The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

Title: The Vampire Stalker
Author: Allison Van Diepen
Pages: 272
Publisher: Point
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: B+

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

Filled with both mystery and hilarity, The Vampire Stalker is a light but very authentic story that chronicles one girl's fantasy that comes true. Because it's set in modern day New York, it is already effortless to relate to the book. The vivid descriptions of the city imbue a subtle appreciation of New York into the novel, otherwise balancing the paranormal factors in The Vampire Stalker.

At the onset of the novel, Amy's authentic, real character is established. Her strong narrative is a combination of comedy, disbelief, and perspective. Her mature outlook on life is caused by her own issues at home. Although The Vampire Stalker is classified as a paranormal novel, it has a contemporary element to it, letting the readers connect more with Amy even though her situation is far-fetched.

Alexander's character is developed as the novel progresses. He's not a perfect love interest and he has quirks that readers will be able to tune into during the novel. Van Diepen slowly unravels his cold-hearted, disinterested exterior while also growing his relationship with Amy. The chemistry between them is undeniable and because they're new to relationships, they discover and learn together.

The Vampire Stalker is a dream-come-true for fangirls and YA lovers. It's funny, romantic, and dangerous combined in a spectacular blend of paranormal and contemporary.

The Bottom Line: It's cliché and original all at once. It's cute and serious all at once. I love the opposites in it and it's just truly one of those books that you read for a laugh. It seriously reminds me of Twilight brought to life... It's the ultimate guilty pleasure for any fangirl!

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The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

Title: Lipstick Laws
Author: Amy Holder
Pages: 240
Publisher: Graphia
Publication Date: April 4, 2011

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her. For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity. But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

Just like the average high school, Penford High has its own cliques...and its own set of mean girls. The queen? Britney Taylor. April Bowers is the complete opposite. Barely anybody knows she exists. But when Britney notices her one fateful day, April is sucked in to a world of superficiality. Sure, April's popular now, but Britney has plans that April has to refuse.

The Lipstick Laws provides readers with an entertaining, appealing look into high school life. Though it portrays a lackluster, exaggerated version of high school, readers are able to grasp the complexities of friendship and choices in this novel. The Lipstick Laws is a charming, light read, but its concepts and ideas aren't as original, making it a little forgettable. The conflicts in this novel are often seen throughout the young adult genre and the outcomes are somewhat predictable.

One of the better aspects of this novel are the characters. Although most fall into their respective stereotypes, characters such as April and her fellow 'Lipstick Lawbreakers'. April's transformation is even more pronounces as she changes from a weak, push-over follower to an independent, strong person who stands up for herself. The 'Lipstick Lawbreakers' all bring life and hilarity to the novel as well as balance out the ditzy, typical queen bee Britney Taylor. The pranks that they play on Britney are extremely funny.

Holder's writing flows smoothly, although at times cliché. April's narration is captured flawlessly as an outsider. Her insecurities and worries are really seep into Holder's writing. The atmosphere The Lipstick Laws is unconvincingly-developed because it over-emphasizes popularity and the fabricated concept of the 'Lipstick Laws'.

The Lipstick Laws is a love-hate book. There are times you'll want to laugh out loud and hug the characters, and other times, you'll want to rip their heads off because of their stereotypes. It effectively portrays friendship and the idea of insecurities, but it also stays a rather generic, typical Mean Girls meets The Clique. A good debut, but not a great one.

The Bottom Line: I've already seen a lot of books like this, but this book made me LOL my heart out! It's just a matter of laying low with too many stereotypes. Forgettable, but still a light, fun read.

---Field Report---
Originality: 5/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 6/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Theme: 7/10
Imagery: 7/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 73/100 (B-)

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Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy (Book 1)
Author: Kiersten White
Pages: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: August 31, 2010

Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal.

Normal is so overrated.

All Evie has ever known since she was little, was the IPCA. Her ability to see through glamours has always been valued by the IPCA. But when secrets and lies are uncovered, and IPCA--and her own life--is in danger, she must find the answers to her own questions and finally find out who she really is. One too many secrets, two heart-stopping romances, and one girl to figure it all out.

Ingrained with suspense, romance, and the paranormal, Paranormalcy entrances readers with its addicting prose and lure of mystery. Though set in a paranormal atmosphere, White efficiently and smoothly merges together Evie's teenage world and the tangible paranormal aspects in the novel, compounding a imaginative, entertaining novel. Readers will be magnetized into this electrifying and enigmatic debut.

Evie's personality is tough, witty, and sassy. She isn't afraid of being different, despite her flaws. This makes her a grounded, down-to-earth character as well as a source for humor and sarcasm. And although she works at IPCA, her worries and anxieties are still perceptible to any teenager. Her yearning for a normal, teenage life is palpable to the reader as Evie shows her true vulnerabilities. She is a balanced character who is assertive and mature, but also sensitive and scared. Evie's history keeps her guarded but when she isn't, she truly is an exceptional character both inside and out.

Reth and Lend are both two very different love interests for Evie. Reth is manipulative and overconfident while Lend is genuine and honest. Reth and Evie's previous relationship together is turbulent and almost has a destructive air to it. Evie's feelings for Reth is highly complicated and incomprehensible to the other characters in the novel. Lend, whom Evie is unsure of, at the beginning, is mysterious at first, but as their friendship grows, so do their feelings for one another. Their chemistry is perceivable and natural, developing slowly and consistently.

