What Happens Next

Author: Colleen Clayton
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: October 9th 2012 
Publisher: Poppy
Rating:  ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
How can you talk about something you can’t remember?

Before the ski trip, sixteen-year-old Cassidy “Sid” Murphy was a cheerleader (at the bottom of the pyramid, but still...), a straight-A student, and a member of a solid trio of best friends. When she ends up on a ski lift next to handsome local college boy, Dax Windsor, she’s thrilled; but Dax takes everything from Sid—including a lock of her perfect red curls—and she can’t remember any of it.

Back home and unable to relate to her old friends, Sid drops her college prep classes and takes up residence in the A/V room with only Corey “The Living Stoner” Livingston for company. But as she gets to know Corey (slacker, baker, total dreamboat), Sid finds someone who truly makes her happy. Now, if she can just shake the nightmares and those few extra pounds, everything will be perfect... or so she thinks.

Witty and poignant, Colleen Clayton’s stunning debut is a story about moving on after the unthinkable happens.

Review
Such an amazing book! It was just flawless that I really don't know what to start with. The characters, the plots and pace was just simply brilliant. My heart ached for Sid, for what had happened to her, for how people treated her... But I was somehow happy that it happened, otherwise she would not have met Corey. Their paths would have never crossed and we would not have this fascinating book.

What I truly loved about this book was the fact that the main characters were human beings. In several books I have read, the main characters were so unreal. They are flawlessly beautiful, super smart, extremely charming and so on. Please! No one is that perfect. I was glad that Sid was not out-of-this-world pretty or had 4.0 GPA. She was just... normal.

And Corey. God, what should I say? I want a Corey too. He was so sweet and romantic. He might not be super smart or very handsome or popular at school, but who cares? I really liked his character. Well, I liked every characters in the book, but Corey was my favorite.

In short, Ms. Colleen Clayton has become one of my favorite authors. I am totally looking forward to reading her next book.

Breathe

Authors: Abbi Glines
Series: Sea Breeze
Book: 1
Format: Kindle
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Published Date: May 17th 2011
Publisher: Wild Child Publishing
Rating: ❤❤❤

Synopsis
Sadie White's summer job isn't going to be on the beach life-guarding or working at rental booths like most kids her age. With her single mother's increasing pregnancy and refusal to work, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a domestic servant for one of the wealthy summer families on a nearby island.

When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie hadn't spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house she might have been normal enough to be excited about working for a rock star.

Even though Sadie isn't impressed by Jax's fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax but he fights his attraction. Relationships never work in his world and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. By the end of the summer, Jax discovers he can't breathe without Sadie.

Review
I wish I could say I liked the book more than this because I really love Ms. Glines's books. Her The Vincent Boys series is very fascinating (I still need to read book 2, though.)

This book started out pretty interesting and I did enjoy flying through the pages. Then it felt a bit too sugary sweet and unrealistic to me. I don't want to sound impolite, but Sadie was just so annoying as h*ll. I knew she was supposed to get hurt when Jax ended their short-life romance, but seriously, she should have gotten a grip. Not eating or going out was just too pathetic.

Moreover, why did every guy (yes, every one of them) have to fall for her? Yes, I know she was sweet, pretty and naive (seriously?), but does it have to be every one of them? I cannot remember how many times I asked myself, "Him too?". 

Let's move on to her mother, the character that bugged me even more than Sadie. A grown a** woman who had a 17-year-old daughter should not have acted like that. Got knocked up, walking around in her underwear, whining about everything and her daughter had to buy condoms for her. Are you for real? Here is what pushed me over the edge:

Jessica slept all night, and if I tried to wake her, she burst into tears. When she cried, Sam cried, so I just left her alone.

For those of you who haven't read it yet, Jessica was Sadie's mother and Sam was the newly born baby boy. This was the scene after Jessica gave birth to baby Sam. I assumed Jessica was at least in her late 30 and the fact that she cried when her daughter wanted her to take care of the baby was unbelievable.

Anyway, I am still  going to read book 2, just to find out what else is going to happen.

Dizzy

Authors: Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
Format: Kindle
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: November 15, 2012
Publisher: Next Door Books
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Dylan doesn’t do relationships. He and his older brother watched their dad go through hell and back, so they made a pact years ago—no girl would come between the Gibson boys. But his brother sells out. He's getting married anyway. To the sister of a chick Dylan met at a party, who's probably the angriest girl he's ever met. Unfortunately, she happens to be hot, too.

