The Ivy: Secrets [Hardcover]

In this second novel of the series, Callie is still smack dab in the middle of trouble. She is still being black-mailed by the upperclassman she is trying to impress. She doesn't know what to do about Gregory and their "night of love." She still feels drawn to Lexi's ex-boyfriend, and she still hasn't made up with one of her roommates who overly dramatizes Callie's so-called betrayal. Will Callie get herself out of this mess?

Callie's character is impulsive, brave, smart, and slightly clueless. Gregory and her suffer a misunderstanding due to miscommunication that wasn't really either of their faults. She feels snubbed and rejected by Gregory, making her the perfect target for Lexi's ex...who is kind and actually endearing. Lexi is still a colossal meanie, she orders Callie around and forces her to complete menial tasks. She still likes her French roommate, who is as entertaining as ever. She experiences the "naked run" that is traditional at Harvard. There is a lot going on in this novel.

The plot is much the same as the first, just as exciting and full of drama. There is a definite love triangle between Gregory, Callie, and Lexi's ex. The intense anger and hatred between Lexi and Callie practically roll off the pages. Nothing can make those two get along. The main character, Callie, is plenty likable. Lexi is the antagonist, the reader will really dislike her character. The two love interests for Callie are very hard to choose between. This book was a quick, exciting read and recommended for young adults/teens.

*Complimentary copy received for this review, does not affect my opinion in any way*

Why I Read this Book: The previous book, The Ivy (my review), left off with quite the scandal. I've been waiting to read Secrets for almost a year now!

What I Liked: Confession: I was in a bit of a panic when I was about to start reading Secrets because while I could remember some of what happened in The Ivy, there were certain details that I couldn't remember - like the how things went down. Lucky for me, the authors did a great job of recapping most of the I had questions right in the beginning of Secrets. There was one thing (regarding Callie's secret) that wasn't recapped on until late in the book.

Secrets was even more scandalous and delicious than its predecessor. You like drama? Well, you'll get drama in Secrets. Alexis, head chick for Fifteen Minutes magazine Callie is COMPing (trying out) for, totally makes Callie's life miserable. And even though I'm on Callie's side, it's kind of fun to watch her squirm a bit. There's more drama, more romances. And the authors keep things interesting with there being more than one romantic interest for Callie. Ah, the possibilities...

There are a couple of Harvard-related websites mentioned in the book (nonofficial sites) that are real sites! And yes, I checked them out and they are funny!

One of my favorite scenes in the book was The Hasty Pudding Social Club Limerick party. Each attendee picked a name out of a hat and had to write a limerick about that person. All the Limericks mentioned in the book were very entertaining! Including the one Clint wrote just for Callie's to read.

And with all the drama going on in Secrets, there were plenty of laughs.

"Ohmygosh, look at that guy," she cried, pointing at a boy wearing only a tube sock - and not on either of his feet.

What I Didn't Like: Poor Callie, she just can't seem to get a break! Just when things look to be going her way - WHAM! - there's a problem. But then it wouldn't have been as to fun if everything went her way. So many mishaps; things getting into the wrong hands seems to be the reoccurring theme in this series.

Overall Impression: Secrets was pure entertainment. Great fun afternoon read or beach read. With the helluva cliffhanger at the end of Secrets, I can't wait to read the next book in this 4-book series!

Just when I thought the world of The Ivy could not get any more scandalous, dramatic, or suspenseful, Secrets, the newest addition in The Ivy series, comes along and blows my expectations right out of the water.

Quite simply, Callie is not looking forward to returning to the drama and deceit she left back at Harvard. However, not going back is not an option so there she is back in her freshman year after an uneventful Thanksgiving break. As usual, nothing is going her way. For one, Lexi is still threatening to unleash the secret Callie would do anything to hide, and because of it, Callie's now doing all of Lexi's dirty work, even if means letting go of the things she loves the most. Next, her BFF Vanessa is not talking to her, which is causing major chaos in their dorm. Most importantly, Gregory, the boy she hates to love, is acting weird around her, leaving her to wonder once again whom she will end up with... Gregory, Matt, or Clint? Better yet, will she ever get out of Lexi's hold on her? Moreover, will her and Vanessa every call a truce and make up? Only time and more pages will tell in this unforgettable sequel to what started it all- The Ivy.

Just like in The Ivy, the characters in this were one of the best parts of the novel. For one, there was some much-needed development into them and their relationships, and for two, they became just all around three-dimensional for the most part. My favorite would still have to Callie, as not only is she very much likable and root-able, but parts of her story are very much ones that any girl can relate to, no matter how young or how old. The only aspect I didn't like about her character in this was the fact that it took her quite a bit of time to stand up for herself involving that one secret, but it did cause for some great suspense to occur in the long run as well as nail-biting type scenes, so I suppose it was worth it in the end.

I also enjoyed the focus on Callie's love life, because if anything, it is very eventful, and best of all, it moves in some great directions. For instance, Gregory steps it up a bit in this novel, as does Clint, which made me forever indecisive when it came to picking whom Callie would end up with.

Furthermore, I once again think the Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur did a great job with the plot in this. Full of drama, secrets, lies, and romance, there wasn't a time when I wasn't dying to flip the page, so I could finally find out what would occur next. Better yet, I also loved that while a big portion of Secrets has to do with love, there still is a focus on friendship and day-to-day college life, as I feel it give this series an edge to most YA books out there. Most importantly, I also liked how they faced a particularly heavy issue in this, though I will not say much more about that, since I don't want to spill any spoilers.

Even better than the prequel, Secrets once again has the ability to win over fans, as they become fully involved in Callie's story. I can only hope the third one will be as amazing, if not more.

Grade: A+