Between You & Me

Between You & Me was a novel I picked up because I wanted a "fluff" read after Under the Dome by Stephen King. I know a lot of readers recognize the authors- Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus- but this was my first time reading anything of theirs. I was pleasantly surprised!

About the book:
Atria Books // 6.4.13
Growing up in small-town Oklahoma, cousins Logan and Kelsey Wade were raised like sisters. Rarely separated, they became each other’s lifelines, escaping into the small joys of childhood to survive the increasing chaos in their family. Then one day Logan woke up and Kelsey and her parents were gone.
Years later, Kelsey has been propelled by her relentless parents to mega-stardom, her voice a radio fixture and her face on billboards worldwide. Meanwhile, Logan is trying to carve out her own life in New York City despite the constant reminders of her cousin’s absence. Though she has long since stopped trying to solve the mystery of their last hours together, the inexplicably fractured memories haunt her.
Then on Logan’s twenty-seventh birthday, she gets the call that she’s been longing for—and dreading. Before she can second-guess herself, she’s on a plane to L.A. to reunite with Kelsey and the parents who ripped them apart, but Logan will soon learn that some family secrets are kept hidden for a reason.

My thoughts:
I quite enjoyed this novel. This isn't my typical type of book, but like I said, I was in need of a lighter read. The characters in this novel were bratty, but I liked them (for the most part) anyway. Logan is whiny and Kelsey is spoiled yet kept under her parents thumb. Add the fact that they are all family- Lo included- and then toss in the ridiculousness that is fame, and you've got a fun and engaging read.

The authors wrote a fairly convincing story, especially all the aspects of fame and overbearing parents. Kelsey is completely controlled by her parents. McLaughlin & Kraus did a great job drawing out that codependent relationship and really showing the underbelly of dysfunctional (famous) family dynamics. They also played up the mysterious scar that Logan has on her head quite effectively. It was woven in throughout the story, and as we read on we uncover the darkness that lies within the Wade home.
This novel is both easy to read (and something I could categorize as 'fluff') and has some deep undercurrents. It shows the nitty gritty of life as an assistant; as well as a peek into the life of the rich and famous. Between You & Me also highlights the "typical" cornerstones of young, rich, and famous: sex, drugs, and partying.
On a parting note- I was reminded of Britney Spears and her fall from grace when I was reading this. Maybe it is because I grew up around the Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, NSync, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees era, but it seemed almost painfully obvious that they were tearing bits and pieces from those late 90s early 00s pop stars lives.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It was easy and fun to read. It just felt like a summer read. I liked how it was light and airy but at the same time gave me pause. This is definitely a warm weather beach read.

About the authors:
Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus are the New York Times bestselling authors of The Nanny Diaries, Citizen Girl, Dedication, Nanny Returns and their young adult novels The Real Real and Over You. They work together in New York City. For more information visit EmmaandNicola.com

FTC: I received an egalley of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review
Book information, cover image, and author information provided by Amazon.com




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