Don't Look Back

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Summary: 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?

Review: **NOTE: Don't Look Back does contain some minor sexually explicit scenes. May not be appropriate for younger YA readers.

HOLY SMOKES!!! Okay, so I was a tad bit reluctant to pick up this book. It's no secret that I basically adore every YA novel/series Armentrout has written. The only problem, is that since I have always been thoroughly pleased with her work, my expectations keep raising themselves. After reading the synopsis I was wary because it didn't sound anything like her other novels. To say that I'm a total dummy for not picking this up sooner would be an understatement! 

This novel tells the story of Sam, who has been missing for four days and happens to be found by the police with absolutely no recollection of anything. Plot twist! Sam's so-called best friend, Cassie, is  also nowhere to be found. As the novel continues, Sam slowly regains her memories (even though everyone thinks she is faking her amnesia), and rediscovers herself in the process. 

I really enjoyed Sam's character; it was cool to read about her past and to see how far she has come and how much better of a person she has become. I also love her brother! He is so awesome and is always there for Sam to help her when she needs it most.

Carson, Carson, Carson.... Let me just say that I wish I had a Carson in my life!! He was dreamy, but realistic! Loved his character and the relationship he had with Sam, before and after the accident! 

The only thing I really despised when it came to this book was Sam's mom. Gosh, she was just pure evil! I couldn't believe some of the things she was telling Sam to do and how to live her life. No wonder Sam was who she was before the accident. And sure, her mom tries to play it off as good intentions but we all know that she just didn't want her image ruined! *rant over*

Finally, let me clarify that I felt oh so smart because I was piecing everything together before it actually happened (which does not happen very often) and so I was feeling all high and mighty and on top of the world . . . UNTIL . . . well, you'll just have to read it and find out. 

Definitely one of my new favorites!