Book Review: Frostbitten by Heather Beck

I participate in Read-to-Review at YA Buddy Readers' Corner on Goodreads.com and an e-copy was provided to me by the author and/or the publishers. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Great beauty hides dark secrets... 

Seventeen-year-old Anastasia Lockhart has never led an easy life, but when she starts getting into serious trouble, she’s sent to live with her grandparents in Cedar Falls. The small, picturesque town hasn’t changed since she visited four years ago, with one exception – the presence of a handsome, mysterious boy named Frost. Despite warnings from her grandparents and friends to stay away from Frost, Anastasia can’t deny their attraction, and the more time they spend together, the deeper in love they fall. Unfortunately, Frost has a secret that is beyond Anastasia’s wildest imagination, and she soon finds herself in the midst of a supernatural legend that has haunted Cedar Falls for years. 

Can Anastasia and Frost’s love really overcome anything, or are their fates much darker?

OK let's face it. I have a horrible issue with judging a book by its cover. And yes, this cover drew me right in. Let's face it. I'm a huge paranormal fan and the cover with a beautiful white wolf and a woman wearing an elegant purple gown in a snow covered forest. Like I always think, the prettier or hotter the cover, the book has to be awesome, right? I really enjoyed reading this alongside my my teenage daughter. 

However, I want to note that the author noted that Anastasia "had fallen victim to a negative self-fulfilling prophecy". This is not the case. From what I read, Anastasia was in fact labeled, "a bad girl" by the same teachers who failed to recognize Anastasia being bullied and ostracized for being a good student and "teachers pet", furthermore, thrusting her into the land of misfit kids to stave off loneliness. When one teacher labels a student, "bad" its a stigma that attaches to the child and nothing can be done to change the view of upcoming teachers. Further validated by Anastasia trying to turn her teachers view of her around to no avail. Therefore, the breaking point that lead to her grandparents intervention, was brought on by a stigma that educators have an unwillingness to bed much less have faith in a student to change his or her ways. Especially when brought on by external factors as well as external labels. Sorry about the rant, rant, ranting.

Due to Anastasia's poor choices and the fact that her mother become a mother at the tender age of 16, she is packed up and shipped to Cedar Falls to be raised in the small town her mother grew up to be straightened out by her grandparents. Upon arrival, things are different than what she remembers. Which is strange in itself as they have not been back since her mother was seven months pregnant with Anastasia. Why is it strange? Because when Anastasia (who has never been but been) remembers telling everyone who her grandfather is. She also learns that her grandfathers job is in jeopardy. She catches sight of an alluring new guy who may or may not be related to her grandfather's nemesis. Oh, and he may or may not be a were-man. Only time will tell....

Leader of the pack... one thing that has been made abundantly clear is no matter where you go kids in clicks can be cruel. Also the town has an eerie feel. Like the town's folks are keeps outsiders out of the loop. It had me thinking about the episode of The X Files or Supernatural that had cult like townies. Yes, I know... strange correlation considering at this point considering its just the tip of the iceberg. When really we should be pondering:

**That dream... psych connection or premonition?
**Ugh... Jack and Jill... Oops I just vomited a little there.
**What's the deal with the queen b**ch? Oops my bad queen bee.
**Speaking of deal's...Why all the uncalled for hate directed at Frost? Is that ominous or what?

Such cruel intentions... rumor, rumor, rumor has it.... OMG! Nope, it's not the beautiful[rose and note left on the locker. It much more sinister and wrong than that. Leaving me wondering just what is it with this backwoods town? Common sense says, YES, you should investigate a rumor such as [a teacher involved sexually with a student. However, when said rumor also has its own[website devoted to fueling the flames with commentary and voting forums, the adults should have enough common sense to know there is no validity to at accusation. Therefore, giving the bullies more power to hurt their peers and destroy an [educators reputation. Why am I so focused on the bullies because kids are just evil nowadays. As for Frost, some heart wrenching truths have been spilled but the cult like census is we must hate and not befriend Frost or become subjected to ostracism. Thank heavens Anastasia has more common sense than to think like that. I smell young love in the air. My additional pondering thoughts:

**Do I smell young love in the air? Could it be more? A psychic connection or kindred spirits?
**What will happen to the teacher?
**Will the bullies be found out and punished? Or will it be swept under the rug, in the name of the stupidity?
**Will Frost find his birth parents?

Ahh, the remembered Romeo and Juliet; only now its Frost and Anastasia. Both forbidden lovers whose family are at odds with one another. A secret love blossoms with a refreshing innocents thus far. But Kate.... dang... what a raging lying b****. At one point I was reminded of a Sabbath school lesson about the rich man and the poor man. I can see the earthly translation for this tale as it correlates between the have and the have most. But, holy snot on crackers seriously STALKER much?? I agree Shakespeare had it so right when he said the lady protest too much. However, including Kate's lie and the none acceptance of Anastasia telling the truth about what happened still doesn't explain the animosity these people have against Frost. Again, my former ponders are still unanswered and even more raise such as:

**Does Frost shift?
**Why was the cougar really transferred?
**What the Hell's wrong with this town.
**Will Chloe tell the truth?
**What attack happened 17 years ago? And does it have to do with Frost or Anastasia?

So I have been up in arms about this town having something against Frost but damn they have out for Anastasia just as bad if not more. I have never read such a backward BS lately. It reminds me of that television commercial about the chick who believes the French model BS because it was on the internet. I'm so up in arms about this, I can't see the forest for all the trees. Ugh, then to make matters worse Anastasia gets expelled from school for fighting and a false rumor about a sexual relationship with a teacher and that b**** Kate gets off scots free. To add insult to injury her own darn grandfather [treats her like s*** refusing to listen to her, even though she is telling the truth. Then he announces she has to go back to her mother. Anastasia is devastated not wanting to leave Frost. Can I get someone with a backbone please? Why yes, however, when things are resolved Anastasia still remains the only one punished. It's during this punishment Anastasia and Frost sneak to listen to the town meeting that leaves me pondering:

**Why is Frost so uncomfortable about the topic? Is it him they are possibly discussing?
**Why is Pete so afraid of Frost?
**Is the attack 17 years ago directly related to frost? If so how? Parents/sibling perhaps.

It would seem that the town's mass hysteria might have some validity it although unwarranted considering Anastasia encounter with the beast. Faced with such bazaar occurrences and her own grandfather's obsession, fueled by the town beliefs, continuous begs to answer
**Can Anastasia come to grips knowing the truth?
**Can Anastasia accept Frost for who he is?
**Will there love withstand the family hatred?
**When Frost is confronted with his past, will it break him or make him stronger?
**When facing the town's men will truth comfort and heal or will prejudice prevail?
**When a tragic event occurs, what will be the ultimate outcome?
**What role will Julia play in the final outcome?
**Will Anastasia relationship ever be mended with her parents and grandfather?

It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and physical, or signs of spot on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining. 

Also available on Kindle Unlimited