Helpful Score: 7
[close] I think I may have read Deadly Little Secret before. It seems very familiar. A beautiful but awkward teenage girl is saved from being hit by a speeding car by a handsome and mysterious stranger, who then refuses to admit he saved her. They're lab partners, and he acts like he doesn't like her and won't acknowledge her presence. When he touches her skin, he freaks out and runs away. But he really loves her.
At some point in the story, the same, mysterious boy confides his paranormal secret to the beautiful, awkward girl. But instead of freaking out, she believes him and helps him not be afraid of their love. Then he saves her life.
(ahem.)
The de ja vu aside, Deadly Little Secret did entertain me. I was able to overlook the stilted romance between stereotype bad-boy-with-a-secret Ben and equally-flat heroine Camilia, who I only wish was as interesting and colorful as her name.
Characters aren't Solarz' strength (which I should have learned when I read Project 17, but I digress.) As with that novel, the best part of Deadly Little Secret is the anxious, "whodunit" plot that the author weaves masterfully. Solarz doles out potential baddies and red herrings with enviable skill. I have to admit, I thought I had the culprit figured out, and was surprised by the real stalker's identity.
Deadly Little Secret isn't exceptional in a sea of simliar young adult series launched to ride the Twilight wave. But, it's very readable. It sets an interest-peaking premise that I hope will be expanded -- along with Ben and Camelia's relationship, and the basic characters themselves -- in the future Touch series novels.
At some point in the story, the same, mysterious boy confides his paranormal secret to the beautiful, awkward girl. But instead of freaking out, she believes him and helps him not be afraid of their love. Then he saves her life.
(ahem.)
The de ja vu aside, Deadly Little Secret did entertain me. I was able to overlook the stilted romance between stereotype bad-boy-with-a-secret Ben and equally-flat heroine Camilia, who I only wish was as interesting and colorful as her name.
Characters aren't Solarz' strength (which I should have learned when I read Project 17, but I digress.) As with that novel, the best part of Deadly Little Secret is the anxious, "whodunit" plot that the author weaves masterfully. Solarz doles out potential baddies and red herrings with enviable skill. I have to admit, I thought I had the culprit figured out, and was surprised by the real stalker's identity.
Deadly Little Secret isn't exceptional in a sea of simliar young adult series launched to ride the Twilight wave. But, it's very readable. It sets an interest-peaking premise that I hope will be expanded -- along with Ben and Camelia's relationship, and the basic characters themselves -- in the future Touch series novels.
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by May A. for TeensReadToo.com
Three months ago, Camelia's life was saved by a mysterious boy. She doesn't see him again, until the first day of her junior year. His name is Ben Carter and everybody in school claims that he killed his girlfriend. Camelia doesn't know who or what to believe, but she does know one thing -- she is irresistibly drawn to him and his touch.
But shortly after Ben's sudden appearance in her life, Camelia begins receiving chilling phone calls, various packages, and strange notes. Ben insists that her life is in grave danger and tells Camelia that he can help. Camelia is wary about his offer, especially with Ben's mysterious behavior and the new rumors buzzing around school involving him.
Can she trust the new and handsome boy with the so-called "shady" past?
DEADLY LITTLE SECRET, just like I suspected, did not disappoint. The book was amazing and an excellent start to the new TOUCH series by Laurie Faria Stolarz (author of the BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES series). The plot was mesmerizing; it kept me guessing who it was that posed a threat to Camelia's life.
I loved reading about Camelia and her friends. Kimmie and Wess were a blast. I enjoyed the constant witty banter exchanged between them and their very distinct personalities. There were numerous laugh-out-loud moments whenever the trio were together. I really loved Ben's abilities, which gave him substance. Ben and Camelia's relationship was very compelling, making you fall in love with them both.
The book was full of shocking surprises and revelations, earning the book five stars. This is a must-read for fans of romance, suspense, and mystery because it won't disappoint.
Three months ago, Camelia's life was saved by a mysterious boy. She doesn't see him again, until the first day of her junior year. His name is Ben Carter and everybody in school claims that he killed his girlfriend. Camelia doesn't know who or what to believe, but she does know one thing -- she is irresistibly drawn to him and his touch.
But shortly after Ben's sudden appearance in her life, Camelia begins receiving chilling phone calls, various packages, and strange notes. Ben insists that her life is in grave danger and tells Camelia that he can help. Camelia is wary about his offer, especially with Ben's mysterious behavior and the new rumors buzzing around school involving him.
Can she trust the new and handsome boy with the so-called "shady" past?
DEADLY LITTLE SECRET, just like I suspected, did not disappoint. The book was amazing and an excellent start to the new TOUCH series by Laurie Faria Stolarz (author of the BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES series). The plot was mesmerizing; it kept me guessing who it was that posed a threat to Camelia's life.
I loved reading about Camelia and her friends. Kimmie and Wess were a blast. I enjoyed the constant witty banter exchanged between them and their very distinct personalities. There were numerous laugh-out-loud moments whenever the trio were together. I really loved Ben's abilities, which gave him substance. Ben and Camelia's relationship was very compelling, making you fall in love with them both.
The book was full of shocking surprises and revelations, earning the book five stars. This is a must-read for fans of romance, suspense, and mystery because it won't disappoint.
