Review: Don't Look Back by Jennifer Armentrout

Title: Don't Look Back
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Disney-Hyperion (April 15, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Thriller/Mystery
My Rating: 3 Stars

Book Description:
Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend. 

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash. 

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

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I really like Armentrout's work, there is just something about it that is irresistible to me, even when the plot line seems predictable and the characters like you have meet them before. There is just something to be said about an author that can make you ignore all of that and still have you get completely caught up in the story.

Plus come on, you cover whores out there know you love the cover just as much as I do. It has a slightly creepy vibe to it and along with the kick butt synopsis you just know you are going to be in for a real treat. 

And while this did succumb to some very well used tropes and very predictable outcomes, it was still a really great read that had me guessing and second guessing up until the very end. I loved the little twists and turns we get with Sam along the way as her life slowly starts to unfold in front of her. As she sees that her life wasn't perfect and in fact, her old self was anything but nice and sweet. She starts to question everyone around her, even those that she knows she should be able to trust and those that she is close with. She learns that not everything is how it seems on the surface and that sometimes you have to learn how to stand up for what is right and good and make amends for past mistakes, even when you life is on the line.

The romance was a slow build up which I really appreciated, with a very yummy make lead. There was an insta spark but since most of the characters in the story have known each other for years, it was understandable and believable and didn't make me want to roll my eyes, in fact I think Sam and her love interest shared some very real and very sweet moments togther.

I think this was a great addition any fan of Armentrout's will appreciate and like, maybe not love but definitely appreciate. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*