Scratch by Rhonda Helms

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. 

This story fell short for me.  The characters were a little flat, and while the struggles presented could have been riveting they seemed contrived.  I would have liked more development.

I think, more than anything, the writing leaves much to be desired.  It feels awkward, stilted, and forced.  Although given a direct line into Casey's thoughts and feelings, an essential connection is lacking.  I felt badly for her, and I hoped she would come to terms with her past, but I never felt what she was feeling.  I couldn't put myself in her place at all.  Perhaps someone else could have made this story resonate more with me.  It was a quick read, though, and someone  else might enjoy it more than I. 

Scratch by Rhonda Helms: 2 out of 5 stars.  Available from booksellers and libraries now.

Handpicked by Dani Oden

As an introduction to college life, Handpicked is fairly accurate and occasionally humorous.  As a mysterious peek into the deep, dark secrets of sorority life where people go missing and someone is stalking the girls of a certain Greek organization, this story leaves a lot to be desired. 

There is a lot of lag time between a girl going missing and a severed hand being left for someone to stumble upon it.  There is even more lag time between the hand being found and the solving of the mystery.  Mostly that time is filled with stale descriptions of classes and parties, and completely inane chatter about the locations of closets, desks, and beds in a sorority house.  By the time the resolution finally rolls around, it feels rushed, disjointed, and frankly, uninspired.

I can't honestly say I'd recommend this, and after reading it I wouldn't buy it for my own collection.  I'm sure someone, somewhere would really love it, but it leaves a lot to be desired in the suspense arena.  The only thing that does recommend it is that the writing style is decent.  Sadly, that just can't override an tepid plotline and a slapdash conclusion.

Handpicked by Dani Oden: 0 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.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

At seventeen, Jasper Dent has seen and heard more horrifying things than any person ever should.  As a result, he's an engaging narrator with a small but trustworthy group of friends (okay, two- his best friend and his girlfriend) who takes care of his grandmother because it's the right thing to do. 

G. William Tanner is also an excellent character.  He looks out for Jazz, trying to make sure someone listens to and understands Jazz.  He's a father-figure without being a father-figure.  He offers guidance and lectures aplenty, sure, but he also gives Jazz the benefit of the doubt, treating him as an equal due to his horrific past.  Jazz knows things a teenager never should, and G. William Tanner respects what he knows. 

This galley copy also includes an interview with Barry Lyga, conducted by Libba Bray, that I hope makes it into the finished version of the novel.  In one of the questions Lyga is presented with a question of the gore and violence in I Hunt Killers, and he is a little surprised about it.  I agree with his assessment that it's actually Jazz's memories of the things his father said and taught him how to do that are far more chilling than any of the murder scenes depicted.  Even though you know they're fake, they can haunt you after you've finished reading. 

I am really looking forward to Game, the sequel to I Hunt Killers. 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga: 5 out of 5 stars.

Playing with Matches by Suri Rosen

In this completely engaging tale, Rain is only trying to make things right with her family and accidently becomes a traditional Jewish matchmaker.  There are a lot of great elements to this story, the first of which is Rain herself.  She is a strong protagonist, a witty and observant narrator, and fumbling through her life, just like the rest of us. 

The rest of the cast is just as good.  Even though you're not sure what the reason is, you can feel Leah's distance and dislike of Rain.  You're absorbed in the humiliation of being singled out by the headmistress and forced into a friendship in order to revive her academic career.  You get lost in the nuances of befriending through age barriers, ranging from mid-twenties to sixties and beyond. 

There is also a lot of information to gather from the narration.  I had no idea that traditional Jewish communities relied on matchmakers in order to form lifelong bonds.  After traveling along Rain's path to happiness (hers and everyone around her), I can see why.  What I liked most of all, I think, is nuance of the title.  Playing with matches is something Rain fell into accidentally, but the sparks she creates could set her entire world on fire.  She just doesn't know if it will bring a new beginning or familial devastation.

Playing With Matches by Suri Rosen: 4 out of 5 stars.