Borrowing Abby Grace: Girl Steals Guy by Kelly Green

As Abby has learned, she is now a Shadow, sent to inhabit the lives of strangers in trouble. Dropped into the life of a gorgeous senior with a heartbroken best friend, Abby is instructed to “reunite the lovers” by her cute but maddening Guardian, a 19th century ghostly teenager named Will. Now Abby must navigate high school keg parties, football games and power couples, only to discover that love and revenge are sometimes the same thing.

In the second episode of Borrowing Abby Grace, Abby is slowly coming to terms with her role as a Shadow. She is now inside the body of Michelle, a gorgeous teen who's best friend, Heather, has recently undergone a tumultuous break up. In this life, Abby must reunite the lovers with the support of her guardian, Will. Will, who's snarky remarks and undeniable good looks are starting to make Abby think a little more about him. All the while, Abby is trying to come to terms with being a Shadow and the fact that she can't remember her real life or if she'll ever be able to go back.

With the second installation of this series, Abby has developed a bit more into her role. She's still the smart and sassy teen, but she's slowly coming to terms with being a Shadow. She's growing and understanding what she needs to accomplish and has become a bit more confident in the job. It almost feels as if she embraces the Shadow, while still feeling a hole of her own life. I felt much more sympathetic for Abby this time around. It's evident she has an old life, as memories start spotting up, and she's missing this life she can't remember. I'm also dying to know the status of Abby's life, as she's starting to question whether or not she's dead. (I'm crossing my fingers she's still alive!)

I loved that we see a spark starting to develop between Abby and Will. Will is her only constant companion on these journies, and has been doing his best to help Abby on her missions. His dashing good looks and witty remarks makes him such a charming guardian that I know I would have a hard time not taking a second look. Abby is starting to realize Will's hottness and is even questioning her own feelings for him. The pace of their relationship is perfect!

Just as in the first episode, the story is a great mystery. As I said in my last review, I adore the fact that we're sharing in the mystery and confusion, never knowing where we're going next. The clues stack up in just the right places, so you can't figure the mystery out until the very end. It's genius how nothing is ever given away too early! I swear, I can't figure out each mission until Abby does! This all holds true in Girl Steals Guy, even moreso than The Shadow, because the reveal was even bigger and more surprising. I was definitely left with an AHHHHAA moment at the end of this read. Again, I recommend these episodes to a middle grade audience or those who love a thrilling mystery. They're very fun and fast reads that are sure to get the gears in your brain turning making any reader feel like a true detective.