REVIEW - Betraying Innocence by Airicka Phoenix

Title: Betraying Innocence 
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Publisher: Fire & Ash Publishing
Release date: October 30, 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Romance
Warnings: Contains language and sexual content. 17+
Links: Amazon / Goodreads

Summary:
October 31, 1983, seventeen year old Johnny Baits vanishes without a trace, leaving the slumbering town of Chipawaha Creek, British Columbia reeling with his mysterious disappearance. Twenty-nine years later, The French family moves into his home, never realizing they're not alone in the house. 

For seventeen year old Roseanna French moving to a strange new town is a problem she can handle. But even she's not prepared for the evil that has been sitting dormant for years... waiting. When seemingly harmless noises and creeping shadows at night leads to the murder of the people closest to her, Ana has to find a way to stop the evil before it can consume her completely and she can no longer wash the blood from her hands.

Rafael Ramirez is battling his own demons. Unlike Ana's, his has been haunting him for years. But running isn't an option. He has a mother, a brother and a sister looking to him to keep them safe. He doesn’t have time for pretty girls with issues, even if the sight of her makes him hope for things a guy like him doesn’t deserve. But when Ana asks Rafe for help, what can he do except give it? But what happens when the evil comes after his family? Can they stop it before it's too late or will it claim them the way it had claimed Johnny?

5/5

Ms Phoenix can't seem to do wrong. With every book of hers I read I just become more and more in awe of her brilliance. This book was just full of awesome and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.

I think this is the first horror book I have read and I have to say it was quite freaky. All the things that were happening gave me the creeps. I was half tempted to sleep with the lights on after reading it. I got through it fairly quickly as I was glued from the very first page. I could not put it down. I needed to know what was gonna happen next. There was a lot of mystery and suspense to be had and of course a sizzling hot romance. 

I always love Airicka's characters and it was no exception this time. Ana is a very likable and strong character. She goes through so much, questioning her sanity and fighting for her life. She never gives up and is just so brave. I loved watching how she handled things. There are one or two times when I feel she missed something so obvious but I forgave her as she was dealing with a lot. 

Now Rafe. Whoa mamma does Airicka know how to write smoking hot boys. This guy was totally swoon-worthy. The right amount of smart-ass and sweetheart you will immediately fall for this bad boy. My heart broke for Rafe though and what was going on in his home life. I wanted to wrap him up in my arms and never let him go. I loved his and Ana's relationship. I loved how they were both there for each other no matter what.  The book is told in dual POV and I loved getting inside Rafe's head. 

Another thing that I really liked about this book was the relationship Ana had with her parents. In a lot of YA books the parents are either absent or not existent or are horrible. But Ana's parents were awesome. They were so loving and protective. I especially loved her Dad. He was adorable and so funny. I loved their interactions. 

The story line is very fast-paced and there is never a dull moment. I just loved it. So beautifully written, the scenes will come to life before your eyes. It will scare the bejeesus out of you as well as leave you swooning over the intense romance. Another winner from a fantastic author.