Taking Stock for Spring Break...What's Hot...

Here’s a fresh and very eclectic assortment of new releases for March, books to curl up with as you wait for spring.

Elizabeth Scott has been delighting readers romances with complex, realistically flawed characters. Just like real life, her books range from sweetly charming to heart-rending examinations of conscience and consequences. Her last book, Love You Hate You Miss You was named a 2010 YALSA Best Book for Young Adults , and I had a chance to ask her about her newest release, The Unwritten Rule, which swings back toward the cozily romantic side.

RCM: So, what’s the pitch?

Elizabeth Scott: Everyone knows the unwritten rule: You don't like you best friend's boyfriend.

Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years. He’d be perfect for her, except for two things: Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend, and Brianna is Sarah's best friend.

She feels so guilty for wanting him, and the last thing she wants is to hurt her best friend. But when she's thrown together with Ryan one night, something happens. It's wonderful...and awful.

Sarah is torn apart by guilt, but what she feels is nothing short of addiction, and she can't stop herself from wanting more...

RCM: Oh, THAT unwritten rule. How did the story come about?

Elizabeth: The book actually came about because my editor at Simon Pulse, Jennifer Klonsky, and I were talking about friendships and high school and the things you just instinctively knew you could never ever do then, like be interested in a friend's boyfriend and I said, "Yeah, it's like the unwritten rule," and bam! There was the story. It just popped into my head--all the characters, everything that was going to happen--and I love my editor for letting me take the idea and run with it!

RCM: Since your books range from cozily romantic (Something, Maybe) to rather dark and soul searching (Love You Hate You Miss You), I'd like to know something about your inspiration. Do you come up with a type of story you want to tell, or do the characters speak to you first?

Elizabeth: It depends--sometimes it's the story, and sometimes it's the characters. But I never start writing anything until I know the bginning and the end of it. (The middle I try to think about it, but it usually has a mind of its own!)

You can read what happens when you break The Unwritten Rule on March 16th (from Simon Pulse).

On the other end of the reality spectrum, there’s Judith Grave’s debut novel, Under My Skin, which I had the pleasure to read in advance copy.

RCM: So, give us the bullet on Under My Skin.

Judith Graves: All wolven shapeshifter, Eryn McCain, has to do is lay low in Redgrave. But following orders isn’t easy. Especially after she gets involved with a group of teen hunters battling a paranorm invasion.

RCM: Tell me a little bit about writing the book. What inspired you?

Judith: I enjoyed exploring the idea of mythological creatures of different origins having to duke it out over the last bit of unclaimed territory. Researching the lore behind the beasties in UMS was both a blessing and a curse. I had a blast hanging out in the folklore section of my public library, but I would get absorbed and forget about the whole - you have to actually WRITE to finish a book - thing.

RCM: I don’t know anything about that. It’s not procrastination, it’s “research.”

Anyway, here’s the quote I gave to Under My Skin: "A roller-coaster romp through a supernatural world filled with scary beasties, otherworldly magic, and a tough but likable protagonist. Full of mystery, magic, action and romance, it’s a fun and engaging read.”

And here are some quick picks popping up on shelves this month:

Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver. A debut novel billed as smart, complex, emotionally wrenching. After the latest day in her charmed life turns out to be her last, Samantha is given the chance to live it over, seven chances, actually. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing. An enticing premise, paired with an extremely readable voice. (Here’s an excerpt from the author’s website. (HarperCollins, March 2nd)

Hex Hall, by Rachel Hawkins. A fun, fantasy read. After an Incident on coming into her powers as a witch, Sophie is sent to a boarding school for wayward offspring of supernatural folks (fairies, vampires, etc.). In addition to all the normal high school drama, there’s a little problem of her vampire roommate, who is the main suspect in a series of grisly attacks. Sophie has to get to the bottom of the mystery, which goes deep, indeed. Great voice, very funny book, lots and lots of Internet buzz about this one. First in a series. (Hyperion, March 2nd)

Flirting with Disaster, by Rhonda Stapleton. The sequel to December’s Stupid Cupid finds modern day Cupid, Felicity (yes, for real; instead of a bow and arrow, she works with a hot pink PDA) embroiled in more romantic messes of her own devising. Sweet, light screwball romantic comedy results from Felicity’s excellent intensions. These books are fluffy fun, but I really like that girl- friendships share the spotlight with romance. (Simon Pulse, March 9th)

The Dead-Tossed Waves, by Carrie Ryan. In a post-apocalyptic world, everyone lives in walled outposts, isolated from each other by wilderness full of the undead. Gabry’s mother came out of that wilderness (alive), and in order to save her own generation, Gabry must uncover her story. Lush writing and a complex world make this book (and its predecessor, The Forest of Hands and Teeth) completely unlike any zombie apocalypse book you’ve ever read. I hate zombies, but I love Carrie’s writing. (Delacorte, March 9th)

Toads and Diamonds, by Heather Tomlinson. A reworking of a not-so-overdone fairy tale, set in a lushly detailed culture. After an encounter with a goddess, whenever young Diribani speaks, flowers and jewels drop from her lips; when her sister Tana opens her mouth, snakes and toads come out. But with the province suffering from a rat-borne plague, which is the blessing, and which is the curse? The story uses magical realism to show that an individual’s strengths and gifts aren’t always what they seem. A Booklist starred review. (Henry Holt, March 30th)

These are just a few of the many books coming out this month. The teen shelves should be packed, just in time for Spring Break reading. Enjoy!