Back Page Review: Spoiled

This post was inspired from Andi from Andi's ABCs. She wanted to read books that had been sitting on her self for quite some time. And it pushed me to read a book on my shelf that I had been wanting to read for ages. As a book hoarder, I won't tell you the number of unread books I have around the house, but the number is HIGH!

Spoiled is the first book in a duology. It's written by the writers of the FUG Blog.

Sixteen year old Molly has just discovered that her father's one of the biggest starts in Hollywood. Her mother shared the truth of her parentage on her death bed. Now Molly's uprooting her whole life to move from Indiana to Hollywood, leaving behind her best friend, her boyfriend, and all the grief of her mother's death. She hopes to make a fresh start.

What she doesn't count on is her new half-sister. At first Brooke is sweet as pie, but little does Molly know there's something dangerous underneath all that honey. Brooke isn't happy sharing her father's attention. She's not interested in having a half sister. But her plan backfires when their father makes them spend all their time together - sharing a room, sharing a car, and working on the school play together.

Can the two girls learn to become friends?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, but I did have an issue with the fighting between the girls. They made some terrible choices and said terrible things. Also I've become more sensitive to characters trying to hurt others on purpose. But that's just me. I loved how their relationship developed. I loved the Hollywood side of the story. I loved Max and Teddy. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Have you read this book? What did you think?

Mini Review: Way Back Home

 * Book 3 in the Wildflower Trilogy *

Bird's rocking the road tour, giving it her all every night with her brother and her best friend helping her out. Life on the road is mostly great, but there's a moment when Bird just wants to be herself for the night, and of course it backfires. Chaos ensues. 

The Good:
The bus tour
Life on the road
No parents
Drama
The romance
Advice
All the pressure
That reporter!

The Bad:
It's over. I loved reading about Bird and her world. I'm sad the trilogy ended, but it was a great read.

Overall: A really fun series for anyone who loves country music, books about rock stars, and Taylor Swift

Upcoming Review: The New Guy

Jules wants it all. She wants to be editor in chief of the school newspaper and she wants early admission to an Ivy league college (Brown). She doesn't care if she misses a little fun if she can lock up her future.

Nothing ends up the way she planned it.

And then Alex enters the picture.

Now her world's been turned upside down. One minute Jules had all the answers and the next minute she's left wondering what the heck happened. Alex betrays her and she vows to get revenge. 

My Thoughts: I really liked Jules - even though she wanted to be perfect. I liked her attention to detail. I liked how she volunteered walking dogs. I liked how she learned from her mistakes and came out the other side with more balance in her life. 

I liked her interactions with Alex - their banter and truth telling. I liked how Alex used to be a member of a huge boy band and how that changes his perspective of life.

I loved her two moms - they were funny, intelligent, and sweet. 
I enjoyed her relationship with her teacher - and how he lived next door and socialized with her moms. 
I liked the rivalry with the newspaper vs TALON
Donuts.

Cover Thoughts: I like this one much better
Source: ARC from Librarian Preview
Release Date: April 5th

Final Thoughts: Add this book to your TBR pile, you won't want to miss it!

Review: Road to You

 * Book 2 in the Wildflower trilogy * 

Bird's heading out on tour where she hopes to take the world by storm. While on tour, she's supposed to write songs for her next album, but nothing speaks to her. Plus Bird met a boy and now all she wants to do is spend time with him. He works on the tour and they talk about everything. She's falling hard for him.

When the tour closes, Bird must decide her future. Should she establish herself in L.A. as her team suggests? Should she acquire a real manager (not her father) as her team suggests? Should she try to write more mainstream songs like her team suggests?

Bird has to figure out her career and her love life under the spotlight. 

My Thoughts: I loved this second book in the trilogy. I loved watching Bird navigate through the waters and seeing more of the business side. I wasn't crazy about some of her choices in this novel - but of course they made her grow into herself. I liked watching Bird try to write her songs, struggling a little and then having the song click. I liked watching Bird grow up and take a little more control over her career. I really liked the ending of the book and I can't wait to see what happens in the final book. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
If You Like:

Final Thoughts: If you like books about music, friendship, and romance - this trilogy is a must read!

Review: Truly Madly Famously

* Book 2 in the Famous in Love trilogy *

Paige is slowly getting used to fame from her new status as a movie star, but press tours are exhausting. Being half of a famous couple is even more taxing. She needs a break.

