Where Beauty Lies by Elle and Blair Fowler

Where Beauty Lies by
Elle and Blair Fowler

Source: Received a copy from the St. Martin's Griffen in exchange for an honest review, no compensation.
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release date: August 13th, 2013
Series: Book 2 in Sophie and Ava London
Edition: Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis via Goodreads: 

The London sisters return in this charming new novel about love, friendship, and the perils of fame. Despite their very public arrest, Ava and Sophia London are about to discover that in L.A. there's no such thing as bad press. Suddenly, they are the hottest "It" girls in town and are one step closer to making their brand, London Calling, a household name. Their newfound celebrity status takes them jet setting to New York City to expand their brand into fashion and home goods. Their first stop is fashion week, where they're about to put on their inaugural fashion show...but not if their rivals have anything to say about it. The same unseen enemies responsible for framing them in L.A. are back - and determined to ruin the sisters for good this time. Can Ava and Sophia find out who's trying to destroy them before it's too late?

I read this book as a stand alone book and enjoyed it.  I did not find myself confused at all because I hadn't read the previous novel.  I have heard that the first Beneath the Glitter is very good.  Contemporary YA is not my usual subgenre but I was pleasantly surprised.   Ava and Sophia are lovable characters that are relatable to a woman at any age.  They are extremely dedicated to their work and want to make it in the fashion scene.  BUT don't worry this isn't a book just about fashion!  There is quite a plot to this story and I unexpectedly found myself very invested in the story.

Even though this book wasn't in my usual genre, I still enjoyed it.  It wasn't just about clothes, cute boys and money, there was a plot.  There was a decent amount of  romance but plenty of mystery and betrayal, enough of a mix to keep you reading!  However, the book was based on some pet nappers and that idea seemed a little juvenile to me.  Again, I am used to paranormal problems like a rogue werewolf or something!

I would recommend Where Beauty Lies to people that like contemporary YA's like Lauren Conrad L.A. Candy series.   If you liked that series, you will love this one.  It is also very similar to the problems that are found in Gossip Girl.