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Heartbreakers #2
The Crushes
The girls from The Heartbreakers are back, and this time, they're looking to fall in love.
Raven behaves as if it's okay for her to be applying the code to just anyone, but (not surprisingly), she finds it works best when directed at her kinda-sorta actual boyfriend, whether she's ready to commit to him or not. Alexia needs all the help she can get, because Ben is her first love and she's in way over her head. Sydney's back with longtime boyfriend Drew after a brief-but-terrible breakup, and this time she's determined not to mess things up with him. And Kelly is by herself, not dating anyone at all. Though there is someone she has her eye on.
Raven behaves as if it's okay for her to be applying the code to just anyone, but (not surprisingly), she finds it works best when directed at her kinda-sorta actual boyfriend, whether she's ready to commit to him or not. Alexia needs all the help she can get, because Ben is her first love and she's in way over her head. Sydney's back with longtime boyfriend Drew after a brief-but-terrible breakup, and this time she's determined not to mess things up with him. And Kelly is by herself, not dating anyone at all. Though there is someone she has her eye on.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2008
About the author
Pamela Wells
3 books32 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Pamela Wells grew up in Mississippi and, after earning her B.A. in Journalism from Clark Atlanta University, attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she received her Master's in Education & Psychology. Pamela has worked as a reporter in both Maryland and California, though she now resides in Boston, Massachusetts, where she is pursuing her M.F.A in Writing from Simmons College.
Pamela Wells grew up in Mississippi and, after earning her B.A. in Journalism from Clark Atlanta University, attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she received her Master's in Education & Psychology. Pamela has worked as a reporter in both Maryland and California, though she now resides in Boston, Massachusetts, where she is pursuing her M.F.A in Writing from Simmons College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 29, 2014
First of all, The Crushes should be called The Cheaters because that is all any of the characters did throughout the entire novel. Raven, in a relationship with Horace, falls for Blake, her new next store neighbor and pro skateboarder. Sydney is dating Drew, the love of her life, but Drew is really in love with Sydney's best friend Kelly, who returns Drew's feelings. While this angers Sydney, Sydney is crushing on Quin, her co-worker at the local children's hospital. Only Alexia's storyline does not involve some sort of cheating. Instead, she stresses over taking her relationship to the next level with Ben, her boyfriend, before he goes off to college.
The characters were also very shallow, as well as one-dimensional. It was so hard to keep the four girls straight because there were no distinguishing personality traits or character conflicts. They were cookie-cutter. They talked the same and the author spent paragraphs describing what each girl chose to wear each day. Those paragraphs could have been used to actually create a deep, feeling character. As a result, it made it hard for me to care about them. Finally, the storyline was simply too cliché. I expect cliché in young adult literature and I have nothing against it. Sometimes, I love a happy ending or a forbidden romance, but this novel exceeded the cliché quota to the point where it ceased to be a cute, easy read and verged on annoying.
The characters were also very shallow, as well as one-dimensional. It was so hard to keep the four girls straight because there were no distinguishing personality traits or character conflicts. They were cookie-cutter. They talked the same and the author spent paragraphs describing what each girl chose to wear each day. Those paragraphs could have been used to actually create a deep, feeling character. As a result, it made it hard for me to care about them. Finally, the storyline was simply too cliché. I expect cliché in young adult literature and I have nothing against it. Sometimes, I love a happy ending or a forbidden romance, but this novel exceeded the cliché quota to the point where it ceased to be a cute, easy read and verged on annoying.
January 19, 2009
Reviewed by Cat for TeensReadToo.com
After cementing their lifelong friendship with The Breakup Code, Alexia, Kelly, Raven, and Sydney are heading into the summer before their senior year.
Between Raven's depression over the four-week loss of her boyfriend, Horace, to the city of Detroit, Sydney fulfilling volunteer obligations at the local hospital and vowing to make the second round of her relationship with Drew work, not to mention Alexia being in love for the first time in her life, the former can't help but worry that she and her friends might be drifting apart.
