My Sweet Sixteenth Century by:Rachel Harris

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother-to-be and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze. 

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Cover:          4/5

Plot:             4/5

Characters: 3/5

Ending:        2/5

How would you feel if you stepped into a Gypsy tent to get your tea leaves read, and walk out to 16th century Italy?  The author handles most of the obvious pit falls of having no family, and not speaking Italian by having her immediately recognized by her aunt and uncle, and spontaneously understanding Italian.  Normally this would annoy me, but it was written in a way that made sense. It is also a true YA book.  There are few chaste kisses, and some cheesy pick up lines (which I am sure sound sexy as hell in Italian), but it is completely appropriate for young readers.  That being said, it was still sophisticated enough to hold my attention.

There were some 90's television show references that made me laugh.  When Cat first realizes she has been transported to 16th century Italy she thinks about the show Quantum Leap.  I have seen every episode, at least twice, so I started to imagine Sam and his handy calculator of destiny.  I, personally, love books written for teens that still appeal to adults.

The ending did bug me a little, don't worry I won't give it away.  There was a little bit of a cliffhanger, and the issue with the devastatingly handsome Lorenzo was only partially wrapped up.  It left room for a sequel, but I am not sure the author has plans for one.

Update: The author just informed me the sequel will be out in August and is titled "A Tale of Two Centuries"

The Summer He Came Home by: Juliana Stone

3.5 Stars
Sleeping with the Enemy meets Sweet Home Alabama.

Cain is a reformed bad boy who has come back to his small town Michigan roots for the funeral of a close friend. Fresh from a tour with his band, and a divorce from his hussy, starlet wife. He is all kinds of rock star hot and broken, in need of a good woman to heal his wounds.
Maggie is a cute, spunky, red-headed southern belle that cleans houses for the locals.  She has a cute 7 year old son, and is obviously running from some kind of past.
There are even a few slutty townies and Snobby rich folks thrown in for good measure.
I enjoyed this one as my first read of 2013.  It wasn't a thought provoking piece of literature, it was a light and fluffy read to get you through a lonely New Year's Eve.  The characters had me drawn in from the beginning, and I can't wait for more Crystal Lake Bad Boys. There is definitely a story behind all the main characters, and I can't wait find out.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful 

3.5 Stars
It was originally written as a Twi fan-fic titled "The Office".  I didn't read that version, so I can not comment on the differences.  
This book is the classic alpha male CEO, cute and snarky assistant story.  There were lots of sex in inappropriate place, and ripped expensive underwear. That being said, it was a really steamy read.  I would rate the sexual tension and witty banter at a solid 4 stars, but the other dialog and character development left a little to be desired.  

The good:

• The cover is what really drew me in.  I am a sucker for a good cover, I know it makes me superficial....but who cares.
• The tension between Chloe and Bennett was palpable.
• The sex scenes were melt your panties hot!

The not so good:

• The story line left a little to be desired, and the dialog between the characters was a little to predictable.
• I wanted it to be longer.

Wanted by: Kelly Elliot

3.5 Stars

The main character Ellie is from a house with a drunk, and verbally abusive mother.  Despite all of this turmoil she manages to turn into a smart, and mostly adjusted, young lady.  She has good friends, a crappy boyfriend, and an amazing brother.  This story takes us through her journey of graduating from High School, falling in love, and coming to terms with what her life is all about.
This was a great first book from Kelly Elliot.  The characters made me laugh and think back to my high school days.  I enjoyed the different POV's that were given, and how they gave you two views of the same event without being redundant.  I can't wait to see more from this author in the future.

The draw backs keeping it from a solid 4 stars

It was a tad long.  If the story had been broken up into two books, one for Arianna and Jefferson, and one for Ellie and Gunner it would have flowed better

There were a few editing hickups and the sentences where a little choppy at times.  It wasn't enough to be distracting, just needs a little work and polishing.

Update:  The book as been re-edited and updated to get rid of a lot of the errors. There is also a second book in the works.