Ziah’s life is upside down—her safe boyfriend turns out to be not-so-safe, and now her sister is getting married before college is over to the older brother of a spoiled, party boy who drives her crazy. And also makes her heart beat too fast.

There’s no denying the attraction, but there's also no denying how much they irritate each other. When they’re thrown together as forced wedding planners, they find an ally in each other--neither wants this wedding to happen.

But instead of putting a stop to the crazy nuptials they find themselves at fittings and cake testing. And maybe even…a few dates?
Dizzy is a novel about what happens when two people who are determined not to fall in love, maybe do anyway. Maybe.

Review
Consider me one of these two wonderful authors biggest fans after reading this book. I have always loved Ms. Nyrae Dawn's books and this is by far the best book she has ever written. I would say the same to Ms. Jolene Perry, but I have never read any of her books before. Now I know what I have been missing. Dang! After witnessing this wonderful piece of work, we have an equation: 

Nyrae Dawn + Jolene Perry = A breathtaking, swoon-worthy book

Let's start with one of the most important part of the book (in my opinion). The cover. To be honest, I was not very impressed with the cover. Take a good look at it! It was not that unattractive, I know. But it had no wow factor either. Seriously, what with the wall thing?

Well, people always say "Do not judge a book by its cover." Which is absolutely right in this case. Even I really didn't like the cover much, this book knocked the socks off me. And I didn't even wear socks. I had so much fun reading this book. I could not remember the last time a book has made me laugh this hard or smile this much. Both main characters, Dylan and Ziah, were so adorable and funny. When I read it, if I was not laughing, I was smiling. This book made me look like an idiot, and I love everything about it. Hmmm, except the cover, of course.

If I Lie

Author: Corrine Jackson
Pages: 276
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: August 28 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise. 

Favorite Quote
The military isn't so different from screwed-up families everywhere. Sacrifice everything, including your life, and it still isn't enough. ~ chapter 19

Review
I haven't read a book that made me cry this hard for months now. I loved everything about it, from the first chapter until the last one. I loved how unpredictable the book was. It left me shock and eager to find out what would happen next.

If you haven't read the book yet, please do.  The book is well-written and the characters are very interesting, multi-dimentional.

Below contains spoiler, so be warned!

Starting out, I was not so sure about the book, frankly speaking. In chapter one, I thought it was just another book about teenage drama. I ached for Quinn when she was picked on when I was not so sure what the reason was. Then when I found out she hooked up with another guy and he was Carey's best friend, Blake, even I still hated the way they hurt her, I knew why. Or so I thought. And then I learnt that Carey was gay. Surely I did not see that coming! It was not fair to Quinn how Carey had lied to her for all those years.

I really liked Quinn. She was so strong and brave. I admired how she protected Carey, even it ruined her life. She was forgiving, to some level. I loved how she finally let go of the anger she felt when her "friends" bullied.

The second most favorite character in the book, in my opinion, was George. Grumpy old man, with such a good heart. He made me laugh and cried countless times. He was just likable despite how irritable he sometimes was trying to be.

Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio
Pages: 313
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Published Date: February 14 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
Synopsis
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R.J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Review
I am not sure how to start. This book means so much to me. It was so incredibly written that everything about it was just amazing. It has been awhile since I last read a book that affected me this much.

This was told from multiple point of views - Auggie, Via (Auggie's big sister), Summer (Auggie's friend), Jack (Auggie's friend), Justin (Via's boyfriend), Miranda (Via's former best friend). Therefore, we can see the story from different angles. And that was one of the reason I loved about this book.

This book sends several important messages. I loved how it showed the important of friendship, how to stay true to yourself no matter what happens. This book moved me more than words can describe. It is kind of book that everyone should read.

Point of Retreat

Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Slammed
Book: 2
Pages: 300
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: February 25 2012
Publisher: Colleen Hoover
Rating: ❤❤

Synopsis
Hardships and heartache brought them together…now it will tear them apart.

Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will’s past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge…how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop ‘carving pumpkins.’ 

Review
As much as I loved the first book, Slammed, I have to be honest and say that this book, Point of Retreat, is a disappointment comparing to the first book, which I loved so much. I was so thrilled when I started reading. Who would not? This one was even told from Will's point of view!

This book continued telling the lives of these young lovers after Lake's mother passed away. It was a one-year-later kind of book. I hope it makes sense. Anyway, since this book was told from Will's POV, I began to see Lake for her true self - an immature, annoying girl. There were so many times that I wanted to straggle her for being so irritable.

Let's start with the time Will and Lake had a misunderstanding. She started acting weird. For a 19-year-old girl who was supposed to be the legal guardian of her brother, Lake behaved like a 5year old. Sneaking in to Will's house to get the stars her mother had left her (we'll get to that later), and shoved them in her shirt when she was caught. Please! That was so cheesy.

Another one was after she was discharged from the hospital, part of her hair had been cut/shaved in order for the doctors to do their job saving her freaking life. And she cried for that? Really? That was supposed to be one of the "romantic" part of the book, I presumed, when Will, being a nice, but silly man that he was, cut a part of his hair also to make her feel better. That was so stupid if you ask me. If I were Will, I would have said, "Oh, grow up!"

As for the stars left by Lake's mother for both Will and Lake to turn to when their lives were getting too tough, I found that was so unrealistic whatsoever. It gave advice just like the mother was still alive. Like she saw what was happening.Oh, please! That was too good to be true.

I cannot tell you how many books I have read that adapt similar plot where the girlfriend caught her boyfriend being with another girl, and misunderstood that for cheating. Once I read and found out the author also added Will's ex-girlfriend, Vaughn, it was kind of predictable how the story would go.

I am sure many people will disagree with me. But this is how I felt about the book. I really respect the author for her hard-work. However, Lake was too butterflying annoying!!!

One Moment

Author: Kristina McBride
Pages: 272
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: June 26 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Rating:  ❤❤❤❤
 
Synopsis
Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below–dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

Review
I hated this book for making me so furious. I was a mess after reading this book because it was just too frustrating reading about a book based on this kind of topic. What Shannon and Joey had done toward Maggie was so unfair to her. Joey did not deserved to die, though, but Shannon did!

The book was a bit predictable, but I still enjoyed it greatly (despite how furious I was). The ending was so sweet and romantic. I was so glad that Maggie was finally able to let go of her anger and feeling for Joey and moved on. And Adam was so adorable and sweet. It was nice that Adam and Maggie eventually found their happy ending after what their "friends" had done to them.

Slammed

Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Slammed
Book: 1
Pages: 314
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: January 5th 2012
Publisher: Colleen Hoover
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

Favorite Quote
"...I wanted to hold onto it forever. I wanted to let her know that she wasn't alone. Whatever burden it was that she was carrying around, I wanted to carry it for her." ~ Slammed

Review
First of, let's give Ms. Colleen Hoover a big round of applause for her amazing work.

I meant to read this book long ago, but hesitated because people told me there were poems in the book. Just so you know, I am not a big fan of poems. Then a few people in Goodreads said I had to read it and read it quick. So since I had nothing to lose, I read the book. And two words... Will Cooper! If you have not read this book, go find a copy now. I read it in one sitting, so you may need a comfortable chair.

Let's start with the poems. I normally yawn when it comes to poem. But boys, this book changes my perspective on poems. The poems in the book were so beautiful that they brought tears to my eyes. They cut me open, took out my heart and stomped on it, and yet I begged for more. Well, metaphorically speaking. You get the idea! My favorite one, beside Lake, is the first poem in the book, Blue Sweater.

 Besides the tear-jerking poems, I loved Layken, aka Lake, and Will. They were a perfect couple. Will was so dreamy. Good-looking, smart, responsible and gentle. He was a complete package. They fell for each other since the first time they set eyes on one another, but their relationship was deeper than physical attraction. I do not mind insta-love, even sometimes I can't help rolling my eyes. However, this book made it romantic and, well, just perfect.

Again, if you have not read it yet, you should read it, like right now! This is a must-read.

52 Reasons to Hate My Father

Author: Jessica Brody
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: July 3, 2012
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Rating:  ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis 
Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.

Favorite Quote
Because apart we might be as different as night and ay, black and white, right and wrong, but together we create two sides of a whole. Together we balance. ~ 52 Reasons to Hate My Father

Review
How should I begin? This book is just out-of-this-world good. It is a kind of book that you pick up and cannot put down until you finish the last page and wish there were more than just 352 pages. This is how I feel about this book.

Lexi was a spoiled rich girl. A diva. So it was obvious I did not like her much when I began reading the book. Her attitude was so over the top! She did not appreciate how luck she was to have everything she ever wanted. She was rude and over-of-control. To set Lexi straight, her father made her perform in 52 different jobs. Of course she had another choice. She could refuse not to follow what her father had set out for her, but she would lose her 25-million-dollar trust fund.  So yes, Lexi wanted that trust fund; therefore, she had to take on those 52 jobs. The jobs taught Lexi to be more than just another rich, beautiful girl.

