Review: So Close to You by Rachel Carter

So Close to You by Rachel Carter
NOW AVAILABLE!!! (SEE LINKS BELOW)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: ARC from Publisher
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.


My Thoughts:
Diana Gabaldon for teens!


I loved this book! It kept me up all night with it's romance and suspense.


The first few chapters were a bit slow, but once Wes entered the picture, I couldn't stop! 


Remember sitting down and listening to your Grandma or Grandpa recount stories from their early years? Ever wonder what it would be like to go back and experience those moments with them? Well that's exactly what Lydia gets to do in So Close to You. She's given the unique opportunity to go back  in time and meet her ancestors (and become besties with her great-aunt)- I loved this premiss, it was as entertaining as Back to the Future, minus the creepiness.


I enjoyed reading from Lydia's perspective, she's a strong heroine trying to do the right thing for her family. I mean, come on, how many of us can say we'd stick it out through World War II to solve the mystery of our Great-grandfather's disappearance? She's got strong morals and a great relationship with her parents and Grandfather, which is established in the first few chapters. 


Mary (Lydia's great-aunt) was adorable! She's a huge girlie girl, always wanting to chat about boys and clothes and she's loyal and trusting. You'll have a hard time not like this character.


And let's not forget my favourite part of any read- The Boy. Lydia actually has two men vying for her attention in this read, but it's the mysterious Wes that everyone will be rooting for. In Lydia's words, 
         "...when I think handsome, I think of someone untouchable-the kind of guy you never meet in real life.
         Guys like Wes.  p.99
Cue the *swoon* and we're back, haha. Wes is a great guy, he's sexy, understanding, protective and has that added bit of intrigue to keep you guessing. The romance between these two is bittersweet and will have you smiling as little butterflies dance around your stomach.


Be warned! Once you've finished reading So Close to You, you'll be eager for its sequel- total cliffhanger ending, that definitely raises the myth of "The Butterfly Effect".


This book is full of mystery, we the reader, get to follow Lydia as she solves the mysteries that have been surrounding the town she grew up for many years. What is the Montauk Project? What happened to her great-grandpa, Dean and what/how much, exactly, does Wes have to do with all of it? Some of these questions are answered within this first installment, but I'm not going to tell you which- way to spoilery! :)


Overall, a great debut that I would recommend to all Young Adult fans, who enjoy romance and time-travel in their read. Lydia and Wes are the Claire and Jaime of YA!


Bring on Book #2!


Happy Reading!!!


Order your copy of So Close to You:
HarperCollins Canada
Amazon
Amazon.ca
Book Depository