Review of She’s So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rearview mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends. Now, two years later, Ally’s mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall, and they’re not exactly receiving a warm welcome. One bright spot, however, is gorgeous, intense Jake Graydon. But it won’t be easy for Ally to be with him—not if his friends (her former friends) have anything to say about it. Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can’t be forgotten….

Ally Ryan used to lead a charmed life. She was popular, dated the cutest boys, and was super rich, living in the biggest mansion on the Crest, a ritzy neighborhood. Of course, the plot would be sort of boring if there wasn’t some kind of big huge change. Well, friends, Ally’s dad is no financial whiz, yet people think he is so they trust him with their money. HAH! Ya’ll remember when economyFAIL? Well, everyone who invested with Ally’s dad loses a lot of money. Ally and her family move away in shame, but then they come back. However, not to the crest, oh no no. They live, GASP, in the normal section of town. Of course, Ally’s old house does not remain empty. That’s right, a hot-blooded boy and his family move into her old dive.

Readers, I am still on the fence about She’s So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott. On the one hand, there is so much to like. And of course, you all know I have two hands, so something not so hot has to exist on the other hand. Let’s start with what I enjoyed in relation to She’s So Dead To Us. Ally has characteristics that I found myself relating to. She is headstrong. She does not back down to rude people. I love that she doesn’t get steamrolled by the ritzy crowd. She sure as fire does not take shit from anyone. I love love love that. More books please that say LADIES do not let anyone give you crap. You are better than that. I doodle hearts around that message.

Then there is Jake, the love interest of She’s So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott. I guess I am somewhat conflicted on his character. I actually liked that he was full of swears. What teen isn’t a swear-monger? For serious? I think the f-word was my favorite word in high school, and through much of college. I did like how normal Jake was, his character rarely felt contrived to me. The parts that were narrated by Jake were actually quite funny and served to illustrate the difference in class dynamics

It’s nice when a young adult book addresses class dynamic head on. She’s So Dead To Us clearly illustrates differences between the haves and the have-nots. I think if you are a teen and went to high school, you can so clearly relate to this. Let’s face it, money matters. It buys you the right clothes, the right car, you need money to go out and do things. Of course, when Ally no longer has access to these things she gets kicked out of her circle of friends. I definitely felt this was such an honest and interesting social observation of the author.

Of course, you all are still waiting on the other hand, what oh what did I not enjoy? Well, remember how I said I liked how normal Jake was? I kind of sort of didn’t like Jake a whole lot. I felt his only redeemable quality was that he’s ‘hot’. Being a great physical specimen is nice and all, but I think there’s more to a relationship than lust, and I just don’t see Jake as bringing a whole lot to the table. I will admit, he had physical chemistry with Ally, but he was such a rude boy. I honestly don’t think one or two nice acts can overshadow his mean boy tendencies. Also, along these same lines, I felt Ally was painted as a little too perfect. There’s parts that are in an AIM or text conversation, and the people having the conversation are all ‘but she’s ALLY RYAN” implying there’s nothing Ally can’t do. I sort of snorted at these parts.

For the most part, the characters fell a little flat for me. Yet, the plot never meandered. She’s So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott is absolutely a page turner until the very end. Which by the way, is a cliffhanger. I would rant, but I think I have ranted enough. Again, there’s a mixture of reviews out there to this book, so I do suggest you check it out and then let me know your thoughts.

Other Reviews of She’s So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott:

The Book Cellar
Katie’s Book Blog
Steph Su Reads
The Bibliophilic Book Blog
Chick Loves Lit

Series Order:

She’s So Dead To Us (Book One)
He’s So Not Worth It (Book Two)
This Is So Not Happening (Book Three)

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)

• A Christmas To Remember by Beverly Jenkins | Book Review - December 5, 2024
• Make The Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake | Audiobook Review - December 4, 2024
• Christmas at Corgi Cove by Annie England Noblin | Book Review - December 3, 2024