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Glitter and Sparkle #1

Glitter and Sparkle

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This is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B01APSF1P0

Lauren's senior year is going exactly as planned. Her craft blog is getting more visitors every day, and she knows what she's going to do with her life after graduation: get her associate's degree, marry someone fabulous, and live happily ever after.

Sure, she doesn't know what she's going to get that degree in...and there's no Prince Charming on the horizon yet. But, still, that's the plan.

At least, it is until Harrison Neeley shows up at her kitchen table one evening and derails everything...

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2016

472 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read

About the author

Shari Lynn Cook

9 books8 followers
Shari Lynn Cook is a pen name for USA Today bestselling author Shari L. Tapscott. Unable to choose between her love for fantasy and romcoms, she created the Cook name, finally giving her contemporary romances a home of their own.

When she’s not traveling the US with her family in their fifth wheel, you can find her in western Colorado, exploring the mountains, drinking too much tea, and arguing with her characters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Profile Image for Yoda.
576 reviews137 followers
December 26, 2019
Kindle is addictive, its definitely not a book I would buy if it didn´t pop up right after I finished something else.
I´m definitely in the mood for light and easy book atm. This one didn´t disappoint but the story line is way to predictable. I also don´t understand girls that go out with guys they don´t like just because they ask them, is that an american thing?
Profile Image for Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥.
772 reviews392 followers
April 30, 2018
Glitter and Sparkle was the cutest book ever! If you're a fan of Cookie O'Gorman, or even the feelings you got while watching the movie Clueless, then you definitely have to give this one a try! From that very first chapter, I found myself laughing so hard I couldn't catch my breath. And as I dived deeper into the story, I had butterflies, couldn't knock the smile off of my face, I kept sighing and then gasping out loud and I fell madly in love with the story and characters. This book is definitely going on my favorites list and I can't recommend it enough!
Why did Harrison, of all people, have to grow up to be so devastatingly good looking? It’s such a shame.
It’s such a waste.

Right from the start I loved Lauren! She has the most adorable voice. She was honest, heartfelt, and I loved her passion for crafting and her blog. She pulled me right in and she was someone I would love to be best friends with! On top of that, she has an annoying older brother, who's away at college. But they definitely love each other. And her parents reminded me so much of mine, especially when I was in High School. They were caring and involved in her life. But Lauren's wonderful little world is about to get very complicated when her brother's best friend, Harrison, ends up moving in with them. Even though he's also her mom's best friend's son, they haven't seen each other in seven years since his family moved away. Their past was filled with Harrison teasing or being awful to Lauren. And well, not much has changed lol!
Then he strides to me and does the unthinkable—he sets his hands on my shoulders and leans down.
And, much to my horror, my heart stops. It just
stops . I go cold and then hot, and every square inch of me tingles. Oh, and I hate him. But good heavens, his lips look scrumptious.

Ohhhhhh I loved Harrison SO much!! Harrison could be so sweet, thoughtful and caring but in the next minute he could be the biggest douche on the planet to Lauren. It was so much fun! I loved watching what he would say or do to get a rise out of Lauren, because I'd find myself gasping and then laughing so hard I'd have tears pouring down my face. But I was left feeling so guilty because I loved Lauren, and the games Harrison played with her was sooooo bad. It was all so hilarious, but oh so wrong, on so many levels. And I loved every twisted moment of it! But regardless of what Harrison would say or do to Lauren, I loved him with my whole heart and soul. Harrison was so charming and captivating and he sailed right to the top of my book boyfriends list!
He stretches higher, and his shirt shifts a little more. “Like this?”
Bad Lauren.
I rub a spot behind my ear, feeling a little guilty. “Maybe just a little higher…” Oh, I give up. I can look at him, can’t I?
I can detest someone while admiring their hotness?

