I really don't know what I was expecting when I started reading this one, but it certainly wasn't what I got. As always, Harlequin Teen has put out another one that has my sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel. And since I have no idea when that will be available, I will have to sit here and pine for it.

The characters instantly reached into my heart, having grown up in a situation where they had to struggle, and then thrust into an environment where they are surrounded by prosperity and could feasibly have anything they want. Too bad they can't have ANYONE they want, though. I felt a strong connection to the young heroines in this novel, and my heart bled for them every time they encountered a new struggle. But what was that, was Adrian warming up to them after all? We will have to see what will come in the next installment.

If I had to criticize anything, it is that the ending seemed a little rushed, and I wish we had a little more to go on. While I love cliffhangers, this one felt like there was something missing and I wish I knew more.
( )

I really don't know what I was expecting when I started reading this one, but it certainly wasn't what I got. As always, Harlequin Teen has put out another one that has my sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel. And since I have no idea when that will be available, I will have to sit here and pine for it.

The characters instantly reached into my heart, having grown up in a situation where they had to struggle, and then thrust into an environment where they are surrounded by prosperity and could feasibly have anything they want. Too bad they can't have ANYONE they want, though. I felt a strong connection to the young heroines in this novel, and my heart bled for them every time they encountered a new struggle. But what was that, was Adrian warming up to them after all? We will have to see what will come in the next installment.

If I had to criticize anything, it is that the ending seemed a little rushed, and I wish we had a little more to go on. While I love cliffhangers, this one felt like there was something missing and I wish I knew more.
( )

Well this goes on the list of one of the stupidest most irritating books I have ever read. Full review to come.

Full review: 4/4/14
A ranty review. One plot spoiler I need to vent about because it really made me mad, spoilers are hidden.

This book pissed me off on so many levels. It got my attention immediately with its premise, three sisters discover their father is a Las Vegas billionaire and are flown off to live in his fancy ass hotel on the strip. I love Las Vegas. I have been many times, its one of my favorite places to go. YA book set there? A must read.

So so so disappointing. The characters were shallow and annoying. Three sisters - one responsible, one the rebel, and the youngest who just wants to be pretty and popular. Usually in this type of book I like the rebel type girl. The oldest sister Peyton, but her rebellious attitude was grating and obnoxious. The second sister, Courtney, the responsible one, was almost likable....but her actions made me dislike her. The most likable of the three was the youngest girl Savannah, the only one who wanted to embrace this wonderful new life, spend money, have fun.

Though Savannah fell flat pretty fast.

She gets involved almost right away with a guy she meets, Damian, a hottie, 17 to her 15 and its revealed in a conversation with his bitchy friend Madison that the only reason he wants Savannah is because she's the most innocent of the three. A major major turn off right there. The first night the sisters go to a club at the hotel, Damien's there, goes off with Savannah, they're getting hot and heavy in a private lagoon and he touches her under her bikini bottoms and initially she freaks out and says stop. Smart girl, right? He does stop, (clearly pissed about it) but then she starts thinking she's stupid and should have let him continue!?!?! This just infuriated me beyond belief.



I should have stopped reading there, but I was morbidly curious to see how it ended. It didn't. Its a huge set up for the second book. Its basically three girls left to run around Vegas with an unlimited credit card. I also got the feeling it was trying to very Gossip Girly (there was an anonymous message board with gossip and snarky comments. But it was slut shaming and stupid without any of the delightful snarky bitchiness Gossip Girl has.

So disappointed. ( )

Recieved as an ARC copy from my local bookstore...

This book was not my cup of tea. I didn't finish it. The book wasn't bad. It just wasn't my kind of YA novel. This book reminds me a lot of Gossip Girl. As a 14 year old girl I REALLY enjoyed gossip girl, but as an adult that kind of book just doesn't do it for me. I didn't feel it fair to give a low review because I didnt even get 30% done when I realized I wasnt going to enjoy this.

But I do have a lot of friends and even a younger sister I would highly recommend this book to.

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: This book was a great read for any lovers of Mean Girls.

Opening Sentence: “You’re definitely coming to the movies with us tonight, right?”

The Review:

The Secret Diamond Sisters is about Savannah, Courtney, and Peyton, who have lived their lives in poverty, wrecked by their mothers drinking problems. Until now, they have never even met their father, and all they know is that their mother didn’t want them living his life- dangerous, she says. But when the sister’s mom is out in rehab, they must live with their father, who just happens to be billionaire Adrian Diamond.

This story is from four points of views —- Savannah, Courtney, Peyton, and Madison. A little confusing sometimes, but as long as you read the top of each chapter, you’ll be fine. Each character has a slightly different personality that makes them unique. Peyton uses a mean, snobby attitude as a defense when she feels threatened, Savannah is a sort of wannabe, Courtney is the responsible one, and Madison is the popular girl. They all gradually undergo changes as the book wears on. Peyton breaks her walls a bit, Savannah accepts herself, Courtney loosens up… To be honest, Madison doesn’t change much. I enjoy the changes in them, and generally liked the characters.

I did have a problem with this book as a whole. It was that, although a series of catfights, boy drama, and other girly problems fill the book, there wasn’t really an underlying problem. Maybe that they were wondering why their father didn’t contact them sooner? That was discussed during the first chapters. Their father’s hotel deal? Maybe, but it didn’t strike me as a large problem like saving the world is for many other books. When the book ended, there weren’t any large conflicts that were resolved before the ending… Mostly because there was no large conflict. Overall, the book had enough smaller problems to keep me hooked, but I wasn’t hanging on every word on the ending like I would for Percy Jackson, as Percy races in to defeat Kronos and save the Earth.

The male characters were all different and had their charms. There were many of them, to fit the large amount of girls telling the story. Damien, Oliver, Jackson, Nick, and Brett. The funny thing was, it wasn’t one for each of them. Oh, no. Betrayals, cheating, lies, followed every couple and most of the characters hooked up with at least two of these boys. This kept things interesting, and the romance dominated most of the storyline. The other half was the girl’s sudden change from poverty to being filthy rich.

If you like girly dramas and books about wild parties, teenagers, and steamy kisses, you will enjoy this. Any fan of Mean Girls won’t be able to resist The Secret Diamond Sisters, that’s for sure. It’s got everything a girl would want — makeup, clothes, hot guys, etc. I’d definitely recommend this to people who fit the above categories, you won’t regret it.

Notable Scene:

2: Posted on Monday 07/04 at 04:06 PM

I think the new girls will be there tonight too. The Diamond sisters. Rumor has it they arrived in the Diamond Jet this afternoon and were seen in the hotel lobby gazing around the place like they’ve never seen a casino in their life.

FTC Advisory: Harlequin Teen provided me with a copy of The Secret Diamond Sisters. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. ( )