This was an incredible, high octane kind of novel about two girls who meet and are immediately drawn to one another with not only an instant attraction, but a desire for something more that is just out of their grasp.

Mick and Veronica meet at a party and Veronica instantly wants to photograph this intensely beautiful girl. But Mick flat out refuses to be on film of any kind, so far as to flinch anytime a camera is in front of her.

The two of them enter into a whirlwind romance where they both begin to learn about each other, and more importantly, themselves. Coming from completely different households, Mick is ridiculed by her mother while Veronica is close to her own and fully accepted by her. Aside from Veronica's mother, she has her best friend, Nico, a fellow artist, whose art style is so much different to her own. When Mick gets involved in his performance art pieces, things begin to go terribly wrong. But Mick is a girl on the edge and just wants to feel alive.

This was such an interesting story! I loved the romance and the relationship between Mick and Veronica. I loved the hazy kind of California sunshine feel of this book. It is part art demonstration, part fever dream, which equals out to be an intense story with a thrilling build up.

Oh dear...I really, really did not like the end of this book or the themes/messages that the ending reinforced (unintentionally or not). I had SUCH high hopes for this book, as the description suggests it falls firmly in one of my favorite sub-genres. Unfortunately, much of its focus pulled away from the central queer relationship and instead focused on [SPOILERS] toxic masculinity (without fully calling it out as such) and women being tormented by men. I didn't really want/need another book about that, particularly a YA book. I was very disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was great and the intensity of the prose fit extremely well, The writing style alone was probably my favorite aspect, and although I was wishing for more character study and motivation, the characters were intriguing enough to follow. The plot was addictive but didn't make sense at times, and the ending was particularly jarring. Still, a very solid debut with a fiery atmosphere to it.

While my recollection of Dorian Gray is limited, this book stands all on its own as an exploration of art, love and friendship.
While Veronica and Mick meet by chance, it is photography that is the basis of their relationship, Veronica’s photographs and Mick as reluctant subject. This relationship constantly feels unbalanced and precarious, but also overly dependent. While Veronica finds success, her friend Nico pushes for more and more with his art installations. His machinations and manipulations drive so much of the plot. He draws Mick into his orbit and installations and when bad things start happening at the installations, it makes Veronica question everything.
The tense final quarter of the novel is excellent and the additional POV from Nico really draws out the beauty of the tension. I wish there were more Nico chapters throughout the book.
I really enjoy what this book says about art, and public consumption of art, but the relationships feel very lopsided and manipulative. While it’s obvious that readers should want Veronica and Mick to be together, I feel that the relationship started in a bad/manipulative way and I can’t bring myself to support them as a couple, no matter the growth and positive effect they have on each other.

This story took me on a roller coaster of craziness, but one that for the most part wasn’t particularly scary or thrilling the danger really starts. I was hooked immediately from the first chapter (which was one page!), and then after that it did one of those “a few weeks before” time jumps to take you back to where it all began. It was a little slow to start but I liked what it was building and was getting excited to find out more.

The characters and their stories were interesting but I feel like we didn’t go as in depth as they could’ve been. I was really excited to see how Veronica and Mick’s relationship was going to grow but was disappointed to find it kind of lacking. There weren’t really any time jumps, the timeline seemingly going just day to day, so it felt like their relationship was advancing quicker than felt natural for such a short amount of time. They talked about how they were “falling in love” but we never had any intimate moments — not sexually, just tender moments of growing connection in general — where we can see them falling in love. It felt like we only had the moments of after, like they’ve already had conversations, etc. It felt more like they were developing a friendship rather than a romantic connection.

As for the thriller side of it... I predicted the bad guy really early but I think it was meant to be easy to figure it out because as the reader, it left me wondering when he’d do something next or when the MC’s would find out it was him, etc. There was still doubt thrown in until the moment we see him do something on page, and then things start to get continuously worse from there. I had a hard time putting the book down once the danger really started happening! I was totally hooked! BUT I am not happy about the open ending. There was even one point a few chapters from the end where it could’ve concluded really successfully, and I would’ve been so happy with that for the story! Open endings for thrillers is my least favorite thing! I’m praying for a sequel, but it doesn’t feel like a cliffhanger, just feels wide open.