White's prose mirrors the essence of Paranormalcy, suspense-ridden and unpredictable. The descriptions are clear and expressive, pulling the reader into an authentic paranormal word, rapt with torrents of secrets and unearthly beings. White individualizes common supernatural creatures and makes them unique and more otherworldly, making Paranormalcy sensationally unprecedented.

Seductive, humorous, and prolific, Paranormalcy is a combination of an unpredictable plot, quirky, personified characters, and a convincing setting, all aspects of which, create a valiantly refreshing debut that dares to defy the barriers of young adult fantasy. Kiersten White fearlessly plunges readers into a well-written debut. (A+)

The Bottom Line: A hypnotizing, addicting paranormal read.

---Field Report---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 97/100 (A+)

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My Invisible Boyfriend by Susie Day

Title: My Invisible Boyfriend
Author: Susie Day
Pages: 288
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2010

Heidi has the perfect solution to her popularity problems - a fake boyfriend. She's even made him an Internet profile that makes him look like a motorcycle-riding, poetry reading bad boy. *swoon* Heidi's friends are so impressed they start emailing Heidi's fake boyfriend with their problems . . . including their problems with Heidi.

As if that weren't bad enough, a delicious and possibly single person called "A Real Boy" emails Heidi to say he knows the truth. Can Heidi escape from her world wide web of lies? Or will her chance at romance disappear faster than you can type gtg?

Heidi's just another normal, single, unpopular girl in the midst of floating, happy couples. The solution to her problems? A fake boyfriend. That should solve everything right? WRONG. Her fake boyfriend Ed, causes more problems than she imagined and someone knows about her plan. Will she damage her own reputation? Or will she find love...in the most unexpected places?

My Invisible Boyfriend is a quirky, hilarious, and entertaining read that is very realistically portrayed through emails, funny recipes, and chats as well as prose. This element especially enhances and emphasizes the convincing and believable background of the story. Readers will be able to imagine themselves in Heidi's position very easily because of the contemporary versatility and authentic characters in the book.

My Invisible Boyfriend starts out quite shallow, but the eccentric quirks and Heidi's overactive imagination lets the novel flow smoothly and eventually gains more depth and characteristic. Heidi's narration is humorous and light, making her antics even funnier to read about. And even though she's quite naive, she cares for her friends and her efforts mirror that through a few situations-gone-wrong. Heidi is not without her quirks and funny behaviors as well. Although one that might agitate the reader a little bit are her
WOE.
UH.
or
PAW.
LOO.
DOE.
moments that are quite overdone. Readers might even have a hard time understanding what they mean. But ultimately, Heidi is an unforgettable protagonist that will not fail to make readers laugh with her LOL-worthy shenanigans and escapades.

Hilarious and charming, My Invisible Boyfriend is a light, fun read that will captivate readers with its charm and wit. The recipes are flat out funny and everything else--even a little predictable--will definitely make you laugh! A =)

The Bottom Line: ROFLMAOing while reading this =)


---Field Report---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 92/100 (A)

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Swoon at Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter

Title: Swoon at Your Own Risk
Author: Sydney Salter
Pages: 360
Publisher: Graphia
Publication Date: April 5, 2010

It’s the summer before senior year and Polly Martin has sworn off boys. Who needs the hurt and confusion? Five recent breakups have left her with an unnatural knowledge of NASCAR, the ultimate hiker’s outfit, a student council position, the sixth highest score on the Donkey Kong machine at the mall, and a summer job at Wild Waves with ex #2 Sawyer Holmes.

Success seems a sure thing when Polly’s grandmother, the syndicated advice columnist, Miss Swoon, moves in for the summer. Polly almost doesn’t mind sharing a room with her little sister, Grace. Think of all the great advice she’ll get!

Everything is going according to plan except... Miss Swoon turns out to be a man-crazy septuagenarian! And then there’s Xander Cooper. If only he wouldn’t keep showing up at Wild Waves with his adorable cousins every afternoon — and what is he writing in that little notebook?

No advice column in the world can prepare Polly for the lessons she learns when she goes on a group camping trip (with three too many ex-boyfriends). Polly is forced to see people for who they are — a blend of good and bad qualities that can’t be reduced to a list or a snappy answer in a Miss Swoon column.

With her past endeavors with boys, Polly realizes she needs a break from boys. But throw in grammy Miss Swoon, hot skater dude Xander, and a trip with her exes, what's a girl to do? Only the granddaughter of Miss Swoon can tell! Ready, set, SPLASH!

Swoon at Your Own Risk is a fun, exuberant read full of growth and self-discovery. Although sometimes cliché and obvious, Swoon at Your Own Risk provokes a light, flowing nostalgia of summertime for the readers. Polly's situations are always laugh-out-loud hilarious and entertaining, keeping the novel bright and flowing.

The best main aspect in Swoon at Your Own Risk is Polly. At first, Polly seems unlikeable, selfish, and annoying, but as she deals with her issues and situations, she transforms into a funny, spunky, and fun character. The diverse spectrum of characters surrounding Polly brings Swoon at Your Own Risk to life and each and every character is special in their own way. Xander's part in Polly's life is extremely predictable, but that doesn't take away much from the plot. He's a cute, sensitive, and deep character. Xander is different from other YA love interests because he shows a more creative and different side of guys.

