Book Review - Spellbound

Title: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 21 Jun 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0373210305

Synopsis
What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?
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.



My Review
I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I looked at the blurb and decided it might be good, boy did I under-estimate this book, it wasn't good. It was FANTASTIC.
Emma has had a really rough life, her twin brother died, then her mum passed away then her step-dad tried to drive through a tree, with Emma in the car. So a fresh start in New York may be just what she needs. Moving in with her Aunt Christine and going to a posh school Vincent Academy, she hopes to make friends and have a relatively peaceful life. But the pupils at the school aren't particularly friendly, all except one, Brendon, the school heart throb, whom Emma is inexplicably drawn to, but these start getting weird and visions of the past really freak her out. The two have to fight for their love against unknown powers. 
Emma is a great protagonist, she has had a rough past, but she doesn't let it define her or hold her back, in fact she has a strong character and up front attitude, she's not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for those she loves. She has a quick wit and a fiery temper but also a soft heart and loving tendencies.
Brendon is like, the perfect guy. Sweet, charming, funny, smart and total superhero style. Willing to do anything for Emma he is all hero. He doesn't use his status at school as a chance to make everyone miserable, he's more of a team player and very considerate to others.
The pace of the story is very fast moving and gives a good mix of action, adventure, romance, fighting, comedy and history. It really gives an insight into the characters back grounds and I felt like I knew them.
The description and imagery were right up there, I could picture it all, it was like I was there.
I'm glad I requested this one, because I really would have missed out otherwise. I recommend you all try it. 


My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10, a definite must read, full of excitement and romance it has everything you could want from a good, no great, book.