Review: TORCHED by Andrea Lynn Colt

Title: TORCHED
Author: Andrea Lynn Colt
Published: September 2012
Series: None
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: self-published
Pages: 370
POV: 1st person
Format: Kindle
Source: Purchased
Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf

"Cheerleader Rose Whitfield's senior year goes up in smoke when she's framed for arson.

Sure that the culprit is her neighbor Paxton, with whom she's been feuding since middle school, she sets out to clear her name and take Paxton down hard--not necessarily in that order."

Rose Whitfield has it all: the perfect boyfriend, a popular BFF, the captain spot on the cheerleading squad and the top GPA at her high school. But, with a little fuel for the fire and the strike of a match, Rose's perfect life goes up in (actual) flames. Framed for arson, Rose quickly learns who her allies are when the people who should stand behind her – her boyfriend, best friend, and even her parents – don't seem to believe she's innocent. With only one person to rely on, and the absolute last person she ever expected to believe her, Rose digs for the truth. But thanks to her history of pranks that sometimes go awry, Rose discovers that she might have made more enemies during the last few years than she could have ever guessed.

A humorous and surprise-filled debut novel, TORCHED is an enjoyable mystery that will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish. Colt writes with plenty of humor, giving Rose an amusing voice that feels fresh and authentic. While the romantic aspect of the story is easy to see coming, it's an endearing inclusion that rounds out this mystery novel very nicely. Speaking of mystery, Colt keeps the suspense alive and burning throughout most of the novel – giving small hints here and there, but saving the reveal until much closer to the conclusion. Even when I originally guessed the culprit, Colt made me doubt my choice left me changing my mind repeatedly. If you're looking for a fun story with a dash of romance and plenty of mystery, I would highly suggest checking out TORCHED. 

Highlights: Colt's writing is fun, fresh, and very easy to enjoy. Rose's transformation and effort to be a better person was gradual and realistic. The romance was sweet and genuine. Each character was authentic in their own right. Honestly, as a whole, this book went above and beyond my admittedly low expectations. I usually equate low novel prices to low quality writing, but TORCHED is the exception. Also, I love that Rose named her car Cloudmonster. 

Lowlights: Rose spends a lot of time focusing on the (obviously) wrong person for a little more than a 100 pages, which I found a bit frustrating. OH! And Rose's parents. My gosh. What is wrong with them?!

Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf. TORCHED is a fantastic story worth owning, and it has earned a spot in the royal library. I enjoyed this story very much, despite a few small issues, and would recommend TORCHED to other readers, especially if you're a fan of mystery, humor, and romance. 

And I'm back...Decode This Tuesdays

Wow, I cannot believe I've let this blog sit. I'm back now, and I am determined to get it working.
So, my hopes and plans for this blog are simple. Review amazing books, try to link as many contests to my page as I can so it's easy for my followers to find them, and to just have some fun!

So lets get started with Decode This Tuesdays! Yes, I know, what does that even mean? Well, I lost a bet, that's all I shall say...But here are some novels I'm dying to get my hands on for this summer/fall season. And because I believe 7 is my lucky number, 7 books there shall be.



Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman: The cover of this novel is gorgeous, and it's a retelling of the goddess Persephone. How awesome is that? I took a peek when I saw it on amazon, and it sounds amazing.

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott: I've never read any of Elizabeth Scott's books, but I always hear how amazing they are, and this one is no exception.

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman: Wait. Is the guy a mermaid? Nooo...I must get my hands on this.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: Do I even need to talk about how amazing this book is going to be? This book sounds like it will be pure gold. I'm entering so many contests for this (well, like two) and I want it so bad!

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough: A girl that's "supposed" to be the most powerful witch in a line of witches turns out not to be anything? Then someone mistakes her for her sister, wanting her "witchy" help? I'm hooked. I love mystical stuff like this.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray: Alright. Who's excited for this one? I am! Libba Bray, writing a book from a guys perspective? And it's not in a historical setting, that she does so well in? And what is up with the cow???? This one captures my curiousity, big time.

Fire by Kristin Cashore: Yet again, just like Catching Fire, this one eludes many of us as we try our best to win a copy.

Any books that you cannot wait for? Leave a comment and tell me a few to keep an eye out for!

And be sure to keep checking my sidebars, I'm going to start fishing around the Blogosphere and linking contests!

-YABQ