Release Date: February 25, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Secret Diamond Sisters, Book 1
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
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Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.
The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.
The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.
In the past, I’ve heard a lot about Michelle Madow’s books, especially about her Transcend Time Saga, and so when I got the chance to read and review The Secret Diamond Girls, I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately it’s taken THIS long to finally read and review the book! I really enjoyed it– it was a fun read that was like a cross between Gossip Girl and The Princess Diaries. I mean seriously, it’s like a dream come true: finding out that your long-lost father is a billionaire is kinda hitting the jackpot. But, of course, it comes with a dark past and oncoming trouble as the sisters find themselves in their new lives.
A lot of the characters did remind me of the Gossip Girl characters. Savannah and Peyton were both sides of Jenny– preppy Jenny and grungy Jenny respectively. Courtney was like the good sides of both Serena and Blaire, while Madison was the mean sides of both. As for the guys, Damien was a total Nate (except slightly sleazier), Oliver IS Chuck Bass, and Nick and Brett both fit Dan’s character. Out of the guys, only Brett and Nick were really great, the other two I would not want to be involved with. As for the sisters, Courtney was my favourite because of her maturity and level-headedness. Peyton pissed me off several times because she makes it a point not to listen and go out of her way to annoy the other characters in the book, turning down things that she should be privileged to have coming from a slightly poor background. Savannah was too perky at times and seemed to go along with everything new that headed her way. She seriously did not have any problems blowing away money for the sake of it and that annoyed me a little bit as well. Hopefully there’s more of a Courtney-centric story in the next book...
I also don’t know how I feel about the name-dropping. Too many celebrity and brand names – especially brand names – for my taste. It kind of hindered my reading at parts, particularly since there was a whole section on just shopping and the exact products they buy from several stores. It felt a little over the top at times and slightly vulgar. The life they’re living can be kind of vulgar with the over-partying and constantly spending tons of cash, but that doesn’t mean that the writing and the focus of the story should be that.
The Secret Diamond Sisters is a promising start to the trilogy, and I’m left wanting more. Secrets, a world filled with glitz and glamour, and boys, Michelle Madow’s latest series is a guilty pleasure. Can’t wait for the sequel, Diamonds in the Rough!
