When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publication Date: May 4, 2006
Number of Pages: 287
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
At the start of her senior year in high school, Sara wants two things: to get into a top college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things for his senior year: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love in him. However, a popular jock names Dave moves in on Sara first. But Tobey's quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. Plus, he gets the little things that matter to her. Can a slacker rock-star wanna win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?

Hilariously and moving told through Tobey and Sara's authentic voices, Susane Colasanti's debut novel sizzles in its portrayal of two young people searching for The One.

She thinks: This book is everything I remember about high school. Let me count the ways,

1. The wanting of "something real." 
2. The immature boys. 
3. The panicking about going out on a date. 
4. The lack of cell phones. 
5. Jane magazine. 
6. Battle of the Bands contests. 
7. Applying for college. 
8. Wanting to be in the popular crowd. 
9. Being somewhat...okay, I was probably really...irrational. 
10. The "do you think she/he likes me?" conversations. 
11. Enlisting friends to help in your search for something real. 
12. Making and sharing Mix CDs.
13. Hanging out at the Mall. 
14. Or, you know, this w.h.o.l.e. BuzzFeed post.

{via teen.com}

If you graduated from high school in the 00s, then you need to read this book. It will make you smile the whole time and say, "Oh my God, I remember that!" And, that my friends, is reason enough to read this book.

Also, the actual book is good too. I liked that it was dual perspectives and that we got to get into Tobey's head too. We all know how mysterious the male brain can be.

{via elle.com}

How I wish I'd known about and read this book "back in the day!" It would have put my mind at ease knowing that other people felt how I felt. I'm glad I got to read in my late twenties though so I could feel nostalgic. If you're looking for a fun, quick read, pick this one up!

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: March 11, 2014
Number of Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when we brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests - even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all...

She thinks: This is a cute read that I enjoyed. The middle part confused me because it jumped right into prom without much of a segue so I spent the first part of part two trying to figure out what I missed. I mean, was I supposed to read only the heads part or only the tails part? Eventually, I just gave up on trying to figure it out and just went with it.

I found this book relatable too. Everyone's had crappy proms, right? Both of mine were completely disappointing. Alas, this is what happens when you go to an all girls school and don't know any guys and have to be set up for prom...twice. I won't bore you with all the terrible details though.

{via teawithlemon.com}

Also, confession: I was a theater geek too. I know. You're shocked. ;]

{via giphy.com}

The sense of humor of the main character was perfect, and I found myself nodding along because I probably would have said most of those things myself nowadays. However, I just don't know that I wouldn't have have been that comfortable enough with myself in high school to say some of the things she does. Heart is ridiculously confident, in my opinion. I haven't met many high schoolers who are that confident without some inner turmoil...and Heart had none. That would be my only complaint because I would expect her attitude from someone in their twenties not their teens. That's just me though.

I liked the book and am glad I picked it up, finally, to read it. It is light and fluffy and perfect for when you can't concentrate on anything else. Oh...and full disclosure, I didn't understand the title of this book until after I finished reading the.whole.thing. which is a little embarrassing. Oops! =]

See what others are saying about Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas:

• April @ Good Books & Good Wine
• Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs
• Kelly @ Effortlessly Reading
• Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
• Brittany @ The Book Addicts Guide

Since You've Been Gone by Anouska Knight

Since You've Been Gone by Anouska Knight

Publisher: Harlequin HQN

Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Number of Pages: 320

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:

How do you learn to love again?

In one tragic moment, Holly Jefferson's life as she knows changes forever. Now to the external world, at least she's finally getting back on her feet, running her business, Cake. Then she meets Ciaran Argyll.

His rich and charmed life feels a million miles away from her own. However, there's more to Ciaran than the superficial world that surrounds him, and he too is wrestling with his own ghosts. Will Holly find the missing ingredient that allows her to live again and embrace and unknown and unexpected tomorrow?

She thinks: I wasn't ready!!! The tragic moment happens so fast. I was left reeling; I didn't know whether to put the book down and walk away or power through. I am proud and eager to say I powered through though, and it was wonderful. It was light-hearted yet touching at the same time.

Bad boy turned good guy. We've seen it and read it before...a million times probably. And that won't stop me from reading it a million more when their presented in such nice packages. Ciaran sweeps Holly off her feet reluctantly and bittersweet hilarity ensues. Ciaran's father is a hot mess, and the Ice Queen will wish you had stabbed her with a pair of stilettos instead of a cake. I definitely needed some of my own cake after finishing this book! 

