Review: Laced In Malice - Riley Gray

Title: Laced In Malice ( Laced #1)

Author: Riley Gray

Release Date: November 1st 2012

Publisher:  self-published

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Pages: unknown

Type: e-book 

Source: For review

Behind the creepy castle like exterior of Birchtree academy is the sound of gossip, back stabbing and malice. When Zara’s dad takes on the new principle job at the elite boarding school, Zara knows she’ll be an outsider. She dreams of true love and marriage instead of possible frenemies and secrets. Definitely not Birchtree material.

In the cusp of everything are the twins. Oliver and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Nixon are renowned for their different – yet equally effective – methods of torture. And both have their eyes set on goody, goody Zara. Oliver wants to date her and Lizzie wants to befriend her?

At first, Zara is caught in the Nixons spell, but it’s not long until cracks begin to show through their dazzling façade. An anonymous email account, which targets students with their own secrets, has focused its energy on Zara using weapons only the Nixon’s could have provided. But have they turned on her? Is there a hidden agenda behind Lizzie’s interest in Zara? It’ll take four months, three warnings, two released sex tapes, and one dead body for Zara to finally learn the truth. And the truth can either destroy the boy she’s fallen for – and his twin sister – or save them both.

Did I mention how much I love books that take place in boarding school? I think we need more of that in YA! The setting was perfect for this book. JUST PERFECT.

The few reviews that I've read has said that they've fallen in love with Oliver. I was so so excited to read about him because as you all know, I'm a huge fan of bad boys and full on sexual tension. Unforetunately, I was a bit unimpressed with the guy. Yes, he's a bad boy, but unlike some bad boys I love (coughDaemoncough), Oliver was pretty flat next to them. 

I had lots of ups and downs with the main female character, Zara. I really liked her, but then her naivity and her stupidity kinda got to me after a while. I mean, come on girl, the evidence is right there and you're believing your stupid mean bitch fake bestfriend?? I wanna slap both of you right now. I know some people in real life will still side with their besfriend even if they've done something wrong, but with this big of a 'mistake', well I think you have to step up. 

Lizzie is one of my most hated characters ever. I would be here forever typing out why, so I won't even bother. Just want to let you know:  I HATE LIZZIE'S GUTS.

I have to admit that certain scenes kinda got a bit more descriptive and graphic. Now, I wouldn't have any problem with that if this was a new adult or an adult book, but for a young adult, I thought it was a bit much. I personally didn't mind it, but others might say differently. 
 
I loved plot, the pace was perfect, the writing alright but I couldn't stop reading. It was very addicting and unputdownable. Read this in one sitting! Anyway, the whole thing about The Voice reminded me of Gossip Girl which I LOVED.

I guess one of the things that bothered me was how at the start and throughout the middle of the book, our MC, Zara was very innocent and a bit of a prude, and then after that she changed drastically into someone who does this and that with Oliver by the end.  Since I'm not like that kinda person, I DON'T know if this is realistic. Might be, might be not. 

I can't wait for the sequel! I need to know what happened and I would like to be a character int this series so I can punch Lizzie myself. Yes, please!

Overall if you're looking for a fun, bitchy kinda book, you better give LACED IN MALICE a go :).