REVIEW: Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon

Willow Lamott’s best friend is a convicted killer, and no one in the small town of Gilt Hollow will let her forget it. Over four long years, she’s tried to fade into the background—but none of that matters when Ashton Keller comes striding into school, fresh out of juvie and fueled by revenge. The moment their eyes meet, Willow no longer feels invisible. Drawn to the vulnerability behind Ashton’s mask of rage, she sinks deeper into his sinister world and begins to question whether he’s a villain, a savior, or both. Ashton thought he wanted vengeance, until Willow Lamott stepped back into his life. Now he longs to clear his name and become the person she sees in him. But the closer they get to uncovering the truth, the darker the secrets become, and Ashton wonders if his return to Gilt Hollow will destroy everyone he loves.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)

My Review:

To say I’m a fan of Lorie Langdon’s work is an understatement. Ever since reading the enthralling Doon series, I have kept up with all the latest news. When I heard that she was soon to be releasing a new YA mystery novel, I literally screamed. When I saw the gorgeous cover, again I shouted in excitement. When I met Lorie Langdon at BookCon and completely by surprise received an ARC copy of Gilt Hollow, you can bet I totally squealed my head off like a crazy person. So it shouldn’t surprise you at all that I bulldozed my way through this book as though my life depended on it and yes – I loved it!

For four years, Willow Lamott has done her best to fade into the background in order to shield herself from the daily reproof she faces in the small town of Gilt Hollow. Ever since that fateful day when Willow’s best friend Ashton Keller was convicted of killing one of his buddies, she never stopped sticking up for him or believing in his innocence. But after never hearing back after writing to him in juvie, Willow feels completely alone…until the day Ashton saunters his way back into town. Ashton is determined to get his revenge at whoever let him take the fall that day. What he doesn’t expect is for Willow to sneak her way back into his hardened heart. Together they work to clear his name, but the closer they get to the truth the more things start to get messy. Can Willow really trust Ash, the boy who holds her heart but shows glimpses of an unmistakable rage? And did Ashton make a mistake in coming to Gilt Hollow, when everyone he holds dear are threatened by his presence?

Enticing, romantic, and deliciously eerie–Gilt Hollow is one of those fast-paced novels that will keep you up all hours into the night! I was totally engrossed in Willow and Ashton’s world. The eclectic, somewhat creepy town of Gilt Hollow made the perfect backdrop in this thrilling tale. Filled with all those wonderful hold-your-breath suspenseful moments, I was questioning each of the characters at every turn. It felt like a “whodunit” which was awesome since I love me a good ol’ mystery. And trust me, there were plenty of those “OMG” moments to keep you guessing!

Though reserved, Willow’s fierce loyalty and consequent bravery made her one heck of a heroine. And don’t get me started on the alluring Ashton Keller! A sigh-worthy love interest, his protective nature and hero-like qualities in spite of the bad boy facade made me #TeamKeller all the way. I fangirled my way through each and every scene with him – just ask my little sister and she’ll tell you! In fact, as soon as I was done reading this fabulous book, I urged her to read it knowing she’d love it too. She read it in one day and adored it as much as I did! I think she gets her speed-reading skills from me. *wink*

A perfect read for a rainy day and a cozy sweater, Lorie Langdon has gone above and beyond with her latest title. Gilt Hollow kept me guessing, had some seriously swoon-worthy characters, and captivated until the very last page. Highly recommended!

Thanks for reading this review! You’re the best. 🙂 Will you be checking out Gilt Hollow? What are some of your favorite Young Adult mystery novels? ♥