Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Author: Kevin Hearne

Title: Hexed

Publication: June 7, 2011

Publisher: Del Rey

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Pages: 320

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

My thoughts:

 I love this series. My husband and I are going to a book reading and signing to see Kevin Hearne, and three other authors at the end of this month. I'm trying to read them all before then, so I may review them all before then. Please bear with me.
Atticus is at it again. This time he has two weirdos following him, a coven of witches out to kill him, and a group of Bacchus worshipers ready to burn down the town.  All the while he is trying to grow back his ear, please the Morrigan and Flidais, train his padawan, and run his bookstore. However, Mr. O'Sullivan cannot stay out of trouble, even after he defeated Aengus Og. Even the trickster Coyote ropes him into helping him with a demon problem. There is plenty of humor mixed in. There are so many shenanigans he gets into. I love his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon- he is the best comedic relief as is his neighbor the Widow MacDonagh. She had me rolling in the scene where Atticus is attacked by two witches at her house. There is a enough drama, comedy, and action to keep you from putting this book down. Seriously, if you love to laugh, love urban fantasy- check this book out NOW!

Li'l Gotham Volume 1

Authors: Derek Fridolfs and Dustin Nguyen
Illustrator: Dustin Nguyen

Title: Li'l Gotham Volume 1

Publication: February 25, 2014

Publisher: DC

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 128

Audience: 10 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Life in the big city just got crazier with this year-round all-ages holiday fun, featuring Batman and all of his adorable allies and adversaries! Crimefighting and celebrating go hand-in-hand in Gotham with Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, The Penguin, The Joker, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and more!

My thoughts:

 I have been waiting since September or October for the trade of this graphic novel to come out! It was sooooo precious! I'm not sure every character stays in the "li'l" format, but this is the cleanest novel I have ever read. I would share it with a younger audience. It is really perfect for all ages. I love corny jokes and puns, and this comic was filled to the brim with them- I laughed through the entire book. The artwork appeared to be done in watercolor, which was beautiful, but at times lacked in detail or was a bit faint. However, when you are making all your characters little, I guess small details can be forgiven.
If you are looking for a clean read or a place to jump start into comics, this one is perfect!

Death of a Neighborhood Witch

Author: Laura LevineTitle:Death of a Neighborhood Witch (A Jaine Austen Mystery)

Publication: September 3, 2013

Publisher: Kensington

Genre: Comedy, Mystery

Pages: 304

Audience: 17 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): When Jaine Austen's beloved cat Prozac unwittingly scares to death a parakeet belonging to the neighborhood's resident curmudgeon, Jaine finds herself knee-deep in toil and trouble. The cantankerous Hollywood has-been once played Cryptessa Muldoon, television's fourth most famous monster mum. Now she spends her days making enemies with everyone on the block. So when the ornery D-lister is murdered with her own Do Not Trespass sign on Halloween night, the neighborhood fills with relief - and possible culprits. With a killer on the loose, Jaine hardly has time to fall under the spell of her yummy new neighbor, Peter. As the prime suspect, she summons her sleuthing skills to clear her name and soon discovers that everyone has a few skeletons in their closets...

Favorite Quote: "I can't take me anywhere."- Jaine Austen

My thoughts:
I work at the public library, and I kept checking this book out to patrons or into the library. One afternoon, I snatched it up and decided to read it. Laura Levine used to write for The Laverne and Shirley Show, and I loved it. So her writing was humor based mixed with a murder-mystery. I loved Jaine. She was just so down to Earth and you could relate to her. I also enjoyed her cat, Prozac because cats are that outrageous. I didn't like her friend Lance, he was a total butt-hole and no one needs a "friend" like that. Her other friend, whose name I have forgotten, did not play a huge role (obviously since I forgot her name!), but she was okay just a bit ditzy. The neighbors were a lot like actual neighbors, they all have their good and bad sides. As a friend said, this book was not a great piece of literature, but it was a nice read. If you want something funny with a mystery twist, then check out this book.

