So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones

Published: May 4^th, 2010 (Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Pages: 326

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes--Bella is one skinny mocha frapp away from total meltdown. When the Fritz Family Carnival makes its annual appearance in Truman, Bella's keen reporter instincts tell her the bright lights hide more than they reveal. Her suspicions are confirmed when one of the stars is murdered. Though the police make an immediate arrest, Bella doubts this case is quite that simple. She needs her crime-solving boyfriend, Luke, more than ever. Problem is, his ex-girlfriend has moved back to town, giving Bella some murderous thoughts of her own. Then again, there's no time for a relationship crisis when Bella's doing her best to derail her father's wedding and stay one step ahead of a killer. Is God sending her a message in all of this madness? With a murderer on the loose and her boyfriend's ex on the prowl, this undercover clown has never had more to juggle--or more to risk.

(Description from Goodreads)

Being the Thanksgiving season and all, I’d just like to say that I’m thankful for authors like Jenny B. Jones who toss hilarious, fun, clean Christian YA fiction at teen girls like me. What would I do without them?

That said, Bella Kirkwood really takes it hard in So Over My Head. Her family is suffering from not having her stepdad around due to his reality-show wrestling gig, and the fact that Bella caught Luke in a lip lock with none other than his ex- girlfriend Barbie Doll doesn’t make matters any rosier.

Oh, and did I mention that a magician-turned-murderer is after her?

Bella must go undercover as a circus act to reveal the truth and save the day- yet again.

I adore Bella and her hilarious crime-solving schemes. She never fails to make me laugh. Even her sarcasm Especially her sarcasm. This last installment was just as hilariously entertaining as the last two. This time, instead of uncovering the football team’s psychotic rituals or saving prom from sheer destruction, Bella’s gotten herself wrapped up in the Fritz Family Circus. But more is going on than just clowning around.

(I promise not to embarrass you with another one of those awful puns ever again. Promise.)

I’m not going to lie. So Over My Head seemed a little slow at parts. I think I was just a little tired of it all: the crime-solving, Bella’s irrational jealousy of Luke’s ex Ashley, etc. There wasn’t anything wrong with all those things, I was just sorely in need of a break from Bella.

There. I said it. I hated saying it, but it needed to be said. *sigh of relief* Aside from getting a little weary of the series, I loved everything else. I honestly could sit and read this book all day. It will make you laugh. I don’t care if you’re a snotty, stiff, hater of fun. It will make you cry tears of laughter. I’m so glad I bought my copy so that I can pull it out whenever I need a laugh. Just a page or two will do. I suggest you follow suit- it’s quite a smart idea, no?

In conclusion, I’ll just say what I said in my reviews for the last two books (I mean, how original do you expect me to be? A writer can only rephrase the same thing oh so many times!): Pick it up. I loved it. So should you.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None

Violence: Mild-Moderate (A murder, a kidnapping, some grave digging, etc. Nothing described. Offset with humor.)

Sexual: Mild (Some kissing).

I’m So Sure by Jenny B. Jones (The Charmed Life #2)

Published: November 3^rd, 2009 (Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

"Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad, a semi-pro wrestler, just signed the entire family up for a reality TV show. Bella's first thought: Kill. Me. Now."
Living in Truman, Oklahoma wasn't 100% miserable for Bella. Sure, she misses Manhattan, couture clothes, and her dad. But she was making new friends at Truman High and almost enjoying her work at the school newspaper. Then the whole stepdad-wrestler-reality-show issue hit and her life is now being splashed across weekly tabloids and broadcast news. As if having a camera crew following her around isn't bad enough, Bella soon discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates. And the closer she gets to the answer, the more danger she's in.
As her relationship with Luke teeters between friendship and romance, Bella's ex-boyfriend Hunter reappears and vies for Bella's attention. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking--and listening--to God more.
But what comes next has Bella once again screaming: "I'M. SO. SURE."

Bella’s at it again. That is, when she’s not lusting over the newest spring fashion line for Burberry. I’m talking about her awesome crime-busting skills. With her amazing(ly hot) editor-in-chief, Luke, by her side, Bella’s ready for anything Oklahoma could possibly throw her way.

That was before her step-dad turned wrestler signed up to have their lives broadcasted via reality TV. 

Just as she was finally getting adjusted to life in Truman, a camera crew swipes the rug out from under her. Now, as she tries to 1) get a job for an article in the school paper, 2) figure out the male population, and 3) find out who’s out to turn prom into a nightmare, she can smile at the camera while she’s doing so.

Not.

I really enjoyed this second book in the Charmed Life series. Some parts were so laugh-out-loud hilarious. Like more hilarious than usual. *grin* A particular scene involving a disaster at a maxi-pad factory had me rolling on the floor. *coughcough* But I’ll let you find out the details of that little incident.

In So Not Happening, I wasn’t really all that impressed with Luke. I mean, his and Bella’s playful banter was interesting, but I just wasn’t very captivated with him. My reaction to him was completely different in this second book. Suddenly, Luke is hot. And I really liked it. J Looking forward to seeing how their little romance turns out in the third book.

The one and only thing that irritated me a little was the fact that this book seemed a little ridiculous at points. Jenny specializes in humor, sometimes the ridiculous kind, but some parts were just downright silly. As long as you can get past it and not focus on it too much, it shouldn’t really be a big deal.

In conclusion, I’m So Sure was a fantastic sequel to So Not Happening. I doubt I’ll ever get tired of Jenny’s humor. I can’t seem to get enough of it! Hopefully So Over My Head (book three) will prove to be just as entertaining.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None

Violence: Mild (A nerdy maniac tries to blow up the prom queen.)

Sexual: Mild (A kiss or two and some harmless flirting)