If you are in search of a feel good read in which you wish you could be friends with the main character (or live her life), then I highly suggest you pick up this book. {You can thank me later!}

And, if you're anything like me, this song has been on repeat in your read since you read the title of the book. Plus, Pitch Perfect makes everything better!!!! You're welcome!

Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen

Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Number of Pages: 350
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:
Dakota Halifax loves to be in love. In fact, as one of Las Vegas' premier wedding planners, she's built a whole career around romance. Which is why her own wedding has to be nothing short of perfect. And then her fiance' jilts her. While she's waiting in her wedding dress. On a cruise ship already out at sea. Once back on dry land, Dakota tries to pour her heart into her business and weekly wedding advice column, Get Ready to Wed. But how can the heartbroken celebrate others' true love? When she reconnects with her childhood best friend, surprisingly sexy and all-grown-up casino bouncer Brendan West, Dakota wonders if maybe she can fall back in love with being in love.

But then her ex reappears, begging for another chance, and suddenly Dakota questions if she'll ever understand love. Can someone once-burned and twice-shy ever find her way down the aisle again?

She thinks: I had high hopes for this book because I wanted a light read. It sounded like a humorous plot, and it started out that way too. It quickly took a turn into not exactly "weird" but overly predictable. Dakota is trying to figure out her life after being left at the altar when her long lost friend comes back into her life. As soon as he showed up, I knew what was going to happen. Somehow, it wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be. It happened too quickly and then there was too much drama after it happened for me to like the book completely. Waaaaahhhhh. Yay for happy endings though!!

See what others are saying Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen:

• Heather @ Turning Pages
• Angela @ The Reading Cave

Love by Numbers by Sara Donovan

Love by Numbers by Sara Donovan
Publisher: AUS Impulse
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary {via GoodReads}:
What if there was a scientific 7-step formula that triggered your heart into feeling passion?

Would you follow it to fall in love with your "nice guy" bestie - the sensible choice who was actually available?

Set in the glittering north shore of Sydney, Love by Numbers follows the story of April, a successful HR executive who is in the middle of a serious man drought. To deal with her boredom, she fantasies more than she should about her hot, but uninterested-to-say-the-least office crush, Ryan. When April finally gets Ryan to drinks one night and she watches him fall for her flirtatious house-mate, April decides never again to trust her instinctual "man-picker." Her only solution is to rewire her brain and create passion with the one guy she knows she can trust.

This is a story about how far you can go to control your heart's choices, and what happens when you try.

She thinks: This book was very disappointing. It wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be when I first requested it. I'm not sure if I was distracted by the cover or what happened, but I didn't enjoy the book.

It started out good. I liked how the characters were introduced. I liked how it ended...sort of. Not everything that happened in the book was resolved. And the middle of the book was a jumble of thoughts that seemed thrown together. Like, let's put a cliche scene here then some introspective-ness then a scene with parents that has nothing to do with the plot and - oh! - let's put another cliche in here. Make sense? Yeah, me neither, but that's how the book felt.

I wish I could recommend this to others, but I don't think it would be worth the time and effort put into reading it. Someone needs to take a red pen to this book and help it make sense. There are too many unimportant characters thrown into the plot that just need to go. It would make the book so much better.

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Number of Pages: 300
Genre: Young Adult
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Pretty and popular track star Marijke Monti is confident about almost everything - she's got great friends, a great family, and she's on her way to the State Track Championship. In fact, the only thing Marijke isn't confident about is her relationship with Tommy Lawson.

Lily Spencer has spent her entire high school career preparing for the future - she's participated in every extracurricular activity and volunteer committee she could. But, at home, she watches her mother go on date after date with dud-dudes, still searching for "the one." Lily realizes that she's about to graduate and still hasn't even had a boyfriend.

While they live on each other's periphery at school, Lily and Marijke never seemed to have much in common; but, after a coincidental meeting at the movie theater, Lily gets an idea - why can't life be like a movie? Why can't they set up their perfect romantic situations, just in time for their senior prom, using movie techniques?

Once the girls come up with the perfect plans, they commit themselves to being secret cohorts and, just like in the movies, drama ensues.

She thinks: This book was just what I needed after spending a whole week reading City of Heavenly Fire. I've been reading so many heavy books lately that I needed something light, and this was perfect!

Now, a prerequisite to loving this book as much as I did is certainly a love of chick flicks. If you think they are silly movies, then this book probably isn't for you, and that's okay because I loved it to pieces! We're talking references to Easy A and Friends with Benefits and Say Anything and Never Been Kissed and The Holiday and When Harry Met Sally. I mean, let's be real, it's a chick flick bonanza in a book!

