I’ve really been enjoying this series, but this book is a misstep. Lacey is absolutely horrible and I think the message is damaging.
Yes, boo hoo, she has a bad home, but so what? She treats people terribly. She schemes and wheedles and manipulates her way to get Kristin to spend time with her, then just completely insults, railroads or ignores her when she gets her own way.
And for the finale of the book to be, “Yeah, but Lacey’s your best friend. And, yes, she treats you terribly, but just think how badly she treats everyone else. You’re special. Out of all of the people she treats like dirt, you’re the only one she doesn’t spit on. That’s just how magical best friendship is!”
Kristin is trapped in an abusive friendship. She puts in 100%, Lacey guilts her for not managing to put in 150% and she gets absolutely zero in return.
Hideous message.