, but after a surprising new offer, she’s left feeling better than ever before. Lastly, Emily is dealing with the secrets of past summer, which makes the fact that she’s made a new friend to confide in all the better. Then A decides to make a reappearance, leaving the girls to come together once again, but what does A want this time? And worst of all, does she know what they did last spring- will she tell? Only time and more pages will tell in this addicting new addition to one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

One of my favorite aspects of the Pretty Little Liars series is the characters, and with Twisted, this managed to be the same. Emily, Spencer, Aria, and Hannah are not the most likable girls at time due to their silly decisions and naïve yet conniving personalities; however, they sure provide a fantastic and scandalous read with their POVs. There wasn’t a moment where I couldn’t be found on the edge of my seat, dying to know more about them and their new secrets and affairs, especially the one involving Jamaica. As mentioned above, there also was some great new character additions, such as Zach whose more than platonic relationship with Spencer is the definition of steamy, as well as Klaudia, Aria’s new nightmare who is evil in more ways than one.

The plot in this was also great. If you thought Sara couldn’t possibly have more twists and turns to expand on, well you’re wrong, as Twisted introduced some great new storylines, filled with plenty of drama and scandal to have even the most reluctant reader reading well into the night. I especially love the way Sara always manages to release the secrets of the girls' slow yet intriguing way.

In addition, the ending was the definition of a cliff-hanger, and all I can say is: I’m so happy the new book is due out in December, because I don’t think I could wait much longer.

Another fabulous and surprising addition, Twisted is sure to have fans of this series dying for more, more, and more!

Grade: A+ 

Twisted is now out!

Source: unsolicited review copy provided by publisher- thanks HarperTeen!

To find out more about Sara and her books, be sure to check the dedicated PLL website and Sara's twitter. 

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

Review:

I've been a fan of Sara Shepard ever since I read the first Pretty Little Liars book a few years ago, and as the years have gone by her books have gotten better and better. So, when I first heard about The Lying Game, her brand new series, I'll admit I was very excited to read it. And as it turns out, I had every right to be because The Lying Game is one of the most creative, addicting, and scandalous books I've read in a long time. It was a book I could barley put down for a second and when I finally did it was all I could think about.

The Lying Game begins the story of Sutton and Emma, two long lost sisters whose lives couldn't be any more different.  Emma has been bounced from foster home to foster home, while Sutton has lived a glamours life with two loving adoptive parents and a sister in Arizona. After a particularly bad foster family incident Emma stumbles upon Sutton, quickly realizing the two are sisters, and after a few facebook messages, she's off to meet her sister, a person she can finally call family. Though, just like any other Shepard book, nothing is exactly as it appears, as Emily and Sutton are soon to learn.

One of the things I loved most about this book were the mysteries. They ranged from the one surrounding Sutton and her death to the one surrounding Sutton's "friends" to the one surrounding Sutton and Emily's mother. Each one was incredible and well thought out, because not only did they keep me forever guessing, but Shepard presented them in such a compelling way with her writing.

Adding this fact, I loved the characters. Sure most of the them were not the nicest of people, but I couldn't help but get wrapped up in their scandalous lives. Without a doubt, two of my favorite ones are Sutton and Emily. Sutton is the typical "popular" girl, one who has left her status go to her head but still has some feelings under her tough exterior. One of my favorite aspects of Sutton was all of her secrets because I loved finding out about each and every one right along with Emma and seeing how they shaped and twisted the story. And talking about Emma, she is the "nice" girl, even though her life has been anything but pleasant. Emma was the one I constantly rooted for because I truly wanted nothing but good things for her. Lastly, I enjoyed seeing Emma's romance with a certain person start to develop in the book, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of it in future additions.

Moving on, Shepard's writing was also up to par in this book. I thought she did a great job of developing the characters and plot lines, as well as moving the story in a nice, smooth pace. Better yet, I loved the cliff-hanger she left at the end!

In all, The Lying Game is yet another solid effort by Shepard. It's an entertaining guilty pleasure, one that I promise is well-worth a read.

Grade: A+

The Lying Game is now out!

Source: Netgalley

Pretty Little Liars Series: My Thoughts and Questions for You

*Spoilers from the books may be present, so be aware. Though, if you've read the first or first couple books in the series please answer my questions below. I would LOVE to hear your opinion(s).*

I don't know if you've jumped on The Pretty Liar bandwagon yet, but I certainly have! I personally adore this series. Sure it's bit of fluff at times, but because of the fact it's so addicting and jaw-droopingly awesome, it always calls to be read. Well, to me at least. :)

I love how all the books focus on Alison's death and all the mysteries surrounding it as well as the left over friends of Allison's lives. All four friends-Emily, Spencer, Hannah, and Aria- are girls that are uniquely their own and all have characteristics any girl could probably relate to.

Moving on the plot in this series is crazy, and in a good way, too! All the time there's a bunch of questions swirling around in your head that that throughout the novel have had answers that have been proved either correct or wrong (and if wrong, don't worry, there is probably a huge twist coming your way soon. lol.)

Heartless, the latest book, in the series is exactly that way. All of my theories got knocked completely out of the ball park with this one! I seriously could even began to fathom the end. I mean Jenna's not only dead now, but that creepy guy who I haven't even thought of before is thought to be her, as well as Ali's murder? Complete and utter craziness that is fun but still craziness! And the DNA test proving that was Ali's body is the one from the hole, even though I seriously doubt it is, is even more crazy.

All of these revelations and scandals have made me want to read the next and final installment titled Wanted so badly. Since I seriously need to know all the answers already; it's driving me nuts.

Which is why I'm doing this post to get your opinion on what's going to happen and to discuss this series and its different situations that call to be discussed.

So, without a further ado, here are my questions for you. Feel free to leave your answers in the comments. I would love to hear from each and everyone of you! Also, to read my opinion, highlight the text next to each question.

Do you think Ali is still alive? This question I'm not too sure how to answer. Since, while there has been different aspects that argue either way, I still kind of think/ hope she's alive.

Who do you think the new A is? I doubt it's that Billy Ford guy, instead I think it's Maya. Since she seems to always be there.

If you don't believe Ali's alive who do you think killed her? For those of you who've read Heartless do you think it's the guy that it was sad to be in the end? I personally don't think it's Billy, but he is involved in some way. Also, I'm not really sure who killed Ali.

Which character out of the four (or five if you count Ali) is your favorite to read about? I love reading about them all. Though, Spencer's storylines always continue to be my favorites.

What other key events do you think are going to happen in end? So many different ways I could answer this. Though, it would take all day, so I'll say no comment. ;)

Thanks for reading! I can't wait to see what you think. :)

PS) A TV Show about these books is currently being made. To find out more, head over to Frenetic Reader's Blog.