About the Book
Never Have I ever meets Rory Gilmore's college years in this decadent college romance that equal parts passion, privilege and mystery.
Malena Amin is two people.
At home, she the respectable, rule-abiding daughter that her controlling family expects. At her prestigious Ivy-League University, she’s the risk-taking, adventurous woman that she wants to be. With parents who demand to know her location settings at all times, Malena uses a secret phone and secret bank account to make her double life possible.
But when her tutoring job falls through, she hits a snag in funding that double life. So, Malena sets her eyes on the prize money from a National feature-writing contest through the school paper. And when she intercepts an invitation to an ultra-exclusive secret society on campus—she has the perfect story.
She’ll attend, lay low, and get an inside look.
Unfortunately, she’s discovered early in the night by the notorious playboy and Hastings Media heir: Conrad Hastings.
The frustratingly attractive Conrad doesn’t aspire to anything other than a good time. But when his newspaper-magnate father discovers that he’s delinquent on work for the school paper, Conrad needs to complete it before his father can make good on an ultimatum. So, he agrees to let Malena into the secret society—temporarily— if she agrees to share a byline on the article they’ll write together. Conrad fulfils his obligations, and Malena gets the inside look she needs for the contest.
But, the two soon discover an art world mystery hidden between lavish parties and Gothic libraries. And more concerningly: a palpable spark between them. With new clues unraveling before them, mounting desire they can’t ignore and Malena’s web of lies threatening to collapse—their partnership becomes a lot more than a simple deal.
Review
Poisoned Ivy was precisely what it was advertised to be—a blend of Gilmore Girls and Never Have I Ever. I absolutely enjoyed this cozy mystery and most everything that it offered me. The only criticism that I have is that the mystery was the weakest part. It didn’t seem that exciting, and at times, the plot was about it. I didn’t feel as invested in the mystery as I did in everything else.
The main characters were such a hit with me. Since arriving at Westchester, Malena has been living a double life. She hides her true self from her family out of fear that they would disown her. Malena's struggles were appropriately and heartbreakingly explored during Poisoned Ivy. As was her determination, which was one of my favorite traits. She was determined to win the award and find her freedom, willing to do whatever it took. Like Malena, Conrad had a complicated relationship with his family. Though it mostly was with his dad. Outwardly, Conrad is seen as less than his brothers and “dumb”. But the truth is that he’s not dumb, he’s just unmotivated. I loved seeing his transition and him finding his groove.
No big surprise that I loved Malena and Conrad together. I loved the angle of them working on an article together. That immediately sold me on the book. With Conrad, Malena was able to be herself without feeling expectations or judgment. He kept showing up for her, and even when she didn't voice her needs, he heard her and met them. Malena challenged Conrad and supported him in ways his family had not. The friendships were equally impressive. I loved Malena and her friend group. Conrad’s friend group was great, too, but there was one specific scene in the back half of the book where Ishani’s friendship shone the brightest for me.
Final Thoughts
I really loved Poisoned Ivy. Although the mystery is the book's weak point, it excels in other aspects, such as the main characters, who are both undergoing compelling personal growth amid their complex family dynamics. Additionally, the romance and side friendships were absolutely fantastic. I am unbelievably excited to read the second book in this series.
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