Review also on Heir of Glitter.
5 things that shocked me the most video.

plot: 20 out of 20
characters: 20 out of 20
setting: 20 out of 20
relationships: 20 out of 20
twists: 20 out of 20
100 out of 100

I gave the first book 5 stars, because I absolutely loved it. If I could, I would give this book 10 stars, because somehow it blew its predecessor out of the water. *heart eyes*

This book started shortly after where the first left off. The event that ended book one has landed Mara in a hospital, close to being institutionalized. I was immediately hooked, for the second time in a row, and I felt so bad for Mara. Throughout the entire book, I was guessing what was real and what wasn't, and on the same rollercoaster Mara and Noah were. This was easily one of the most intense books I've ever read, and I loved every page. :D

Two things are for sure: one, Mara was a troubled character, and two, that made it all the more entertaining. I hope I don't sound weird, but it's true. She thought she was being stalked, but no one except Noah believed her. If she told anyone else or showed any signs, she would be seen as crazy, and one of her main goals was to avoid that. The other was to get to the bottom of her issue, with Noah's help, and along the way I felt so bad for her. She was brave through everything because she had to be, when really she was never far from breaking down. I wanted to help her. <3

Then we have one of my new favorite characters, Noah. I'm honestly not sure why he's my favorite, but he is. Actually, he has been all along. He was still a bit of a stereotypical rich boy with family trouble, but he also became so much more. He was dedicated to helping Mara with her fears and being proper, and was willing to do almost anything to please her parents so they could continue seeing each other. He was like so many other guys I've read about, but simultaneously so unique. :)

I was familiar with Miami already, based off my memory of the first book, and honestly that was good enough. The settings weren't a primary focus but I could visualize the hospitals, the therapy, Mara's house, Noah's. I processed the detail I noticed in my frantic search to know what happened next and used my memories for the rest. I'm totally satisfied with that; the thrill was too much for me to take in much else. ;)

Mara's family remained present in this book and I liked that. Even better, they were all worried for Mara and wanted to help in any way they could. It made Mara's investigation with Noah that much harder, and while it was slightly aggravating, I loved how realistic it was. ;)

I loved the progression of Mara and Noah's romance. They want nothing more than to stand by one another and be as helpful as possible. It wasn't insta-love in the first book and never felt like anything close to that in this one. Mara was afraid, so Noah put everything on hold to help her get over that even though it wasn't what he wanted to do. It was the right thing for Mara, and to him that was more important than his desires. I think that's one of the biggest reasons I love him so much. I can't wait to see what happens with them next. :D

You guessed it: this book was a rollercoaster. Honestly though, any other word wouldn't do it justice. From the first page to the last, I was completely absorbed and desperate to know how things played out. At times, I would accidentally tune out what other people were saying to me because I forgot about the real world. It was just that good, and that gripping. :D

All in all, this book was a fabulous sequel, and I'm positive I have a new favorite trilogy. I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the third and final installment. <3