Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney

Finn (short for Finbar) and his family just moved to New York, and not a minute too soon for Finn. He's looking forward to going to a public school (where there are girls) and getting away from his superstar twin.

Finn has some incidents to get through first. He finds out he's allergic to the sun (after a horrible trip to the beach), he gets mistaken for a vampire on the subway, and he doesn't really know how to talk to girls in the first place. Until he realizes his allergy is the key--he can pretend to be a vampire. He does some research and practices being moody, stormy, and standoffish. But the girl he ends up falling for has no time for vampires...especially pretend ones.

I liked Finn and how the book flows. He tells his story as we jump from present to past, then back again. I don't doubt that the people who do pretend to be vampires (or are convinced they are...) would be a little offended by Finn's perception of what it means to be a vampire, but the story is suppose to be amusing, and it works. Otherwise I'd find it sad that people actually believe vampires exist.

I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer

Alley can't believe the craze vampires, werewolves, and zombies have stirred up. Ever since they've gone public, most teens try to be goth or just date one--everyone wants to be a vampire or werewolf. Not Alley though. She and her friends stand back and watch the mayhem without getting too involved.

Then she meets Doug, and to her, he's the perfect kind of guy. They like the same music and he isn't a poser--he's the real thing. She ignores the warning signs until all the popular girls tell her they're dying to meet him. Apparently, Doug is a zombie--something Alley didn't figure out on her own. Now she has to decide if she's going to die to be with him or break up. Before a vampire decides for her.

As a satire on the whole paranormal romance movement, it succeeds. However, by the way the author narrates through Alley, it's apparent he didn't date in high school. The characters are all stereotypical girls and guys--girls and guys are both attractive and pretty brain-dead. Alley's comments and observations are amusing. The book was very entertaining--hand off to anyone annoyed with the Twilight era.

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Sarah's had a crush on Ryan since at least the 8th grade, something she thought her best friend Brianna knew about. But Brianna starts dating him anyway, determined Ryan is the one for her. Small problem--Sarah still has a crush on him and Ryan appears to have a crush on her.

The Unwritten Rule--don't fall for, don't date, definitely don't kiss your best friend's boyfriend makes Sarah feel especially guilty. Brianna has a hard home life--her parents either ignore her or treat her like a complete failure, which means Brianna needs support from Sarah and Ryan. When Brianna makes out with another guy to get Ryan's attention and it doesn't work, Sarah may think she's found a way to calm her own conscience.

Sarah tells a good story. She is the friend that is "stealing" the boyfriend, but you don't hate her. Brianna gives her a lot of backhanded compliments and is angry and perplexed why Ryan would like Sarah more than her in the first place. Sarah and Brianna's friendship doesn't survive, but as the reader, I didn't really want it to anyway. I found Sarah to be a much more likable character. She shows remorse and Brianna never does.

Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wizner

Shakespeare has always gotten attention for his very unusual name. The attention he wants, though, he doesn't really get. He's a senior in high school and never kissed a girl, let alone anything else. It's what fills hist thoughts most days.

When Celeste, a girl from English, appears to take an interest in him, Shakespeare is thrilled. He imagines all sorts of ways he'll finally get laid, only to have none of them happen. He starts to notice Charlotte and finds he wants to know more about her.

This is written as Shakespeare's memoir. There is a lot of humor, especially in dealing with his family and you really have to wonder if he believes some of the things he says. Gives you a glimpse in the mind of a horny 17-year-old. Funny, smart, and definitely for an older crowd.

How It's Done by Christine Kole MacLean

Grace is 18 and ready to start out on her own, as soon as she finishes high school. Pushed by her conservative Christian parents, she tries to be good and stay on the straight and narrow. Then she meets Mark, a 26-year old college professor, and everything beings to change. Grace feels the need to follow her heart, but will it lead her off the path?

This is a strong story demonstrating the importance of thinking for oneself, to make clear decisions based on personal beliefs, and to stand strong against outside pressure. And yet, we all know that following your beliefs when they've never been tested is not easy. A great book about consequences, especially hard ones.

Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Sarah Vida comes from a long line of vampire hunters. Hunting a vampire by the name of Nikolas, who killed one of her relatives, she approaches a house party on her own--and survives. Barely.

In school the next week, she gets the shock of her life--Christopher and Nissa are both vampires and want to be her friends. Guilty at deceiving them, she confesses the truth, but has to face the consequences and her feelings. What she feels for Christopher forces her family to reject her and she's left wondering what will become of her.

Vampire hunting is popular--and Atwater-Rhodes pulls it off. Again the story is fast-paced and quick to read. Very enjoyable.

Getting to Third Date by Kelly McClymer

Katelyn has a secret everyone on campus is dying to find out. She is the mysterious Mother Hubbard--the advice columnist for the school newspaper. Her advice is no-nonsense, but angers many students for being too unforgiving.

So now Katelyn, a.k.a. Mother Hubbard, must break her own two-date rule, and give the men in her life another chance. Could she be wrong about their potential? Can she possibly find Mr. Right in a sea of Mr. Wrongs?

A cute romance about not giving up on people too soon. The characters are touching and amusing.