Some parts of the book might be a little over the top. Such as the fact that Lexi, except being spoiled, was almost too perfect to be true. She was rich, smart, beautiful and despite her less-than-perfect  behavior, people seemed to like her anyway. Well, it was not a big problem for me though. I enjoyed the book and the way the author told the story was so captivating.

I have always enjoyed the books that are unpredictable and this book is just that. I loved the twist and the ending was just amazing. Oh, how could I forget to mention Luke? He was so adorable. As much as he had helped Lexi get through her "assignment", Lexi also taught him how to enjoy life more. To loosen up a bit. I loved their chemistry. And the fact that it was not another instant love connection like some books I have read recently made it even more interesting to see how they fell in love.

In short, I loved the book! It is well-written with great characters and plots.
 

Monument 14

Author: Emmy Laybourne
Series: Monument 14
Book: 1
Pages: 294
Genre: Dystopia
Published Date: June 5th 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not—you launch yourself down the stairs and make a run for the corner.Only, if it’s the last time you’ll ever see your mother, you sort of start to wish you’d stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart

Review
I read this one with a friend on Goodreads. Normally I would not go for this type of book. I am glad I did since I am absolutely, positively and completely in love with this book.

What I really loved about this book is the concept. The idea of being trapped is not that new, but being trapped with kids to take care of in a superstore during a disastrous period is just very intriguing. I loved all characters in this book. Yes, all fourteen of them. Each has their own uniqueness that made the book even more interesting. You can find almost any type of personality from this group of young people.

The wording is also amazing. It was not overly descriptive that made you yawn and rolled your eyes. The flow of the story was so good that it made me unable to put the book down. Literally! I read and ate dinner simultaneously. Each chapter ended just causing more curiosity and I just had to read on to find out what happened next.

Moreover, who would have guessed that this book could be humorous also? I found some scenes ridiculously funny. I know it should not be since the idea of kids being trap while the world is going crazy, murderously crazy outside should not be something to laugh about. But, it was! Well, at least some parts of the book. I guess the author tried to lighten up the mood since some characters were only 5 or 8 years old.

The ending itself was so good. Yes, it was a cliffhanger. But which book for what series is not? I cannot wait to read the second book in this terrific series.

Stealing Parker

Author: Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks
Book: 2Pages: 245 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: October 1st 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
After her family's scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back.

Some Main Characters
Parker Shelton: a high school senior who used to be on the school softball team, but quit after her parents got divorced.
Drew: Parker's best friend and a baseball player for their high school.
Brian Hoffman: a 23-year-old baseball coach.
Corndog: also known as Will, Drew's friend and teammate. He is a bright school who always competes with Parker to be the valedictorian.
Ryan: Parker's druggie older brother.
Laura: Parker's former best friend.

Favorite Quote
Sometimes you gotta do what's right for you and forget about everybody else. All that matters is what you want. What you need. ~ chapter 13

Review
Since I finished Ms. Miranda Kenneally's previous book, Catching Jordan, I have come to love her writing and I was so excited to be able to read her next book. I am glad to say that this book is also fantastic.

Starting out, this novel revolves around a high school senior, Parker Shelton. Parker's life has changed drastically after her mother, who finally comes out of the closet, left Parker to start a new life with her girlfriend. Because of this, Parker has been picked on by her softball teammate that she might be a lesbian just like her mother. It is tough time for Parker, but luckily she has Drew by her side to support her. Since softball reminds her so much of her mother, Parker decides to quit the team and she starts paying more attention on how she looks. In order to prove that she does like boys, not girls, Parker starts hooking up with several different boys. Until she meets a new assistant coach, Brian Hoffman. He is charming, friendly and completely gorgeous. Parker is hooked! The problem is he is six years older...

What I really like about this book is that it teaches you the important of friendship. When Parker is being bullied, Drew always stays by her side supporting her, which makes it easier for Parker to cope. Besides, it shows us that as long as we are happy with our choices, we do not have to worry about what other people think. Parker's mother is through with living a lie. She comes out and changes her life. I admire that. Unlike her mother, Parker's father puts all his attention on what others have to say about him. He even breaks up with his new girlfriend just because people from his church say it is not the right thing for him to do.

This book focuses a lot on religion. How Parker and her family always go to church every Sunday is not that difficult to relate to even I am not that very religious. What surprised me was that  the people at their church are so judgmental and their behavior toward Parker and her family after the mother comes out  is so not Christian-like. Parents tell their kids to stop associating with Parker. People talk sh*t behind others' back. It is ridiculous that they consider themselves Christians and what they do is completely opposite.

