The Good Ghouls’ Guide to Getting Even by Julie Kenner

Beth Frasier was looking forward to her senior year in high school. Even with her grades, winning the science fair competition and being editor of the school’s newspaper, she felt she needed just one more thing to get into journalism school. So when she was invited to try out for the cheerleading squad, Beth knew that getting accepted would cinch her college application. Unfortunately, she didn’t realize that the next morning she’d be hiding from the sun and Stephen Wills the football hero was also Stephen Wills the vampire. And now that he’s taken her life away the only thing that Beth wants is getting even.

This isn’t really a young adult story as much as it’s a story about young adults. While there isn’t a hint of sex in the story, the pacing, the humor and the tone is much more like Julie’s other stories like California Demon than a normal YA story. If you’re a fan of Julie Kenner, especially her Demon books, you need to add this one to your shopping cart. I think you'll enjoy it.

Details: Berkley Jam, April 2007

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Friends

Girls Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky

Jane Madison loves her job as a research librarian, including the hot looking Jason Templeton who visits the library nearly everyday. But she knows a handsome man like Jason won’t notice a quiet person like herself. Then when she moves into the house on the library grounds, she discovers a secret room containing a rather unique library. After reading aloud a few words from one of the books, she awakenes a witch’s familiar and soon became immersed in a world of magic. She begins her course of study by casting basic spells such as one which causes men to fall in love with her. Soon chaos reigns as Jane finds herself fighting off the attention of several nice men, including Jason, and now she wonders if using her newly discovered talents is worth the headaches.

Mindy created a funny collection of characters which will keep you laughing and she gave Jane enough challenges to keep her going in a dozen directions at once. Unlike most chick-lit books, Jane is capable and relatively confident, which makes for a refreshing change of pace. The book doesn’t dwell a lot on the witchcraft, which makes this a good book for someone who hasn’t made up their mind about paranormal stories. I really enjoyed it and I think you might too.

Details: Red Dress Ink, October 2006

Excellence Rating: Very Good

Steaminess Factor: Romantic