Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines

4/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected…

Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.

What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came. The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine…

My QUICK Review:

I read this book in 5 hours. I just didn't want to stop reading. I don't know what it was that kept me needing to know the ending when most romance books are predictable. But this did have another element to it besides just the romance. (Side note- HOLY HECK hot sex scenes!!!)

I think I would have liked more about Woods. Just felt it was missing a little something hence the 4 stars instead of 5.

Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack

4/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Virginity.

Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

My QUICK QUICK review:

I really really enjoyed this book. It was almost a 5 star for me. It would have been a full 5 stars if there was more Garrick.

The character of Bliss was great. I loved how awkward she was at times. And the scene of her leaving the guy in bed... her excuse was hilarious. The writing was strong. The dialogue, the secondary characters, all the different scenes worked perfectly together. Great read.

Night School (Night School #1) by C.J. Daugherty

4/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Allie Sheridan’s world is falling apart. Her brother’s run away from home. Her parents ignore her. And she’s just been arrested.

Again.

This time her parents have had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her away to boarding school, far from her London friends.

But at Cimmeria Academy, Allie is soon caught up in the strange activities of a secret group of elite students.

When she’s attacked late one night the incident sets off a chain of increasingly violent events. As the school begins to seem like a very dangerous place, she finds out that nothing at Cimmeria is what it seems to be.

And that she is not who she thought she was.

My QUICK QUICK Review:

I would say this is an older young adult- more a teen book. Great read. I saw 1 stars all the way up to 5 stars with this book. I gave it 4. I really enjoyed it. The characters were real, and there was enough mystery for me not to be able to predict everything. It did keep me guessing. I'll definitely read more in the series.

Rule (Marked Men #1) by Jay Crownover

4/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight--A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want--and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess-and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw-even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.

My QUICK review:

I read this a bit ago, or this review would be longer because of how much I enjoyed the book. Rule has made it into my fictional boyfriend group. Great story with great, strong characters. Yes, there were definitely predictable parts, but that stuff in "romance" books doesn't bother me. The relationship between the family and Shaw was great. I loved Rule as a character. He with his best friend did remind me a bit like Travis from Beautiful Disaster but not as desperate. This was definitely a great read.

The Game Changer by Marie Landry

4/5 Stars

Goodreads:

Melody Cartwright has never had a problem with change, but for the first time in her life the changes are beyond her control—she suddenly has a niece she never knew, but has to prove herself to; her best friend is making huge life changes of her own; and she has to deal with her ex and his crazy new girlfriend who has stalker tendencies.

When Melody meets confident, sexy Julian, she’s not interested in a relationship. He tells her it’s possible for a man and a woman to just be friends, and despite his ultra-charming ways there’s something about him that makes Melody believe he could be right.

During a time of change and turmoil, it doesn’t take long for Julian to become everything Melody never knew she needed in her life. But is it possible for them to remain ‘just friends’ or will Melody be a game changer for Julian the playboy?

My QUICK review:

I loved this book. The characters were real, the situations were real, it was all just real. I loved Julian's character and how the whole "just friends" played into it all. There were parts when my heart hurt, and when that happens I know that the characters, events, and plot are believable. Great characters and great plot.

On the Plus Size by Tabatha Vargo

4/5 stars

Goodreads:

Big girls need love, too, but at what cost?

Lilly is loaded, not only with money, but with weight. Both things she could do without. But even with her undesired millionaire status, she doesn’t hold on to false hopes of finding true love. So when a sexy stranger comes into her life dripping with seduction, she finds it hard to resist. The bigger they are the harder they fall and Lilly falls straight through the floor in love with Mr. Sexy. Too bad he’s there for all the wrong reasons.

The chance of losing it all will make you do some crazy things and Devin’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep his life together. All seems lost when out of nowhere he’s approached by a Millionaire Momma with an offer he can’t refuse. But even a womanizer like Devin has a heart and when the short, chunky girl with the carefree attitude breaks through his icy façade, he finds that losing everything takes on a whole new meaning.

