I actually read this book nearly a year ago, but I revisited it lately because I remember really loving it and was disappointed to find it wasn't as good as the first time for me. That in itself is odd, but oh well. I still really loved it, and that's what matters. It was awesome and unique and totally original. This review will be short and sweet, but will cover my love for this book!
THE HEROINE
JILL
I found Jill to be just a tad unrealistic, but she was still a good character. I was often annoyed by how she seemed to be such a good girl when it was pretty clear that she actually wasn't. She wasn't the most relatable character I've ever come across, but I didn't feel completely disconnected from her, either. I did like how she changed throughout the story, though. Starting off a bit too innocent, she transforms into a bold young woman.
THE HERO
TRISTAN
For some inexplicable reason, I find Tristan to be a hot name. I have no clue why, I just do. And this Tristan most definitely lives up to his name. He seems strong and silent on the outside, but inside he's soft and sweet. He's protective, but not possessive. I love that about him. He tries to do the right thing for Jill, even when she really doesn't want to listen.
THE PLOT
I really did like this plot. I think that my having read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde definitely helped contribute to my appreciation of this book. They weren't the same in plot structure by any means, but there were definitely references and it made some things that much easier to understand.
I thought that the events unfolded beautifully, and I was impressed by this. I loved how everything fit together so smoothly and beautifully. Everything led to something else, which led to something else, which in turn led to something else.
There was a ton of action, and I was never bored! It was full of anticipation and never knowing what would come next, and that was awesome. It was a bit predictable, but I still really enjoyed it.
THE ROMANCE
The romance in this book was perfect. It was definitely not the main aspect of the novel. It was important but didn't monopolize everything. It was mostly realistic. One dip near the end marred it, but it wasn't too big of a deal and I really think that it didn't take away too much from the romance in general. It was sweet and built slowly. It was a bit on the instalove side, but I definitely think that it was more than that.
THE WRITING
I really love Beth's writing. It's gorgeous and descriptive and sounds like young teenage voices, as it should. It is definitely beautiful and I found myself drawn into her world and her writing. The first-person POV is marvelously executed and switches between Tristan and Jill. The transition is smooth. There's a little bit of mystery, which is nice, and not everything is known beforehand.
THE ENDING
In my opinion, the ending was a bit too clean, but this didn't keep me from loving it. I am a happily-ever-after type of girl and I found this ending to be absolutely awesome. It wrapped everything up prettily and it broke my heart a little. I really though it was very sweet and definitely a little realistic.
WRAPUP
I mean to read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, and that series in general. However, I never seem to get around to it. I will most definitely be reading whatever Beth comes out with in the future as well!
FINE.
***FINAL RATING: 3.90 RED ROSES***