The tone of Swoon at Your Own Risk is established straight away with Polly's narration. In the beginning, readers may become a little frustrated with Polly's first-person narrative, but that's part of how she grows as a person. As the book progresses, readers will see subtle changes in Polly and her way of thinking, and this ultimately makes her a more down-to-earth character. Her previous experiences with boyfriends makes her fear of taking that leap of faith with Xander and later on, she may or may not overcome it.

Cheery, meaningful, and fun, Swoon at Your Own Risk takes you on a relaxing swim of realization, laughs, and of course, boys! It's perfect to remind you of summer and summer romances...but with a twist of Miss Swoon! A =)

The Bottom Line: Fun, fun, fun!

---Field Report---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 93/100 (A)

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I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer

Title: I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It
Author: Adam Selzer
Pages: 192
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 26, 2010

Algonquin “Ali” Rhodes, the high school newspaper’s music critic, meets an intriguing singer, Doug, while reviewing a gig. He’s a weird-looking guy—goth, but he seems sincere about it, like maybe he was into it back before it was cool. She introduces herself after the set, asking if he lives in Cornersville, and he replies, in his slow, quiet murmur, “Well, I don’t really live there, exactly. . . .”

When Ali and Doug start dating, Ali is falling so hard she doesn’t notice a few odd signs: he never changes clothes, his head is a funny shape, and he says practically nothing out loud. Finally Marie, the school paper’s fashion editor, points out the obvious: Doug isn’t just a really sincere goth. He’s a zombie. Horrified that her feelings could have allowed her to overlook such a flaw, Ali breaks up with Doug, but learns that zombies are awfully hard to get rid of—at the same time she learns that vampires, a group as tightly-knit as the mafia, don’t think much of music critics who make fun of vampires in reviews. . . .

Ali Rhodes, aka Ali the Ice Queen of the Vicious Circle, is a heart-breaker. Where do you think she got her title? She has a reputation to keep up. But all that becomes insignificant once she hears the first note sung by Doug. They have so much in common...in terms of music. But in terms of, say, humanity? Not so much. Ali's human and Doug's a zombie. Ali didn't know that at first and when she finds out, she's shocked. But breaking up with Doug is the least of her problems. There's also Will, her semi-stalker vampire who wants to make her a vamp as well. What will she decide? The alluring life of a vampire? Or her 'true' love's not-so-pleasant zombie life?

I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It is a funny, witty, and charming read. Ali is a smart, blunt, and witty protagonist that hates stereotypical, dependent girls like *cough* Bella with a passion. Through her hilarious narrative, Ali explores themes of love, loss, commitment, and friendship with a light and straightforward prose. Selzer integrates real-life issues into the world of paranormal parody so smoothly and at the same time, makes readers laugh out loud.

The relationship between Ali and Doug is actually very dissimilar to that of the usual YA couples. Here, it's as real as it can get; with no exaggerations and clichés of personality. In I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It, Selzer actually emphasizes the flaws of the characters which not only makes them more empathetic, but also more interesting to read about.

Written with an addictive, funny prose, I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It is a fun, crazy, parody. And in irony to that, it has deep messages that interconnect with our lives today. It's a whole blend of comedy, cleverness, and paranormal! I read I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It and I liked it (hehe...get it?)! B =)

The Bottom Line: Paranormal + Hilarious Comedy = Me snorting with laughter!

---Report Card---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 3/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 4/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 79/100 (B)

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Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman

Title: Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials
Author: Rosalind Wiseman
Pages: 288
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: January 12, 2010

Looking for a new beginning after a terrible mean girl past, Charlie Healey realizes there’s no escaping high school drama.

Charlie Healey thinks Harmony Falls is the beginning of a whole new life. Middle school was brutal. But high school is Charlie’s big chance to start over and stay out of drama, except that on her first day she runs into Will, her ex–best friend, who had moved away. Now a varsity athlete and hotter than Charlie remembered, Will hangs with the crowd running the school. But Charlie doesn’t understand their power until an innocent delivery guy falls victim to a near-deadly hazing prank.

Torn between doing what’s right and her secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.

Laugh-out-loud funny and hilariously entertaining, Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials is a novel that's completely unforgettable. Filled with fun and conflict, Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials also has an engaging and witty narrator whose experiences are similar to that of normal teenagers. Charlie, though a little generic, is a compassionate and reasonable character in the book. Her emotions and experiences aren't dissimilar to other high school teens. She also has her own doubts and insecurities...much like everyone else. This novel is basically just an amplified and exaggerated version of high school wherein Wiseman emphasizes aspects of cliques, bullying, and secrets (crushes!). These aspects--no matter how unpleasant--are a part of truly being in high school.

The special thing about Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials is that Wiseman manages to somehow delve deeper into the actions and emotions of Charlie whilst keeping the book light and entertaining. And steadily throughout the book, you begin to see Charlie and her relationships with her friends change. The romanticism in Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials is chaste and convincing without being hurried.