One night in a club, she and Rainer have a fight. He leaves but she decides to stay and have more fun. She drinks to much and calls a friend for a ride.

It seems logical, but the friend she called is her other co-star Jordan. She was forced to make a choice between the two boys and she did. But feelings still linger.

Now there are pictures circulating of Jordan and Paige leaving the club together. The pictures make it look like something more.

Now her relationship with Rainer is history - and her career might be too.

My Thoughts: I've noticed a small trend about Hollywood lately in YA books - and I'm really loving it. I tore through this sequel loving the insider information about Hollywood. I liked watching Paige deal with the press. She made poor choices and they blew up in her face, but I liked watching her handle the pressure. I liked seeing Paige fight for roles that she believes in

I liked Alexis - she was smart and knew how to play the game. I love how she shares her secret in a very powerful way. She takes control over her own life and inspires others to do the same. 

I didn't like the drama with Paige and Cassandra, but I loved their time together at her sister's wedding. I liked watching more of Paige and her family interact, especially with her parents. 

Clearly this book still have the love triangle between the three main character - but it works in very best possible way. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: ARC from BEA

Release Date: Look for this book coming out in October 

Final Thoughts: Picking yourself up after being knocked down with romance, family, and friendship drama surrounding you equals one delicious read that you don't want to miss.

Upcoming Mini Review: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between

Claire and Aidan have one last night together before they leave for college and everything changes. In this one night, they must answer the question concerning the future of their relationship - should they stay together or break up?

The Good:
I loved that the book took place mostly in the course of one night
I loved that we saw the town the important moments in their relationship
I loved that it tugged at my heartstrings - I laughed, I cried, and I finished the book happy.
I loved how the night unfolding
I loved the nostalgia of saying goodbye and being excited about the future.
I enjoyed the angst, the fights, and the memories made for one final night.

The Bad: More, I always want more from Jennifer E Smith because I adore her books

Final Thoughts: Another masterpiece from Jennifer E. Smith - add this one to your TBR list pronto! 

Also very happy to meet Jennifer E. Smith at BEA

Cover Thoughts: Love it! Matches the rest of her covers
Source: BEA book
Release Date: Look for this one in September

Upcoming Book Review: Famous in Love

Paige loves acting. When auditions are being held for her BFFs favorite book series about to turn blockbuster movie, she decides to go for it.

She's blown away that she wins the role of the lead actress. Paige has no idea how much her life is about to change. She flies to Hawaii for filming.

Her hard work isn't paying off. The Director's unhappy with her performances and yells at her most of the time. The more she tires, the harder she fails.

Plus as Paige starts getting to know her co-stars, she realizes there's clearly a past between them. Rainer's been trying to smooth things over with the director for her. When Jordan arrives on set, Paige realizes she acts better opposite him. How will she choose between them when they both help her?

My Thoughts: I can't imagine having the whole world watching your acting debut, catching you in moments where you have to explain what really happened to your friends and family, or trying to figure out who you love while the world weighs in. Paige seems to handle all this pretty well - aside from a few mistakes. She's strong and feisty. I love the book turned blockbuster movie and I liked learning more about the movie business. The love triangle was interesting - I know that many readers seem to be over the triangle, but if it's done right (and in this case, it is) than it works for the story. A fantastic fun book that I devoured on the train and almost panicked when I thought I might not have time to finish it.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC for review
Publication Date: October 22nd

Tween Tuesday Review: Cleopatra Queen of the Nile

* Book 3 in the Time Traveling Fashionista *

Louise loves vintage clothes, especially going back into the past and living the history. She's had two close calls on board the Titanic and at Versailles. Now, she travels back to the best time - Old Hollywood.

When Louise wakes up this time, she finds herself on the movie Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor. She has a job in the costume department and it's the perfect place for her. While searching for a belt, Louise finds a necklace.  As she slips it over her head, she realizes that it's an ancient necklace. She ends up going from the movie set to ancient Egypt.

While there, Louise is stunned to learn about Cleopatra: her intelligence, her confidence, and her crazy competitive family. Once again, Louise find herself in major trouble.