So the story followed Lauren through her final year of High School. And I have to give a warning that there were jumps in time. It made me pause the first few times it happened, but I quickly warmed up to how the story progressed. Lauren was big into drama, and a guy she always had a crush on ended up being roped into her class. Grant was an all-star athlete and since he needed to bring up his grade, his coach forced him to take drama. You could tell that Grant really liked Lauren and it was cute to watch their awkward moments together. From accepting rides with Grant, to hanging out, to even dating, it all progressed easily. But her feelings for Grant? They weren't anything like her feelings towards Harrison.
Then there’s Harrison. He stands, his hands in his pockets, his eyes on me. The world fades; he’s all I see. All I want to see.

Lauren tried her hardest, but she couldn't ever get Harrison out of her head. And as time passed, Harrison became even more involved in her life. He was always there. Through her worst moments. To her happiest moments. He always seemed to be in the background witnessing her life unfold. And as Lauren started to know more about Harrison, she saw this other side of him. The one he kept hidden. Harrison could be so considerate and kind to Lauren. And sometimes it seemed to happen at the worst moments, and my heart started to break for him. I even got tears in my eyes a few times. But Harrison made it clear that he was not interested in Lauren. And to complicate matters, her best friend Riley crushed so hard on him. But Lauren shouldn't be jealous because she was supposed to be with Grant.....right?
“I thought you decided high school girls are off limits,” I whisper as I lean forward.
“They are.” His breath tickles my lips, making me feel heady and reckless.
“Then what are we doing?”
“Breaking the rules.”

This was a book I hope all of my friends will read! This was such a heartfelt book and I loved ever single minute of it! Between the back and forth banter, the scenes that made me laugh and cry and the beautiful characters, it was just all so perfect! And as if that wasn't enough, the epilogue was the most amazing thing ever! If you are an epilogue junkie, like me, you're going to love it so much!! Now I'm off to go read the next book in this series that's about her best friend!

For more of my reviews, please visit:
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Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
October 26, 2017
Glitter and sparkle is Lauren's life. She likes to glamourise projects and make videos for her blog. It's her senior year and Lauren has her life plan all set out but what she didn't factor the unknown variables. Harrison was her brother's high school friend who moved away. He's a little older than her but that doesn't make him mature. Lauren and Harrison have a love/hate relationship. They get under each other's skin and can't help taking pleasure in it. Harrison moves in with Lauren's family while he gets settled back into town. The room he's staying in is Lauren's craft workshop. She has been demoted to the garage. As if her senior year wasn't complicated enough she now has Harrison to keep her on her toes. Everyone loves him. Everyone but Lauren.

This book has some good giggles and the writing style kept me interested. 4 stars out of 5. This is a kindle unlimited read.
Profile Image for Kasia (kasikowykurz).
2,421 reviews61 followers
April 12, 2021
Nienawidzę sypkiego brokatu, bo nie sposób się go pozbyć (klej z brokatem to co innego) i w przeciwieństwie do Lauren nie mam potrzeby oklejania nim wszystkiego, ani też nie mam obsesji na punkcie błyszczących przedmiotów. A wręcz przeciwnie, drażnią mnie takie błyskotki Ale nawet ja musze stwierdzić, że nie sposób Lauren nie polubić!

Ostatnio dużo książek, po które sięgam idą tym samym schematem i choć Odrobina Brokatu jest już którąś z kolei i zapewne za dwa dni kompletnie pomylą mi się imiona, na pewno zapamiętam ten cholerny brokat i totalnie uroczą historię miłosną. Jestem trochę masochistyczna w tym momencie, ale mam ochotę kupić taki wściekle różowy brokat i coś okleić, żeby zobaczyć, jak to w ogóle wygląda. Ale nie zrobię, bo nie mam najmniejszej ochoty tego sprzątać.

Lauren jest uroczą, typową licealistką i choć ten motyw klasy maturalnej nie jest czymś, co witam z ogromną radością, to na szczęście samo liceum nie jest jakoś mocno akcentowane, a motyw balu nigdy mi się nie znudzi. Jest w nim coś takiego, co zawsze wyzwala we mnie pozytywne uczucia, choć nie znoszę takich imprez. Harrison jest fajnym chłopakiem i bardzo się cieszę, że ich relacja wypada tak naturalnie, nie jest nachalna i całkowicie wyjaśniona. Wiecie, to nie jest miłość w stylu: poznałam cię wczoraj, jutro za ciebie wyjdę. Nie, jest urocza, pełna wzruszeń, a zakończenie totalnie w punkt i tym bardziej cieszę się, że brokat brał w tym udział.