 

Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson

Author: Suzanne Johnson
Title:Royal Street Sentinels of New Orleans #1

Publication: April 10, 2012

Publisher: Tor Books

Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Mystery

Pages: 336

Audience: 18 and up

Rating:  4.5 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com):
As the junior wizard sentinel for New Orleans, Drusilla Jaco’s job involves a lot more potion-mixing and pixie-retrieval than sniffing out supernatural bad guys like rogue vampires and lethal were-creatures. DJ's boss and mentor, Gerald St. Simon, is the wizard tasked with protecting the city from anyone or anything that might slip over from the preternatural beyond.

Then Hurricane Katrina hammers New Orleans’ fragile levees, unleashing more than just dangerous flood waters.

While winds howled and Lake Pontchartrain surged, the borders between the modern city and the Otherworld crumbled. Now, the undead and the restless are roaming the Big Easy, and a serial killer with ties to voodoo is murdering the soldiers sent to help the city recover.

To make it worse, Gerry has gone missing, the wizards’ Elders have assigned a grenade-toting assassin as DJ’s new partner, and undead pirate Jean Lafitte wants to make her walk his plank. The search for Gerry and for the serial killer turns personal when DJ learns the hard way that loyalty requires sacrifice, allies come from the unlikeliest places, and duty mixed with love creates one bitter gumbo

Then Hurricane Katrina hammers New Orleans’ fragile levees, unleashing more than just dangerous flood waters.

While winds howled and Lake Pontchartrain surged, the borders between the modern city and the Otherworld crumbled. Now, the undead and the restless are roaming the Big Easy, and a serial killer with ties to voodoo is murdering the soldiers sent to help the city recover.

To make it worse, Gerry has gone missing, the wizards’ Elders have assigned a grenade-toting assassin as DJ’s new partner, and undead pirate Jean Lafitte wants to make her walk his plank. The search for Gerry and for the serial killer turns personal when DJ learns the hard way that loyalty requires sacrifice, allies come from the unlikeliest places, and duty mixed with love creates one bitter gumbo.

My thoughts:

 I thoroughly enjoyed this book . I had a tough time starting the novel, but once I got into it, I really had fun reading it. The characters were perfect southerners. I could replace the characters with people I know, except for the paranormal/fantasy part. I really liked DJ. She is a skilled wizard who loves New Orleans and Cheetos. I could relate to her- on the Cheetos part. Haha! Anyway, her relationship with her partner, Alex is hilarious and frustrating. At one point I was laughing so hard I snorted, fell over in the bed and died laughing. It took me a full two to three minutes to regain my composure to continue the story. There is enough spooky elements, hilarious moments, and realistic, and sad moments to keep the book entertaining and easy to relate to. The book really painted an image of New Orleans and made me want to visit NOLA more than ever. So if you're into the fantasy/paranormal genre or not- give it a try! There are two more books that are out in the series. The library I use does not have them, but I hope to get my hands them on it soon!

Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir)

Author: Jenny Lawson aka The Bloggess

Title:Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir)

Publication: March 5, 2013

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Genre: Memoir, Humor

Pages: 370

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 3 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): When Jenny Lawson was little, all she ever wanted was to fit in. That dream was cut short by her fantastically unbalanced father and morbidly eccentric childhood. It did, however, open up an opportunity for Lawson to find the humor in the strange shame-spiral that is her life, and we are all better for it.  

In the irreverent Let's Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson's long-suffering husband and sweet daughter help her uncover the surprising discovery that the most terribly human moments- the ones we want to pretend never happened- are the very same moments that make us the people we are today.  

For every intellectual misfit who thought they were the only ones to think the things that Lawson dares to say out loud, this is a poignant and hysterical look at the dark, disturbing, yet wonderful moments of our lives.