Nevertheless, this book reminds me too much of Catching Jordan. Probably it is because the author seemed to follow the same pattern which has made the book a bit predictable. However, this book is still very enjoyable in its own way. The characters are well-thought-out and likeable. And have I mentioned that Jordan and her man appeared in this book also? Well, it was kind of like a cameo, but yes, they were in this book as well. If you enjoyed Catching Jordan, I am sure you'll love this one as well.

But I Love Him

Author: Amanda Grace
Pages:  245
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: May 8, 2011
Publisher: Flux
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis:
There might be one point in time when you love someone so much that you are willing to accept anything about them. Likewise, Ann loves Connor dearly that she doesn't care how serious Connor's problem with controlling his temper is.

Characters:
Ann: A senior and a captain on track team. She leaves with her mother before she moves out with her boyfriend on her eighteenth birthday.
Connor: Ann's nineteen-year-old boyfriend. He has issue with anger management.
Abby: Ann's best friend. She tries to help Ann, but later they fall apart
Blake: Captain on  track team. He has a crush on Ann 
Nancy: Connor's mother.
Jack: Connor's father, an ex-con. He also has issue with anger management 
Mark: Ann's coworker

Review:
This book is by far the best book I have read this year, and probably ever. The way the author choosing to tell the story in reverse chronological order makes me even more eager to find out what made the relationship between Ann and Connor boil down to this.

The story starts from the end. The journey takes us back to the development of the relationship between two teenagers, Ann and Connor. When I started reading this I questioned myself why the hell Ann still puts up with the abusive relationship. Connor calls her names and hits her contently. Afterward he apologizes and promises there will be no more, but the opposite is true. However Ann always forgives him. 

Then, the more I read, the more I understand how complicated their relationship is. Maybe somehow Ann hopes that one day the Connor that she once knew will be back. I think she has hope and is willing to take risk so that she could be happy with the one she truly loves.

Catching Jordan

Author: Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks
Book: 1
Pages: 281
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: December 1, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis:
What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

Characters:
Jordan Woods: a seventeen-year-old high school senior. She is in the football team, as a quarterback and a captain.
Sam Henry: Jordan's best friend and teammate. He is the wide receiver in the football team.
Tyler Green: aka "Ty". He is a new student moving from Texas. He is also playing as a quarterback.
JJ: Jordan's friend and teammate.
Carter: Jordan's friend and teammate.
Mike Woods: Jordan's big brother who is also a football player, but in collegiate level.
Donovan Woods: Jordan's father, an NFL player. He disagrees with Jordan's choice to be a football player.
Mrs. Woods: Jordan's mother, who is very supportive to Jordan.
Jake Reynolds: Mike's best friend.
Vanessa: Ty's younger sister.
Kristen Markum: a cheerleader.
Carrie Myer: a cheerleader and Henry's ex.
Lacey: a cheerleader.
Marie: a cheerleader. She and Henry "date" each other.
Coach Miller: Jordan's coach.
Coach Thompson: the coach of Alabama team

Review:
This book is a must-read! I love this book so much and cannot wait to read another of Ms. Kenneally's work. This one of books is simply fantastic. It's clean, precise, funny, romantic, and straight-to-the-point. I strongly recommend this one to the bookish who are like me... hopeless romantic!

First thing that attracted me about this book is the cover. Duh... like always! I love browsing through books and select the ones that have the best covers of the bunch. This one won... hands down! Just one look at the cover and I was like, have to read it.

The inside of the book is not a disappointment either. Each page is just as good as the last one. I love how the author added in a lot of humor. The wording is easy to understand and straight forward, and that's the most important part of any books. Sometimes, I find myself having fun reading a book, but it is just too abstract, messy and too much detail, which is kinda like a turnoff to me.

Here comes spoiler! If you have not read the book yet, I recommend not to read what comes ahead.

Frankly speaking, I was secretly wishing for Jordan to fall for Henry since the beginning. Who doesn't want to fall in love with your best friend? Someone who knows you and loves you for your true self. When she thinks she loves Ty, I was a bit disappointed since I was looking forward to read about Jordan and Henry's road to romance. Hard to judge Jordan when Ty is hot like hell and Henry is not making any move, but pushing her to date Ty. It is a selfless love! And I'm completely falling in love with Henry for that. When Jordan realizes that the one Henry loves is her... I was like, told ya! It is just sweet, very sweet.

I wish there were many other books out there like this one.