My Thoughts: Another fun book in this great series about fashion, history, and discovering yourself. I feel bad for Louise who is struggling to keep this secret from her BFF and still be close.  She hates keeping secrets, and sooner or later it's bound to blow up in her face.  I love how Louise went from Old Hollywood to the ancient world. I loved Cleopatra - how she had the strength to survive her cutthroat family. I love how her beauty was described - it's simply perfect. I can't wait to see where Louise travels next.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Upcoming Book Review: Wildflower

 * Comes out July 1st *

Bird's family plays country music on the road. One night her father can't speak, so he acts Bird to fill in for him. At first, she's really nervous but soon she's shinning in the spotlight.

In the audience is a man from one of the biggest recording labels. He's wants a meeting. When her dad gets back, the family has a meeting of their own to share the news. The label doesn't want the family - just Bird.

Bird's really excited for the opportunity, but she has to think about the business side of the deal. Could she achieve her dreams and become a star?

My Thoughts: If you're a fan of Taylor Swift, Bird's rise in the music industry is just the book you're looking to read. I felt bad for Bird's family because they all put their lives on hold for their traveling band and now only Bird's given the opportunity of a lifetime. I think the constant travel would be hard on everyone - the togetherness, the tight spaces, and the physical fatigue of being on the go at all times.  I love how Bird accidentally comes into the spotlight and how she copes with it. I like watching her make business decisions, standing up for her ideas, and embracing the spotlight. I loved the songwriting moments, the video shoot, and the first time she heard her song on the radio. I loved the romance with her and a family friend - their easy banter and their soda quest.  A fabulous novel that made me sigh with happiness and want to read more about Bird as soon as possible.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC for review
Fun Fact: The final book will have some cool bonus music swag

Review: Summer State of Mind

 Harper used to be normal - before her father made it big in the music industry. Now he's concerned she's become too materialistic. He's ruining her summer by sending her to summer camp - the same camp he went to as a kid.

Harper's NOT the outdoorsy type and it shows. Her brother nicknames her Camping Barbie and the name sticks. Harper learns the hard way that you can't bring candles, hair styling tools requiring extra electricity or makeup to camp.

While she does make one friend in her bunk, the rest of the cabin despises her - and they aren't afraid to show it.
Can Harper pull things together enjoy any of the summer?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of the authors and loved this companion novel to Sleepaway Girls. I love the camp setting - although I confess to being a little like Harper and not liking to camp (I like beds and running water.) I love how she embraces her nickname - that's meant to torment her. I love how she tires to fit in and how she hangs out in the kitchen with the  book. I love her determination, her loyalty, and her generous heart. I do wish there was an epilogue showing what happens after summer. A fantastic summer reading filled with the warmth of the sun, the great outdoors, s'mores, summer friendship, and summer romance. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: ARC sent for review.
Comes out: April 22nd

Little Brown Spring Preview 2014

Last week, I was lucky enough to attend the Spring Preview and boy are there some great upcoming books this Spring. Here's a few that I'm most excited about. For more info, check twitter under #lbyrpreview


This book looks fun for anyone!  I'm a dog person! Here's my dog as a puppy.
The pictures are fantastic and it's a time where stereotypes are welcome. It's time to choose a side.

A director wants to film an average Moose - but this moose and his friends are far from average. 

Lemony Snicket's new book come between books 2 and 3 in his series All the Wrong Questions. It has 13 short mysteries (roughly 4 pages). Solutions to the mysteries are at the back of the book.

Justina Chen has a new book and it talks about photography and a global romance.

I'm excited about the sequel to Boy Nobody! 

And of course for the new book by Jennifer E. Smith. We also heard that Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight might be made into a movie - deal is in the works.  

Wildflower is about a girl who gets thrust into the limelight of country music. The book will also feature sheet music. Great for fans of Taylor Swift or Nashville.

The author of this book wanted to make Lord of the Flies more real - where teens can work together. Everyone not going through puberty is killed. And Teens in NYC must learn how to survive. There's also a cameo by the NYPL.

Set in a Medieval World (but no fantasy) comes a political tale with Welsh background. Think Game of Thrones without the sex.

The Special Guest Star was Peter Brown who has a new book coming out  My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not) in July 2014. He signed a print where the student meets the teacher in the park and the teacher is reading a book. He was funny and sweet -just what you'd expect. 

Review: Grass is Always Greener

 * 3rd Book in the Belles trilogy *

Izzie and Mira have had a rocky start - their secrets have been splashed over the newspapers, their friends have stabbed them in the back, and the family drama just keeps happening.