Fajnie napisana, czyta się ją absurdalnie szybko i nie miałam żadnych problemów, żeby się nie wciągnąć, ale mimo wszystko stwierdzam, że fajerwerków nie było. Może to kwestia tych licealnych czasów, które do mnie nie przemawiają, ale to wciąż jest dobra książka, idealna na wieczorne smutki, bo humor poprawia wspaniale.

Mam do niej tylko jeden zarzut - jest za krótka! I o ile przez większość czasu wszystko toczy się w idealnym tempie, tak końcówka jest zdecydowanie za szybko i mam wrażenie, że zostało to napisane na odwal się, byle zakończyć jakoś książkę.
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews88 followers
June 15, 2020
This was a nice cute fluffy book. I like the slow burn and the little will they won't they. I thought the ideas used were believable and cute. I liked the fact he came back to try and take her to prom and how he got her that job. I liked the constant he is a wood guy and she's all glitter and then they constant go back to this. I didn't like Grant or even her friend but hay it wasn't all about them.
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
May 6, 2016
Really cute. My teenage daughter that is the same age as the main character thought this was a fun book. She could relate to much of what was going on here. I thought that while it had a younger feel to it, it was fun and made me smile. Every girl needs some glitter in her life!

Content: Clean
Profile Image for Crimelpoint.
1,620 reviews133 followers
June 18, 2019
Nie oczekiwałam za dużo od tej książki i właściwie za dużo też nie otrzymałam. Ot tak, zwykła i przeciętna młodzieżówka.

Na pewno osoby młodsze mogą po nią sięgnąć, jednak dla mnie była zbyt wyidealizowana i przewidywalna. Niczym się nie wyróżniała. Do przeczytania na raz i do odłożenia.
Profile Image for Annette.
Author 23 books534 followers
July 18, 2017
This was a cute, fun and totally clean YA romance. The tension between Lauren and Harrison was fun, and I really appreciated that he was a good guy, instead of a jerk with potential.
Profile Image for April.
965 reviews32 followers
June 6, 2016
4.5 Stars!!!
This novel was absolutely endearing! Sweet, humorous, and hard to put down; Glitter and Sparkle shines! This is a sweet story about first love, patience, hope, respect, and friendship! I loved the characters and watching their story unfold. The chemistry, the angst - all of it felt real. This novel will have you grinning and completely charmed.

Romance - clean
Language -none
Violence - none
Adorable rating - off the charts!
Profile Image for Tara.
339 reviews
March 26, 2018
Cute! I’ve always loved the girl falls for her older brother’s best friend trope...and this was another fun one!
Content: clean
Profile Image for Lydia Howe.
Author 4 books75 followers
January 26, 2018
This book was really light and easy to read. It was cute at times, and I especially liked the characters. The romance was the kind that was a little too much for me though, and therefore I don't think I'll be reading another book by the author, at least not for a long time. It seemed well written though and really drew me in.
Profile Image for Aly.
3,181 reviews
June 11, 2020
This book was just what I needed! It's so cute and funny and I had a fun time reading it.
Lauren is a sweet girl and her crush on her brother's best friend was adorable. I love this trope and especially that Harrison wasn't a womanizer who sleeps around. He was kind and helped Lauren out when she needed it the most. I also liked that her family had a good relationship with him and her older brother wasn't upset about them dating.

This is short and easy to follow. I'm definitely going to check out Riley's book next!
Profile Image for Becky.
752 reviews44 followers
February 4, 2018
Glitter and Sparkle is a fun, romantic, clean YA romance. High school senior Lauren is much more interested in maintaining her craft blog and hanging out with her best friend than she is in finding a boyfriend. Well, until her brother's annoying friend Harrison moves into their guest house ... then, she's suddenly (and infuriatingly) attracted to him.

