Book Review: Secrets & Lies

Author: Ella Monroe
Publication Date: November 13, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Series: Capital Girls # 2

Jealousy, rivalry, and dark secrets threaten to tear the girls apart in this sizzling follow-up to Capital Girls

It’s the start of senior year, and Excelsior Prep is on Code 3 lockdown. Secret Service agents swarm the halls searching for the First Son’s girlfriend, Jackie Whitman. Outside a SWAT team hunts for the man who’s been threatening the First Family for weeks. Only this time he’s singled out Jackie, leaving a menacing message on the school’s voicemail. Jackie's safe for now, but for the Capital Girls—three privileged kids who live in a political fishbowl in the nation’s capital—every day is filled with tension and thrills. Though, even for them, a raid on the school by AK-47-toting marksmen is a standout.

And a stalker isn't Jackie's only problem. Still shattered by the shocking news that Andrew cheated on her with Taylor the night Taylor died, Jackie's whole world has fallen apart. Not only did the love of her life betray her, so did her best friend and idol. What made Taylor do it? Who was she really? On top of it all, Whitney Remick is plotting to take Taylor's place, and Jackie will do anything to stop her?

“‘Pass it here.’ Jackie held out her hand and took a swig. All the stress and worry of the day melted away. This was just what she needed: time with her best friends.’” – Finished Copy pg. 34

“Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. She’d hang out with the Crapital Girls, and get some dirt for her mom. There were worse ways to spend a Friday night – like in a jail cell.” – Finished Copy pg. 36

“Her mother placed her hand on top of Jackie’s. ‘Jackie, honey, what’s really going on? Andrew’s been walking around like a zombie, and he’s been spotted drunk more than a few times. I barely see the two of you together anymore. And at the house the other day…well, it was like the two of you were enemies, not dating.’” – Finished Copy pg. 261

“‘I know you haven’t worn your Capital Girls bracelet in a long time, Jackie. But they still mean something to me – to us.’ She nodded at Lettie, who was holding hers up with a wide smile. ‘I had this made to show we’re indestructible. Nothing can tear us apart – not men, not politics. Nothing.’” – Finished Copy pg. 291

This is the second book in the Capital Girls series, and I am hooked! I reviewed the first book in the series on its release date, August 7, and absolutely could not wait until I could get my hands on this book. This story picks up right where the last one left off with Lettie, Laura Beth, Jackie, and unfortunately, Whitney Remick. They are all harboring secrets in this book and their lives are consumed of one lie after another. I think the reason that I love this series so much is because of the snarky girls, web of lies, and constant pit in my stomach to know what is going to happen next!

Jackie Whitman is my absolute favorite Capital Girl, and she is also known as Washington D.C.’s It Girl! Jackie was let in on a HUGE secret by her boyfriend Andrew Price, the president’s son, which could change their lives forever. Not to mention she is also receiving threats from someone and fears of a possible kidnapping are roaming around the White House. Jackie is just such a held together kind of person, and to see her completely falling apart in this book was a nice change. I really saw her develop as a character and her love life is what is now interesting me the most. By the end of this book, Jackie has entered into a possible love triangle. Eeeekkkk! I am so excited, but I am not going to spoil anymore for you.

I loved the political atmosphere from the first book and I could really see a change in the sequel. In the first book more talk of current politics and the political scene were described, but that didn’t happen as much in this book. I did kind of miss it this time around, but the drama and intrigue was enough to fill its place. I wish that I could find more books like this on a daily basis. I read each page faster and faster because I am constantly dying to know what happens next. It takes a talented author to truly keep me this intrigued in a sequel. Once I had finished this book even more questions without answers had been placed on the table and we are still up in the air as far as what really happened on the night that Taylor Cane, former Capital Girl, died. I was hoping so badly that I would have some more answers by the end of this book, but sadly I only have developed more questions. I have a long time to wait until April 2013!

If you like stories about friendship, secrets, lies, and webs of deceit then I highly recommend that you pick up this series of books. I am sold, and will forever cherish them on my personal shelves!

***I cannot thank the publishers at St. Martin’s Griffin enough for all of their hospitality towards me. I received this book in exchange for my honest review***