My thoughts:
 I came across The Bloggess's blog some time around March. It was around the time the paperback copy of her novel, Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) was first released and she had added an extra chapter to it. Before purchasing the novel I read most of her posts and caught up with her blog once a week during one of my classes. I loved her blog that I purchased her book with intentions of reading it for Spring Break. As funny as she is, she can be offensive. So, if you are easily offended, I do not recommend this book. If you do not like cursing, I also do not recommend this book. It is full of curse words and offensive stories. She even mentions that in the first chapter that she may offend you. I wasn't offended, but I felt like I expected more humor out of her stories, I guess. The stories on her blog are hilarious, but this was a more "this is how I became me" type of story, which is what a memoir actually is. It is not a bad story and I can relate to her. She has anxiety disorder plus other medical issues that I find very brave of her to come out and say she has. Also, I love her stories about her hometown. Being from a small, rural area myself, there are so many weird things that happen that just seem normal because you are not from a more developed, urban area. I guess I could see the same things happening in my home town and what not that I was a little bit let down. However, her blog keeps me entertained and this book hinted at another novel in the future. I will definitely pick it up.

 

Chi's Sweet Home Volume 3

Author: Konami Kanata

Illustrator: Konami Kanata
Title: Chi's Sweet Home Volume 1

Publication: October 19, 2010

Publisher: Vertical

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 144

Audience: 10 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Kitten rearing is something, but raising a street-smart feline in a building with a strict no-pets policy is another story altogether. When mentoring a curious kitty, tactful tabbies must teach with patience and a firm paw. Remember, cats are a special breed. While we can survive well enough on instinct, those same feline responses can lead to unwanted attention. This long-whiskered one recommends spending lots of time with your little fur balls, for the will intuitively look for mischief unless thoroughly entertained.

My thoughts:

So the graphic novels don't change much from volume to volume, but the storyline does develop, even if it is a bit slow. In this volume, Chi's new bff Blackie is showing Chi how to be street-smart and not get caught. The Yamadas are freaking out over the fact they may get caught with Chi and what should they do with her. They suggest giving her away, but Yohei is too attached at this point. There is plenty of humor in this one too, but it feels a bit more serious. Chi could be given a new home. This book focuses on losing and having to give up people and things you like and love. So the books have matured some, but there is still plenty of humor to make help balance the sadness.

Chi's Sweet Home Volume 4

Author: Konami Kanata

Illustrator: Konami Kanata
Title: Chi's Sweet Home Volume4

Publication: December 21, 2010

Publisher: Vertical

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 146

Audience: 10 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Welcome to the neighborhood, Chi and family! Now in her new residence, Chi will be introduced to many friends of the furry and feathery kind. With so many fresh smells to investigate, endless adventures await. So settle in, because here pets will never be chased...unless they are chasing each other.

My thoughts:

 Finally! A place for the Yamadas and Chi. Where they can live in peace and not worry about the building management finding out about Chi. Poor Chi has no idea what is going on and the move is hard on her. If you have ever moved an animal it is tough. I have moved my cat twice. She handled the second move better than the first, but it was traumatic for her both times. Once Chi realizes she is in a new home, she starts rubbing against everything- making it her's. In this new pet-friendly apartment Chi makes meets new animals and tries to make new friends, even if she isn't too fond of the dog next door. My favorite stories in this volume were the hide and seek story and when Mr. Yamada tries clipping Chi's claws. Again, humor abounds in the stories and the artwork is precious.

Chi's Sweet Home Volume 2

Author: Konami Kanata

Illustrator: Konami Kanata
Title: Chi's Sweet Home Volume2

Publication: August 24, 2010

Publisher: Vertical

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 154

Audience: 10 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): It has come to our attention that a cat has been causing quite a stir around the apartment building recently. Property has been damaged, meals stolen and young lives were pt in danger because of this feline. To prevent this kitty villain from committing more capers n our homes, building management is requesting information on the whereabouts and actions of the furry fugitive. So if you happen to see a cat or cats n the immediate vicintiy terroring your plants or children, alert the building manager and beware, as these cats are armed and presumed hungry.

