The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Alona, dealing with her usual issues at home, didn't realize she had stepped out into the street until it was too late. Now a ghost, she is left with a lot of unanswered questions--and there is nothing Alona can't get when she sets her mind to it.

Will would like nothing more than to be left alone. He can see and hear ghosts, but tries to hide that as much as he can. But when he sees queen Alona fading and sobbing, he can't help but laugh. And then his secret's out.

Alona refuses to leave Will alone until he answers her questions. And Will can't seem to get the rest of the ghosts at school to leave him alone. Especially the one trying to kill him.



So, I did like the story. It wasn't completely light-hearted, there are serious issues. But for the most part, this was chick lit with paranormal thrown in for fun. Many humorous moments. My only issue was the title--cutesy--but the character even says he's not goth. Otherwise, a good choice for someone looking for lighthearted paranormal romance/chick lit!

Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

To Jenna, environmentalism is everything. She spends her time organizing protests and writing senators. Her best friend, Olivia, or Livvy, is just as passionate.

After her parents throw a wrench into her summer plans, she heads off for Canada instead of Florida, to spend some time with her godmother.

Canada isn't quite what she expected. The town is tiny, the house her godmother lives in is being renovated, the stepdaughter is horrid, and Jenna's vegetarianism and conservation attitude doesn't fit with the locals. And just maybe, it doesn't really fit with Jenna.

The story is solid, a good chick-lit romance. A few inconsistencies that are distracting, but the story keeps you hooked. A light-hearted and fun read.

A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

Fiona can't wait for the beginning of her senior year--until the day arrives. The principal announces all seniors will participate in a class to prepare them for marriage--without which, they can't graduate.

It wouldn't have been so bad if Fiona hadn't been paired with jock and jerk Todd. And if his girlfriend, Fiona's archenemy, wasn't paired with Fiona's crush. Todd and Fiona can't stand each other and strive to embarrass the other as much as possible. Fiona's mother is on a crusade to get the marriage-preparedness class revoked from school curriculum. Fiona's best friend Marcie is keeping a big secret from her. And it appears that Marcie's "husband" may just have a crush on Fiona.

How long can one semester last?

Although predictable, there is a lot of humor in this chicklit romance. Many of the pranks Fiona and Todd play on each other are hillarious. Fiona is a humorous narrator, although a little selfish, naive, and self-absorbed. She doesn't notice many things going on around her until they're smacking her in the face. Despite that, it was entertaining and fun to read.

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Shelby has a love/hate relationship with the moon. She gets into the best kinds of trouble--boys--at night. She has the best intentions, but that doesn't seem to matter.

So she gets shipped off to therapy camp for the summer. The camp is suppose to "help" her, but also gets her out of her stepmom's hair. So, Shelby heads off to Camp Crescent, instead of the boot camp her stepmom suggests.

At Camp Crescent, Shelby really tries to be good. But she meets Austin. And Austin needs help, before the full moon. Shelby has to weigh being good, and helping a friend that really needs it.

A good romance. Not too heavy, but a good werewolf story too. Definitely a story about Shelby, and how you should accept the consequences, even if your intentions are good. The adults in the story weren't believable at times, but that's easily overlooked.

Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

Marisa is a sophomore and determined to turn her social status around. She suffers from anxiety disorder, and spent the last quarter of school the year before at home, unable to deal with school or people.

This year seems to be off to a good start. Derek, the boy she likes, seems to like her. Nash, her friend from 4th grade, is interested in being friends again. And Dirk--well, she doesn't know who Dirk is. He runs a radio show for their high school, but no one knows who he really is.

Marisa's life takes a bad turn and knowing who she can depend on is almost a matter of life and death.

Well written, Marissa seems authentic and real.

Take Me There by Susane Colasanti

Rhiannon has just been dumped by her boyfriend Steve for no reason. She's heart-broken and desperate to get him back. She can't believe things ended the way they did.

Nicole broke up with her boyfriend Danny when her feelings were getting a little out of her control. She also has a massive crush on her math teacher. And some other issues that she may find hard to overcome.

James is feeling pressure from all sides. His feelings for Rhiannon have gone past friendship but he doesn't know how to tell her that. Everything he tries ends up wrong.

See how things manage to get completely out of control and then back together in just one week.

Another good romance from Colasanti. This one is also told in alternative voice, from the viewpoints of Rhiannon, Nicole, and James. Each of their stories is told 3 days at a time.

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

Told from the viewpoints of Sara and Tobey, this is a story of finding the one you want to be with.

Sara has felt invisible around school and with guys. Then Dave, one of the most popular guys in school, asks her out. She can't believe that it's happening. Soon she's spending a lot of time with Dave and his friends. But she's not sure that Dave is what she wants as their relationship continues.

Tobey has been interested in Sara for a while, just too shy to say anything to her about it. When she starts dating Dave, he feels his chances have all been taken away. With the encouragement of his band mates and her friends, he decides to show her who she is really meant to be with.

A very well-told romance from two points of view. Light-hearted chick-lit.