Book Review: Strictly Friends? (Jo Cotterill)

Megan can't believe she's had to move 200 miles away from her home. What about her school and her friends? Not to mention her dancing and her dancing partner, Jake, who has been her best friend since for ever. In an attempt to make herself feel better Megan joins a salsa class and things start to look up. She meets new friends, and even a new exciting boy. But will she listen to the warnings about him?

Strictly Friends is an enjoyable read. I laughed an giggled all the way through. This book is adorable. I think the idea of mixing dancing and romance together is a good one and that it really turned out well for this book. Dancing is an expression of love and this book was a really romantic book.

Some the Characters are so cute, I love the way some of them acted. I would describe Megan as a nice girl, who obviously loves dancing, she loves to try out fun new things. I would love to do the same, but I know I wouldn't be able to. Also, one of the important characters in the book do not appear much in the book unlike the other characters, but that person will really have an effect on the book. I love Megan's friend Mari (which you might be familiar if you have read the previous book Star Crossed) who is a really good friend to Megan. She gave good advises to her and she is very funny in beginning. There are so many characters you would meet and like or hate.

I liked the plot of the book, it's simple but really good. You would understand Megan's life in her point of view. Strictly Friends? would be a recommended read for those who wants to read a teenage romance. This book will make you laugh and think about how she feels. So, go and read it!

Four Stars!

* Thank you to Random House for my review copy!

Jo Cotterill's Valentine Story - You Decide!

Hanna and I loved Jo Cotterill's Sweet Hearts series and I'm sure a lot of you readers do or will do too, so here's something exciting you can help create!

The lovely Jo Cotterill (author of the Sweet Hearts series) is writing an interactive Valentine’s story through her blog and Sweet Hearts Facebook page. Readers can help to shape the story, through different questions each day this week, and the full story will be published on Valentine’s Day.

BUT – people have been a little shy so far today in coming forward with suggestions! We’d love for you to spare a moment or two to add a quick comment…

Yesterday’s question was ‘What’s the name of the heroine?’ – And Jo chose Camilia. So, today’s question is…. ‘What does Camilia love to do best?’

Answers can be posted on Jo’s blog:
http://www.ilovesweethearts.co.uk/blogJo/?p=466

or on her Sweet Hearts Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Hearts-by-Jo-Cotterill/104882149555819

As avid readers, isn't it wonderful to be a part of the creation process of a story? So don't you be shy and go on help shape the story!

Book Review: Star Crossed (Jo Cotterill)

'You did WHAT?' screamed Mari. 'You turned down the cutest boy ever? Are you crazy?' 

Fliss isn't exactly outgoing. But on stage she really comes alive. And this summer, she's playing Juliet opposite her dream Romeo - Tom Mayerling. If only she could tell him how she feels! But unless Fliss finds some inner confidence, she's going to miss her chance with Tom. Because someone else has her eyes on Fliss' role - and her leading man...

I had to wrestle with my sister to have the privilege of reading this book first. It didn't matter if she was closer in age to the reading audience, or, like Fliss, she is more likely to act in a play - I has a feeling I'd love this book just as much and I was not wrong! We shared oohs and aahs and agitation over Star Crossed and we both enjoyed this treat.

Fliss is such a lovely character, because in every one of us there's an inner Fliss. Shy and demure, she finds acting her passion and escape. Her mother disapproves of the one thing she feel she's good at. She hates confrontations and would more likely follow than lead. But once she's on stage, her confidence strengthens and her inner strength is revealed. I related well with her thoughts and concerns, despite my age being past the teens years. Which is why I think her character relates to many across age groups, mostly teens, or at the very least reminds you of what it was like to be in pursuit of one's passion. Fliss grows and learns to overcome her insecurities in Star Crossed. It should be very helpful to younger teens as it's not only narrated conversationally, but also in a way that's easy to digest. By that I don't mean it being fickle, but more towards it being easy to follow, hence easily relatable to teenage dilemmas.

Star Crossed also features a great villain, and a handsome prince charming. Samantha plays the perfect villain, who reminds me of fairy tale villains with roots in reality. Tom, the object of Fliss' affection, is also similarly rooted in the middle ground. I think therefore, Star Crossed is a great book for teens who still loves fairy tales but are slowly moving towards more teenage titles. Samantha, villainous as she is, has more to her than just the physical. Her insecurities play a huge role in what she does and why. Of course, despite my dislike of her, when I discovered that (of course) she's not so evil after all, I wanted to read more about her. Hopefully the next book!

How classic is it that your crush plays Romeo when you play Juliet? I'd have loved to change the ending if it were me! So of course my inner fan girl squealed and rejoiced in the romance in Star Crossed - very cute! Reminds me of all the ups and downs, the speculations and stolen stares, the sighs and tears you undergo when nursing that lovely first love.

Star Crossed is an entertaining read and a lovely book all around!

Four Stars.