Rosalind Wiseman, along with Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials, have astounded the YA world with this funny, entertaining book that might be a little generic on the outside, but will make you throw your head and laugh out loud! A =)

The Bottom Line: Cliques + Crushes = Typical High School =)

---Report Card---

Originality: 7/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 91/100 (A)

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The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz

Title: The Vinyl Princess
Author: Yvonne Prinz
Pages: 320
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: December 22, 2009

Summer is here, and 16-year-old Allie, a self-professed music geek, is exactly where she wants to be: working full-time at Berkeley’s ultra-cool Bob and Bob Records. There, Allie can spend her days bantering with the street people, talking the talk with the staff, shepherding the uncool bridge-and-tunnel shoppers, all the while blissfully surrounded by music, music, music. It’s the perfect setup for her to develop her secret identity as The Vinyl Princess, author of both a brand-new zine and blog. From the safety of her favourite place on earth, Allie is poised to have it all: love, music and blogging.
Her mother, though, is actually the one getting the dates, and business at Allie’s beloved record store is becoming dangerously slow—not to mention that there have been a string of robberies in the neighborhood. At least her blog seems to be gaining interest, one vinyl junkie at a time….

Allie, a complete music geek, has got the perfect summer job at Bob & Bob Records. A lot can happen in a store full of records. It's the perfect place to fall in love, try to solve a mystery, and develop her secret identity as The Vinyl Princess. Her blog and zine get more attention that she expected, and a thief is on the loose, stealing and pointing guns at cashiers...it's a good thing Allie's ready for anything right? And sure, business is slow, but is she ready for Bob&Bob's to close down?

Allie is the epitome of a vinyl princess. She's funky, fab, and completely music-savvy. She is one spunky heroine! Allie isn't the only well-developed character in The Vinyl Princess; Prinz populates the book with quirky and friendly characters; each with his or her own individualized personality. But even with her entertaining line up of characters, the plot is disappointing, but with great potential. The execution of the plot itself is great, through Allie's humorous voice, but the plot is confusing with its aimless chain of events. Allie's (two!) love interests, and her relationship with each of them is underdeveloped and bland. And the conflict with the thief is also not as emphasized in the novel, but it works to Prinz's advantage because in doing this, she weaves more suspense into the novel. And on the other hand, Allie's best friend is gratifying and humorous! Kit is one funny and supportive BFF that anybody would love to have at their side! Allie's mom is also another character that absolutely supports Allie but she's more like Allie's friend, rather than a mom. While Allie's stuck between two, her mom is out there getting her groove on, jumping into the dating arena!

The Vinyl Princess really focuses on the blogging and music aspect. Allie's opinions on vinyls are compassionate and real. It's not any of that generic, fake *excuse my language* crap that some people just make up. Prinz offers a true, modern--and at the same time classic--take on life, music, and love. The Vinyl Princess is a light, pop-culture book that just needs a little polishing; it introduces a whole new genre to YA! A =)

The Bottom Line: I really enjoyed The Vinyl Princess. It's like nothing I've read before! It's probably the most modern, tech and music-savvy book out there!

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 7/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 90/100 (A)

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The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

Title: The Naughty List (Book 1)
Author: Suzanne Young
Pages: 272
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: February 4, 2010

As if being a purrfect cheerleader isn’t enough responsibility! Tessa Crimson’s the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad–turned–spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn’t be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty!

When Tessa’s own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa’s sneaky ways end in catastrophe?

The Naughty List. Is your boyfriend on it?

Tessa Crimson's life is seemingly perfect. She's the cheerleading captain, leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), she's on the honor roll, AND her boyfriend's the captain of the basketball team! What more can a girl want? She and Aiden have been together for two years but she's hiding her involvement with SOS and is afraid to finally tell Aiden about what she does. How would you feel if you were lied to, for two years? But as their relationship is put on the line, Chloe Ferril and her brother, Christian, transfer to Washington High. Christian seems to be getting cozy with Tess, but so is Chloe with Aiden. Secrets are revealed, tears are shed, cheaters are taken down, and Aiden's name has made it onto The Naughty List. Every name in The Naughty List has been proven guilty...Is Aiden really cheating? Bring it on Wildcats!

The Naughty List is a total strawberry smoothie (expression from The Naughty List); fun and flirty with a twist of a secret society thrown in. The SOS is a vital part of Tess's responsibility, but at what cost would she jeopardize her relationship with Aiden to help other girls find out whether or not their own boyfriends are cheating?

Tess is an upbeat and witty protagonist, insecure about her relationship with Aiden. She grapples with her many responsibilities and sometimes, and it feels like she's going to implode. Tess's stress and doubt really touches the whole atmosphere of The Naughty List. You'd be able to feel the strain on Aiden and Tess's relationship through each page. The tension builds up, creating an anxious air, permanently there until the dramatic and unexpected climax.

The slang in The Naughty List is cute, but it's a little bit cheesy and not really realistic. Even so, Tess's expressions are entertaining and hilarious; they're a part of her. The sexual references scattered throughout the book are tastefully added, but they aren't as subtle, which added to the awkwardness-factor of the novel. Young populates The Naughty List with a cast of charming characters that are headstrong, original, and dynamic; each with her/his own conflict that is covered and given attention to. Young gives the message that friends stick together no matter what.

Suzanne Young has done a great job with her debut novel, The Naughty List. It's the perfect YA chick-lit book that any girl could read, anytime, with the two best guys in the world at her side: Ben and Jerry! A+ =)

The Bottom Line: The Naughty List is a fun, flirty, tantalizing debut that you wouldn't want to miss! Suzanne Young has truly enamored me with The Naughty List! I can't wait for the sequel!