My thoughts:

 This graphic novels picks up where volume 1 left off. Chi is really warming up to the Yamadas and they sneak her food like tuna every now and then. The drama for this graphic novel is that Yohei and Chi meet up with the black bear cat. It appears harmless, but this cat is huge and Chi is unsure how to handle the cat coming into her territory. This graphic novel just continues the story line and helps develop the relationship between Chi and the Yamadas. This graphic novel is also hilarious.My favorite story from this one is when they take Chi back to the vet. I can sit down and finish one of these books while dinner is in the oven. The books are short, funny, easy to read, and are great for all ages.

Chi's Sweet Home Volume 1

Author: Konami Kanata

Illustrator: Konami Kanata
Title: Chi's Sweet Home Volume 1

Publication: June 29, 2010

Publisher: Vertical

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 168

Audience: 10 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Chi is a mischievous newborn American shorthair who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, found herself lost. When we found Chi it was clear to us she was completely distraught as she longed for the warmth and protection of her mother. Feeling sympathy for the little fur ball, we quietly whisked her away inviting her into our small apartment home...where pets are strictly not permitted. While we dread parting with her, there is no way she can stay.

My thoughts:

 I picked up the entire series when I went to AWA (Anime Weekend in Atlanta). I was walking around in the vendor's room and this series of graphic novels just happened to catch my eye. I'm a self proclaimed cat lady (with just a tad bit of crazy) and I believe it has come through in my readings as well, I apologize. Back to reviewing this graphic novel. It is so precious and cute. If you have animals and especially cats you will love this book. The entire time I was reading it I could not stop giggling. It is so funny. Animals are funny and Kanata really focuses that out. I kept thinking, "Oh my cat has done this." or "I bet my cat has thought of that."It is a little sad because Chi becomes separated from her family and desperately wants to find them. The Yamadas find Chi and take her in. Chi and Yohei are my favorite characters. You can never go wrong with a cat and young child and the shenanigans they get themselves into. The story of how Chi got her name had me rolling. It was so cute. The artwork is just adorable. Just look at the cover! You can't help but to say "Aww."  If you love animals and want something adorable and rated G this is the graphic novel to go with.

Customers Suck Volume 1

Author: the people of the customerssuck.com forum

Translator: Rapscallion

Illustrator: Jennie Breeden

Title: Customers Suck Volume 1

Publication: December 20, 2011

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Genre: Comic book, Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Audience: 15  and up

Rating: 2 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

Customers Suck Volume 1 is a compilation of stories from the website forum, http://www.customerssuck.com. The stories have been adapted and then drawn into short comics. There are 144 pages of funny stories that happen at various retail stores and other places like the library. The comics are perfect for anyone who has ever worked in a customer services or retail oriented job.

My thoughts:
I bought this book at AWA (Anime Weekend in Atlanta) from the artist. It was on her table and thought it would be better to buy it than the first volume of her multi-volume, The Devil's Panties graphic novel. I have worked in retail/ customer service for a long time. I worked at a grocery store, Walmart, and currently I work at a library. So I get my fair share of the dull crayons. I thought I would be able to relate to most of the comics, and I was correct on that assumption. However, the comic strips were not as funny as I thought. I think I could write a funnier book on the things that have happened to me over the years. Most of the comics were just entertaining in the fact that there are people who exist and are that stupid.The art isn't bad either. It is in black and white. If you pay attention it is the little details on the name tags and desks that make you giggle. It wasn't a horrible book, and it didn't make me laugh out loud much. I did enjoy reading it though and plan on sharing some of the comics with others. If I had a chance to go back and buy another book off her table, I think I would have picked out something different.

Wicked Business (Audiobook)

Author: Janet Evanovich

Title: Wicked Business: A Lizzy and Diesel Novel

Publication:June 19, 2012

Publisher: Bantam

Genre: Adult, Adventure, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy

Pages: 320
Length: 6 hours

Audience: 16 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis:
Lizzy and Diesel are  back! This time a Harvard English professor, Gilbert Reedy is found dead. His mysterious death reveals that Reedy was searching for one of the SILGIA stones, the Luxuria Stone, the stone for lust. The quest is not without difficulty as Diesel's sketchy cousin, Gerwulf Grimoire, and his evil minion Hatchet also has their eyes set on the Luxuria stone. That is not all! Now there is a new person going after the Luxuria stone, someone who goes by the name, Anarchy. The race for the Luxuria stone, but who will get to it first?