Overall I really enjoyed the writing and the story. The synopsis gave it so much potential and even though I would’ve like to have seen some things done a little differently, I will definitely be recommending it to others!

She’s Too Pretty To Burn by Wendy Heard is a YA psychological thriller that is inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray.
I have never read it so I can’t really say how this book was as a retelling.

For the first half of this book it felt like I was reading a YA contemporary romance. But I’m not really mad at it, I think it helped set the mood.

In this story we meet Veronica, Niko and Mick. Veronica and Niko are best friends, both are artists super passionate about their art. But is it possible to take your art too far?

I really enjoyed this book. I pretty much burned through it in a day. It’s fast paced and the mystery just kept me captivated.
I will say though I was not a fan of the ending. It felt rushed and unfinished. I wish we could have had more.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book.

Veronica and Mick, two high school girls, get caught up with helping their artist friend Nico with his disruptive public art installations. They are actually helping him commit illegal acts which eventually end in murder.

I didn’t like any of the characters. I thought Mick, Veronica, and Nico were all flat one dimensional, self absorbed characters and horrible people. I like flawed characters but none of these characters felt real. Mick has this huge fear of being photographed and having people look at her. I kept waiting for some kind of explanation of where her fear came from. Veronica tricks Mick into allowing Veronica to photograph her. When the photo goes viral, all Veronica can think of is how this will help her career. So selfish. Their whole relationship is built on a lie.

Nico is supposed to be some kind of artist. He’s targeting a congressman with public pranks that get more elaborate and dangerous. Where’s the congressman’s security if this kid can blow part of a roof off a building? How are there no witnesses or some kind of security camera footage? It was just so unbelievable. I really can’t stand when a book’s villain seems to be all knowing and all powerful- like leaving taunting clues in a locked car or a bedroom when everyone is home.

I think this book would be a hard sell to most of the students I work with just because the characters are so lacking in depth and the plot is all over the place.

I enjoyed the writing style but I had trouble really connecting with the story or the characters. I also found a lot of aspects of the story to be predictable.

This book kept me gripped at the edge of my seat, just begging me to read more to see what happens. This is shown through the fact I finished it in two (2!!) sittings. This is almost unheard of lately while in graduate school. I also loved the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ relationship on the page. It wasn't unusual to any of the characters (besides one shortly mentioned side character) that two girls were dating. It was accepted by everyone in their lives, which definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this book.

One thing I will take note of that I wasn't fond was the fact that the book didn't seem to allow for elaboration of different character personalities or events that happened during the story. It seemed like events just happened and we were to accept it without acknowledging the fact that this event or personality trait hasn't actually developed. The entire book seemed to take place entirely too quickly at points, which made it hard to suspend my disbelief. I know this is something to be expected with a thriller, but it seemed especially prominent in this book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced thriller!

I really wanted to like this book as the storyline seemed like something I would love, but I just couldn't get into the story. It felt choppy and I wasn't able to connect with the characters.

She’s Too Pretty To Burn was a bit all over the place for me. I felt like it really wasn’t even a thriller until the last 50 pages of so. Both main characters to me just felt like completely assholes who were just too self-absorbed to really love the other person, which made the romance a bit annoying. Personally, I felt like the author shoved too much at the end and dragged the middle. The ending was the only reason I could give it that extra star, it was an enjoyable read but not one I would really recommend, it felt a bit anticlimactic to me. However the last POV that we got was perfect! And I wish we had more from that person (not spoiling).

This book was a very interesting read for me. At first it was hard to get to connect with the character, but the story flows and gives you reasons to keep reading. I really did enjoy the fact that during the middle it didn't slog. I did have to take off points for some things toward the end that didn't make sense to me, but overall, good read.

After prematurely reading the Goodreads reviews for this book, I had low expectations going into this novel. I am *so* super pleased to say that this book defied my expectations and beyond. Perhaps this is because I had low expectations going in, but I won't hesitate to give this book 5 stars.

