jessread_s 's review for:

Save Me by Mona Kasten

5.0

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Review: There is no world in which this book is not one of my favorite love stories of all times! 

 

“Save Me” follows Ruby Bell, a quick-witted scholarship student, after she stumbles upon a scandalous secret involving James Beaufort—the rich, arrogant, and handsome ringleader of Maxton Hall’s popular crowd. They come from different worlds, yet the more time they spend together planning the school’s annual gala, the more they question if they were meant for each other all along. 

 

Like many others, I picked this book up after watching the television adaptation, Maxton Hall. I fell in love with Ruby and James on the screen, but I fell for them even harder on the page! Kasten alternates between their perspectives, intimately acquainting readers with Ruby and James’ innermost thoughts, motivations, and insecurities. I felt like I really got to know them better, got to see the depths of Ruby’s determination, resilience, and compassion as well as James’ emotions, dreams, and intellect. 

 

Ruby and James’ rivalry turned romance is all consuming! The pacing is deliciously slow as the line between hatred and love begins to blur. The forbidden aspect with James’ dad disapproving of Ruby’s background makes their entanglement all the more satisfying when he pushes back against the confines of his family’s expectations. They go through many ups and downs that threaten to tear them apart. The moment they finally give in to the pull between them is only overshadowed by the cliffhanger at the end! 

 

If you’re a fan of the show, this book is a must-read!