{YA Minute Review} Hush (Lakeview #1) by Stacey R. Campbell

{YA Minute Review} Hush (Lakeview #1) by Stacey R. Campbell

For small-town girl Blakely Henry, any hope of finding her biological parents died when she stopped believing in fairy tales and Disney princesses. That is, until she spots her boarding school’s new British exchange student, Max Ryder, staring at her. Why would a boy who looks like he stepped out of the pages of a magazine be looking at her? Because Max knows something Blakely doesn’t.
Following the tragic demise of one of Europe’s most beloved royal families, Max has stumbled upon information he thinks may lead to a lost royal heir, and now he is on a quest halfway around the world to see if he’s right.
Sworn to secrecy by his university professor and the headmaster of Lakeview Academy, Max is admitted into an exchange program with the sole purpose of finding out the truth. But will his personal feelings for Blakely get in the way?
When a stolen email surfaces, Blakely and her friends’ lives are threatened, and Max starts to question what he is really after.
From the exclusive rolling lawns of Canada’s most prestigious boarding school to the University of Saint Andrews’ hallowed grounds, Blakely’s quiet, unassuming life is turned upside down. Is she really who she thinks she is? Can she survive long enough to help Max unearth the truth? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 278 pages. Published January 23rd 2013 by Green Darner Press (first published November 15th 2012). Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!

{Review}

"James," she moaned. (page 1, line 1)

I love the cover, the simplicity, the crown, it definitely gives the vibe of a secret waiting to be discovered. As to the storyline? I liked the idea of it but the actuality was a bit lackluster. The 'mystery' was pretty obvious and the characters were pleasant enough but a bit generic. They're hot/pretty, athletic, smart, popular. I thought they needed an edge; something that made them unique and memorable.

While I thought it felt a little juvenile for the ages of the characters - college and almost college age - I did like the strong friendships and camaraderie of the school. I do wish there had been more background about the royal family - the hows and whys, the motivations behind their actions. Things were wrapped up neatly, questions answered, villains were revealed and we get a HEA.