{via liveluvcreate.com}

Marijke and Lily are perfectly crafted high schoolers looking for their true loves. We've all been there and know the pains of unrequited or unequaled love. Our gal pals definitely got us through the tough times with ice cream and coffee {more like wine now} and movies. Remember when you wanted a Hollywood romance? Wanting to be swept off your feet by Mr. Right? God, I miss those days. Don't you? If so, read this book!

Just Like the Movies was a great way to revisit my high school days without all the awkwardness. I enjoyed delving into a world of prom proposals {of which I was never a recipient} and all missteps along the way. I remember dreaming of how I could craft the perfect meet cute in high school with little luck. I'm the Lily in this book. I would love to know which character you identified with more - Lily or Marijke!

Scared Scriptless by Alison Sweeney

Scared Scriptless by Alison Sweeney {yes, that Alison Sweeney!}
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: Chick Lit
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Maddy Carson is a mass of contradictions. She loves her job as Script Supervisor on a hit TV show, but hates "Hollywood." Super-organized and down-to-earth, Maddy is clearly one of the best at her job, and her strict dating rule - "No Actors!" - helps her keep focused on her career.

However, a budding relationship with Craig, one of the executives at her company, may even propel her into the big leagues. Could Wolf County, her beloved hometown in the mountains, be saved from a financial crisis by creating a reality show featuring the eccentrics in the small ski village? Maddy is determined to try, even when she learns that Craig's agenda doesn't exactly line up with her altruistic goal.

Meanwhile, Maddy still has a full-time job to manage, her family to deal with, and a gorgeous new actor, Adam Devin, determined to wear down her resistance. Eventually, Maddy must learn to break all her self-imposed rules and simply follow her heart.

She thinks: First, let's talk about the fact that that Alison Sweeney - Days of Our Lives star and Biggest Loser host - has written books. Yes, plural. Not one, but two. Scared Scriptless is her second novel, and I have to admit, I kind of liked it. Okay, maybe more than kind of. Honestly, I had a hard time putting down.

I loved the characters and their motivations. Maddy is hard working and driven and has a lot rules and lists. I have so many self-imposed rules and sometimes I have a hard breaking them. There are rules for a reason, right?? Anyway...Craig is completely transparent, and I wanted to smack him for hurting dear, sweet, trusting Maddy. And, can I just say that I would to have hot male actor friends like Billy and Adam. Be still my heart!

This is a book about a woman reaching her potential with the help of those around her. Maddy works through her stumbles and falls to become confident in her own skin...finally!!! Tango, anyone?

See what others are saying about Scared Scriptless by Alison Sweeney:

• Tara @ Nestled in a Book

The Best Man for the Job by Lucy King

The Best Man for the Job by Lucy King
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: June 1, 2014
Number of Pages: 224
Genre: British Chick Lit, Romance
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
The wedding guest from her past...

For Celia Forrester, Marcus Black - her brother's best friend - was always totally off-limits. Especially after The Night That Nearly Happened. It was years ago, but Celia remembers it for all the worst reasons! But now, Marcus is back in the picture - he's the best man at her brother's wedding and more gorgeous than ever.

It's all kinds of inappropriate, but giving in to temptation looks like the best way for Celia to get Marcus out of her system. But their one night comes with consequences. And this time, it won't be fifteen years until they have to face them...but nine months!

She thinks: If you need a predictable and light read, then this is the book for you. The story is a little choppy - you come in randomly, play catch up a little bit, and then are left with a quick ending. I will say that the ending is satisfactory though, as if we could expect anything less from a Harlequin book. Plus, if you like your books on the steamy side, then you will like this one.

I was confused by the motivation of the characters in the book though. I couldn't figure out what was driving them as much as King tried to explain it. I didn't not get as invested in the characters as I usually do with books so I definitely do not have a book hangover. In fact, it took me a couple days to get into the book, but once I did, I breezed through it. Honestly, I was hoping for more from the book.

If you're at the library and in need of something to read, pick this one up. It'll placate you while you search GoodReads or Google or whatever search engine you use to find books for your next exciting read.

Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson

Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Number of Pages: 368
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Ever since she was a little girl learning to make decadent truffles in her family's chocolate shop, Juliet Arabella has been aware of the better feud between the Arabellas and the Mezzanottes. With their rival chocolate boutiques on the same street in Napa Valley, these families never mix. Until one night, when Juliet anonymously attends the annual masquerade ball. In a moonlit vineyard, she finds herself falling for a gorgeous stranger, a man who reminds her what passion is like outside the kitchen. But her bliss is short-lived when she discovers her masked prince is actually Leo Mezzanotte, newly returned from Paris and the heir to her archenemy's confection dynasty.