She's Too Pretty To Burn is a Picture of Dorian Gray inspired gender-swap. I have to admit that I haven't read Picture of Dorian Gray yet, so I have nothing to compare this book's quality to, which may be why some reviewers rated it lower than I am. This book follows two teen girls as they meet and fall in love, then become wrapped up in a scheme of illegalities disguised as "art instillations" by their friend Nico. As teens often do, the girls both make terrible decisions, treat each other disrespectfully at times, and have an overall strained relationship which is soothed by their undeniable, raw chemistry.

This book heavily relies on aesthetics, which I don't mind in a book. The beautiful writing style evokes strong imagery through the various art instillations and the general stereotypes each character falls into. For fear of spoilers, I won't discuss the aesthetics of each character... but believe me when I say they are prominent, vivid, and incredibly enjoyable for those who love thriller and unrealistic reality tropes.

This plot had me gripping on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The villain of this book is so unique in their form because they are so adaptive to the modern socio-political commentary on what villains are. Again... I can't give too much away about the villain due to the many plot twists this book has, but trust me when I say that you'll love to hate them.

Overall, this is a stunning thriller that will drive you absolutely crazy in the bets way. I would highly recommend this book for anybody looking for a sexy thriller, plus bonus points for being sapphic.

On Goodreads, a lot of other early reviewers mention the aesthetics of this book. I concur that that is one of the things that stands out most to me in my memories of reading it. The art written about in the book and the sinister atmosphere combines into a dark creative mood that permeates the whole thing.

When I first started reading the book, I was a little surprised because it read more like a dark contemporary and wasn't as fast paced as I normally expect thrillers to be. Looking back on it now, those sections did set up a lot of what became excellent plot twists and edge-of-your-seat suspense, so I'm glad those scenes were included. The last third of the book had me on the edge of my seat. I distinctly remember lying on the couch for at least an hour desperately tapping my Kindle while racing to the end.

Without giving the actual end away, I will say that it's definitely worth reading for. I liked the combination of some happier events and some more sinister.

I would recommend this book to people looking for a young adult book that deals with art, twisted relationships, and thrilling events. I recommend looking up content/trigger warnings for the book if you're interested but unsure. Off the top of my head, an incomplete list includes an unstable home life, child neglect, drowning, and arson.

Well, I was super enthusiastic about this one based on the fact that it was, “Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray.” But... I kind of wonder if it was inspired by the title and not the story? Because this had absolutely nothing even remotely to do with the Oscar Wilde classic - other than some pictures. 😂

I hate to say it but I kind of disliked all the characters except Claudia. They were all pretty despicable and/or super annoying (hello, Mick, I’m calling you out).

This story is verrrrry dark in its overall themes and nature. The “art” in the novel is more like violence and murder. Not so beautiful. Interesting, though!

This is touted as a love story (or romantic) but it is not that at all, either. It’s lust - and it’s completely toxic (until very close to the end, and by that time I kind of hated everyone, so it didn’t really matter). Also, it’s really more about the psychotic mind of a completely different character than it is about Mick and Veronica’s budding relationship.

Don’t get me wrong! This was an absolute page-turner and I was enthralled from the beginning. It’s just not what it says it is and I felt I needed to right that wrong.

~ Thank you so much to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review! Release date: March 30 ~

'You're a living, breathing piece of art.'
'Everyone's favorite little thing.'

This book glitters, not in the light, but in the dark. When I heard there was an upcoming YA release inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray, I knew I needed it immediately. I wanted to further explore those themes of vanity, of obsession. And boy, did this book deliver.

What happens when one's muse isn't a willing participant? At one point does reality supersede the art? This book explores these questions expertly all while maintaining a breathtaking aesthetic. Yes, the story is told through black words on a white page, but I didn't see words, I saw a blaze.

I don't want to discuss plot here because I truly think this is best experienced with the little knowledge I've already given you. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys unlikable characters, psychological dilemma, and sparkling darkness.