Izzie's aunt has secrets from her mother's past - but Izzie isn't sure she can trust her aunt after Zoe abandoned her twice. She's not sure she wants to give up the opportunity to talk with her especially since Izzie's still reeling her from her grandmother's death.

Mira's trying to hold it all together. She's worried about Izzie. Her boyfriend's moving. Plus she's dying to plan her sweet sixteen party.

Can the girls recover from all their ups and downs and just enjoy life?

My Thoughts: I"m sad that this trilogy is over because I'm come to love the characters. I love watching Izzie adjust to her new life, without leaving her old self behind. In this book, I liked how she tries to blend her group of friends - even though it's a major struggle. I love the romance, the family drama, and watching the sisters interact. Mira's grown with the influence of Izzie and with her art. I love reading about her painting; it softens her. A fantastic conclusion to the trilogy! I can't wait to see what Jen Calonita writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Jessica Darling's It List

* New Middle Grade novel featuring Jessica Darling (from Sloppy Firsts - out in September *

The day before she starts 7th grade, Jessica's sister drops by with a list on how to achieve popularity. Until then, Jessica wasn't nervous at all. but now she's wondering if Bethany's right and 7th grade decisions can change the course for the rest of your life.

The list is short, but Jessica attempts to achieve the goals. On her first day of school, she wears something different - a vintage t-shirt of The Who. She tries out for the cheer team, even though she's terrible. She earns a secret place of the school mascot - a seagull.

She doesn't have a boyfriend - there's no one remotely close to becoming her boyfriend either. She's friends with some popular girls but she almost can't stand them. Is the list really working for her or should she give up?

My Thoughts: I loved Sloppy Firsts, so it's great to meet 7th grader Jessica Darling. I love meeting Hope and seeing their relationship develop. Marcus Flutie makes an appearance in an adorable but funny way.  As a reader of the previous series, it's great to see these characters again, but of course new reader will enjoy meeting them for the first time. A funny look at life in middle school - finding new friends, discovering your strengths, and laughing off your mistakes. I devoured this book in one sitting - looking forward to more snarky yet sweet Jessica Darling.

Cover Thoughts: It's not the final cover - but I like it!
Source: from the publisher

Rules of Summer

* Comes out in early June - Look for this one!*

Rory needs to get escape her mother and her mother's new boyfriend. She finds the perfect summer getaway -working for the employers of her aunt in the Hamptons. She's going to be their errand girl. As soon as she steps off the train, she realizes that she's been transported into another world.

A world where the staff and the family don't mix. She's been warned not to mix with the family and to stay out of their way. After her first night where she spills sauce on Isabel's dress, she believes it. But there's something about Isabel.

Isabel Rule isn't sure where she belongs. She spent a year in California and feels out of touch in the Hamptons. She hates the catty behavior, the gossip, and the obsession with money. Isabel starts hanging out with Mike, a boy from town.

She needs help sneaking out to see Mike and it looks like befriend Rory just might be the answer. Two girls from different worlds for a friendship over the summer that will forever change them.

My Thoughts: The perfect summer book and the start of a new series! It's a mix of Judy Blume's Summer Sisters and the Melissa de la Cruz's Au Pairs series. A fantastic novel about finding yourself and what you're made of. I loved the feel of this book, I devoured it. Both have a summer romance that changes them and puts their friendship in a whole new light.  I loved how the friendship grew between Isabel and Rory - how horrible it started, but little by little, they began to understand each other and appreciate the other.  Put this on your to-read list, you don't want to miss it!!

Cover Thoughts: Very Summery! Love the feel
Source: ARC from the publisher
Similar Read: The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

Little Brown Preview: Spring 2013

On Monday I was lucky enough to attend the Little Brown Spring Book Preview. We learned about several upcoming teen and children's book that will be out next year. Of  course I had my favorites. Some I'm dying to read and some pictures books I want to read again and really absorb the text and the pictures. (I feel you're never too old for picture books and love reading them).

Here's a few that specifically caught my attention:

Picture Books:

The Dark -by Lemony Snicket and Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Simple and classic in both the illustrations and the text.

Crankenstein by Samantha Berger Illustrated by Dan Santat.
About a cranky kid who learns not to be so cranky (that time). Funny, cute, and grumpy. A really fun read.