With her mind in a whirl, Juliet leaves for Italy to represent the Arabellas in a prestigious chocolate competition. The prize money will help her family's struggling business, and Juliet figures it's a perfect opportunity to forget Leo...only to find him already there and gunning for victory. As they compete head-to-head, Leo and Juliet's fervent attraction boils over. But Juliet's not sure whether to trust her adversary, or give up on the sweetest love she's ever tasted.

She thinks: If you like the classic story of Romeo & Juliet, then you will definitely like this book. You might also like this book if you love chocolate. It took a lot of willpower for me not to devour box after box of chocolate as I read this book. It made me want to go out and buy real chocolate, not prepackaged chocolate. {I'm still trying to find the best place to do this!}

The best part of this Romeo and Juliet-style story is that there's less death {read = no death}. It's also a little steamier than Shakespeare depicted the original story. I enjoyed the dual POVs too because, let's be honest, what woman doesn't want to get inside a man's head and know what he's thinking? It can't be naughty thoughts all the time, right?!?

Check out this read for a good, chocolate-filled time. Juliet and Leo won't let you down!

Teri Wilson has released and will be releasing similar books like Unmasking Juliet. Her already released book is called Unleashing Mr. Darcy, which is a book modeled after the story line of Pride and Prejudice. After Unmasking Juliet is released, Wilson is scheduled to release a third book entitled Unschooling the Professor, which is a modern interpretation of My Fair Lady/Pygmalion. It will be released in January 2015. Hopefully, I can get my hands on an ARC for that book too. In the meantime, I'll have to placate my need for books like Unmasking Juliet by reading Unleashing Mr. Darcy. After all, it was recommended to me by a friend!

See what others are saying about Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson:

• Christina @ Reading Extensively
• Lyn @ Reading Tsinoy
• Kimberly @ Wit and Sin

The Last Word by A. L. Michael

The Last Word by A. L. Michael
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Number of Pages: 288
Genre: British Chick Lit
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Tabby Riley's online life was a roaring success. Her blog had hundreds of followers and legions of young fans ardently awaited her ever Tweet. Her real life was a bit more of a disappointment. Living in a shared flat in North London, scratching a living writing magazine articles on 'How to Please Your Man in Bed' wasn't where she thought she'd be at twenty-six - especially when there was a serious lack of action in her own bedroom.

Until she was offered the job of her dreams on online paper The Type - and gained a sexy new editor, Harry Shulman, to bounce her ideas off. Tabby had previous bad form when it came to falling for well-dressed, smooth-talking editors, so no way was she going there again...ever! But had she got a little too use to hiding behind her laptop screen? Perhaps it was time for the real Tabby Riley to come out and have some fun!

She thinks: This book is a cute read for a Debbie Downer kind of day. If you are in the mood for a sassy woman as a main character who has feelings and insecurities but a guy falls in love with her anyway, then this is the book for you! The relationships in the book feel real and aren't the typical cookie cutter types that you find in regular Chick Lit. They have a purpose other than to move the plot along, and I enjoyed getting to know the other characters too. Tabby is a little whiny {what woman isn't some days though?}, but her gal pals slap her right back into place with their logic and poignant words. This book made me long for college when I was hanging out with my girls all the time. Miss you ladies!!

The One by Kiera Cass

The One {book three} by Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
Number of Pages: 323
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Dystopia
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown - or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose - and how much she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

She thinks: After I closed the book {a little reluctantly, I might add, because I don't want the story to be over}, I probably looked like this...

{via crzforum.com}

But, in a good way! There are just so many things to process while reading this book that my mind is still reeling. So many things happen, and my heart has so many feelings flowing through it right now that I just don't know what to say about this final "chapter."

It will leave you feeling satisfied that you've stuck with the series to the end. It will make you want to go out and fight for what you believe in. It will probably make you cry too. You will want to read this book cover to cover. And, if you have to put it down for a few hours, please, dear heavens, do it at the end of a chapter. You won't want that kind of uncertainty in your life!!

See what others are saying about The One by Kiera Cass:

• Caitlin @ The YA Bookworm
• Ann @ The Indigo Quill
• Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs
• Jess @ The Cozy Reader
• Sunny @ A Sunny Spot Blog