From Goodreads: Life hasn’t been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she’s irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can’t stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma’s been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

_________________________

I thought this novel started out a little slow.  I was nervous because I wasn’t interested in what was going on and I began to struggle through it.  Emma is starting over in a new town, phased by a near-death accident.  As she’s been shunned by all her former friends and her self-esteem is lower than most teens her age, I was worried that this novel would turn into a “woe is me” story.  It didn’t.  In fact, it picked up rather quickly and I really got into the story.  Yes, it’s the traditional boy meets girl novel, and yes, I did notice elements within the novel that reminded me of both Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight saga and Lauren Kate’s Fallen series, but overall I think Shultz did a great job with her novel, creating an interesting background legend that held me captive.

Shultz is an amazing writer, and I think her in-depth characterization is great.  As I stated before, in the beginning I wasn’t sure about the novel, or the characters, but Emma and Brendan quickly won me over through their well-rounded dispositions.  I love Emma’s fiery, no holds barrier attitude.  The fact that she can hold her own and becomes exceptionally independent endears her to my heart.  Not only does she take on anyone out to hurt her or her loved ones, but she also comes back for more—in a realistic sense.  She’s not a crazy taekwondo master or even a fighter, but a regular girl willing to go toe to toe with others, even when she knows she’ll lose.  I have a lot of respect for her and her plights throughout the novel.

Brendan is a little dreamy.  I think I sort of have a crush on him.  He’s cute, sweet, strong, sensible… and he, like Emma, doesn’t back down from a fight for his loved ones.  Together they make a wonderful couple and Shultz has created an extremely interesting story that I think all will enjoy.  Four stars.

Harlequin has been extremly gracious to allow me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release today.