I enjoyed Lauren and Harrison's romance—although it was kind of "instalove," they did have the background of having known each other when they were young.

I do have a few problems with the story, though. For as much as we're told that Lauren's parents are wildly overprotective, they're also completely clueless. Lauren is 18. Harrison is 20. Her parents see absolutely no problem with leaving the two alone together overnight (don't worry; nothing happens. But her parents are practically begging Harrison to make a move). For whatever reason, they trust Harrison implicitly, even though it's obvious to everyone (except them, apparently) that Harrison is crazy about Lauren.

I did appreciate that once Harrison decided he couldn't be with Lauren because she was in high school, he kept his distance (mostly). But as soon as she graduated, all bets were off ... even though their age difference was still the same, and the only difference was that she wasn't technically in high school anymore. It seemed so arbitrary to me. And also dumb, as there was only a two-year age difference to begin with.

Lauren does date another guy ... only because she can't be with Harrison. This guy knows Lauren isn't really into him, and it's obvious to everyone that it's not a great relationship, even though he's a nice guy. But Lauren stubbornly keeps dating him, which I hated, but I also thought it seemed like something an 18-year-old would do.

Aside from those things, Glitter and Sparkle really is a lot of fun! If I knew a teen who read this book, I'd definitely want to talk to her about it—it's ripe for conversations about good and bad decisions and how our actions impact others. 3-1/2 stars.
Profile Image for E.K..
Author 14 books175 followers
February 4, 2019
So frigging cute 😍😍😍 exactly what I needed after all the heavy books I've been reading. Full review to follow

Books like these are why I love romance. This book was just what I needed after reading all the heavy books in January. It was light, fun and had a very slow burn, angsty romance.

I loved the fact that I could connect with the main character at a personal level, even though she was in high school. I thought that her passion for event planning and crafts and her blog was very charming, and the way the title worked into this book was just pure cuteness. It's exactly as it states, this book was filled with Glitter and Sparks. I loved the hero of the book, although a couple years older than the heroine and used to be a menace to her, he was sweet and gentle with her at every turn of the page.

I can confidently say that the sweetness of this book gave me a toothache. :) But was very worth it. This was a light and fun read, and definitely lightened my January blues. With Valentine's day being so close by, I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good, light read and enjoys "older brother's best friend" trope.

You won't be disappointed. :)

**For more reviews like this, please visit: www.ebsandherreads.com**
**This review will go live on my blog (info above) on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.**
Profile Image for Isa (Pages Full of Stars).
1,282 reviews111 followers
July 21, 2019
Reread 2-6 July 2019: I think I liked it a little less second time around, and it may have something to do with the fact that I got the paperback copy in Polish translation, but it's still a cute, fluffy, lighthearted story to read when you need to relax and unwind after a long day. And I still loved all the crafty bits :)

Glitter and Sparkle is the first book in a trilogy but can also be read as separate novels. This was one of the most adorable books I've read in a long time and I'm so happy that I had a chance to pick it up! It's definitely a feel-good type of novel that will cheer you up on a bad day and make you smile :) I loved that the main character Lauren's hobby was crafting and as much as I don't read romance-focused books often, I did enjoy this one. I admit it was a little sugary-sweet and cheesy at times, but I smiled while reading and that's all I care about :)
Profile Image for Chanel.
226 reviews63 followers
June 17, 2023
A delightful YA read that's filled with charm, cute banter and a whole lot of glitter. It's a light, clean romance that can easily be finished within a day. The characters are likable, the plot flows nicely, and the story is relatable and enjoyable, overall. I liked Lauren's discovery of what she wants to do after high school. And the romance is sweet and adorable. The main conflict to Lauren's and Harrison's relationship can be viewed as both understandable and trivial - all things considered. But, it's still a wonderful read that is bound to make you smile and leave you eager to read the next book in the series. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Valerie Waters.
1,213 reviews
September 25, 2017
Adorbs. Ha. 🙄 ok but really. It was a cute book. I do wish that there would have been more to the relationship. We spent the whole book hoping something would happen then the last page bam something finally happens and that's it.
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,711 reviews47 followers
May 4, 2018
4.5 stars

Super duper cute! I had a hard time putting it down and as soon as I got my kiddos to school this morning threw my laundry to the curb and read instead to finish it. Loved the characters & the story. Fun, fluffy read.

Moral Note: No language, sweet romance, nothing that comes to mind.
Profile Image for Sydni.
478 reviews92 followers
September 7, 2017
WHY DID I KEEP SKIPPING THIS. IT WAS SO CUTE!!

The characters were all great and actually mature wow. It was just very cute
Profile Image for Suad Shamma.
731 reviews209 followers
August 6, 2018
I needed to read something light and silly, and this fit the bill perfectly. It wasn't the best written book I've ever read, nor the most exciting one. It was - for the most part - drama free, which I admit, I enjoyed, because after having read such an emotionally charged book prior to this one, I needed something that was breezy.

Lauren is annoying though. The whole obsession with glitter really grated on my nerves, and her style...Gosh her style was annoying. Always dressed up, always in heels - sorry, I mean "kitten" heels, always with the big earrings, always getting her hair and nails done, I can't handle it. She just seems so high maintenance. Her prom dress...? The way it was described was scary. Pink, glitter, puffy. Oh. My. God. I did not know how to visualize it in my head, but it made her look ridiculous.

And yet, gorgeous man, Harrison, was head over heels for her and could not see anything past her. He went for the "pull her hair if you like her" approach, so was constantly teasing and bullying. I really disliked him at first, but then he sort of grows on you and is quite charming.

Grant felt like dead weight. The entire storyline with Grant seemed unnecessary and was just inserted to add some drama, although it didn't, because you could tell that Lauren wasn't into it. Riley, her best friend, was also annoying and hung up on Harrison when it was so obvious he couldn't be less interested. She also knew he was into her best friend but she kept going after him. So relentlessly annoying. When I realized the second book was about her, I was slightly disappointed just because I did not like her character in this one.

Also...ending with a proposal was super cliché. But then again, that's what I was going for. A super cliché romantic YA. So can't complain there. A decent book meant to entertain, and could easily be read in one sitting. These series for me are the equivalent of Harlequin romances but for YA.
Profile Image for Jessica Harrison.
557 reviews18 followers
October 26, 2024
This book is just what I needed, when I needed it. It’s a rom-com, with no action and a limited plot… and yet it was so surprisingly awesome! I literally read it in one sitting, and didn’t put it down until I finished it at 3:20am.

I can’t really say why I loved it so much. The FMC is a senior in high school, and though I often enjoy stories with characters from that age group, I have a strong aversion to anything with a high school setting… and other than a love for crafts (and a dislike of sports?), I have absolutely nothing in common with the FMC.

It’s a testament to Shari Tapscott’s writing skills that I enjoyed it as much as I did. She did an amazing job developing the characters and weaving their relationships. Somehow, despite logical expectations, I found the book fully gripping and became heavily invested in the characters and their happily ever after. I was literally grinning at the end, a refreshing conclusion to a long day.

Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romances are clean with only a few kisses. This is not a fantasy novel, and there is no magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
Profile Image for Karen Barber.
3,249 reviews75 followers
June 13, 2020
Glitter and Sparkle was a quick fun read, and it certainly put a smile on my face.
Lauren is about to finish high school. She has her own blog and loves crafting. Her best friend, Riley, is around as needed and things are ticking along well. Then she gets the shock news that her brother’s friend Harrison, who used to tease her awfully when she was younger, is moving into their garage as he has a new job in the area.
For reasons that seem to focus on her feelings of years ago, Lauren is not amused. When Harrison arrives and she sees he is now gorgeous, it’s hardly a surprise to see Lauren flustered.
Over the next few months we watch some flirting. Harrison, though a few years older than her, still acts quite young and yet his feelings for her are quite evident. Both edge round each other, yet when it counts Harrison is on call to help her. There’s a kiss and some hints...but nothing happens.
It is definitely a book that follows a few established tropes, but they work here. Nobody gets hurt in this and it all ends on a positive note.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews33 followers
May 27, 2020
This was a sweet little romance. I enjoyed the story and the characters. It was pretty predictable. Despite the predictability, it was still an enjoyable read. I would definitely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Jola.
778 reviews8 followers
January 28, 2019
-4
Słodkie, urocze i zdecydowanie mi się podobało. :)
Profile Image for arfs.
113 reviews
December 6, 2019
“Good. Now you better go because you only have seven hours to get beautiful, and trust me—you’re going to need every minute.” That’s family right there.
Profile Image for Josselyn Radillo.
282 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2016
MORE AT: www.chapterfive.wix.com/chapter5

