Lingering Echoes by Erica Kiefer ~ Review

Title: Lingering Echoes

Author: Erica Kiefer

Publication Date: October 30, 2013

Pages: 388

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Rating: 2 stars

Summary: She's broken with guilt. 
He harbors a chilling past. 
It's safer if they keep their distance... 
But, the echoes that linger connect them. 

Returning to Hidden Pines is the last thing Allie Collins wants to do during her final summer before college. For her, the family cabin she spent her youthful summers in, now holds a dark memory that has haunted her every day for the last year. 

While struggling to forget her past, Allie runs into Damien, a local rebel with secrets of his own. He's dark, dangerous and he keeps showing up when Allie least expects him to. She has every reason not to trust him. So why does she find herself opening up to him in a way she hasn't been able to with anyone? 

As pieces of Damien’s identity emerge, answers to a rumored mystery begin to unfold. By the time Allie unearths the secrets of Damien’s past, she realizes just how intricately they are connected. Now she is caught in a dangerous battle that threatens her life and those she loves.

Insert Bella Swan, Edward Cullen and Jacob Black sans the boys' super abilities. I apologize but Twilight in contemporary format does not work. And the writing wasn't even as good as Stephanie Meyer's. 

While I liked the first 70% of this book, I have to admit it was a bland liking. I could take it or leave it. The romance seemed blahhh and the attempted love triangle was just annoying. (I do give props for Allie's honesty and maturity in handling the situation though! Finally a MC that has no indecision.) But even the one romantic moment between Allie and Damien was short-lived. There was always some thing in the way. Be it Allie or Damien's demons, or outside forces. Nothing just was, if you get what I mean. While these obstacles helped move the story along, it hindered our MC's relationship. And you should never forsake MC needs for plot twists. Never, never, never! 

I'd like to point out that there were more relationships being developed than just our MC's. Allie was also forging a bond with her own father, new step mom and new step brother. But I felt like these also took a back seat compared to the plot until it was conveniently needed. 

One last thing I'd like to talk about is the demons Allie and Damien were forced to confront. Both of our MCs carried some deep scars. Each took the blame for these instances that were so out of their control. It was heart-breaking especially in Damien's case. And while Allie's was not less unfortunate in any way, I do feel like it was too easily overcome. She hates the water and then one trip, just one measly little swim, and all of the sudden she's unstoppable? Come on now, let's be real here. Ain't no way that would really happen.

So to sum things up, this was a blah read for me with no real connection or care towards the characters. Plus the last bit of the book just seemed completely unrealistic to me. I'm sure these situations really do happen somewhere in the world. But it just doesn't come out of nowhere with a bang like how this book presents it! 

Has anyone else read this yet? Let me know your thoughts!

This book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.