My thoughts:

Like, I mentioned before. Ms. Evanovich sticks to her traditional plot line. Cute, smart, sassy main lady, likes sexy forbidden guy, is nice to the "bad" guy who isn't always bad, stands up to  the crazy minion guy, is best friends with a ditzy lady, and  there is a a monkey in the mix. I listened to this book as well. I want to correct something I had said in my review of the first audiobook. Loreli King does not give the character's a southern accent. I'm not sure why I thought she did. However, she has a wonderful voice and does the voices for everyone perfectly. I wish I could hire her to read bedtime stories to me. I'm kidding, but her voice is nice. I was a bit disappointed in this book. I thought Wicked Business would focus on the greed stone, but it was the lust stone. I also thought the book would follow the format of Wicked Appetite. I felt Lizzy and Diesel did more interviews in the first one and in this one they visited more landmarks. I'm not sure why that disappointed me, but it kind of did. The story was by no means boring, there were ton of hilarious shenanigans that ALL the characters got into. I recommend this if you would like to try to new, adult, romantic-comedy series. I also recommend this book if you are going on a trip or commute it is a cute book to listen to.

The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot

Author: Meg Cabot

Title: The Boy Next Door
Publication: October 8th 2002
Publisher: Avon Books
Source: Purchased
Genre: Adult Fiction
Rating: 5 out 5

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Synopsis: To: You (you)

From: Human Resources (human.resources@thenyjournal.com)
Subject: This Book

Dear Reader,

This is an automated message from the Human Resources Division of the New York Journal, New York City’s leading photo-newspaper. Please be aware that according to our records you have not yet read this book. What exactly are you waiting for? This book has it all:

• Humor
• Romance
• Cooking tips
• Great Danes
• Heroine in peril
• Dolphin-shaped driftwood sculptures

If you wish to read about any of the above, please do not hesitate to head to the checkout counter, where you will be paired with a sales associate who will work to help you buy this book.

We here at the New York Journal are a team. We win as a team, and lose as one as well. Don’t you want to be on the winning team?

Sincerely,
Human Resources Division
New York Journal

Please note that failure to read this book may result in suspension or dismissal from this store.

*********This e-mail is confidential and should not be used by anyone who is not the original intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error please inform the sender and delete it from your mailbox or any other storage mechanism.*********

Thoughts: What the heck did you read in the summary? It's not your average paragraph. That's because The Boy Next Door is all written in emails. That's an example of an email that is given to a character. The format is also email based. On top there's a "to", "from", "subject", and body so it looks like a legit email. In order to know who's talking you have to look at the "from" line. It's hard to get used to at first, but once you get the hang of it the book is really fun to read!

This book starts off with Mel who is a reporter for the New York Journal. She has a lovely older lady next door to her apartment, but one day her grandson -- Max -- came to visit and she "fell down" into a comma. Max, to put it bluntly, is an ass hole. He's self centered and a player who photographs naked women as a job. He freaks out and calls his friend John and asks him to take his place. John agrees and takes the identity of Max. Shortly after he moved in meets Mel and finds her very attractive, funny, witty, and all around a good person. John works for the New York Chronicle which is the rival journalist company to Mels. The challenge is to keep his identity is safe, but it gets harder when his family gets involved. All of this is sent via emails. They talk about their day and what they think about people to their friends and family so that's how you understand the plot.

