Books 19 & 20: Take Me On and We Were Liars

Book 19: Take Me On
Author: Katie McGarry

Katie McGarry has an uncanny way of taking me back to high school and first loves. The boys are always a little bit bad, and the "love" is fast and all-consuming.

TAKE ME ON was no exception, though I admit, my interest in this book was heightened by the topic. As a former kick boxer, I related to the characters and their world.

Championship kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night — but then a guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is is everything she promised herself she'd stay away from. 

That's a pretty succinct summary of this book. It's packed with teenage angst, steamy romance, believable characters (and a believable love story), all wrapped up in trademark McGarry style — you know, the kind that induces serious writer envy.

Katie McGarry has definitely got it going on.

Book 20: We Were Liars
Author: E. lockhart

So much hype around this book.

So much.

I admit, I caved to the peer pressure.

With so much hype, and an enviable front cover blurb from John Green, I expected great things from We Were Liars.

I wasn't disappointed — though, I guessed the twist ending about half-way through the book (without reading the inevitable spoilers on the website).

E. Lockhart has a unique, totally mesmerizing writing style, and while I wanted to throw the book against the wall when I finished reading it (for various reasons I can't say without spoilers), I also wanted to hand it to ALL OF MY FRIENDS so I could have someone to talk with about it.

If you've read it, send me an email and let's talk! It's a tough one to shake, long after you've turned the last page.

- Dawn