Kelly Anne Blount

McKenna and Jace…so not a combination you ever saw coming...but sometimes the best ones are.

I adored how McKenna was so KICK BUTT. She shied away from the spotlight, and stuck to her circle of one friend, all thanks to unfortunate situations in her home life, and yes, I know that doesn’t sound kick butt worthy, but hang on. When she saw someone in trouble, someone in her direct path who wasn’t ever anything but nice to her, she stuck her neck out. She may not have saved them bodily, but she saved them from high school you-know-what because let’s face it, teens can be horrible to one another...okay, well HUMANS can be horrible to one another...and if you hit the bottom rung in the high school hierarchy, you better be prepared to duck your head or transfer schools. At least, it feels that way...so if someone reaches out a helping hand, or puts out a what’s-it-to-you attitude to fend that off for you, yeah...it changes the light you see them in.

Jace is a great kid too. Grant it, he has some pretty thick headed friends, and yes, we can be judged by the company we keep, but that's something McKenna finds out along their journey. Things aren't always as they seem, nor people as perceived. I loved the fact that he was the mind behind the pen..and why not? Why can't a guy pen stories like KOS? Why can't their be both action scenes and action scenes? They can be equally perceptive if the talent is there, so I say why not? There's no rule that says you have to act one way or another, so YOU BE YOU and I'LL BE ME.

To put a point on it...I LIKED THIS STORY. The false impersonation was warranted, the get to know you phase believable, the way things all came tumbling down definitely realistic, and while the masses seemed quick to turn, I think it was the surrounding drama and the dramatic Say Anything moment that did them in. I mean how can you say no to a gesture THAT big? All in all, a great read for Young Adult fans with reminders that not everything is as it seems, try not to place labels on others, and always be true to your self.



**ebook received for review; opinions are my own… (lisätietoja)

I ADORED Wren's character for all she was worth, and despite my inclination to fall victim to the title, I actually didn't mind Fuller either. True, he gets better as the story goes on and that grand gesture is really above and beyond (even if slightly unbelievable), but it didn't really seem like he was such a bad person from the start, just misguided by some batting eyelashes and his high school fame. When these two were able to see beneath the surface to what really makes them tick, it was a potential match made in heaven...no guarantees, but a definite pair in the making. Marissa on the other hand (and even Fuller's cronies), I honestly couldn't stand! She went from friend to foe and then started spreading vicious lies, and non-truths just to ride on the popularity train...but really, what good is being popular if your soul is black? (Okay, now I'M being dramatic, but you get the point.)

All in all, a fun read that reminded me of all the great teen movies from yesteryear. It's a lot She's All That with a helping of Can't Hardly Wait and even a dash of Clueless mixed in for good measure, but while the story may have some similarities, it still comes together for a sweetly satisfying read that'll leave you with a smile. (Also, gotta say that cover is definitely a SWEET choice!)


*ebook received for review; opinions are my own… (lisätietoja)

Trust, opening up, finding ones-self, knowing when to seek help, true friendship, and chasing dreams all mold into a cute romance, which leaves a smile on the face.

McKenna has one goal—leave town as soon as graduation hits. Since her family rammed disaster around her sixth grade year, she's been keeping her head low, trying to stay invisible, while dealing with her mother's disease while keeping life going alone. She's almost made it until keeping her head down causes a collision in the school's hallways and her notebook gets switched with the one guy she's secretly liked...well, forever. Not that she's ever really played with the idea that'd they'd be together. She's not that stupid. But she doesn't know all sides of him, either. No one does. And that might just turn everything upside-down.

After reading the blurb on this one, I expected a slightly edgier read with depth thanks to some of the issues. This, however, is not the case. The romance starts almost right away, and it's pretty clear where everything's going. There are several cliches—the popular jocks, cheerleader girls, geeks—and the reactions are nothing surprising. But despite the lighter side of things, this romance works and was easy to read. It just wasn't what I was expecting.

McKenna has problems at home. Big ones, but what these really are and how they exactly play out dribbles in little by little as the story unfolds. This tale is more about the romance, anyway, and it is sweet, predictable, and simply a nice high school relationship. That both sides have something to hide and aren't ready to step out of the masks they've been living behind, suits the age group well. There isn't much dark brooding or heavier scenes. Rather, the problems both sides face run more on the sidelines of the romance drama. This creates an easy to read and digest romance for younger teens and tweens.

I did enjoy it quite a bit, found both characters to root for, and let the cliches simply unfold with all of their fun and sweetness.… (lisätietoja)