My Review:
Author Shari L. Tapscott delivers a slow burning, friends-to-lovers second-chance romance that is both sweet and full of sparkles, lighthearted and emotional. I loved returning to the remember my senior year and how this book was related to me in some ways but not in the “Love” thing I’m not that lucky in the sort of things but whatever Lauren and Harrison’s story is full of glitters but not all the glitter is gold.
We quickly realize Harrison has been in love with Lauren for some time, but she’s also been hurt by him when she was just Harrison’s little pretty sister and that that still stings. Harrison comes backs and the years had been good to him in so many ways that now Lauren has a lowkey crush on him.
What began as a crush quickly escalated to a defining first love. And as with first love, Lauren’s heart inadvertently surged with hope that she’d somehow found something beautiful with her best friend’s brother. And as much as Harrison seemed to feel the same level of attraction, when it came down to it, Harrison would break Lauren’s illusions.
That summer delivered a lot of blows, memories and kisses and some disappointments. Lauren’s bff has a crush on Harrison, Harrison worries about the difference of age between them and Lauren’s old crush wants to be his bf. Despite emotions simmering under the surface, she was determined to move on, and seize new career-defining opportunities.
Overall, Glitter and Sparkle was a great, quickly-read YA romance that delivered the right kind of feels between characters I’ve come to love. It’s sweet, funny, with some a glitter
Profile Image for Julia Strojny.
8 reviews
February 17, 2023
Po przeczytaniu czuje się otoczona tęczą i jednorożcami. Historia sama w sobie bardzo w porządku, ale nie rozumiem fenomenu chodzenia na randki z chłopem, mimo, ze podoba ci się ktoś inny jakby wtf powiedz mu jak jest i do widzenia, a nie jakieś takie. Lekka, słodka książka rodem z jakiegoś serialu na DisneyChanel. Skończyła się tak, ze naprawdę ciekawi mnie co jest w drugiej i nawet TRZECIEJ części (autentycznie według mnie wszystko tu już się wyjaśniło XD) Ode mnie 3 gwiazdki, książka raczej dla ludzi którzy chcą po prostu coś przeczytać i dodać trochę brokatu do życia.
Aha i nie byłabym sobą jakbym nie skomentowała okładki.. Dalibyście osoby które wyglądają choć trochę jak opis bohaterów No weźcie..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kerri.
617 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2017
The title is definitely over the top, but the book was nice. Nothing more or less really, just nice. The "sparks" seemed to ignite a little too quick imo, and I thought it a bit silly that the second she graduated Harrison was suddenly willing to give it a go. She's still the same age, the same person. It felt unnecessary to me. And Grant just felt like dead weight. While I can't really relate to Lauren, she was reasonably fleshed out, and it was interesting to view the world through her eyes. I'll probably read the sequel.
Profile Image for Grace Stelmaszyk.
14 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2017
The character, Lauren, is a very creative girl. She has a craft blog where she posts DIY's and other crafts. She also designs places for big events. Also known as an event planner. She does an amazing job creating these events and has a real knack for it. It's something she loves to do. She also sketches and paints. And her favorite thing is to put glitter on everything.
Profile Image for Val.
678 reviews8 followers
June 14, 2019
Just beautiful.

All the Feels. I read/listen to this book twice now. I totally dig this story a lot!!! I will have Shari L. Tapscott be in my Favorite authors list. She captured my heart with her well-writing and clean romance stories. Haha!
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