Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise RozettSeries: Confessions #2
Published by: Harlequin Teen on June 18, 2013
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 288
Source: Blog Tour
Buy on Amazon • Book Details
Rating: ★★★★
Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around...
...but if she's not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the "good girl" who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend.
When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself.
Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend was exactly what I wanted it to be: real, raw, unfiltered high school… in all its awkwardness. Just like the previous book, Confessions of an Angry Girl, this book doesn’t romanticize high school. It isn’t all butterflies, swoony boys, and first love. There is so much uncertainty, doubts, and awkwardness. Sure there are first kisses, first high school parties, and all that jazz. But ultimately, Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend is about trying to figure out life, and not knowing all the answers.. and that’s what I love about this book so much!
School is kind of like a conveyer belt in a slasher movie, I decide. You’re strapped to it, and no matter how you struggle, you just keep moving toward the buzz saw that’s ready to slice you into pieces.
For many of the reasons I mentioned before, I think Rose is one of my all time favourite characters in YA. I adore every single one of her flaws, and her voice is so unique and yet so relatable! I love struggling through her story with her and reading her inner dialogue. I think she is a perfect example of someone who grows, changes, learns, and really wants to better herself—but she doesn’t always succeed. But the book really teaches us that not succeeding can be a really interesting journey!
I feel like maybe—just maybe—I could actually make something of myself this year. Rose 2.0.
But I love how Rose didn’t have all the answers. She didn’t always know what the right thing to do was. I could tell that Rose wanted to do the right thing and be a good person, but she really struggled to figure out what path to take, and I think that’s something we all struggle with, but especially in high school!
Jamie did kind of annoy me in Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend. Although he can be sweet and romantic, Jamie is so hot and cold. One minute he’s kissing Rose and sending “I want you” signals.. and the next he’s pushing her away. RAGE! But what’s awesome is that Rose totally recognized this, acknowledged it, and called him out on it. GO ROSE! I love how Rose and I were totally on the same page. When she swooned over him, I swooned over him. When she got mad at him for playing hot and cold, I was pissed too. We were totally synced up with our feelings towards Jamie!
“Who said I didn’t like you?”
“You did. You sent me a note that didn’t explain anything, and then you ignored me all summer. And tonight, you didn’t even say hi. You pulled me out of the pool, but you looked mad. And on top of that, you still didn’t talk to me. That means you don’t like me. Actually, what it really means is that you don’t respect me. And if you don’t respect me, then I don’t have any time for you.”
[..] Yeah, well, check it, Jamie Forta. Sweet little Rose has been replaced by new Rose, and she isn’t going to let you jerk her around.
You tell him, Rose!
Louise Rozett nailed everything in this book—the high school drama, the love interest, the family dynamics, and the issues with bullying. Everything about Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend felt very raw and real, but without seeming over dramatic. I think the whole Confessions series is perfect for anyone who wants to read a very true high school story. These books are relatable for SO many people because of the awkward moments and the uncertainty. I can’t recommend the series enough! Book 3—I’m ready for you!
The Verdict
About Louise Rozett
Louise Rozett is an author, a playwright, and a recovering performer. She made her YA debut with Confessions of an Angry Girl, published by Harlequin Teen. The next book in the series, Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend, is due out June 2013. She lives with her 120-pound Bernese Mountain dog Lester (named after Lester Freamon from THE WIRE, of course) in one of the world’s greatest literary meccas, Brooklyn…and also in sunny Los Angeles. (Being bi-coastal is fun!)
Giveaway
One lucky winner will get a signed copy of ANGRY GIRL, a signed copy of ALMOST-GIRLFRIEND, and a $25 iTunes gift card! (US only)
The Verdict
Wow, I didn’t expect this one to be that great. I almost got it but held myself back. It sounds so frustrating. But I do love the sound of Rose.
Although it is a little bit frustrating, I mostly really loved it! It wasn’t one of those books where one frustrating thing ruins the whole story!
I loved the first book, but the second book wasn’t as good for me because throughout the whole book I was hoping for things to happen that just didn’t happen.
Paige @ Comfort Books
Aw, bummer! I’m sorry you weren’t crazy about it. 🙁
While I initially wasn’t interested in this series based on the synopsis alone, I’ve now seen multiple reviews praising it for its authenticity and realism, which really intrigues me. I love character-driven novels and Rose sounds like a protagonist after my own heart. That said, I don’t know whether or not I would have the patience to put up with Jamie’s mercurial moods. I often get frustrated with that sort of thing…
You should definitely check it out! Rose is a fabulous character and it’s so much fun to see her through her high school years!