(Blog Tour) Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

New Girl by Paige Harbison
Publisher: MiraInk
Release Date: May 4th 2012
Cover Love: 5/10
Add to: Goodreads

Goodreads: They call me 'New Girl'... Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her. Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault. Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be. And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

My Review:I haven't read Rebecca by Daphne de Maurier - which New Girl is a retelling of, but it was very good. I really enjoyed reading it! I read it in one sitting as the pace was just so fast, I wanted to know what happened immediately. Mystery, suspense, romance and tension, this book has it all! 

Whilst I was reading New Girl, I felt like I had a forgetful day and kept forgetting her name -endlessly turning the pages back to discover what her name was again, but realising that it wasn't revealed. The whole way through the story, it's "You're the new girl, right?" You only find out her name on the second to last page. This definitely added to the mystery, as she didn't have an identity really -she was just the new girl. I feel like I did connect with her even though I didn't know her name and she was a very believable character. She had her strengths and flaws and she dealt with how people were treating her positively. 

I liked how the narrative was split between New Girl's point of view and Becca's as this gave more of an insight into how Becca felt and did and made the pace much faster. Becca was a mysterious character to read about, she was quite dark but pretended to be bubbly and carefree, and was very reckless. There is sexual content in New Girl, but I feel like it fitted in with the story, teenagers do and will have sex whether other people want to believe it or not and all of the characters were just young, free teenagers. 

Max Holloway was very cute, he had gone through hell with Becca and I just wanted to give him a big hug! I liked how his relationship with New Girl developed as it felt very natural and real. Dana was a difficult character, she was obviously grieving and didn't like New Girl, as she took Becca's space and this was understandable but I don't think she treated New Girl right at all! Johnny was also a great character, but I didn't feel like I knew him as well as I knew Max. Maybe it's because most of the scenes were of him and Becca and not with New Girl, but he was a good character and there are some major shockers to do with him!

The ending was very good and left it open for a sequel, which I hope there is as I want to know more about Callie and Max! ;) More please! :) This book has it all, mystery, romance, suspense and drama! Read this now, you won't be disappointed! 

4 out of 5 stars.

*Thanks to MiraInk for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.