When Alexia spots Kelly's hot new kick-boxing instructor, she sees the perfect solution to both her concerns and Kelly's state of singlehood: The Crush Code. Thirty-eight rules guaranteed to nab the guy of their dreams.
Pretty soon all four girls are trying out the code - Sydney on fellow volunteer Quinn, Raven on her new neighbor, Blake, and Kelly on her instructor, Adam; but the code can't distract Kelly from the boy she really likes.
The one boy in the world she can never have...
It's been a long time since I read a book that made me cry, but Pamela Wells does such an incredible job portraying the roller-coaster ride of emotions that come with young love. Whether reading about Alexia's uncertainty about losing her virginity to Ben, Raven's desire to remain faithful to the boy she loves while feeling intensely attracted to someone else, the thrill of new flirtations, or the pain of ultimate betrayal, I was transported into the emotions of each characters' journey.
THE CRUSHES is an excellent, heartfelt novel about friendship, first love, and surviving the difficulties life throws your way.
After cementing their lifelong friendship with The Breakup Code, Alexia, Kelly, Raven, and Sydney are heading into the summer before their senior year.
Between Raven's depression over the four-week loss of her boyfriend, Horace, to the city of Detroit, Sydney fulfilling volunteer obligations at the local hospital and vowing to make the second round of her relationship with Drew work, not to mention Alexia being in love for the first time in her life, the former can't help but worry that she and her friends might be drifting apart.
When Alexia spots Kelly's hot new kick-boxing instructor, she sees the perfect solution to both her concerns and Kelly's state of singlehood: The Crush Code. Thirty-eight rules guaranteed to nab the guy of their dreams.
Pretty soon all four girls are trying out the code - Sydney on fellow volunteer Quinn, Raven on her new neighbor, Blake, and Kelly on her instructor, Adam; but the code can't distract Kelly from the boy she really likes.
The one boy in the world she can never have...
It's been a long time since I read a book that made me cry, but Pamela Wells does such an incredible job portraying the roller-coaster ride of emotions that come with young love. Whether reading about Alexia's uncertainty about losing her virginity to Ben, Raven's desire to remain faithful to the boy she loves while feeling intensely attracted to someone else, the thrill of new flirtations, or the pain of ultimate betrayal, I was transported into the emotions of each characters' journey.
THE CRUSHES is an excellent, heartfelt novel about friendship, first love, and surviving the difficulties life throws your way.
November 11, 2008
Way to much extra description that just distracts from the book. The characters lack depth and there is not a lot of emotional resolution. Note some content may not be suitable for all readers. Reviewed for VOYA
November 30, 2012
Even for a time-waster, this was a #Nope.
February 3, 2024
This was the second book that I have read, and to be honest I have to say, even if I didn't read the prequel, even though I do NOT like cheaters and some of the boyfriends dont have that much depth to describe the visual aspect of the characters, It was still a good book. For example, Drew: I for one couldn't imagine what he looked like. All that the author "Pamela Wells" said is that he had long hair and green eyes or something, me personally, I like to envision the characters as an actual person in my head and a book that doesn't really describe how a person looks just made me mix them up.
I mix up how Drew and Quin look in my head just because they both have long hair that made Sydney "lose her mind because they look better with short hair."
Some of the scenes are obviously fillers to go to the 300 page mark, and a way for us readers to get bored and to delay the climax of the story.
I mix up how Drew and Quin look in my head just because they both have long hair that made Sydney "lose her mind because they look better with short hair."
Some of the scenes are obviously fillers to go to the 300 page mark, and a way for us readers to get bored and to delay the climax of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
I seriously annoyed by this story.. I don't like Drew and Kelly.. mcm mo tmpar ja dua2... I would have punch them both... and Raven... I dislike her the most... what a b**ch... Her bf deserves more... what was she doing.. like everytime its her part, i just felt like skipping it bcuz i couldn't stand her.. a cheater and a b**ch...
March 5, 2022
Cheating will never be ok! Phew glad I'm done
April 10, 2011
This book was pretty good. It was just, like the last one, a bit too "cutesy" for me.
