Run by Daisy Whitney at daisywhitney.com

Note: I first ran this review in September and am re-running it because this book releases today.

You think vampires that want to kill you in high school are scary? Or maybe werewolves who could rip your throat out?

They’re cotton candy compared to the high school in Courtney Summers “Some Girls Are,” the January 2010 follow-up to her well-received debut “Cracked up to Be.”

No, there’s nothing like the high school hell she makes her characters endure in “Some Girls Are.”

Even standard high school misery, like clueless teachers, cliques and gym are kittens next to Hallowell High, where the Fearsome Fivesome roam the halls. This girl bully gang loves to hate — they devise cruel tricks and horribly mean pranks in a game of chess with other students as the pawns. Their targets have no recourse, nowhere to go. They become nothing when the quintet is through with them.

Regina Afton is part of this crew. Until she’s kicked out for something she didn’t do. Now, she can’t duck fast enough because they’re pulling out all the stops as the four remaining members seek to destroy her. She hides out in the storage room, in the washrooms, with the so-called “losers,” but even they don’t really want a mean girl hanging with them. Because, can a Grade-A Henchwoman really change her stripes?

That is exactly what Regina desperately wants to do in this story — put her past as a very bad girl behind her — only she has to battle the now Fearsome Foursome, their toady boyfriends who do their dirty work, and worst of all, her own self doubts about whether she can be brave enough. The one bright spot is a loner boy who comes to see the good that is still inside her.

“Some Girls Are” is about what it means to be good, what it means to be bad, what it means to change. It’s about how to stand up and how to forgive and, especially, what not to do. It’s about — like the “Kiterunner” — “how to be good again.”

If you’ve talked to me about books for more than two minutes, you’ve certainly heard me mention Courtney Summers and “Cracked up to Be.” It is one of my favorite books of all time and also inspired me to switch genres from women’s fiction to young adult. Naturally, I was nervous reading “Some Girls Are,” hoping it would stand up to its predecessor. I can’t believe I’m saying this but “Some Girls Are” is even better. I was gripped with fear, anticipation, and intense, white-knuckling nerves during the second half of this book, wondering how on earth Courtney would possibly pull of a satisfying ending after she’d tortured her characters.

I won’t spoil the ending, though. You will need to read to find out! The countdown begins to the book’s January release date!

Review by Diane at “The Book Resort:“

Let me start this review off by saying, I don’t give a hoot if Stephanie Meyer endorses this book or not. This is Aprilynne Pike’s creation and not Meyer’s! So let’s talk about Pike and her debut novel Wings.

Is the buzz fluttering around this bestselling novel authentic or hype? You need to read “Wings” yourself before you rush to make judgments based on the blurb by Meyer. Lovers of Meyer’s works will rush to “Wings” based on the mega author’s backing. However, haters will dig in their heels and deny themselves the opportunity to experience Pike’s young adult fiction. Pike’s inimitable insight into the universe of faeries is momentous. Pike unearths a provocative symmetry between fantasy and reality. “Wings” is an enchanting contemporary fairy tale with the precise mix of excitement, humor, romance, friendship and peril. “Wings” does start slow and there are some lengthy moments but Pike builds momentum as the story unfolds. Pike’s writing is velvety and flows serenely. I have not read anything as one-of-a-kind as “Wings.” I am extremely interested in finding out where Pike is leading Laurel on this fun journey.

Thanks Diane!

Review by Diane at “The Book Resort:“

Perfect Chemistry“ introduces us to the riveting world of Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes. The cover is reminiscent of West Side Story with Romeo abd Juliet whisked in. The plot may be a timeless one of star-crossed lovers, rich girl-poor guy, but that’s where the similarities end. Simone Elkeles is an accomplished storyteller and “Perfect Chemistry” is a compelling tale filled with passion, promise and hope. Skillfully narrated in alternating voices, the novel showcases Brittany ’s heartfelt conflict with achieving perfection and also the hideous underbelly of gang life as if the author went undercover to gain insider info! She did not glide over Alex’s life but excavated it à la Indiana Jones. An emotional read, “Perfect Chemistry” shows that genuine love knows no boundaries.