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 96/100 (A+)

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Just One Wish by Janette Rallsion

Title: Just One Wish
Author: Janette Rallison
Pages: 272
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: March 5, 2009

Seventeen-year-old Annika's little brother, Jeremy, is about to undergo surgery for cancer. The teen promises him that she has a genie that will bring his favorite TV character, Teen Robin Hood, to meet him. In what seems like too much of a sitcom plot, Annika drives several hours, invades the show's set, and persuades its star to come home with her. He's on a tight schedule. Paparazzi attack them. His car breaks down. Steve and Annika fall in love, adding a sweet, but uncertain, romance to the mix. She also learns that he has a family situation of his own to resolve. Questions about the meaning of life and whether there is a caring God give the book heft but don't always jibe with its lighter aspects. Annika is a resourceful, kindhearted heroine, and her Robin Hood has dimension as well.

When Annika's brother is going to get a surgery for cancer, she promises him that she has a genie that will make his wishes come true. But what if his wish is near impossible? Can Annika really 'kidnap' Steve Raleigh, the actor who plays Jeremy's favorite character; the Teen Robin Hood. Is this really an impossible feat? Or is this the start of a new, wonderful adventure? One, two, three, action!

Just One Wish, on the surface, may seem like a light, cliché YA novel, but it is so much more than just that. With meaningful, underlying messages, Janette Rallison tells a wonderful story, proving how far a person would go, for someone they love. Annika and Jeremy's relationship is heartfelt and genuine. Jeremy's perception of everthing is bright and optimistic; that's what drives the novel, along with Annika's entertaining narrative.

The romance and chemistry between Steve and Annika, is more predictable then people would expect because it isn't as realistic as it could have been. Their adventures together, though, makes up for that and will make readers laugh out loud, purely from entertainment!

In Just One Wish, Janette Rallison tells an entertaining story with a great character; Annika is full of spunk, confidence, and determination. As she goes through many obstacles to make Jeremy's wish come true, she falls in love, learns a few tricks, and truly shows how much she loves her brother. Bravo! A =)

The Bottom Line: I want a sister like Annika! =)

---Report Card---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 93/10o (A)

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The Espressologist by Krisitina Springer

Title: The Espressologist
Author: Kristina Springer
Pages: 192
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: October 27, 2009

***Note: This is the ARC cover =)***

What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie. Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?

While Jane's busy skipping school and going to work at Wired Joe's, the café. But it's not all lost, she's working on something called Espressology. One of her first experiments is on her best friend Em. She matches her up with Cam, a sweet guy from her class, based on their drinks. Em and him seem happy together and Em tells Derek, her manager, about Espressology. Soon, Derekis interested in hosting it for a shop promotion. She matches more and more couples and the business is blooming; even a talkshow wants to feature Jane's Espressology. Everything is perfect...but why is she feeling not so sure about matching Cam and Em? Em is her best friend; Jane should be happy for them...right?

Light, sweet, and frothy, The Espressologist is a cute, quick read about a girl trying to find her match. Jane is a fun protagonist and her narrative is quirky and hilarious. The novel mostly focused on Jane, but the rest of the characters are funny and original. The only problem is that the other characters aren't emphasized as much as they should be.

The premise of this book is what caught my eye. The idea of Espressology itself is romantic and charming...just like the book! Springer's writing style is authentic and as quirky as a teenager's. The whole atmosphere of the book is captured perfectly by her writing style.

The cover's catch-line "Get a little love with your latte" completely matches the whole book. Overall, The Espressologist is a cleverly creative debut! Kristina Springer shows the world that debut authors have more originality than meets the eye! My favorite drink is a small, decaf, upside down caramel macchiatto. I'm wondering who my match is... A+ =)

The Bottom Line: Loved it! This book is going to be like my favorite cup of coffee; just the way I like it!

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 97/100 (A+)

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Hacking Harvard by Robin Wasserman

Title: Hacking Harvard
Author: Robin Wasserman
Pages: 336
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: September 11, 2007

It's the ultimate challenge: breaking into the Ivy League.

THE HACK:

To get one deadbeat, fully unqualified slacker into the most prestigious school in the country.

THE CREW:

Eric Roth -- the good guy, the voice of reason.

Max Kim -- the player who made the bet in the first place.

Schwartz -- the kid genius already on the inside...of Harvard, that is.

Lexi -- the beauty-queen valedictorian who insists on getting in the game.

THE PLAN:

Use only the most undetectable schemes and techno-brilliant skills. Don't break the Hacker's Code. Don't get distracted. Don't get caught. Take down someone who deserves it.

THE STAKES:

A lot higher than they think.

They've got the players, the plot, and soon -- the prize.

It's go time.

NOTE: No short summary for this one...the summary they have is too good to compete with!

Hacking Harvard is a humorous, witty read that readers will mostly enjoy. Wasserman alternates with Lex's point of view, and third person narration. At first, I got a little confused with this. I didn't know who was narrating for about three chapters until I finally figured it out.

The dynamics between characters wasn't contrived, allowing me to relate to them and their relationships between each other. Deceit, lies, and sharp wit was basically all that consumed their friendships. Lex wasn't a good choice for a narrator. She wasn't really included until later througout the book. A better narrator would have been Eric. He was a big part of the hack and could've performed smoother transitions between the POVs and was more connected with all of the main characters. He was the glue that held everyone together but his relationship and growing romance with Lex was confusing and useless.

An aspect of the book that I truly loved, was the scintillating dialogue/banter between the characters. Without it, the book would have been humorless and dull. The dialogue also let the reader subtly get to know the characters more without it being overdone. C+ :-)

The Bottom Line: This book was okay-ish. I kept putting it off until I had nothing left to read. It took me longer to get absorbed and compelled to it. The ending was also pretty bleak and boring. Wasserman tied everything too obviously. It was dull.

