Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz

I just couldn't get into this.  It was really complicated from page one, and there were so many narrators that I couldn't keep track of who was whom.  Overall, I think it was just too difficult for a horror story.  Maybe if it had been from only one point of view it would have been easier to immerse myself in it. 

Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz: 2 out of 5 stars.

Game by Barry Lyga

Lyga delivers the second installment of the Jasper Dent trilogy with all the suspense and pulse-pounding action of I Hunt Killers.  Intense to say the least, Game will keep you riveted and eagerly anticipating the finale. 

Game by Barry Lyga: 4 out of 5 stars.

Broken by Lauren Layne

Layne has written a provocative story of two people who think they are damaged beyond redemption.  The dual first-person narration provides insight into the thoughts of both Paul and Olivia, highlighting the struggles and demons of each.  Broken will move you to tears, yes, but in a few places it will also make you laugh.  Ultimately, that is the test of fiction based on real life- if it affects your emotions the same way, it's a good story.  Layne accomplishes what few authors can with modern fiction: she makes you feel like you're part of the story that's unfolding on the pages. 

Broken by Lauren Layne: 5 out of 5 stars.

Stupid Girl by Cindy Miles

Although the story of the college bad boy taking the freshman nerdy girl on as a dare isn't a new concept, Miles weaves a story that is wrenching and beautiful.  Olivia and Brax both have secrets that they don't want anyone else to know.  They both have clear goals for themselves.  They both have people and circumstances they'll do anything to protect.  From their (planned) meet-cute to the last page, readers will keep wanting more.

There are a few issues with this story- ones that are fairly easily overlooked for the sake of the story.  One is lack of character development for any secondary character.  We get snippets of them, but they have no depth at all.  Much in the vein of Katie McGarry's books, there isn't really any room for other people in the telling of this tale.  They enrich it, but they're not really integral to the plot.

My other issue is the occasional chapter narrated by Brax.  He shows up rarely, narrates for a few pages allowing us insight to his thoughts, and that's nice.  But it's not an even split and I wonder at the motivation behind it.  Why include it at all, if it's not going to fully explain things from his point of view.  These segments mostly present a little more mystery to the story rather than providing real answers.  Although I am thankful that their narrations don't overlap, time-wise. 

Issues  aside, the writing is strong.  I laughed aloud in several places.  I think that, more than anything, is indicative of a writer's talent,.  Miles began with a hook in the prologue and kept this reader turning pages until the end- even if it meant I stayed up much later than usual to finish it. 
This is the first book by Miles that I've read, under this name or her pseudonym, and because of it I am planning to read others. 

Stupid Girl by Cindy Miles: 4 out of 5 stars.

Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross

Cross has presented fans with another fairytale retelling that is replete with wry humor, complex characters and dark, twisted plotlines.  A companion to Kill Me Softly, Tear You Apart details the story of Vivian and Henley, who are under a Snow White curse.  We first met them through Mira and Blue, the main characters from Cross's previous book. 

Though it's hard to be sympathetic to either Vivian or Henley, their story is gripping.  Determined to overcome their feelings for each other, they both do everything they can to cause the other to hate them.  Despite all this, though, they can't seem to stay away from each other, even as they freely acknowledge that they will destroy each other in the end.  Vivian is sarcastic, ungrateful, and demanding of Henley.  He is alternately her doormat and just short of physically restraining himself from hurting her.  None of their friends can fully understand, even if they are under curses themselves. 

Cross's writing is sharp, delivering twists where they are least expected and expertly weaving together modern and antique.  None of the curses follow their fairytale predecessors exactly, and there is an overlap of stories.  The dual narration offers insight into both sides of this Snow White curse, giving readers an intimate view of what Viv and Henley are thinking and feeling.  Cross successfully blends hope, fear, despair, love, and darkness in this story, proving that, much like the originals, fairytale retellings can provide as much horror as beauty. 

Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross: 5 out of 5 stars.