In full disclosure, it’s been a really long time since I read the the first batch of Shatter Me books. Unlikable MC...she was relatable in few instances, but as we got to know more about her and some of her actions, it was difficult to feel bad for her. As I already said, I just couldn't bring myself to root for the main character as she was such a horrible person, and I found her even more disgusting after the final chapter. God, how different these voices can be: Warner and Juliette. I love what the author did here, how she could bring to life such fleshed-out characters, so different but so well defined. This is exactly what I like about an author: to be able to convince me that I’m reading the character’s words and not her/his own. The idea was intrigueing and I managed to fly through this book, several plot twists are thrown the readers way so just when you think you've got it figured out something else comes up and you realise it's not quite as you expected.

There were many characters introduced who had the potential to be the culprit...and it was neither super obvious nor out of the blue. I had great time solving the puzzle and getting to that ending. You know I didn’t like him that much and it made me sad the fact that the cliché seemed to happen: the good boy got the good girl. Wasn’t it such a fairytale? But the police are doubtful. They've questioned her .. he almost ex-husband and his girlfriend.. her mother.. and her friend. She knows she is innocent and since the police seem to be looking at only one person ... her ... she's going to do her own investigation. If I liked this amazing and complex character in Shatter Me, well now I feel like I’ve been bewitched by him, his dark mind, his fears, and his struggle. I repeat, Warner is not a good person, the world didn’t make him good, the world was not good to him either.. But deep down he had feelings, and I loved the sound of his breaking heart.. I liked the concept for this - how crazy would it be if you saw a photofit of a murderer on TV and it was you?! Especially if you knew the victim.

Yes, I must confess that at this point I really hope for Juliette to choose Warner, and deep down this hope is the one making me want to read the next book. And I know that I might be wrong about all this, that I might get to be disappointed in the ending, but as long as I got to be in Warner’s mind for a just bit, as long as I got to see a different side of him, I will be happy.. Because I was right – he is the most interesting character in this story, and my love for him was not in vain. What is it?” I use my left arm to steady myself against the mattress and force myself upright. It takes every ounce of energy I have left, and I’m clinging to the bed frame. I wave away Delalieu’s effort to help; I close my eyes against the pain and dizziness. “Tell me what’s happened,” I say to him. “There’s no point in prolonging bad news.” Cat is a recently divorced mother, who sees herself on the TV on day in the news. She is the suspect in the murder investigation of her old high school friend, and has few friends now who she can turn to. The police don't believe her, her mother wants to pretend it's not happening, her ex-husband isn't exactly helpful, and the parents at her son's school are very suspicious of her. Sometimes I wish I could step outside of myself for a while. I want to leave this worn body behind, but my chains are too many, my weights too heavy. This life is all that’s left of me. And I know I won’t be able to meet myself in the mirror for the rest of the day.

Cat is a soon to be divorced mother of a 5 year old. Her son is just beginning school in a school with a good reputation. Since her photo has been linked to this recent murder, Cat is apprehensive to be seen in public. When another mother befriends her, she is unsure of her intentions. While at her house for a play date, Cat meets her husband, Luke. Cat already knows Luke......how does he fit into this murder investigation? The Shatter Me series is a YA Fantasy Romance. So let’s dissect that. First, Romance is an important aspect of the plot and it does contain romantic elements. But it’s also YA, or Young Adult, meaning that it’s meant for ages 13 to 17. My skin is cold and clammy; I’m making a herculean effort to breathe. Torture is roaring through my right arm and making it difficult for me to focus. I have to squeeze my eyes shut, grit my teeth, and force myself to pay attention.Leads,” I demand. I move toward my bathroom and wince against the cold air as it hits my skin; I’m still without a shirt. Trying to remain calm. “Tell me you have not brought me this information without leads.” Destroy Me is a popular novella written by the American author, Tahereh Mafi. The book in young adult fiction, science fiction, and dystopian fiction genres tells a story between three key characters who are Juliette Ferrars, Aaron Warner and Adam Kent. It is a sequel to the Shatter Me book by the same author. He is in a difficult position being his father’s son, hating him so much but having to follow his path. In a way he is a prisoner to his world, the way Juliette is to hers. They don’t have much of a choice, do they, but they have so much in common.

Pacing was good and there was no superfluous waffle or padding so the story got on with itself very well. Characters were, shall we just say, interesting! Spoilers prevent me from saying more about the majority but I did sort of warm to Cat mostly although I did not agree with some of the things she did along the way - she showed herself to be alternately smart and naive - but I guess they were necessary to progress the story. Good to see you’re all right, sir.” His voice is a nervous, shaky thing. “Good to see you’re all right.”Cat decides to investigate by herself to find some answers, as a stranger in Facebook sends her pictures of places from an event in the past she wants to forgot. Who is this stranger? How does he know what happened that night? And can Cat find the real killer before something happens to her or her son?

I’m suddenly disgusted with myself. I have to get out of this room as soon as possible, or my own thoughts will wage war against me. I make a hasty decision and for the first time, pay little attention to what I’m wearing. I tug on a fresh pair of pants and go without a shirt. I slip my good arm into the sleeve of a blazer and allow the other shoulder to drape over the sling carrying my injured arm. I look ridiculous, exposed like this, but I’ll find a solution tomorrow. A nice enough mystery where all of sudden a recently separated mother becomes the focus in a murder investigation based on a photo fit putting her at the scene of the crime and it turns out the victim is an old friend with whom she shared a terrible secret. Thank You to NetGalley and Karen Cole/Quercus for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. Catherine Bayntun is a soon-to-be divorced mother of 5 years old Dylan. Separated from her husband when he cheated on her with another woman, she is just getting past her anxiety and body issues. Suddenly, one day she gets the news that her childhood best friend has been murdered, and she is the prime suspect. Looks like someone is out there to frame her... Is her past finally coming to catch on with her? Or is this something else?