L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

L.A. Candy
Los Angeles is all about the sweet life: hot clubs, cute guys, designer . . . everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun. When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please! Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara-free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres-and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight. In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be. L.A. Candy is a deliciously entertaining novel about what it's like to come of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show, written by a girl who has experienced it all firsthand: Lauren Conrad.

At First Sight:
I love Lauren and really admire her. So it was about time that I picked this book up and see how it was. I mean, I went into it knowing it's not this masterpiece of literature but I thought that at least it'd be interesting enough and entertaining. Also, I admit, I wanted a bit of insight into Lauren's 'real' life.

My Thoughts:
I knew from the very beginning that it wasn't exceptionally well written. But within the first few chapters, I was able to ignore that and immerse myself in the story per say. It was fun and funny, sometimes even witty. Jane is the girl next door who anyone can relate to. By 1/3 of the book I thought, "Hm, this might be good after all."

Unfortunately, I was dissappointed. The story line didn't go anywhere very interesting and all the characters are one-dimensional and flat. I always like when I can't completely describe characters but in the case of most books with flat characters, you use one word to describe a character and voila! You've told their whole life story.

I'm not sure yet if I'm picking up the next book. I mean, I can basically tell where it's going. But I always feel bad when I leave a series without completely reading it so I might...when I have the time.

In One Sentence:
"Flat and disappointing."

Plot: 3
Characters: 2
Writing: 2
Cover: 4
Overall Feeling: 3
Average: 2.8 stars

Runaway by Meg Cabot

Runaway

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope... what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Will Christopher be able to put aside his personal feelings and help her expose her employer to the world? Is it even fair to get Christopher involved—since if he agrees, there's every chance that Stark Enterprises will try to have them both killed—this time, permanently?

Maybe it would be better for Em to just keep on running.

At First Sight:
Like many other series of books that I've read, I usually take a while to actually finish them. But the Airhead Series is one that I've absolutely wanted closure for. It has been an amazing roller coaster ride and the fact it is that I really wasn't sure HOW Meg Cabot would end this series. So, for Christmas I asked my parents to get me this book. I read it in three days, suffice it to say.

My Thoughts:
Em Watts is one of those trademark Meg Cabot characters, she's funny, geeky, and a bit stubborn. The fact that I relate to all of Cabot's characters is plain and simple, they're just ordinary teens with really extraordinary circumstances.

The whole series has been fantastic. From the swoon-worthy Christopher to the ever-so-adorable Lulu. In this installment, you see a whole new side of both characters and the returning cast of memorable Airhead supporting characters.

The stakes are higher, that's not to be questioned, but the way that Em Watts manages it all is admirable. She can be a little headstrong and stubborn, but she stays true to who she is.

I won't spoil the ending. That was one of the things that I looked forward to the most. HOW will everything work out in such a weird situation? All I can say is--you won't expect it.

In one sentence:
"Cabot closes her series will a real New Year's BANG!"

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Envy by Anna Godbersen

Envy

In this sequel to Rumors, novelist Elizabeth Holland returns to the inner circle of New York's Gilded Age upper crust. Gramercy Park society watchers quickly notice that differences appear to be simmering between Elizabeth and her sister Diana. Meanwhile, troubles are also festering between celebrated newlyweds Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker. Apparently, the stately brass doors of Manhattan's 400 conceal more tumult than the general public suspects. Silk gowns and scandals.

At First Sight:
As usual, Envy has a beautiful cover that is very tied-in with the rest of the series. I read Rumors way back and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to catch up and, granted, I was a bit confused, but nevertheless, I was hooked.

My Thoughts:
The Luxe series hasn't always been super fast paced-action. Instead, what I like about this series is the flawless characterization and the details which it has. It makes it almost hard to imagine it was written in the present day! It's more like a book written in the 1890's that's had a cover make over.

The same things apply to Envy. It's not super fast but oh, boy, are there scandals! This book has as many surprises as the rest of the series. It is filled with minute details of these character's lives and I think it is this Godbersen's starring moment. She hits the nail in the head every time and although things go surprisingly out of control for these characters, we can't help but root for them and really hope for the best.

I don't want to spoil it for you (or the rest of the series) but I hope that when I say that it's as poignant and beautiful as ever, you'll be convinced enough to pick it up. The story flows naturally and even though we have 4+ very different lead characters, we clearly see and get to learn lots about them and their personality. Again, The Luxe series is hightly underrated. It hasn't had as much popularity as other mediocre bestsellers (*cough* Twilight *cough*) but I think this has helped Anna Godbersen to patiently create the world she has created. It's fantastic.

In one sentence:
"Beautiful enough to be considered a classic!"

Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 4.8