Review: Innocent by Callie James

Will Moore has been Missy Jamison's best friend for years, and until recently, she hadn't considered going "there" with him for fear of losing the only relationship she trusts. But senior year is almost over and dating other people hasn't worked out, not with Missy's crazy home life constantly pushing her further into Will's safer world, making her attraction to her BFF more difficult to ignore.

When a forgery incident at school lands Missy under house arrest and banned from spending time with Will, she's unable to ignore her dysfunctional home life any longer. In a desperate attempt for self-preservation, Missy finds herself back with Will and this time things are different.

But the direct violation of her mother’s edict proves the perfect catalyst to push her pill-popping mother over the edge and Missy's home life past the point of no return. Now her only chance for normalcy will require Missy to ask herself if staying silent for so many years was truly about protecting herself from her past, or more about protecting a mother who never protected her.

Kindle Edition, 310 pages

Published July 13th 2014 by Callie James
Genre: Young Adult

Kristine's Thoughts

I received a copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This is the second book by Callie James that I have read and I have to say that I am pleased to add a new author to my list of ones to watch for. Although this book is marketed as young adult, I found that there was more depth, rawness and honesty than found in a lot that I have read from this genre. You could say that this book is a romance (because it technically is) but it is a whole lot more. Innocent not only deals with the trials and tribulations of young love but also some complex and serious issues. Although I don't want to give anything away, I will say that the seriousness of these issues are not sugar coated or glorified and I felt that James was spot on in capturing the emotions involved.

Both Missy and Will were wonderful characters to get to know. The idea of best friends falling for each other is not an original concept but I felt that with the plot and the character development it was. I think the fact that the story dealt with a lot more than just teenage hormones gave it a powerful punch. Make no mistake, this book is not a sweet and fluffy romance. In fact, it is somewhat dark. It made me angry, it made me sad but at the same time there were also moments of humour and satisfaction. Basically the book provides the reader with a roller coaster of emotions which, in my opinion, makes for a great read.

I feel the need to mention two things in the story that captivated me and left me emotionally glued to the story. It will probably make no sense until you read it for yourself but then you will have that aha! moment.

1. When Missy looks at Will's journal
2. The scene at Missy's house with Alan and Vernie

I'll leave it at that but you will definitely know what I'm talking about when you read it!

Innocent is a well written story with some great characters as well as some that you will love to hate. It is an easy, page turning story full of emotions that I am sure readers of all ages will enjoy. There is some sexual content that may not be appropriate for the real young fans of this genre but other than that I feel that age is not an issue with reading this book.


Check out my review for Student Bodyguard for Hire by Callie James

About the Author

I spent the first three decades of my life in Portland, Oregon, before picking up everything and moving to the South for much needed sunshine and a change of pace.

When I'm not reading or penning young adult novels, I'm absorbed in all things supernatural, fantasy and sci-fi. Most recently, I've become hopelessly addicted to the BBC and anime.

My husband and I are also very devoted to our numerous adopted animals.

Connect with Callie

Website/Twitter/Goodreads