This book was an absolute roller coaster. I devoured this book in 2 days. I felt the insta-love in the beginning was a bit much at first, but then I remembered how flighty I was as a teenager. After reading The Kill Club, Wendy Heard became an insta-read for me. I didn't QUITE get what I wanted out of it compared to The Kill Club, but I think that may be because it was a YA vs. an adult novel. The drama, murder, and the danger was addictive and overall this was still a solid read. Wendy Heard is a brilliant story-teller and I'm looking forward to more of her work in the future.

Haunting and riveting, this thriller fulfilled a craving I didn't know I had. As I often do, I went into this book nearly blind. I didn't remember the short blurb about the book that I read months ago when I first requested this ARC. I had no idea that this was anything other than just a contemporary YA novel. And man was I in for a ride.

Wendy Heard has crafted a seductive novel that pulled me in from the start and kept me coming back for more. I finished this book in the course of a single day, as I just had to watch the metaphorical train wreck unfold. But little did I know this train wreck wasn't simply an accident. It was the work of carefully hidden snipers followed by some fireworks and perhaps everyone jumped out of the train before the wreck even happened.

Mick is a particularly enthralling character because you can see her falling apart and giving in to peer pressure (mostly of her own internal creation, although the people she befriends do seem to be pushy), and I still found myself just hoping that she would realize her mistakes and pull herself out of it. But this is not just a contemporary YA, so there were more sinister characters at play, and by the time she realized, she was far too late.

Veronica's relationship with her mom was very sweet. They were very open, but both had their own secrets. Veronica's wanting to keep things to herself rang true to the self destructive nature of teenagers and all the misconceptions they hold on to growing up. Societal norms played a huge role in sabotaging these characters along the way. They continued to hesitate time and again in that self destructive pattern that society trains into us, to not be honest about every little thing.

The scariest part of this book is that I can relate to making these kinds of dumb decisions and could very easily have fallen in with people who would've used my insecurity and desire for external validation to convince me very easily to do some of the dumb things that teenage girls were convinced to do in the pages of this book. I always told my mom not to worry and that I had a handle on everything, but if someone weird had come along and provided me just a little of this encouragement, who's to say that I wouldn't have fallen into their trap. I mean Veronica seemed to be a pretty typical and solid girl who knew what she wanted, and she fell for it.

I really enjoyed the LGBT representation here. Mick and Veronica's relationship felt passionate and consuming, and also did a great job of distracting not only themselves but also the reader from the sinister happenings behind the scenes. Yes, I could tell that there was something big impending, but again I thought it would merely be the self destructive nature of someone who feels adrift, as in Mick's case.

She's Too Pretty to Burn had me scared by the end of it. I made my husband check under the bed and in the empty rooms for me before I felt safe enough to go to sleep. It didn't help that my lamp kept shorting out on me in the last hour of the book, right when everything was ramping up. Don't read it right before bed! Unless you like being scared, in which case, be my guest.

Thank you to MacMillan and Netgalley for an ARC of Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard in exchange for an honest review.

This story is about two girls Mick and Veronica who meet at a party and start dating. One girl is a swimmer and the other one is a Photographer. One has her life that is upside down while the other one has everything together. It isn't until both girls are both mixed in with the wrong guy that things start going really wrong.

I love the twist and turns of the book. I felt very invested and even though it took me a bit too really get into it. I really really liked it. A+

She's Too Pretty to Burn was an emotional roller coaster. I had completely forgotten that it's a The Picture of Dorian Gray retelling until I re-read the summary. And then I was even more sold than ever before. Talk aboout a book I want more and more retellings of in my life. This sapphic thriller is infused with subtle tension from the beginning that just crescendos to the end. She's Too Pretty to Burn is about love, friendship, and art. About obsession and what we are willing to sacrifice for an image.

For an image of ourselves, of someone else, or of the world. It's a story of manipulation, of toxic relationships, and nightmares. At the same time, it's a story about love and strength and realizing who we want to be. There are all sorts of emotional lows and highs throughout She's Too Pretty to Burn. It was easy to fall in love with the high stakes and action. But what I ended up also loving are the characters.