---Report Card---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 3/10
Characters: 6/10
Plot: 8.5/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 7.5/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 6/10
Setting: 2.5/5
Voice: 2.5/5
Style: 2/5
Tone: 4/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 69/100 (C+)

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Mixed Messages by Jahnna N. Malcolm

Title: Mixed Messages
Author: Jahnna N. Malcolm
Pages: 208
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: December 28, 2004

To whom it may concern, Jade has had it for Zephyr forever. But you can only crush on a guy for so long. And with graduation just around the corner, it's now or never. Jade writes Zephyr a love letter. Only Zephyr never gets the letter. Adam get's the letter. It's a huge disaster and total embarrassment. . .

Then again, maybe not.

The whole time Jade's been in high school, she's had a crush on ultra-cool musician Zephyr...she even learned how to play the guitar to make him notice her! Now, she's a heart-stopping singer/songwriter. But when she finally tells her friends about her crush, they dare her to send him a love letter---declaring her 'undying' love for him. Only it doesn't go to Zephyr, it goes to Adam. Jade's confused about who she really likes...or loves? She's going to have to make a decision or she'll lose them both.

Malcolm did a great job with this book. For the first few pages, it might seem like cliché, unoriginal, but Malcolm breathes life into it with witty dialogue, fresh new characters, and a knot of complications and lies. It builds up into a completely unexpected ending that readers may or may not like. Readers will have a hard time deciding between Adam and Zephyr. Adam brings adventure and spontaneousness into Jade's life, while Zephyr rocks her socks off with his passionate music. Who will she decide?

Although the characters in the novel were not described as vividly as they could have been, Malcolm was still able to individualize them as a person. The plot was light and funny, without making it sickeningly sweet, and the dynamics between the characters are completely believable and tanglible. It will let nearly any teen relate to them.

The Bottom Line: I enjoyed this hilariously funny read! Jahnna was able to mold a could-have-been cliché plot into a light, heart-warming read. Snow White loves this book :-) You'll know what I mean if you read the book :-) A :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 9.5/10
Characters: 9.5/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9.5/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 7/10
Total Score: 93.5/100 (A)

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Cupidity by Caroline Goode

Title: Cupidity
Author: Caroline Goode
Pages: 288
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: December 28, 2004

Dating in high school is like reality TV. It can get pretty surreal.

Between the strict social ladder (geeks' lockers left, jocks' to the right), and silly, pointless rules (no hand-holding, no kissing, no breathing!), high school is the single worst place to fin a boyfriend. And Laura Sweeney is no exception. She hasn't had a date since...well, ever.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. So Laura is calling in the big guns. She needs guidance. A proven "get the guy" strategy. Luckily she knows exactly the expert to call. He's a matchmaking mastermind who actually has the bow and arrow to prove it. Let's just call him...Cupid.

Laura Sweeney is the typical trying-to-be-valedictorian senior. She's smart, but not so popular. She buries herself in books, trying to beat out her competition with her 4.0 GPA. At the start of the year, she swears to herself that she will have a boyfriend. She makes a wish to the god, Jupiter for his help and he sends him Cupid...or Cupidity. Laura's life becomes upside down and topsy-turvy; jocks going out with goths, brainiacs dating cheerleaders, everything changes as her life spins out of control. When will she get her wish?

Confusing, random, and only slightly entertaining, Cupidity will not impress readers. Only people with the general knowlege of mythology will be able to understand the gods and the creatures in this novel. Judging by the cover, you would think that it probably has something to do with a dating service, but it's really about the Cupid. Goode's writing was entertaining, but cheesy and choppy.

The cast of characters in this book were extremely generic and stereotypical. They weren't individualized at all! They were the 'so-called-normal' jocks, skater dudes, goths, cheerleaders and it fails to impress readers. Without a good plot, and without good characters, Goode was just not able to accomplish a good RoCom.

One thing the reader will recognize though, is the originality of the plot. The connection between high school and Greek mythology was interesting and fresh. Otherwise, that's it. It would be a good read for those readers who like cheesy romance, a little touch of mythology, and a bucket full of stereotypes.

The Bottom Line: I really, really didn't like this book. Everything was just way too random and way too complicated! High schools don't really have stereotypical cliques and a 'social ladder'. In some books, this was the case...but for Cupidity, this is all that Goode focused on! I was frustrated and annoyed with Laura and the other characters. Also, does anybody know who that guy in the cover is? I don't think he was even mentioned in the book! I'm confused. You might like Cupidity...but I don't. B-

---Report Card---

Originality: 8/10
Ending: 6.5/10
Characters: 5/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 7.5/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 3/5
Style: 3/5
Tone: 3/5
Cover: 7/10
Total Score: 72/100 (B-)

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Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Title: Two-Way Street
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Pages: 304
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: June 26, 2007

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney --- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

Two-Way Street is a quick-paced read. It's engaging and original without it being meaningless like other YA books. With intriguing dialogue and colorful imagery, Barnholdt was able to capture the mood and very essence of the book. The tension between the two characters built up perfectly to a dramatic and electrifying climax.

An interesting element of the book was the constant switch of point of views and time changes. They were divided: Courtney (before and after), and Jordan (before and after). I was surprised that Barnholdt was able to smoothly alternate between these four different point of views...It was a risk, but Barnholdt ultimately succeeded.

The plot itself was original, but I felt that a few moments and a few actions of the characters were not true to their personality. The extreme mood changes and prideful bickering of the characters were abortive. I didn't think that they helped further the story, and therefore, they unnecessary.

The Bottom Line: I loved it from start to finish. The perspectives of both characters enabled me to truly see both sides of the story. Barnholdt created a balance of both cliché and original. There were a few stereotypes, but she was able to individualize them and make them more of their own person. Two-Way Street is a welcomed addition to the YA collection! It's funny, dramatic, chaotic (in a good way!), and sweet; a great mix that created the perfect recipe: a great, all-around book! This is definitely one of my favorites! A :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 8.5/10
Characters: 9.5/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9.5/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9.5/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 94/100 (A)

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Perfect Strangers by Jahnna N. Malcolm

Title: Perfect Strangers (Love Letters)
Author: Jahnna N. Malcolm
Pages: 224
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: December 28, 2004

Dear Blue, Do you think it's really possible to start over?

Madison and Jeremy are both running for president of their high school. They've been bitter enemies since Jeremy punk'd Madison freshman year.

Then Madison gets paired in an anonymous "pen pal" program. While the school election heats up, so do the letters between Madison and this guy who calls himself Blue. They're practically hooked up on paper -- and they've never even met!

Election Day reveals all -- the winner, the loser, and the school's hottest new couple.

Perfect Strangers is part of the Love Letters series of Jahnna Malcolm. I loved this book from start to finish...even though it was horribly predictable and cliché. Despite the fact that I already knew who Blue was, I frantically turned each page with excitement and impatience. Malcolm knew how to weave an unoriginal story uniquely (ironic?) and impressively. I just couldn't wait to see Maddy's reaction to who Blue was!

The romance happening in this book was a little too convinient but everything went well. One thing that really bugged me though was the fact that Jahnna didn't properly describe the characters. I have no idea how the characters look like...except for their hair and eye color. But otherwise, I'm clueless.

I enjoyed the interaction between Pinky/Maddy and Blue/find-out-for-yourself. The chemistry between the two compelled me to no end. I was intrigued by their slow-paced romance. It fit perfectly into the book. Moreover, it fit their personalities completely. They didn't dive straight in; the romance was slow and sure (but like I said; a little too convinient).

The secondary characters in Perfect Strangers were what made the plot more interesting. Lots of them were unique. Maddy's campaign team was what stood out from this story...Each character had an individualized personality. Malcolm was able to distinguish stereotypes and make them believable and realistic high-school kids. Without them, Perfect Strangers wouldn't be so perfect.

The Bottom Line: I loved this book even it was unoriginal(ish). The flow of the book was exciting and it's pace was dead-on perfect. Perfect Strangers is a great read for those who like funny, light, romances. A- :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 5/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 8.5/10
Imagery: 7/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 87/100 (A-)

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The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman by Louise Plummer

Title: The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman
Author: Louise Plummer
Pages: 192
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Publication Date: October 11, 2005

I'm Kate Bjorkman.

I don't like romance novels. They're full of three-paragraph kisses describing people's tongues and spittle. But what do you do if you've lived a real romance with a great-looking guy (Richard) and he loves you as much as you love him? I know what I did. I wrote this romance novel about myself, using The Romance Writer's Phrase Book. I also used stuff my English teacher taught me about writing. He said a story must have conflict. No problem there. My life was one big conflict last Christmas. I didn't make anything up. This is the honest truth and I want the truth even in romance. I'm betting you'll want the same.

Note: Okay, I have to be honest. I bought this book just because of the cover. It was so cute! I saw the other cover of this book and it was flat out ugly. I wouldn't have bought it.

The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman goes in my list of top romantic comedies. It's just so funny! This book was different from all of the other books I've read because here, I felt like Kate Bjorkman was actually talking to me and telling me her entire story. It's fresh and contemporary even though it's an old book.

Plummer did an impressive job with Kate's character. She was down-to-earth and unique. She wasn't one of those stereotypes I expected in the beginning. Kate is a perceptive, don't-mess-with-me character and I love her! Another thing that I loved about Unlikely Romance, is how tight-knit Kate's family was. They were an odd, comical family; her dad was a nerd, her mom was eccentric, she was quiet(ish), and I'd compare her older brother to be just like Emmet from Twilight.

One thing that I hated, though, were the 'Revision Notes'. Every few chapters, there would be a section where she talks about extremely random things or to explain more. I was bored by the second paragraph. The novel would have been better if the 'Revision Notes' were cut out from the book. Plummer should have added the vital parts into the actual chapters to make it more fluent.

The mood in the book was mostly light and funny. It helped add to the holiday vibe it already had. Plummer was able to clearly, and delightfully depict the beauty and awe of the Christmas season.

The Bottom Line: The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman is a light-hearted, romantic comedy that's perfect for the holiday season! Plummer did a brilliant job! This book is like a snowflake; one-of-a-kind. A :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 9.5/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 90.5/100 (A)

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Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison

Title: Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata (Book 3)
Author: Jennifer Allison
Pages: 352
Publisher: Puffin; Reprint edition
Publication Date: October 30, 2008

Gilda Joyce. International woman of mystery.

