Review: A wonderful addition to the series.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 12, 2014
4.5 stars!  Emotions were high while readingVery Wicked Things, as we fast forward a year past the prequel.  The topics touched upon in this installment are very real and will tap into your heart for Cuba and Dovey’s circumstances.  Both Cuba and Dovey have taken on the roles of guardians to those they love.  While they are complete opposites on the social status spectrum, they have so much in common.  Both are talented, both share the same responsibilities, both have experienced loss and grief, and both are self-sacrificing.Several gripping events take place in this story with a lot of surprises along the way.  The author took me blindly on a roller coaster ride with Very Wicked Things.  She set me up with the prequel and zoomed in for the kill with this one.  I wanted to hug Cuba and Dovey until I wanted to smack Cuba and shake Dovey.  And don’t even get me started on Spider.  My jury is still out on my feelings for Spider, although I would love to see him get his own book.  He definitely has a story to tell.While Dovey and Cuba are in high school, this is not a YA novel.  There are several scenes that make the characters appear older than their eighteen years, life experiences having matured them, making them appear as though they were a young couple in their twenties.  There are a few flashbacks alluding to the prequel, as Dovey tells her side of the story in this book with mostly dual viewpoints from Dovey and Cuba.  Don’t let that deter you from reading Very Wicked Beginnings, because the prequel still offers a lot of important information in developing the characters and setting the stage for its conclusion.Ilsa Madden-Mills brought the reality of mental illness and Alzheimer’s Disease to the forefront, validating that these illnesses can invade and affect persons from both sides of the tracks. The stress affecting the characters is magnified as secrets are revealed, hearts are broken, and love that is meant to be is languished.  The epilogue brings the star couple full circle and offers a beautiful rainbow after the storm.  The characters summon a connection with the reader, the plot is gripping, and the life lessons offered through the characters and story line are powerful, making this an easy recommendation.The full review, combined with a review for the prequel, can be found at Romantic Reading Escapes dot comI received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.