ARC Review: Vivian Divine Is Dead by Lauren Sabel

Vivian Divine Is Dead
Author: Lauren Sabel
Publication: Katherine Tegen Books (June 3, 2014)

Description: With the mystery and suspense of the Pretty Little Liars series, the Hollywood drama of Lauren Conrad's L.A. Candy, and the creepiness of Michelle Hodkin's The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Vivian Divine Is Dead will thrill fans of emotionally charged, fast-paced, contemporary fiction.

Teen celebrity Vivian Divine has had a rough six months—her movie-star mother was murdered, and her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend. Through it all, she's had to smile for the camera—this is the stuff the tabloids live for, after all.

When a death threat arrives with her fan mail, Vivian decides to run to Mexico, hoping to escape whoever it is who wants her dead. There, she finds an ally in the mysterious and charming Nick, but even he seems like he can't be trusted.As Vivian travels deeper into Mexico, she finds herself asking a horrifying question: If she can't hide from the paparazzi, what makes her think she can elude a madman?

Filled with surprising twists, poignant moments, and the snark of a Hollywood starlet suddenly on her own, Vivian Divine Is Dead brings a fresh new voice to contemporary fiction.

As New York Times bestselling author of the Beautiful Creatures series Kami Garcia says, Vivian Divine Is Dead is "a heartbreaking and magical story about love, second chances, and finding yourself."

My Thoughts: The past six months for teen star Vivian Divine have been horrible. Her movie star mother was kidnapped and murdered. Her father attempted suicide and then buried himself in his work as a famous director. Her film star boyfriend has thrown her over for her best friend. But, worst of all, she has just received a message that says she will be dead in four days.

Vivian's bodyguard and surrogate mother has convinced her to go to Mexico to hide and wait until the four days are over. Vivian has never gone anywhere alone. She has always had her bodyguard, publicists, and others to meet her every need. But soon she finds herself on a bus in Mexico heading for a safe house.

Naturally, the first thing that happens is that her bag, passport, and money are stolen and she meets a handsome mysterious boy. Nick is first reluctant to help her because he sees her as rich and useless. However, the more time they spend together, the closer they become.

Vivian learns all sorts of things on her trip to Mexico. Most of all she learns that she is a competent and strong young woman.

Fans of intrepid heroines will enjoy this fast-paced story. 

Favorite Quote:

In my life, there's always been a Before and and After. In the Before, when I was an Oscar nominee for best actress, as one of the youngest stars in history, Mom and I wore matching heart necklaces to the ceremony. In the After, when I was voted Etv!'s Teen Actor of the Year, my mom was dead and my heart was broken.

I got this eARC from Edelweiss for review. You can buy your copy here.