Review: Crescendo (Hush, Hush #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Synopsis: Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.
 
Review
Plot: I'm glad to finally get around to this review because I have been dying to talk to you all about it. Since the first installment, Nora and Patch have become comfortable in their relationship and can finally be in harmony...for the most part. Their relationship is not keen with everyone and with Patch's secrecy and behavior, it drives a wedge between them. Of course, there is always a reason to the madness and Crescendo does not disappoint with revealing the reasons why and new surprises for the readers. I was slightly confused with a few scenes in the book because the characters would act on decisions they made and you wouldn't know the reason why until afterwards. However, it didn't mask what the rest of the book had to offer. This book focused more on Nora's Dad and why Scott is acting so different. All the while, Nora needs to know why Patch is being so different and why the heck he was hanging out with Marcie. I was dying to know as well, and Fitzpatrick keeps us hanging on a thread until the final chapters.
 
Characters: Nora - Nora was very empowered this book. But, this works for and against her. She's more confident and courageous, however, she gives Patch an ultimatum that essentially harms their relationship. There were some points I wanted to shake her and tell her to just cough up her pride and tell Patch how she feels about him. Like always though, I can see the reasons why she acts the way she does because of one person: Patch.
Patch - In this book, I could not even describe how much my jaw dropped at some of the things he said. He does have his reasons, but it was hard to think someone could say those things to someone they love. In each book in this series, it just seems required that I want to slap Patch most of the book. Then, he does something so sweet, I tear up. He doesn't just send Nora on a roller coaster of emotions.
Scott - I have to talk about Scott because even though he's not always in the book, he's a great character. Not in personality, just a very...different character to look at. I'm not sure exactly why Fitzpatrick put him into this but it has to be for good reason. He did develop a sort of relationship with Nora, but I'm not sure on what that exactly is either. They definitely get into it with one another, but they do have a friendly affection towards one another. He's kind of a loose cannon and someone Nora doesn't typically hangout with but I do hope he is in the next installment.
 
Cover: Again, I love these covers. I looked up the word crescendo and found that it means increasing in loudness. The lightning on the cover symbolizes that and, to me, Nora is in the rain because this book is a very depressing story for her. Her rocky relationship and the mystery of her dad's death are two things that are slowly breaking her apart.
 
Overall Rating: I have not given this to a book in some time, but I have to give this book a four out of four. I absolutely love this series and recommend anyone who loves romance and/or paranormal fiction to read this series. The characters take you on a whirl wind and each time, I'm left wanting more. For those who've only read Hush, Hush, read this book. It carries the series so well and develops not only the characters but the plotline as well.

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha