Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick (A REVIEW IN TWEET FORM!)

Title: Tweet Heart
Author: Elizabeth Rudnick
Pages: 272

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Publication Date: June 29, 2010

Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan.

Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone.

But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected….

This review is going to be written in tweets! Be warned of my #FAIL tweeting!

@ThePlot is rly developed, considering tht there was no narration & it was written in tweets, blogs, emails, etc. #LovedItToDeath

@ClaireRBear is an #AwesomeCharacter but @KingofSlack (aka Bennett) is a #BetterCharacter because he was #FrigginHilarious!

#TweetHeart shows readers the importance of online identities and how technology affects the real world (#yesmom). @lizrudnick OWNS!!!

#TweetHeart is extremely #lifelike. The tweets, emails, etc. established the situation and the characters' personalities really well. #Cool!

@lizrudnick You Rock!!! #SeriouslyYouDo!

Read more...

Wild Roses by Deb Caletti

Title: Wild Roses
Author: Deb Caletti
Pages: 320
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: March 25, 2008

Seventeen-year-old Cassie Morgan has a secret: she's living with a time bomb (A.K.A., her stepfather, Dino Cavalli). To the public, Dino is a world-renowned violin player and composer. To Cassie, he's an erratic, self-centered bully. Dino has always been difficult, but as he prepares for his comeback concert, something in him begins to shift. He seems more high-strung than ever, set off by any little thing. He stops sleeping, starts chain-smoking. And he grows increasingly paranoid, saying things that Cassie is desperate to make sense of, but can't. So she does what she thinks she must: she tries to hide his behavior from the outside world. Before, she was angry. Now, she is afraid.

Enter Ian Waters: A brilliant young violinist, and Dino's first-ever student. The minute Cassie lays eyes on Ian she knows she's doomed. She tries everything to keep away from him, but is drawn to him in a way she's never felt before. It should be easy. It should be beautiful. It is not. Cassie thought she understood that love could bring pain. But this union will have consequences she could not have imagined.

As the novel crashes through two irreparable events and speeds toward its powerful end, one thing becomes clear: in the world of insanity, nothing is sacred. Not talent, not spirit, not love.

Relatively normal Cassie Morgan used to a normal life, but all that changed as soon as her parents divorced and her mom got married to world-famous violinist Dino Cavalli. Surely it wouldn't be as bad right? Wrong. Cassie's home life is a wreck with Dino on the brink of insanity and constantly being moody. All she wants to do is go back to having a normal family. When she spies Ian Waters going into her house to take private violin lessons with her step-dad, her interest is immediately piqued. Dino forbids them to be together, but that doesn't stop them. Though Ian is keeping secrets that could break Cassie's heart and complicate things even more...

Musically-oriented and completely heartfelt, Wild Roses is a beautiful novel about the complexities of love, forgiveness, family, and friendship. The novel is told through Cassie's perspective and seeing the insanity and madness Dino brings into her life, readers will get pulled into Cassie's stubborn, yet strong psyche--unlike Dino's deteriorating one. Throughout the novel, you can see how Dino's actions and chaotic behavior affects not only Cassie, but her mom as well. Even so, Cassie's mom still holds onto that shred of hope of Dino being normal again. Alas, it's too much to hope and soon, Dino is going on a downward spiral...to suicide?

Cassie's relationship with Ian is complicated from the very beginning. Ian is on his way to a prestigious music academy, while Cassie still has no idea where she's headed. Ian doesn't want to go, and when they're together, he's completely free and uninhibited. But he's keeping secrets from Cassie that have everything to do with him moving. They're relationship is innocent, and as it progresses, hearts will be broken, and betrayal might conquer.

When everything ends, Cassie and Ian have to face bittersweet goodbyes to the only thing they've ever truly loved; each other. Wild Roses is a touching, bittersweet book that takes readers on a journey of first love, family, and redemption. Caletti weaves another great tale, reminiscent Sarah Dessen's work! A- =)

The Bottom Line: Bitter + Sweet = Reality

---Report Card---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 89/10 (A-)

Read more...

Bite Me! by Melissa Francis

Title: Bite Me! (Book 1)
Author: Melissa Francis
Pages: 304
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: July 28, 2009

AJ Ashe isn't your typical seventeen-year-old vampire—as if there is such a thing! She's stuck in the middle of a huge fight between her two BFFs. Her ex-boyfriend—whom she's still totally in love with, by the way—is now her stepbrother. A former classmate—who, um, she may or may not have turned into a vampire—is stalking her. And now, apparently, the fate of humankind lies in her little undead hands. What ever happened to the good old days, when all a vampire girl had to worry about was the occasional zit and hiding her taste for blood?


AJ and Ryan used to be a hot couple, now, they're siblings. When their parents re-marry, they have to break it off with each other and try to act like a normal family...however normal a family with vampires can be at least. As AJ struggles with her new found 'relationship' with Ryan, her blood-lust, and a classmate that she did or did not bite accidentally, someone is out to get her...and her family. It's true what they say about how the past comes back to bite you...but this time, with fangs!

Bite Me! is a hilarious and interesting read, full of suspense and deceit. The premise of this book was appealing. The brother and sister relationship of AJ and Ryan was unconventional, therefore, making the reader more curious. AJ was a relatable protagonist even though she was a vampire. Her feelings and actions were accompanied by decisions that we, as teens, have had to make.

Bite Me!, on the outside, looks fun. But when you start flipping though the pages, you'll never stop. It's unique. It's intense. It's suspenseful. When AJ's mom marries Ryan's dad, it's like her whole world crumbles. She gets drunk and (nearly?) loses control with a guy. Now, that guy has become undead and is stalking her, apart from that, an unknown being is after her, waiting for the right time...to kill.

Although the book was interesting and suspenseful, it was a little bit too sexual. Every few pages, there would always be a sexual thought or action. It got a little disturbing after a while...especially with the teacher-student conflict in the novel. There was too many sexual references and lots of seduction. I guess it's to be expected of a vampire novel.

Another aspect of the book that I really disliked, was the ending. I'm a sucker for happy endings, and this didn't end the way I wanted it to (you'll just have to read and find out!). But to give Francis credit, the ending is perfect to give room for a sequel. A- :-)

The Bottom Line: Francis is one author to look out for! Bite Me! is a great vamp read that readers will be able to sink their teeth into!

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 6/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8.5/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 9.5/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 87/100 (A-)

Read more...

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

Title: Perfect You
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Pages: 304
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: March 25, 2008


Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible. And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest. Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them....

Everything in Kate's life that can go wrong, does go wrong; her family is falling apart, her best friend isn't talking to her, Will keeps bugging her, her social life is down the drain, and her dad quits his job to sell vitamins. That's a lot for one teenager to handle. Kate is trying extremely hard to get through her daily routine consisting bullies, heart-ache, and embarrassment. You think that's it? Think again. When her grandmother comes to visit, and Will starts to show interest towards her, her life spins out of control. Will she finally crack?

Perfect You is a completely captivating read. Scott takes readers into a roller-coaster ride full of pain, angst, and love. Perfect You had strong themes of independence, love, family, and friendship, creating a riveting tale so powerful, that it will bring out many emotions for readers to ponder upon. Scott was able to twist a cliché plot into an enthralling tale that will have readers flipping to the end, itching to be pulled into Kate's life.

Kate is a sensible and practical character in the novel. She needs a break from everything that was going around her. She needs a break from all the pain and all her problems; too many things were expected from her. That's where Will comes in. Will and Kate's history together isn't quite as believable as it should have been. Scott needs to create a more realistic back-story with these characters.

At some parts of Perfect You, so many different things are happening all at once. There are too many events going on in the novel that may confuse the reader. It's overwhelming and suffocating at the same time. The drama really needs to be lessened.

Kate's character doesn't make sense. She's sickeningly thoughtful, one second, and then she's ravingly angry the next. The readers are thrown off trail unexpectedly through these 'mood-swings'. It didn't contribute to the plot. It just made it more random.

The Bottom Line: Perfect You is an interesting read with some weaker aspects. The title, for me, doesn't really make sense. It's just the name of the vitamins. I don't get why it is, but otherwise, Scott did a great job! A- :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 8.5/10
Setting: 4.5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 89/100 (A-)

Read more...

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-)

Read more...

Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph

Title: Shrinking Violet
Author: Danielle Joseph
Pages: 320
Publisher: MTV
Publication Date: May 5, 2009

Hey, Miami---you're listening to Sweet T on 92.7 WEMD The SLAM! It's after dark now, so don't change that dial...

High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out---doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into the confident, sexy Sweet T---and to everyone's shock, she's a hit! Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest---and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize---Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare.

Shrinking Violet is one of the most original books I've ever read...and it was amazing. A shy girl, dreaming of becoming a DJ is totally fresh and new. It's a fun read, but underneath all of the light-hearted themes is a message to believe in yourself and not be afraid of standing up for yourself.

Tere's character is completely new to me. I've never come accross anything like her. She's always being put down by everyone, and eventually, she learns to break out of her shell and shine. And even though I can't relate to her that much (I'm not shy), I still felt like I knew what she was going through. Joseph's writing depicted how Tere was feeling extremely well. But sometimes, the situations were a little unrealistic for me. I don't know how it feels to be that shy, so I'm not really one to judge.

For me, Shrinking Violet was a little slow in terms of pace. Although I never got bored, I still wanted the climax to happen a little bit earlier. Also, I'm not particularly fond of Stacy. I'm still wondering what Tere did to her. Joseph should have added more conflict and reasoning behind Stacy's character and Tere's.

The Bottome Line: Shrinking Violet is a book that stands out from the rest (ironic right?). It's a very memorable read and completely creative and original. I loved it from start to finish. Watching Tere's character grow was exciting. It's a fun book with a touch of romance. Joseph is certainly an author to watch. A- :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 8.5/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 7.5/10
Setting: 3/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 89/100 (A-)

Read more...

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- :-)

Read more...

The Princess and The Pauper by Kate Brian

Title: The Princess and The Pauper
Author: Kate Brian
Pages: 266
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: May 1, 2004

SHABBY...CHIC?

Carina, a real European princess, is dying to hook up with the sexy American rock star she met online. Too bad about all those bodyguards watching her every move. Then Carina spots her down-and-out near-twin, Julia. For a fast ten grand, Julia grabs the gown and the crown, and the girls swap identities for a day.

Before long, Princess Carina is trapped on a skeevy bus full of roadies, and Pauper Julia is jetting off to...some small foreign country?

Only a storybook ending can get these two posers back to where they belong.

I thought This book is the classic Cinderella-meets-Pauper type of story. When I gave it a try, I was expecting just another cliché plot; boys meets girls and everyone lives happily ever after. But boy I was wrong! The moment I read about Julia and her troubles, it immediately piqued my interest. How would someone as practical as Julia agree to something so impetuous? Why would a pretentious princess like Carina want to 'hook up' with someone she barely knew?

There were all these questions I had at the beginning but Brian made it all work out in the end. It constantly threw completely unexpected scenarios at me. It made the plot more original and more comical. I enjoyed reading it all the way to the end.

The Bottom Line: Read it. It'll be worth it. A- :-)

Read more...