Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Jessica can't believe her life has been turned upside down. Lucius has appeared, claiming not only that he's a vampire, but she's one too, and a princess as well. According to him, the two are suppose to wed, to avoid a full-on vampire war.

Jessica isn't willing to accept any of it. She's happy with her normal life--best friend, math, and of course, the cute neighbor. Lucius doesn't know how to deal with the average American teenager, and wonders if perhaps she isn't worth all of the work he's had to put into convincing her he's telling the truth. By the time her feelings go 180, so do his.

And then there's that pesky war that might or might not happen...

Told primarily from Jessica's point of view, this is a pretty typical vampire romance. What makes it stand out is Jessica's sarcastic and strong personality, along with Lucius' adaptation to American culture. Slowly. I enjoyed it!

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.

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Lyn is a typical teenager--in all but one area. Her family is part of the GSA (Gladiator Sports Association) and all that comes with it. Her mother has married seven times, and Tommy is Lyn's favorite stepfather. She and her younger brother Thad are pretty use to the life. Violence is a normal part of their routine.

When Tommy is defeated and killed in the ring and Lyn and her family's lives are thrown into disarray. Her stepfather's killer picks up her betrothal bracelet, and by GSA law, she must now marry him. Lyn, however, wants nothing to do with the GSA, especially as they threaten to take everything from her and her family.

Frantically, Lyn decides she must do the only thing she can to gain her freedom--step into the ring.

The story does lag at times, especially when Lyn is remembering things about her past or trying to figure out what to do next. These parts don't take away from the story at all--it's a breather between fight scenes and ensuing drama.

Anahita's Woven Riddle by Meghan Sayres

Anahita is a nomad living in Iran, and is approaching the age where she must marry. But she doesn't want her life to change. In a society where her family's livelihood is at stake, she requests she be allowed to choose her husband. The local khan, who controls the landowners and local city where Anahita's tribe depend for water and goods want her hand and punishes her tribe when her father consents to a riddle contest.

What riddle does she weave? And who will be the man to solve it?

A different viewpoint of a society completely unlike our own. Anahita's struggle for independence in a country where women are to be quiet, covered, and above all, obedient. A little unrealistic, considering her family is mistreated because of her decision to choose her husband instead of him being chosen for her. However, the story is fantastic.