Middle Grade:

Pi in the Sky by Wendy Mass.
Her books go out like hotcakes at Otis Library. Plus, I love how it's science based and how many scientists/mathematicians reviewed the book. Plus, a character is named Joss (for Joss Whedon!)

Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors and Illustrated by Dan Santat
Two tweens find a baby dragon. They end up taking it to a worm Vet in hopes that he can help it. However, they discover the Vet doesn't help normal animals and what looks like a run down building is actually a secret hospital for "imaginary" creatures. On the way out, they accidentally let the Sasquatch escape. Now, they have to track it down and capture the animal.

What We Found in the Sofa and How it Saved the World by Henry Clark
This is a debut novel, that I probably would have passed up because I'm not crazy about the title and the cover doesn't jump out at me, HOWEVER, I met the author and he was highly amusing and entertaining. He convinced me to give it a try.

Teen:

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith.
I really like the cover, I think it works well, plus it ties really nicely into her first book, The Statistical Probability of Love at First sight, which I adored. You can read my review here. I started it on the train home and devoured it.

Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green.
This looks great for fans of Pretty Little Liars and is the first in a trilogy. (Also aged older for content)

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Mathew Quick.
This is a dark book than those I normally read, but it sounds so intriguing. It takes place in one day - on the narrator's birthday. He decides that he's going to kill his former BFF and then himself but first he has to say goodbye to the four people who matter to him.

Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr.
Love the cover! It's about a girl who wonders about doing something you love even if you're not perfect, is it worth it?

Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff
Teen Assassin who can't feel anymore, until one job changes everything. He starts feelings and questioning his latest assignment. Could his awakening endanger his life? Word is Will Smith's movie production company bought the rights to this thriller for a potential movie for his son! Plus, the cover rocks!

You can check out the tweets of preview here

Review: Winter White

 *book 2 in the Belles series- read my review of book 1*

Izzie and Mira were shocked to discover the big family secret. They're trying to cope from it and trying to show the world they're one happy family.

Izzie's trying to become more a part of Emerald Cove. She wants to do actual good with the Butterflies besides throw parties. Izzie knows real people who could use their help. She's tired of not taking action.

Mira's trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Her old friends aren't interested in her. She's happily working on her art, but could that get her into trouble too?

Both are are simply trying to put their best foot forward. Cotillion practice sessions and hazing heats up. Old rivalries, jealous feelings, and manipulations wreck havoc with relationships. Plus with someone leaking family information to the press, Izzie and Mira wonder if the only person they can trust is each other. 

My Thoughts: I LOVE this series. It's the perfect book filled with family drama, romances, and teen angst - just like all Jen Calonita's other books. While on the surface, it's a fantastic light novel, it also deals with heavy issues. 
I like Izzie's quest for helping others less fortunate than she is now and I feel her frustration at the other girls. I like how Mira's becoming less shallow and more...a person. I like reading about the politics, and the behind the scenes in a political aspiring family. I like reading about the different family dynamics in a rich town, in a way it reminds me of Gilmore Girls. 

I'm dying for the next book - Book 3 - The Grass is Always Greener coming out in April.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Little Brown -Thanks!
Winter White comes out in October

A Snapshot of the Little Brown Fall Preview

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to be invited and to attend Little Brown and Company's fall book preview. It's always fabulous day. I loved talking with other librarians and book people. It's the BEST!

Libba Bray was the special guest star. She was there to chat about her upcoming book The Diviners. The book, set in the 1920s, is part of a four book set. It sounds amazing and I can't wait to read it.

It took her 4 years of research once she had the idea. She's always loved the 1920s and wanted to blend historical fiction with the supernatural (again).  Her idea came during a book tour in Germany during an election. People were fascinated with the election.  Issues kept coming up and she realized they paralleled the 1920s.  She found that Americans tend to forget out history. And voila! The book comes out in September.

She even sang for us...using action figures! It was magical! There's even a video so you can watch it too!!!

I learned about several books that I'm excited to read or re-read with the picture books!


