Review: Spellbound

Details:
Title: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pub Date: July, 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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 Connor, 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. -- Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I'm not really sure what drew me to this book; the summary confused me and cover is beautiful, but odd. Nonetheless, something drew me and I ended up liking the book more than I expected to.

I have nothing bad to say about Spellbound, it was well written, the characters were likable and interesting, and the plot and background story were great. The only reason I didn't love the book was that I'm not a huge fan of romance; I like most of the paranormal YA romance I read, but I just don't love it. But I think I liked this one more than most. Shultz writing style and voice were wonderful. Every element of the story came together in the end to create a beautiful and tragic love story.

I wasn't too sure how the whole "when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death" thing would pan out or what that even meant for the story, but I loved it. I don't want to say too much since it totally gives away the story, but this theme is crafted beautifully.

Emma was an excellent narrator; I liked her right away. Even though she's the main character in a crazy romance, she didn't seem over-the-top or fake like other female romance characters. Emma was a "real girl;" she struggles with her past, figuring out what's going on with Brendan, has trouble fitting in, and in the end becomes an even stronger character and girl than she already was.

Rating: