Guy in Real Life by Steve Brezenoff

 ARC provided by the Publisher via Edelweiss

Author: Steve Brezenoff
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary 
Release Date: May 27th 2014 
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 23th, 2014

Synopsis

It is Labor Day weekend in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and boy and girl collide on a dark street at two thirty in the morning: Lesh, who wears black, listens to metal, and plays MMOs; Svetlana, who embroiders her skirts, listens to Björk and Berlioz, and dungeon masters her own RPG. They should pick themselves up, continue on their way, and never talk to each other again.

But they don't.

This is a story of two people who do not belong in each other's lives, who find each other at a time when they desperately need someone who doesn't belong in their lives. A story of those moments when we act like people we aren't in order to figure out who we are. A story of the roles we all play-at school, at home, with our friends, and without our friends-and the one person who might show us what lies underneath it all.

My Thoughts

Just so you know, it doesn't take a gamer to enjoy to this book, even the whole book itself revolves around role playing in various forms. I for one is not a gamer, but now the idea of playing Dungeons and Dragons seems very appealing.

Frankly speaking, at first I really, really, loved this book. It was so much different from most books I have read. I've always loved reading about characters with flaws and both Lesh and Lana were imperfect, yet perfect all the same. I loved their senses of humor. However, Lesh's obsession with Lana was a tad bit too disturbing for me. So character-wise, this book was not too shabby.

What really bugged was the storyline. About the first 60% or so, it was kind of wonderful getting to know the characters and all. However, it dawned on me that nothing much actually happened. It was so dragging, so slow and there was so much detail that I still don't think important. And that took the love that I initially had for this book away.

Overall, it was a cute story.

Thanks Balzer + Bray for the eGalley.

Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols

ARC provided by the Publisher via Edelweiss

Author: Jennifer Echols
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Series: Superlatives
Book: 1
Release Date: May 20th 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 19th, 2014


Synopsis
Tia and Will’s lives get flipped upside down when they’re voted Yearbook’s Biggest Flirts in this sassy novel from the author of Endless Summer and The One That I Want.

Tia just wants to have fun. She’s worked hard to earn her reputation as the life of the party, and she’s ready for a carefree senior year of hanging out with friends and hooking up with cute boys. And her first order of business? New guy Will. She can’t get enough of his Midwestern accent and laidback swagger.

As the sparks start to fly, Will wants to get serious. Tia’s seen how caring too much has left her sisters heartbroken, and she isn’t interested in commitment. But pushing Will away drives him into the arms of another girl. Tia tells herself it’s no big deal…until the yearbook elections are announced. Getting voted Biggest Flirts with Will is, well, awkward. They may just be friends, but their chemistry is beginning to jeopardize Will’s new relationship—and causing Tia to reconsider her true feelings. What started as a lighthearted fling is about to get very complicated…

My Thoughts
Sad to say, I've had a few hit and miss with Jennifer Echols books. And this is definitely a miss.

Sometimes it's hard to enjoy a book, even the writing is nice when you want to do some harm on the main character. That was what happened to me when I was reading this book. I really, really, didn't like Tia. I couldn't stand her from the very beginning. Me and her kind of character are not meant to be together. Yes, she had a good sense of humor, but seriously, she was such a floozy and so rude.

Not to sound like a prude or anything and I absolutely have read books more graphic than this, but come on! It was supposed to be a young adult book. The fact that Tia and Will getting freaky, even not all the way, just maybe an hour after they had met made me cringe. She was only what, 17, and she had a f*ck buddy?!? Like are you kidding me? Maybe I'm old school, still I wasn't comfortable with the way Tia character portrayed. And my initial impression of this book was sweet and fluffy teenage romance. Wrong was an understatement.

Will and Tia's relationship didn't make the book any better. It was fast, weird and I'm not sure it was even possible.They went on from a random hookup, to Will asked (and was shot down) Tia on a real date, to them flirting (way too much) while Will was dating another girl, to Tia kinda, sorta, maybe wanted to date Will (something so foreign to her because she was more comfortable having wild monkey sex with random guys and her beloved friend with benefits) and so on and so forth. It was a hot mess.

Some people might find this book more than interesting and enjoyable. I'm not one of those people.

Thanks Simon Pulse for the eGalley 

Through to You by Lauren Barnholdt

 ARC provided by the Publisher via Edelweiss
 

Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Release Date: July 8th 2014 
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 18th, 2014

Synopsis
Opposites attract—and then complicate—in this romantic, relatable novel from the author of Two-way Street and Sometimes It Happens.

It starts with a scribbled note in class: I like your sparkle. Harper had casually threaded a piece of blue and silver tinsel through her ponytail in honor of school spirit day. And that carefree, corny gesture is what grabs Penn Mattingly’s eye. Penn—resident heartbreaker of the senior class. Reliably unreliable. Trouble with a capital “T.” And okay, smolderingly sexy.

Harper’s surprised by Penn’s attention—and so is Penn. The last thing he needs is a girlfriend. Or even a friend-with-benefits. The note is not supposed to lead to anything.

Oh, but it does. They hang out. They have fun. They talk. They make out. And after a while, it seems like they just click. But Penn and Harper have very different ideas about what relationships look like, in no small part because of their very different family backgrounds. Of course they could talk about these differences—if Penn knew how to talk about feelings.

Harper and Penn understand their attraction is illogical, yet something keeps pulling them together. It’s like a crazy roller coaster—exhilarating, terrifying, and amazing all at once. And neither knows how to stop the ride…

My Thoughts
The story starts with Harper gets her heart broken and then it goes back to the beginning, showing us how it comes to this point. It is told from both Penn's and Harper's point of view.

I have read a few of books written by Lauren Barnholdt and I absolutely loved each one of them. Likewise, I enjoyed reading this one greatly.

Relationship between Harper and Penn moved a little too fast in my opinion. Well, it wasn't like an inst love or anything, still it progressed too quickly. It was a complicated relationship, and the fact that Penn was hot and cold time and time again didn't help either. I liked Harper and Penn characters, though. Harper was sweet, witty, but a tad pushy. Penn was charming, to say the least.

As for the storyline, I think it had a nice flow and very compelling. Due to how the book started, I was curious to find out what had happened that made them arrived this point. Some scenes did raise a few questions, though, as I still don't believe how that made sense. Nevertheless, it was a cute teenage love story.

Overall, it was such a sweet and romantic book. I enjoyed reading it a lot.

Thanks Simon Pulse for the eGalley. 

The Body in the Woods by April Henry

ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley

  
Author: April Henry
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery
Series: Point Last Seen
Book: 1
Release Date: June 17th 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 15th, 2014 

Synopsis
In this new series told from multiple perspectives, teen members of a search and rescue team discover a dead body in the woods.

Alexis, Nick, and Ruby have very different backgrounds: Alexis has spent her life covering for her mom’s mental illness, Nick’s bravado hides his fear of not being good enough, and Ruby just wants to pursue her eccentric interests in a world that doesn’t understand her. When the three teens join Portland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, they are teamed up to search for a autistic man lost in the woods. What they find instead is a dead body. In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear, and courage, the three team up to find the girl’s killer—before he can strike one of their own.

This first book in April Henry’s Point Last Seen YA mystery series is full of riveting suspense, putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations.

My Thoughts
This book was a really well-written mystery told from multiple point of view. The fact that each main characters - Nick, Ruby and Alexis - were such different in term of personalities and frame of mind made reading this a fun experience for me.

The storyline held my attention since the beginning of the book. Maybe it was because I've always enjoyed reading books about serial killers and guessing the murderers. It was sad to say, though, that this book was a tad predicable because not only I got to read from the 3 aforementioned main characters, but also from the killer. Not that I didn't like that about this book, it just made easy to spot the killer.

One point that I am not sure I liked was the irrelevant details that made this book a little dragging. It was nice to understand what happened around the main characters, still I think it was too overly descriptive.

Overall, it was a wonder murder mystery with well-developed characters and astonishing plots. 

We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley

Author: Dana Reinhardt
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Release Date: May 27th 2014  
Publisher:  Wendy Lamb Books
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 10th, 2014

Synopsis
Nell knows a secret about her perfect, beautiful sister Layla. If she tells, it could blow their world apart.