***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young adult readers.***

My QUICK Review:

I loved this book. This may be due to me being a plus-size girl, but either way, the characters were strong. Lilly was funny, emotional, and strong. At first I thought some of her emotions were a bit too much, but then I put myself in her shoes and realized they were real emotions. She puts herself down a good amount, which some people may say is annoying, but again, it's something a plus-size girl would do (I know not all would , but a good amount would). I wanted to hate Devin at first, but I just couldn't. He reacted to the "plus-size" girl the way I would think many fit, attractive guys would. What I loved were the moments when he started liking her and then feeling odd about it. I'll definitely be reading the series.

Amplified by Tara Kelly

4/5 Stars

B&N:

When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it. . . .



In this fresh new novel by critically acclaimed author Tara Kelly, Jasmine finds out what happens when her life gets Amplified.

Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Natalie boldly goes where no girl has gone before in this fresh, funny peek inside the male mind!

Natalie writes the relationship column for her high school newspaper. Then she is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, so she decides to disguise herself as a guy and spend a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boys boarding school in town. And in the process, she learns about guys, though in ways she never expected. But when she starts to fall for her dreamy roommate, things get even more complicated. The fun doesn't stop in this light, lively offering for teen girls.

My Review:

So... this was a really cute book...even though it was extremely similar to that 80s movie Just One of the Guys.

Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Jen's life of partying and sneaking out has grown stale. So on a whim, Jen makes a bet to turn Trevor, a goody-two-shoes geek, into a "bad boy." As she hangs out with Trevor, however, she finds it's actually kinda fun being a geek. But when Trevor finds out about the bet, Jen must fight for the things she's discovered matter most: friendship, family, and, above all, love.

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances, a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life—and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last....

Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy (Fast Track Series)

4/5 Stars

B&N:

As a tribute to her late journalist father, Tuesday Jones is planning a career benefit, auctioning off racing memorabilia and meet-and-greets with drivers. Ex-racing star Diesel Lange has had his own brush with death, and is determined not to waste another minute of his life- especially when he meets Tuesday. He wants nothing more than to shift their romance into high gear, but he knows she's still grieving. Can Diesel do the one thing he could never do on the track and take it slow?

My Review:

I read this book a while ago but just forgot to post it. I love every book in this series. The author does an amazing job with the characters and their relations. It's a funny, sexy, quick read.

Great series.

Fools Gold Series by Susan Mallery

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Welcome to Fool’s Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There’s lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there’s just one tiny problem in Fool’s Gold: the men don’t seem to stick around. Maybe it’s the lure of big-city life, or maybe it’s plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed, fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.

Charity’s nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer — everything, that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she’s not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he’s perfect just the way he is. But maybe that’s just what he needs — someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he’s just chasing perfect.

My Review:

This was a really cute book. The characters were well developed, and the author does a great job really bringing out the sense of humors with the characters.

Series:

Each book tied into the next introducing the different characters and their stories. The town itself seems like a really cute town with the issues that small towns have: constant gossip and constant butting into each other's lives.


Yes, each story was pretty predictable, but let's be honest. You don't read these types of books to "try and figure out what's going to happen". It's all about the easy reads and a way to escape.

Matched (Matched Trilogy Series #1) by Ally Condie

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review:

I really really liked this book. I had it for a bit, but just wasn't into reading it. Then I read one of my students reviews on it, and I was interested. And I must say, I am happy she read the book because it got me to read it! I thought the author did a great job with the relationships between the characters. I did notice a bunch of similarities to the book The Giver which were interesting to catch.

The Boyfriend Game (First Kisses) by Stephie Davis

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

I rested the ball on my hip and walked back toward the equipment shed. In the dark.

Alone. With a boy.

