Beautiful Sins: Olivia Lowery by Jennifer Hampton

Target Audience: Teens/Young Adults
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal


I was sent the first book in the Beautiful Sins series by Jennifer, and I was so thrilled by it that I then went on to buy this one. Before I go any further I will tell you that I have also downloaded the third too, because I am dying to know what happens next!
I'll also say that everyone who loves a good fantasy/paranormal with a hint of romance should give Jennifer's books a go because they are amazing and inventive. I'm not going to lie, there are quite a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes but that it because she has done the editing herself, look past that, and you have an fantastic story capable of a good few hours escapism.

Anyway, this book continues a little while after the end of the previous which ended on one hell of a cliffhanger. The difference being, 'Olivia Lowery' starts in a different place with a different lead character. Yes, this may seem a little confusing but don't worry, it makes complete sense once you start reading it.
Olivia's life is perfect and she lives with her father, step-mother and step-brother with lots of money and a place at the very exclusive school with her clique friends. Then on her sixteenth birthday she wakes up slightly different and everything changes, turning her world upside down and revealing a string of lies and secrets that have been kept from her.
To make things worse, she finds herself teleporting near a girl who looks exactly like her and Olivia knows that she has to save her and if that wasn't bad enough, her annoying step-brother turns out to be the person she must now rely on most.

I'll admit that I liked this a little less than 'Leigha Lowery' as the plot was a bit confusing in places, but it wasn't enough confusion to make a massive impact to my rating. I could still understand it and I loved it to bits, and Jennifer is clearly a talented writer because she managed to take so many different aspects of the plot and bring it together so it made sense, always a good thing!
This book breathes life into a genre that often runs stale and it was fascinating seeing different ideas of werewolves, vampires and demons. Then of course there was the new species of the 'Cleaner' which was a brilliant idea, a supernatural creature with so much power they clean up the mess left by the other supernatural creatures in whatever form that might take.

The story itself linked nicely, and I loved how both Leigh and Olivia finally came together and how the truth came out in the end. There are also some truths revealed regarding Alexander from Leigha's story, bringing in a new twist on the chronicles and the introduction of some new characters that are just as engaging and absorbing to read about.
In this book though, it is some of the secondary characters that end up taking center stage, such as Jazmine and Blu (and I have to admit part of Blu's story almost had me in tears). Those two really stole the show in a couple of chapters near the end and their relationship became of vital importance towards the end of the book.
With regards to other characters, I found Olivia and Eric really funny. Their relationship was light hearted, witty and yet oh so serious at times and I would love a brother like him. Everyone should have an Eric in their lives.  Leigha also plays a big part in this and it was great to see her break out and do different things, and her relationship with Olivia was fantastic, despite the fact they'd only just met.

I can't say much more without spoiling masses of the plot and I really don't want to do that for anyone. I will say that at some points in this book I wanted to cry, at others I wanted to laugh and at others I just wanted to jump into the book and give Gabriel a big kiss. But in all seriousness, there is one particular gruesome bit of description in one chapter that made even me flinch, and I've read a lot of things.
Anyway, I'll let you find out for yourself! Check out Jennifer's books on Amazon.co.uk or .com if your reading this in the states!