Gilda Joyce's best friend, Wendy Choy, is chosen to participate in a piano competition in Oxford, England, so of course super-sleuth Gilda finds a way to go too. Once there, the grueling practice schedule takes a backseat to strange and spooky occurrences. There are foreboding tarot cards that keep appearing to the participants and ominous numbers etched in frosty windowpanes. But even more chilling are Wendy's ghost nightmares of a young boy--and the haunting melody she can't shake out of her mind. Could there be a sinister connection to the piano competition? Gilda has a genuine haunting on her hands, and solving this one will take every ounce of psychic intuition she's got--especially when there are cute English boys to distract her.

I never get tired of hearing or reading the name Gilda Joyce. Whenever I hear or read that name, a sassy and witty improviser comes to mind. She's direct and straightforward...these are just a few things I love about her. She is hilarious and different from all of the other characters I've read about. Gilda Joyce is a conspicuous character not just because she's wacky, but also because of how she handles herself in the situations she's in.

When I picked up the third installment of the Gilda Joyce series. I was expecting thrilling and captivating adventures that were also unique. I wasn't disappointed. Allison's writing all throughout the entire series has been substantial and consistent. In Gilda Joyce: The Sonata Ghost, she proved that even further and added more unpredictable twists and turns. Sure, some things were a little random here and there but isn't it supposed to be? Just like Gilda?

After I read this book, I have done everything you should expect from a comedy thriller; I laughed out loud and I got scared. Only good books like this can get a reaction from me.

The Bottom Line: This book is a great, funny read. You will embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure where you will find thrills and laughs all the way. Gilda Joyce: The Sonata Ghost is truly, an unforgettable read. A :-)

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The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hapka

Title: The Twelve Dates of Christmas
Author: Catherine Hapka
Pages: 272
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: October 7, 2008

Lexi's feeling a little holidazed this winter. . . . .

Lexi's been going out with Cameron for way too long. Sure he's a nice guy, but there's a spark missing between them. So she comes up with the perfect plan: get him to fall for another girl so she'll be free-and guilt-free, too.

But when Lexi sees Cameron looking awfully cozy with Jaylene, her heart melts, especially when her budding psychologist best friend tells her that once a new couple has gone out a dozen times, their relationship is pretty much set. Cameron's twelfth date with Jaylene-the Christmas Ball-is coming up. Can Lexi find a way to rekindle her relationship with Cameron in a (saint) nick of time?

The Twelve Dates of Christmas was a big improvement from Love on Cue (Hapka's other book). If I had to choose two words to describe this book, it would be scintillating and entertaining. Hapka did a great job here. The plot was unique and original, as was the title (I loved the title). It was clever and obviously well-written.

The characters were what made this book stand out from the rest of the Romantic Comedies. They were just so different, and yet, Hapka was able to make them fit perfectly with the plot. My favorite character was Allie, Lexi's best friend. She was wacky and eccentric. It was a nice change of scenery if you catch my drift. She made the book more engaging and eventful.

The events that happened throughout the book were hilarious. Allie's 'twelve dates' theory was one of the funniest. And when Lexi tried to stop those twelve dates, she always found herself in a compromising-but nonetheless funny-position.

The Bottom Line: This book is memorable in every way. The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a funny and entertaining read. I would recommend to read this light-hearted book just before the holidays. For this one, Hapka is worthy of an A- :-)

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Love on Cue by Catherine Hapka

Title: Love on Cue
Author: Catherine Hapka
Pages: 288
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: March 10, 2009

When you have to sing your heart out, it's best to know how. . .

Maggie Tannery is a true theater girl and a total shoo-in for the lead in this year's school production of Romeo and Juliet. She's seriously psyched because it looks like her crush, Daniel, might be playing her Romeo both on-and offstage-if all goes as planned.

But when her school decides to perform a musical instead, Maggie catches a major case of stage fright-because she can't sing! With her leading role in jeopardy, as well as her chance of winning her leading man, Maggie turns to the musically talented Nico to giver her voice lessons. But their voices aren't the only things that seem to be harmonizing. As Maggie tries to break a leg-and not her heart-she wonders who the music man of her dreams really is. . .

Another hilarious read from the Simon Pulse RoCom series!

Love on Cue is great for those who like light comedy and easy romance but personally, I don't think it's all that great. To me, Maggie seemed WAY too desperate to be Derek's girlfriend. And the way she gets all tongue-tied around Derek got old. It happens way to commonly in books. I mean seriously!? In Love on Cue, she can't even form a coherent sentence. In real life, I don't think that would happen or if it does, then it wouldn't be common. I couldn't help but grow annoyed and irritated with Maggie.

Derek. He was VERY unrealistic. He was TOO perfect. In the book, he was portrayed as someone who could do no wrong. He was adept and proficient in EVERYTHING. I was just really unimpressed with his character.

It was random. I think that Hapka just threw in random scenarios so that Maggie would always find herself in an awkward position. They just didn't fit in with the book. There wasn't any connection at all.

Errors. Has anyone noticed that on the back of the book it says 'Daniel' and not 'Derek'? Call me a perfectionist but I hate mistakes like these. It's one of my pet peeves.

The only thing that really stood out to me in this book was, unexpectedly, Calla. She was the only character that constrained me to finish the book. Calla's issue was that she was a little overweight. But she was able to accept it and, eventually, joke about it.

The Bottom Line: I found Love on Cue to be disappointing but nevertheless funny. Don't stop reading Catherine Hapka though. Her book 'Twelve Dates of Christmas' is BETTER than this. I'll follow up with a review. But for now, C-
:-)

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