REVIEW: No One Needs to Know by Amanda Grace

Sometimes, the cost of love is too steep.

Olivia's twin brother, Liam, has been her best friend her whole life. But when he starts dating, Olivia is left feeling alone, so she tries to drive away Liam's girlfriends in an effort to get her best friend back.

But she meets her match in Zoey, Liam's latest fling. A call-it-like-she-sees-it kind of girl, Zoey sees right through Olivia's tricks. What starts as verbal sparring between the two changes into something different, however, as they share their deepest insecurities and learn they have a lot in common. Olivia falls for Zoey, believing her brother could never get serious with her. But when Liam confesses that he's in love with Zoey, Olivia has to decide who deserves happiness more: her brother or herself?

REVIEW:

NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW is a fantastic story of friendship and love. Amanda Grace dazzles yet again in this young adult novel that is guaranteed to tug at your heart-strings. Twins, Olivia and Liam, have always been the closest of friends; until they turn 18 and Liam starts setting his own path. In an attempt to regain his attention, Olivia is determined to drive away his new girlfriend – and much to her dismay, her new project partner at school.

Olivia and Zoey are polar opposites and both personalities are strong, relatable, and likeable. Liam is similarly well-developed and the three characters have fantastic chemistry throughout the novel. The girls have very distinct personalities that author Amanda Grace showcases effortlessly. The girls see right through each other and this adds another level of complexity to their uneasy truce of a friendship.

As Liam’s sister, Olivia, is forced to spend more time with Zoey, the two quickly realize they have more in common than meets the eye. As their friendship blossoms, so does something more. The girls begin to have romantic feelings for each other and have to learn to navigate through their lives with this secret. A secret they fear would destroy Liam.

Amanda Grace has written a novel that shocks and leaves you breathless. It is not a hardcore LGBT story, but there are elements where the girls explore their sexuality and feelings. I would definitely recommend this as a book to get you thinking about just what it means to love and be loved.

Review copy provided by Flux Books via Netgalley

Expected Publication Date: September 8, 2014

Rating: 4/5