I would be completely freaking out over varsity soccer tryouts if it weren't for the new student, Graham, who's helping me practice. He has the most amazing green eyes, curly brown hair, and perfect legs. Plus, we have lots in common, since all we both care about is soccer! Well, that's all he cares about. But my heart beats so fast when we're on the field together . . . and I don't think it's just from all the running around.


My Review:

This was an extremely quick read (I don't even think it had 200 pages to it), but it was also a wicked cute read. The author did a fantastic job at portraying what teens come across with dating, friends, and a change of heart w/ what's really important to them. I've read another from this author (Fast Girls and Smart Boys) which was good as well.

It looks like she focuses on teen girls who enjoy sports, but who also are figuring out what they want and who they are in life.

Definitely an author to recommend to my students.

Pride & Popularity by Jenni James

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.

This modern high school adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor.

My Review:

The author did a great job at keeping with the plot of Pride and Prejudice, but she also put a spin on some of the characters and their relationships. The funny relationship between Chloe and Taylor was very well done. I really enjoyed reading this book and plan to read the rest of her Jane Austen Diary books

The Death Cure (Maze Runner Series #3) by James Dashner

4/5 Stars

*Last book in the series. If you have yet to read The Maze Runner or The Scorch Trials, I suggest you skip this post.

B&N:

Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

My Review:

The author did a great job ending this series. Everything came together and the action kept me on the edge of my seat. I did not want to stop reading. There were definitely some twits that finally revealed themselves, ones that I could not predict, and I'm usually pretty good at predicting.

Overall, this is a great series, and I will definitely be recommending the books to my kids.

The DUFF: (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

4/5 Stars

B&N:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "the Duff," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on.

My Review:

This is more so a high school book than a middle school book. Lots of sex. But, it's interesting to read because this actually does happen. Girls throw themselves into a relationship of just sex to hide from something. It was really interesting to see the self-destruction of this girl. And, I actually really liked the character Wesley. Overall a good read, but again, not for most middle schools due to the content.

Exclusively Yours (Kowalski Family, #1) by Shannon Stacey

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe together forever.

My Review:

When I first read what this book was about, I didn't realized there were 3 books. You don't need to read them all, but the 3 books are all about the same family. I love when authors do that. This book is my favorite out of the 3. I just really liked the characters, setting, and plot. The whole basis on Joe having Keri join him with his family after years and years of not seeing each other was just great. It was funny watching all the different things that happened and really moving along in the story with the characters. A great read. I'll definitely read more from this author.

Undeniably Yours (Kowalski Family #2) by Shannon Stacey

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

Bar owner Kevin Kowalski is used to women throwing their phone numbers at him, but lately he’s more interested in finding a woman to settle down with. A woman like Beth Hansen. If only their first meeting hadn’t gone so badly...

Beth’s tending bar at a wedding when she comes face-to-face with a tuxedo-clad man she never thought she’d see again. She tries to keep her distance from Kevin but, by last call, she can’t say no to his too-blue eyes or the invitation back to his room. Then she slips out before breakfast without leaving a note and, despite their precautions, pregnant.

Kevin quickly warms to the idea of being a dad and to seeing where things go with Beth. After all, he’s not the player she thinks he is. But she’s not ready for a relationship and, given his reputation, it’s going to take a lot to convince her to go on a second date with the father of her child...

My Review:

Again, the Kowalski men are just amazing fictional characters (yes, I unfortunately said fictional). I would put this one in 3rd place as far as the series goes. But, as I gave it 4 stars, it's still really good. The author does an amazing job at describing the characters and what they go through. A great, quick, easy read.

Yours to Keep (Kowalski Family #3) by Shannon Stacey

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he's recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother's upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn't like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma's offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there's no chance he'll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he's not planning to call home.

Emma's not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his "pretend" kisses are...

My Review:

*Swoon* Sean Kowalski is just an amazing character. Too bad he's just that...a character. I really liked the interaction between him and Emma. The whole story was really really cute. I found myself emotionally involved just as the characters were.