At least this book didn't have a "happily ever after" ending, like I expected. I mean, it just seems like a normal fluffy, drama-filled weekend read, but it turns out that the book has slightly a bit more depth. I mean, we learn a few important lessons about people, and ourselves. And it's a much more natural, realistic ending. Come on - how many times in real life do we have perfect relationships with boyfriends, friends, and family? It's much more real to be broken up about everything, but realize that you still have to move on with life.
I recommend this to anyone who likes chick lit, since that's exactly what this is. Don't expect too much plot (or worry about ALL of the guys introduced in the beginning - it was much and totally unnecessary, but it's all good in the end). The ending was a pleasant surprise - it made the book a bit better in my eyes. It wasn't a happy or sad ending - more bittersweet. That pretty much sums up my feelings towards this book, actually - bittersweet.
At least this book didn't have a "happily ever after" ending, like I expected. I mean, it just seems like a normal fluffy, drama-filled weekend read, but it turns out that the book has slightly a bit more depth. I mean, we learn a few important lessons about people, and ourselves. And it's a much more natural, realistic ending. Come on - how many times in real life do we have perfect relationships with boyfriends, friends, and family? It's much more real to be broken up about everything, but realize that you still have to move on with life.
I recommend this to anyone who likes chick lit, since that's exactly what this is. Don't expect too much plot (or worry about ALL of the guys introduced in the beginning - it was much and totally unnecessary, but it's all good in the end). The ending was a pleasant surprise - it made the book a bit better in my eyes. It wasn't a happy or sad ending - more bittersweet. That pretty much sums up my feelings towards this book, actually - bittersweet.
November 23, 2021
I love the story because it has so many complications, and that's what I always want in a book
March 10, 2009
There are 4 friends, 3 boyfriends, and 41 rules. Have you ever had a relationship that revolved around rules? Well 4 girls Raven, Kelly, Sydney, and Alexia made up 41 rules on how to keep your relationship up and going. But when some friends go behind other friend’s backs and cheat with other people it gets a little scary.
I can make a text to text connection with the book Something Borrowed, by Emily Giffin. I can make this because both of the books have some of the back stabbing/cheating in them. The friends break up then, they get back together and it ends happily. If you read The Crushes then you should also read Something Borrowed.
I would give this book 5 stars because it was very interesting how many points of view there were. Also the author was very good at showing what was going on through out the book. I would recommend this book to people who like novels and mean girls.
I can make a text to text connection with the book Something Borrowed, by Emily Giffin. I can make this because both of the books have some of the back stabbing/cheating in them. The friends break up then, they get back together and it ends happily. If you read The Crushes then you should also read Something Borrowed.
I would give this book 5 stars because it was very interesting how many points of view there were. Also the author was very good at showing what was going on through out the book. I would recommend this book to people who like novels and mean girls.
April 18, 2009
This book is about four best friends,Kelly,Alexia,Raven and Sydney. They have always been together through good times and bad times.This book is set in the summer and through the summer their friendship will be harrd to keep when they are spending more time with their boyfriends.Kelly is the only single one in the group so the girls come up with some rules to make her turn any crush into a boyfriend.The rest of the girls decide to use these rules to put the spark back in the relationships they have already.Soon the girls realize they are starting to use the rules on the wrong guys.I really liked this book because it shows what strong frienships can go through just because og guys.This book is mine so if you want to read it ask me.
March 9, 2010
This book was soo good and I read it over the weekend!! This is the second book and it was good, just like the first book. This book gets you thinking about your relationship with your boyfriend. Sometimes I wish that all the guys are like that in this book, and if they where girls will be in trouble but at least in love. Not sad or crying and make the right desicions. I hope you read this book and like it because I did. I really do not like girly girl books, but this book proved me wrong and I really enjoyed reading this book. Hope you do to and think really closely about you relationship if he is worth realling to die for.
September 30, 2009
This sequel to "The Heartbreakers" was crazy. Still though if felt like everything that happened was for the best and what it was suppose to be. A choice between a friend or a boyfriend should be easy, but so,etimes it's not. Choosing between a friend or boyfriend is something I never ever want to go through. Everyone is going through chaos about what they want or who they want. The Crush Code is suppose to bring the friends closer, but it does the opposite. Now the girls are fighting and spliting apart. In the end can everything be right and come back together?
