When Zoe was in middle, she proudly wore comic shirts and displayed her knowledge of all things geek with her best friend and neighbor, Zak, until she started being made fun of by seemingly everyone. Now in high school, she has reinvented herself to be the ultimate popular girl with new clothes and new friends...friends who don't know about her staff of X-Men books in her room. Zak still lives next door, but they hardly talk now since he is King Dork, even though Zoe can't stop thinking about him or trying to get his attention. When they finally do start talking again and Zoe grows more and more tired of her double identity, she will have to decide whether or not she can face the world, and her high school, knowing what she is really like.

I had high expectation for HOW TO DATE A NERD by Cassie Mae, because I'm an absolute sucker for all things geeky and rom-com-y. This book definitely has that, but what blew me away was the serious side to this story. It brings up issues about parents who are never home for dinner, or who are never home at all, bullying, etc. I was happily shocked at the emotional depth found in this that somehow parallels the funny, romantic, quirky, nerdy side to it as well. Zoe is completely hilarious, and her character is precious and strong. I rooted for her the entire time. Some of the romantic scenes with her and Zak are so full of swoons, I wanted a fan nearby. It's an absolutely wonderful novel that pulls you in from the first chapter and makes you stay up late to finish it.

Whether you're nerdy, popular, or some mixture of both, if you like contemporary romance YA stories full of humor, surprising depth, and all kinds of love, then this is a great one to pick. I can't wait to read the sequel.

"Quinn doesn't sleep much, not since the demons started haunting her nightmares. She tells herself it's all in her head, but when she starts hearing them when she's awake, she doesn't know what to do. As they slowly start to take off her life, she tries to fight against their power with the help of Aaron." Full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=41538

"Jenny Kramer has to wear gloves every day. If she doesn't, she sees visions of past lives, lives she doesn't understand. After an unlikely friendship with Ben and a strange encounter with Nikolai, Jenny thinks they all knew each other long ago in Romanov Russia. But messing with time comes with consequences, and no one knows if they are willing to pay that price." Full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=41542

Mary Waibel has made an incredible new fairy tale spin with Quest of the Hart. What I enjoyed most about this story is the character development of the main character, Princess Kaylee. At first, she is more of the typical fairy tale princess: safe, guarded, and seemingly destined for a happily ever after without much effort. But once an evil plot is discovered (by her prince's sister no less), Kaylee really has to really take a big turn. She has to go from a very sheltered life to a life where she has to fight with everything she has if she even wants to live. Waibel does a remarkable job of showing her progression and developing depth. Sometimes in the story, you get a look at what is going through Princess Arabella's head (the antagonist), and I love seeing her side of things. The hint of romance in her own life was extremely swoon worthy.

The narration of this story wraps you up and puts you right in the middle of a world full of magic, love, and possibility. I didn't have a choice but to be enchanted with it from the first chapter and to fall in love with the world more and more as the world exposed itself more. The characters fit perfectly into it, and it makes it a wonderful pick for any lover of fairy tales, old or new.

Another favorite part of this story for me was the ending. I won't give spoilers, but it wrapped up very well, and I'm very happy with how things turned out. I will be extremely excited to start Charmed Memories, a companion to this one!

A Mermaid tale filled with mystery and romance: Full review: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=38995