Heart on My Sleeve

Chloe Gillespie meets Julian Casper while visiting Cartwright University. It was infatuation at first sight. Chloe lives in MA and Julian is in FL. They keep in touch through e-mails and letters over the course of their senior year of high school. Chloe is already dating Eli, whom she considers her best friend, not boyfriend. Julian's friend, Tyler, wants Julian to forget about Chloe and go out with Nina, who happens to be friends with the girl Tyler likes, Inga.

Meanwhile Chloe gets relationship advice from her sister, who has a secret of her own that she hasn't told anyone, while Julian is trying to handle the conflict between his mom and sister while trying to come up tuition money so he can attend Cartwright in the fall.

I really enjoyed this book. It's written in e-mails, IMs and letters. It took me back to my senior year and how excited I was to go away to college, but at the same time sad about leaving my friends. (3.5/5)

Eclipse

Eclipse is the 3rd book in the Twilight series. Overall, I enjoyed this book, however I thought it was much slower than the previous two. Bella is weeks away from her high school graduation and is deciding about her immortality. Edward agrees that he will change her into a vampire, but there's a catch. Bella isn't thrilled when she learns what the condition is.

Jacob confesses his love for Bella and wants her to consider dating him instead of Edward. Jacob also informs Bella that she's in love with him too, which Bella quickly denies. Bella reminds him of her undying love for Edward and discloses her wish to become a vampire so she and Edward can be together forever.

While this love triangle is playing out, there are numerous killings in Seattle. The Cullens quickly realize it's a group of newborn vampires and find themselves teaming up with the werewolves to fight this new group. Combined with Victoria and the Volturi, this battle may be more dangerous than anyone thinks.

I'm still on the fence about Team Jacob or Team Edward, although I found myself leaning towards Jacob. Actually, I think Jacob is fortunate that he's not with Bella. I just don't like her. And, there's something "off" with her relationship with Edward (excluding the fact he is a vampire). They're too enmeshed. Anyway, having said that, I'm still looking forward to reading Breaking Dawn. Will Bella become a vampire? Will she give Edward what he wants? Will Jacob accept that Bella has chosen Edward? Stay tuned... (4/5)

New Moon

New Moon is the 2nd book in the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. I have to admit, I enjoyed this book more than Twilight. Although, I'm not sure why.

The story begins with Bella dreading her 18th birthday. The older she becomes, Edward will still be a "17 year old" boy. This troubles Bella and intensifies her desire to become a vampire. Much to her chagrin, she agrees to having a birthday celebration at Edward's house with his family. During the event, something happens and causes Edward to rethink their relationship.

Edward and his family leave Forks, sending Bella spiraling into depression. Her father becomes so worried about her, that he considers scheduling a psych eval for her. Bella slowly starts to re-emerge and attempts to move on without Edward. Which leads her to Jacob.

Bella finds herself leaning on Jacob to fill the void of Edward and Jacob's feelings for Bella continues to grow. Over the course of their relationship, we discover Jacob's secret (which isn't hard to figure out if you paid close attention to Jacob's story about the "cold ones" in Twilight). When Bella discovers the secret, she begins to understand the hatred Jacob has for Edward and the Cullens.

I won't say much more so I won't risk revealing too much of the plot. I will say that I enjoyed this book, so much so that I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. to finish it. I liked that Jacob was more prominent in this book. I thought Twilight was a good introduction to his character which led to more character development in New Moon.

I'm on the fence about Bella though. I'm just not sure if I like her. She's very manipulative and selfish. It's all about her relationship with Edward and she easily disregards other people in her life. Am I on Team Edward or Team Jacob? Well, the verdict is still out on that one. (4/5)

Twilight

I first discovered Stephenie Meyer while at Barnes and Noble. I had an appointment, which I arrived early for, and wanted to pass the time browsing in the store. As I was leaving, I noticed a huge display for The Host. It was soon to be released and the display also showcased her other books. Twilight was in the center of the table and the cover caught my eye. I didn't have time to pick it up as it was time for my appointment.

About a week later, I was in Border's and saw another display for The Host. I remembered Twilight and set off to find it. I was surprised to find it in the Young Adult section. And further surprised to find it was about vampires. I don't do vampires; I don't watch vampires movies and never read a vampire book. So, my interest quickly faded.

While doing an Amazon.com search, I stumbled across Twilight and became fascinated with the rave reviews. My curiosity took over and decided to add my name to the wait list at my local library. Needless to say the wait list was long and I soon forgot about it. Last week I went to the grand opening of new library and found brand new copies of Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. Without thinking, I quickly grabbed them off the shelves. I just finished reading Twilight, in less than 24 hours, and I have to say I'm glad my curiosity moved me out of my comfort zone. This book wasn't what I expected it to be at all.

Bella Swan moves to Forks, WA to live with her estranged father, Charlie. Her mother has remarried and plans to move to FL with her new husband. On Bella's first day at her new high school, she notices Edward sitting across the cafeteria with his siblings. Immediately, Bella is drawn to him and begins to ask questions about him. During her Biology class, the only seat available is next to Edward. He takes an immediate dislike toward Bella, which is so strong, it frightens her.

She struggles with the intensity of his reaction to her, while at the same time trying to understand her new emotions that she has when she thinks about Edward. As Bella finds out more interesting facts about Edward and his family, she learns about a myth. A myth that is so unbelievable, yet somehow explains the mystery of Edward.

Twilight is a love story. A love story about being with someone who is different than you, but yet you are willing to sacrifice yourself to be with your one true love. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. (4/5)

YA Romance Challenge

I signed up for another challenge. I couldn't help it. After reading Bloom, I wanted to read more YA Fiction. Becky is hosting the YA Romance Challenge. Here are the rules:

• Read six YA romance novels between July 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009.
  
• Romance should be a strong element within the story. But it doesn't have to be the only element. Realistic fiction (contemporary). Historical. Fantasy. Science Fiction. Retold Fairy Tales. All genres are allowed.
  
• They can be part of a series, or stand-alones.
  
• They can be long or short.
  
• Happy books are NOT a requirement
  
• Audio books are allowed.
  
• Up to three movies can be substituted for books. So you could watch 3 movies, read 3 books if you prefer.

1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
   
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