This book made me laugh multiple times; Megs humor never fails to amuse me. Mel is a smart woman who doesn't care for romance in her life but get's it anyway. Same with John, he doesn't think about love until he meets Mel. All of the secondary characters (like Max, Mels best friend, all of her co-workers) play a huge part in the plot. It's not just John and Mel creating emails to each other, sometimes the secondary characters have an email chain of their own. The Boy Next Door is very clever, and I provided two examples email below... sorry it gets cut off. You can fill in the blanks pretty easily. This is an example of her humor, It's a conversation between John and his brother Jason. On the side of the first example you can see a snippet of Max and Johns conversation. It gets complex sometimes, but again you'll get used to it.

Wicked Appetite (Audiobook)

Author: Janet Evanovich

Title:Wicked Appetite

Publication: September 14, 2010

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy

Pages: 320

Audience: 16 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis :
Lizzy Tucker has the normal life. She recently inherited her crazy aunt's house in Salem, Massachusetts, and she is a baker with a specialty for cupcakes. Everything is fine until Diesel shows up, who is sexy and not fully human. Diesel is not the only one who pops (literally) into Lizzy 's life, but so does Diesel's evil cousin, Gerewulf Grimorie. Diesel and Lizzy team up to try to beat Gerewulf in finding the gluttony SALIGIA stones, a collection of relics that represent the Seven Deadly Sins.

My thoughts:
If you have ever read a Janet Evanovich book, then you probably already know the basic plot line. You have the main character who is a spunky lady, you have the oddball character who brings in the laughs, the handsome guy who the lead wants to sleep with, the bad guy who must be caught, and there may be a monkey thrown into the mix. I spent most of my teens reading Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, and I enjoyed the stories. I found Wicked Appetite one day at the Public Library. I was hesitant about Wicked Appetite, but decided to give it a try.Lorelei King is the lady who reads the books and she is amazing. Her southern accent for Lizzy is not overwhelming to make her sound like a hick, but it is soft and sounds like a southern lady. I like to pretend that is how my accent sounds. The book is not Evanovich's usual topic. This book goes into the fantasy, supernatural, bizarre topics. I think she does a good job with it. It isn't so much that it overwhelms the reader. I've had some books that just poured on the supernatural and it was a bit hard to keep up with everything. This book was a simple quick read. I listened to it on a trip home 6 hours round trip, and it kept me laughing and guessing the entire time.

Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

Author: Meg Cabot

Title: Size 12 and Ready to Rock

Publication: July 10th 2012
Source: Library

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Genre: Adult Fiction
Rating: 5 out 5

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Synopsis: Just because the students at New York College have flown the coop doesn't mean assistant residence hall director Heather Wells can relax. Fischer Hall is busier than ever, filled with squealing thirteen- and fourteen-year-old girls attending the first ever Tania Trace Teen Rock Camp, hosted by pop sensation Tania Trace herself—who just happens to be newly married to Heather's ex-boyfriend, heartthrob Jordan Cartwright. But the real headache begins when the producer of a reality TV show starring Tania winds up dead ... and it's clear that the star was the intended victim.

Grant Cartwright, head of Cartwright Records, wants to keep his daughter-in-law (and his highest-earning performer) alive. So he hires his oldest son, black sheep of the family and private investigator Cooper Cartwright—who just happens to be Heather's new fiancé. Heather should leave the detecting to Cooper. But with a dorm full of hysterical mini-divas-in-training, she can't help but get involved. And after Tania shares a really shocking secret with her, this reality suddenly becomes more dangerously real than anyone ever anticipated.

Thoughts: This is the fourth installment of the Heather Wells series. Heather is a former teen sensation and toured with her then boyfriend, Jordan. He was the hottest celebrity around the block, and decided to pick up Tania – a growing pop idol – along the way. She found Jordan in bed with Tania, and broke up with him on the spot. After, the label dropped her. Over 10 years later, Heather gained weight (to a size 12, if you didn’t get it by the title) and works at the “death dorm” in a New York City college. Don’t say dorm around her, she’ll correct you with “resident housing”. It’s called death dorm because of how many deaths there are… all of them include Heather finding out why it happened and who the culprit is. She starts living with Jordans older brother Cooper, and they fall in love. In this book she’s engaged to him but they want it a secret.