And here they are:

Etiquette and Espionage: Sounds like a cross between Gallagher Girls and Grave Mercy plus...steampunk. The cover is GORGEOUS! It comes out February of 2013

Ten Tiny Toes: Looks VERY sweet. I adore the illustrations by Mark Brown. Here's one of the collages, which are amazing in person. I love the textures and the depth of them.  This one comes out September 2012

Iron Hearted Violet:  This middle grade looks super cute! It's about a princess who uncovers a secret library...and a magical book. She lets loose a magical being, who might want to destroy the world. This book had me at the cover - but also Princess and secret library!! October 2012 (The final cover will be a bit lighter)

Return to Me: One girl has her life all planned out. She graduates high school and during the summer in between high school and college - life happens. There's romance, family drama, and big decisions made. Sounds awesome! Out January 2013

Monster's Monster: This one sweet, playful, and funny! Out September 2012

Nighttime Ninja: Fun cover - the leaves are textured! A fun story with some spooky moments. Loved the end! Out September 2012

Ones I think teens at my library will love:

When We Wake:  Medical testing in the future. Great cover! Out March 2013

Zom-B by Darren Shan - about...zombies. The first one will be out October 2012

Two that we didn't talk about, but were there in ARC format:

White Winter - book 2 of the Belles books by Jen Calonita. I confess that was my train book and I finished it during lunch today. I LOVED it! I've adored all her books. It comes out October 2012


and finally

The Land of Stories - out July 17th

Review: The Last Princess

* This book comes out May 8th*

Princess Eliza Windsor witnesses her mother's death - a bite of a luscious and rare strawberry. 

Now, in the year 2090, England is failing.  Crops refuse to grow on the infertile land. People are hungry, scared, and angry. Yet, for Princess Eliza, things carry on almost as normal.

One man has risen in the eyes of the people. He's the man responsbile for killing her mother. He's also the man who shoots her father in the middle of a ball.  She watches her father die seconds before fleeing the ballroom. Together her sister, the Queen, and brother attempt to escape the palace. Only Eliza makes it to freedom.

She's determined to save her family. Eliza joins her enemy's training camp where she spends her days training and spying.  She learns the location of the prison where her siblings spend their days.  Can she sneak into the Tower of London and rescue her family? What about the rest of her people? Can she help her people gain access to food and safety? Is her family and her country doomed?

My Thoughts: I really really liked this one. I loved the setting of futuristic England. I loved the royalty angle. I loved Eliza for her bravery and determination. She's strong and feisty. I really liked her best friend Polly - she was loyal, smart, and determined to help her friend. I liked Wesley - he's friendly, knowledgeable, and has family connections. It's a very emotional read - there's love and friendship, anger and hate, sadness and loss, and death and betrayal.  There were moments that I found simply unbelievable  - just a few, but it kept me from loving the book. Still, it's a great read and I think teens will gobble it up. I'm awaiting the sequel!


Cover Thoughts: LOVE IT! The colors draw me in as do the shadows.


Source: Little Brown and Company - THANKS!


Up Next: The sequel comes out in May 2013

Review: Belles

Izzie's life isn't easy, but she loves it. She loves living by the water, able to surf whenever she wants to. She loves hanging out on the boardwalk with her friends. She loves living with grandmother.

In a split second, everything changes. Her grandmother's health has been slowly declining. Now she's unable to care for Izzie. She's shipped off to a nursing home and Izzie's sent to live with family she's never known.

Her new family consists of her Uncle, who's running for the U.S. Senate, her aunt, and her three cousins.

Mira, her cousin of the same age, isn't interested in helping Izzy fit into her privileged life. Her friends talk sweet to Izzy's face, but spread rumors and stab her in the back. Mira's torn between wanting to be her own person and wanting to remain at the Queen Bee's side.

Can Izzie prove to them she belongs in their world?


My Thoughts: I confess that I was dying to read this one. I squealed when I saw it at the event. I LOVE Jen Calonita's books. They're funny, fresh, and romantic.
This books was no different! I loved the setting - especially the school.I loved the Southern charm. I loved the differences between the two girls and reading their different perspectives. I loved Mira's art world. I loved the event being a hoedown. I loved Izzie's heart, determination, and her ability to see the good in the world. I can't wait to read more of this series!

BUT THE BACK OF THE BOOK CONTAINED THE MAJOR PLOT TWIST!!!!!! I was not a fan of this, obviously. I did check Goodreads and the description of the book is different and without spoilers.

From what I understand, the author had no control over this issue. I loved the book enough that this didn't matter to me, but it was disappointing to know the ending.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I love the flower in her hair

Source: Little Brown event

Arrives in April 2012