Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical,  Uses for Boys  is a story of breaking down and growing up.

3 Stars 

I received a copy of Uses for Boys courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for a review. I enjoyed Uses for Boys, even tho it scared the crap out of me! Not for myself, mind you, but because I am a mother to girls! It is so easy for girls to lack self worth and self confidence, and like Anna, get caught up in the emotions of when a boy likes you. Anna didn't have a proper role model in her mother of course, and if she had, then maybe her story would be a little different. I just found her sad, and having the damaged reputation she did, it was no wonder she acted out.  Toy was a little easy for me to figure out, maybe because it just seemed too convenient that she was so desirable, but she was another sad case. I was happy that Anna found Sam and his family, and was worried she would corrupt him, but it all worked out in the end. I just pray my girls come to me when they reach that age! ~Mandy

Stealing Harper by Molly Mcadams

Chase Grayson has never been interested in having a relationship that lasts longer than it takes for him and his date to get dressed again. But then he stumbles into a gray-eyed girl whose innocence pours off her, and everything changes. From the minute Harper opens her mouth to let him know just how much he disgusts her, he's hooked.

But a princess deserves a Prince Charming who can make her dreams come true. Not a guy who can turn her life into a nightmare.

All good intentions go out the window when Harper starts to fall for the guy Chase has come to view as a brother. He wanted to protect her by keeping her away, but he can’t stand to see her with anyone else, and he’ll do anything to make her his. But when it comes down to Harper choosing between the two, will Chase have the strength to step back from the girl who has become his whole world if it means she’ll be happy?

Lines will be crossed. Friendships will be put to the test. And hearts will be shattered.

3 Stars

I received a copy of Stealing Harper in exchange for a review.

For some reason, I didn't realize Stealing Harper was the POV of Chase, from Taking Chances. So I read Taking Chances first, so I was in the know. Let's just say, I enjoyed Chase telling the story a little better. Maybe it was because I was a bit in love with Chase (yep, my book boyfriends are awesome) or maybe it was the fact that he was simple compared to Harper. The female mind is a confusing thing, I should know! Harper was a little too whiny, made things more complicated, and I felt like she could've told her 'side' in half the time it took. Chase did an excellent job in Stealing Harper! Of course, his ending was different from Harper's, but still. I really like Molly Mcadams, and think she does an excellent job at the love triangle thing!

~Mandy