When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellaya. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They're a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell's a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she's happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it's wrong, and she must do something about it.

My Thoughts
At one point when I was reading this book, I thought it was going to be one of those books that would blow my mind. Not that the book was not interesting or anything, but the slow, dragging pace really got on my nerves.

The writing which was done very nicely, actually. And that was one of the reasons for me to read and finish this book. It was full of questions that needed answers and I just couldn't put it down until I knew what the heck was going on. I guess the slow pace was because of this book was too overly descriptive. Nell went on and on before getting to the point. I liked her character, but the girl sounded insane at times.

Now on to the characters. I loved that Nell and Layla were not ones of those one-dimensional characters. At the beginning of the book, I was touched by how much Nell loved her big sister. Later, her love became a little too creepy. Though, I liked that she tried to protect her sister and all that.

The ending was not too bad, but I wasn't satisfied being left in the unknown. A bit on what was going to happen afterward would have been more than appreciated. 

Blur by Steven James

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Author: Steven James
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery
Series: Blur Trilogy
Book: 1
Release Date: May 27th, 2014
Publisher: Skyscape
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 4th, 2014

Synopsis
The isolated town of Beldon, Wisconsin, is shocked when a high school freshman’s body is found in Lake Algonquin. Just like everyone in the community, sixteen-year-old Daniel Byers believes that Emily Jackson’s death was accidental. But at her funeral, when he has a terrifying vision of her, his world begins to rip apart at the seams.

Convinced that Emily’s appearance was more than just a mere hallucination, Daniel begins to look carefully into her death, even as he increasingly loses the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality.

What’s real? What’s not? Where does reality end and madness begin?

As Daniel struggles to find the truth, his world begins to crumble around him as he slips further and further into his own private blurred reality.

My Thoughts
Written in third person, this book was told from Daniel's point of view. As a high school quarterback, he lives a pretty normal life until he attends a funeral of a 14-year-old girl.

It was a great blend of fantasy, horror and suspense. There were scenes where things got real spooky that freaked me out quite a bit and I loved it. I also liked that this book wasn't too big on romance and the suspense was absolutely spot on. It was impossible to guess who the killer was.

This book had amazing wording. It made the whole murder thing feel so much more interesting with the great word choice and the nice flow of the writing. It was a little slow in the middle, but things moved faster later on. The ending was unpredictable and wrapped up really well. I loved all the twists and turns.

Besides wonderful wording and plots, the character development was equally astonishing. I liked every character and felt connected with Daniel who was the main character.

In short, this book was a delightful read with some frightening scenes. It is suitable for those who enjoy a good murder mystery book.

The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss

Author: Sarah Strohmeyer
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery
Release Date: May 13rd 2014 
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 2, 2014

Synopsis

Growing up in a house of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. She knows that perfect senior-class president Erin Donohue isn’t what she seems. She knows why Erin’s ex-boyfriend, hot football player Matt Houser, broke up with her. And she also knows that, even though she says she and Matt are just friends, there is something brewing between them—something Erin definitely did not like.

But secrets, even ones that are long buried, have a way of returning to haunt their keeper.

So when Erin is found dead the day after attacking Lily in a jealous rage, Lily's and Matt’s safe little lives, and the lives of everyone in their town of Potsdam, begin to unravel. And their relationship—which grew from innocent after-school tutoring sessions to late-night clandestine rendezvous—makes them both suspects.

As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim.

My Thoughts
I loved Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer, and since this one was written by the same author, I was really excited. She didn't disappoint as The Secrets of Lily Graves was such an intriguing book.

First off, I have to say the title didn't seem to fit the book. The book was amazing all right, but I'm not sure if I had missed anything or there wasn't anything about Lily's secrets. Well, she was observant and knew a lot about people around her, but those were other people's secrets, not hers. Anyway, it wasn't big of a deal.

It started out a little slow, but still pretty nice and not at all boring. The pace did pick up close to the end of the book when finally the murderer was reveal. The twists were great and surprising, but I did, however, know already who killed Erin.

The characters, on the other hand, were well-developed. I loved that each of them had certain personality that differentiated them from the others. It made the book more realistic that way. I loved Matt, Lily and Auntie Boo the most among all the characters. Sara was also a great character.

Overall, I think this book was a real nice young adult suspense. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a nicely-written book with interesting characters and plots that keep you guessing.

Get Happy by Mary Amato

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Author: Mary Amato
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Release Date: October 28th 2014
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: March 27, 2014

Synopsis
In this poignant, realistic, contemporary YA by a state master list star, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman, a young songwriter builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with.

A hip high school girl who loves music, writes songs, and is desperate for a ukelele, learns to her shock that her father did not abandon her years ago and has been trying to keep in touch. She begins to investigate him, only to discover that he has a new life with a new family, including the perfect stepdaughter, a girl who Minerva despises.

My Thoughts
 
This is a kind of books that will put a smile on your face...

First off, I was so excited to find out that the author of Guitar Notes was going to release another book. I seriously loved that book and am so glad to say that she didn't disappoint with this one either.

I loved that this book was lighthearted, yet emotional at the same time. This book was about a budding songwriter and ukelele lover, Minerva and her discovery of her father. It was a really nice story about friendship and family.

The characters were great with wonderful (& a little silly) personalities. Fin and Minerva were my favorite and I loved their sense of humor.

The plot itself wasn't the most amazing I have ever read, but the writing made it very interesting. I loved the flow and the fast pace that kept me engaged with the story.

Overall, this book was a fun and light read that suitable for people of all ages, but I think younger readers might enjoy it more.

The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Authors: Jennifer Mathieu
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Release Date: June 3rd 2014
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: February 25th 2014

Synopsis
Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

My Thoughts
                                                    **This may contain some mild spoilers**

In the blink of an eye, Alice went from being a moderately popular girl to a slut. If it wasn't bad enough for her already, Brandon was killed in the car accident, and Alice became a killer slut.

I really, really enjoyed reading this book. Thanks Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read it early. It is definitely a kind of books that I would choose to read.

One thing I liked about this book is the writing itself. It was clear, flowing and very captivating. It wasn't hard to lose myself in the story. The characters were well-developed, and I found myself want to give Alice and Kurt a hug. They were such great characters. Even Kelsie, who was so confusing and mean, made me want to help her through this difficult time.

Since it was told from multiple point of views, I got to see different sides of the story, of how Alice ended up being in this situation in the first place. And it was heartbreaking. Normally, if a book is told from more than 2 point of views, it tends to get confusing and annoying that we have to jump back and forward pointlessly. Well, I'm happy to say that it wasn't the case here.

I wish Alice had done something about it, though. Maybe screamed out loud that it wasn't truth, or admitted that it happened and told them to eff off. The fact that no one did anything made me a little bit frustrated. Still it was a very well-written book.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

Hopeless

Authors: Colleen Hoover
Pages: 436
Genre: New Adult
Published Date: December 19th 2012
Publisher: Colleen Hoover
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn't at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

Review

This is the third book I have read written by this amazing writer, Colleen Hoover. After Slammed being one of my most favorite books read last year, I was so thrilled to read this one. What concerned me was that I was not that in love with her book Point of Retread. The only way to find out how awesome Hopeless is was to read it. And yes, it was amazing.

What I loved about the book is how well thought out it really was. The plots and characters were flawlessly written. I was in love with Holder, just liked I was with Cooper when I read Slammed (NOT Point of Retreat). The chemistry between Sky and Holder was through the roof!

I was wowed by the way the author revealed the secrets, the lies, the painful and sweet memories. Nothing keeps me on the edge of my seat more than a book that full of secrets and surprises. How the author connected and explained everything by the end of the book was breathtaking.

What I did not like about the book was the fact that it was a bit predictable at times. I could guess how the story might boil down to just by reading a few lines. Still, it was not a waste of time at all to read this book.

Reading a book on such topics always breaks my heart. I could never believe how a person could do that to another of his kind. And doing that to a child is beyond my imagination.

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.

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.

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.

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.