Tania – the girl who Jordan cheated on – is hosting a camp for teens that want to become stars. It’s sort of like the Disney Channel movie “Camp Rock” where everyone is talented and getting ready for the final battle. In this book the winner gets to sign on with Cartwright Records. Problem: Someone wants to kill Tania. Heather and Cooper take it upon themselves to figure out why she’s in danger, and keep the public out of it.

This book has tons of humor in it. Heather is known for being a teen idol, and when people recognize her they say “Ah! It’s Heather Wells! *pause* Uh… what happened to you?” (regarding her weight) It hurts her, but her new fiancé always tells her how beautiful she is which is so adorable! Unlike other books, both Cooper and Heather don’t fight or disagree with each other. The only drama is trying to figure out who the killer is. That’s a definite relief... books usually have more dilemma between characters to keep you on your toes. This one has enough to keep you intrigued. It’s a light read, so you wont have to trudge through it. As a Meg fan, I recommend this book.

The Mediator series by Meg Cabot

Author: Meg Cabot

Title: The Mediator
Publication: December 28th, 2004
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 5 out 5

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Synopsis: Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

Thoughts:  I love you Meg. Will you marry me?

Nah, just kidding (mostly). Everything she writes, I love. All of her adult and young adult books are addicting. I haven't read her kid/tween selections yet, but I'll get there sooner or later. For now, let's start on her series The Mediator. The main character Suze is a kick ass character that can see ghosts that need help passing over to the afterlife. She's strong willed, quick on her feet, street smart, real, and good with weapons. Not like swords or hammers will do anything to a ghost, but they'll for sure slow one down. On her first day in her moms new house, she finds a hot ghost named Jesse and tries to get him to leave. His argument? I was here first. Pretty legit reason, so Suze copes with a really attractive spanish speaking ghost that not only wont leave her alone, but protects her when other spirits try to harm her... which is so adorable. They become a really good team, and feelings start to grow.

Her mother remarried when her father died (a father she still sees from time to time *wink wink*) and now she's stuck with three brothers. Suze names them after Snow Whites dwarfs because their personality matches. There's Sleepy (the oldest and I believe to be written like he does marijuana), Dopey (same age as her and attractive but not too bright), and Doc (because he's really smart). Doc sometimes helps Suze on her adventures, and he figures out about Jesse pretty quickly. There's lots of humor in it as well, so you'll find yourself laughing in some of the situations she puts herself in.

The series is action packed and written very well. The character development progression is great, I didn't think there were any slow parts in any of the books, her friends are likable, and the cutesy romance doesn't disappoint. You'll get addicted fast, and you're welcome for recommending such a great book. *pats self on back*

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

Author: Sophie Kinsella

Title: Can You Keep a Secret?
Publication: December 27th, 2005
Publisher: Dell
Genre: Adult Fiction
Rating: 5 out 5

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Synopsis: Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: Secrets from her boyfriend: I’ve always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her...

Thoughts:  Emma is having a midlife crisis. She doesn’t love her “perfect” boyfriend, her job is at a standstill, and let’s not forget the spiteful sister making life miserable. She bottles up her feelings until a fateful incident on a turbulent plane ride. She spills all of her darkest secrets to a stranger, then finds out the next day that the man is her companies CEO Jack Harper.

All of the characters in the book are well developed. Everyone has secrets – Emma more than most – and watching her get caught sparks the life she’s been wanting (and at the same time not wanting). Through out the book you see her evolving into a better, mature person. It’s humorous with a tad bit of drama. Definitely a chick lit feel-good read. You really feel for Emma, which means the character is relatable. One of the biggest reasons people like books is to feel an emotion for the characters situation. You certainly have these feelings in this book. Jack is also someone you want to get your hands on. He’s so gorgeous, funny, smart, and successful. Mmmmmm.

Sophie Kinsella is the author of the famous series Shopoholic, which I had no desire to read (shopping isn’t my thing). After reading this book I’m having second thoughts. I would love to follow this author closer, and give this book five stars.