May 14, 2012
Raven behaves as if it's okay for her to be applying the code to just anyone, but (not surprisingly), she finds it works best when directed at her kinda-sorta actual boyfriend, whether she's ready to commit to him or not. Alexia needs all the help she can get, because Ben is her first love and she's in way over her head. Sydney's back with longtime boyfriend Drew after a brief-but-terrible breakup, and this time she's determined not to mess things up with him. And Kelly is by herself, not dating anyone at all. Though there is someone she has her eye on.
December 3, 2010
There are 4 friends, 3 boyfriends, and 41 rules. Have you ever had a relationship that revolved around rules? Well 4 girls Raven, Kelly, Sydney, and Alexia made up 41 rules on how to keep your relationship up and going. But when some friends go behind other friend’s backs and cheat with other people it gets a little scary.
I find this book alrite because it talks about 4 friends who have problems with their boyfriends. Its something us girls as teenagers do now a days.
I find this book alrite because it talks about 4 friends who have problems with their boyfriends. Its something us girls as teenagers do now a days.
December 9, 2015
I was very disappointed in this book after reading the Heartbreakers. I have a review for the first book where I explained how much I loved it because I read it at the beginning of high school and thought this stuff was good to know. Any way, I fell in love with Drew and Sydney because I thought they were "destined" for each other and their storyline in this book turned me off from them. By the end of the book I was so done with this novel.
June 9, 2009
This book is about 4 bestfriends and a list of rules that they make for when one of them has a crush. They did the same thing before but it was a rule book for breaking up. That rule book helped things a lot but the crush rule book was tearing them apart. Now they have to figure out how to solve all of their drama.
December 3, 2010
This book is about fouror fie girls. This book talks about the brake up with their boyfriends. Some girls hae sex with them and leavee and then some girls work at the chil care hospital.
I find this book ok, because it talks about boys and their girlfriendds problems. I kind of somewhat recomman to people who are interested in love an brake up books.
I find this book ok, because it talks about boys and their girlfriendds problems. I kind of somewhat recomman to people who are interested in love an brake up books.
June 17, 2011
You gotta read the first book, Heartbreakers because it's definitely a continued of that. I love how adorable the rules are : Rule 2 : Act coy, not shy and rule 13 : don't be bossy. etc. i wish they'd be a third book though. It feels incomplete
July 15, 2011
I love this book, once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I love the main characters Raven, Kelly, Sydney and Alexia, I can relate to them in different ways. Pamela Wells did a very good job on this book, I can't wait to find out what happens to the girls next.
May 23, 2013
More like a 3.5. A good mindless read which is what I was looking for. A little unrealistic seeing as though in real life I don't think the book would have ended the way real life would. Still going to read the part 1 to it called the heartbreakers.
November 13, 2013
I really liked to read this. Some situations where very cliche and predictable,
But sometimes I like that kind of books. There is a lot of love and friendship involved.
It was a good and easy book to read in English.
But sometimes I like that kind of books. There is a lot of love and friendship involved.
It was a good and easy book to read in English.
January 5, 2009
This book was a little disappointing. Took me forever to get into it and I really only cared about one story line. Also I think there will be a third. Hope its better.
February 7, 2009
It's an awsome book- totally loved it! If your into love stories, then this is the book for you!
Read
October 19, 2009thissbook is so awsomee....teen girls ONLY =D
June 20, 2010
A very good book. It was hard to pit down.
September 19, 2010
it would have been 5 but it was kind of inappropriate for me.
It was not that good eather.
It was not that good eather.
January 12, 2011
More like 3.5. I liked it better than the first one for sure. It had a better story line and I felt more involved with the characters and what was happening to them. ; )
August 29, 2011
This book shows you an example of what every group of teenagers go through. Careful... Drama of the heart lurks around every corner.
November 13, 2011
Eh...This book was okay. It got really confusing at some parts because it kept bouncing between girls.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews