Scarlett Fever

Scarlett #2

by Maureen Johnson

From top-selling author Maureen Johnson comes the second book in the trilogy about a girl and her hotel. Ever since Mrs. Amberson, the former-aspiring-actress-turned-agent, entered Scarlett Martin's life, nothing has been the same.She's still in charge of the Empire Suite in her family's hotel, but she's now also Mrs. Amberson's assistant, running around town for her star client, Chelsea - a Broadway star Scarlett's age with a knack for making her feel insignificant.Scarlett's also trying to juggle sophomore year classes, her lab partner who is being just a little TOO nice, and getting over the boy who broke her heart.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Teen, Chick Lit

332 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Rain Misoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book... really made me upset. There was so many times when I actually wanted to bang my head against the wall and other acts of self-mutilation because of how angry I got! (Also, note that I am only kidding. Hurting yourself is not the way to go... even if the book really does piss you off.) It's a little sad to say this because I genuinely enjoyed Suit Scarlett. I thought it was a well-thought out book: I enjoyed the plot, the characters (minus two), and the all-around humor to the story. This one? Yeah... it was a bit painful to get through. I was so close to wanting to burn the book (Hyperbole: get used to it kids! It's something I love using!) because of everything the plot seemed to be centered around, which is basically nothing. Absolutely nothing. I basically read about some chick who's obsessed with some guy who couldn't give a crap about her... wants her back... what kind of bullcrap is that? (More on this later.) I was very disappointed in this book. My expectations was a bit high because I LOVED the first book. Now... I'm just... deflated. And that ending! ARGH! THAT ENDING!!! HOW DBJFHKLSJJFODDOKFVDJIJDSIFHDUHFVDHUIHOLAZJ! YES! I WAS THAT UPSET WITH IT!!! >_<

There's no doubt in my mind that Maureen Johnson knows how to write a book. I can see it. It is very apparent. Her writing style is so fluid and, boy, does that girl know her vocabulary words! I'm serious! I am blown away with how it just seems to come so easily to her when writing out her books. It's so captivating! I love the way she writes. Also, she knows how to keep a book moving along. I like that about her. She doesn't let things stay still for too long but neither does she let it go by so fast that you have no idea what is going on. It's a nice balance and something I thoroughly enjoyed about her books. However, there are two things I didn't like about her book: Scarlett being an obsessive, pathetic freak and the fact that Eric plays up that "Southern" role way too much. It's enough to make you want to shove someone into traffic. Other than those two elements, I have no complaints towards Johnson's ability to tell a realistic story about her characters' lives and trying to make it out there in the world of suck. (Because, let's face it, life loves to kick people in the balls then point and laugh at you with malice.)

Going back to what I was talking about before. Scarlett. I have grown to loathe this character with a burning hatred... so much so that if I was to see this poor excuse for a female walking down my street, I would beat the living crap out of her! She's so dull; she does absolutely nothing worthwhile throughout the entire series. (Yes, including Suite Scarlett.) All she does is suggest a few things and then let everyone else execute her meager plans. At first, I didn't mind her because unimpressive girls are not that big of a deal... but then she got stupid when she got together with Eric. Eric is a douche who really just wanted to fool around with her (I hate him, too) but she seemed to be alright with that because she has no spine. Even after they broke up (That's in the first book so it's not a spoiler. If you haven't read that yet, then what are you doing reading this review to begin with?), she was still chasing after him. In fact, that's why I hate her in this book a whole lot more than the first (and that's saying something considering what she did to her brother!!!). She spends the majority of the book being OBSESSIVE over him when clearly he made no attempts to be with her. Checking her phone and seeing that stupid video over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over... are you tired yet? Because I was! I WISH I was exaggerating. She saw that damn video so many times throughout this book that I swear, if it were possible, I would have jumped into the book and slam her head against that blasted computer screen of hers! Ugh!

The other parts of the book, she spent it hating Chelsea for no apparent reason and pretending to "hate" Max (the reader is totally aware of her attraction to him). From what I read, the girl did nothing to Scarlett. She merely hated her because she was trying to please her mother. Mind you, I don't think what Chelsea did was right but it's not her fault. Her mother is one of those parents that want their child to do the career of their choosing... poor Chelsea... But Scarlett was just being a bloody bitch. When she was arguing with Max, I was actually happy because someone was getting on her nerves. It was so blissful! *Happy sigh* Downside, the reader knows they are going to hook-up. The signs are there. So obvious. Don't get me wrong. I like Max. I love how much of a jerk he was. He wasn't just someone who gave into people. But he was the typical "bad boy" that most YA nowadays have. He was just a character that brought a lot of fun... until he started liking Scarlett. But... I suppose... I approve of this relationship more than the Scarlett and Eric one. Which brings me to said bastard. I bloody hate Eric. He annoys me. He tries to play up the fact that he's from the South so he has manners and cares about girls and bullshit like that. Really? I'm not buying it! He's a prick that just wanted to have a good time and wanted to use Scarlett (but seeing as how she's a dumbass, I guess I can't really expect much). The way he went on and on about being "Southern" got really old really fast. I could just shoot him. Literally, shoot him... if he was right here next to me, that is. Jesus! I literally yelled at the book for him to shut up! What even makes me more upset was him trying to get back into Scarlett's life... and she letting him! WHAT AN IDIOT! *Inhales/exhales* I have to stop reading books that make me upset... I'm going to get an ulcer at this rate. -_-"

Can we talk about things I actually have no problem with? Or minimal problem with? Let's start with Lola. I can sympathize with Lola. She has no goals set out for herself, life is crumbling down, and she has little going for her. I understand how that feels. Some people just don't have the many options others have. Some of us are trapped doing things we just don't want to do and believe me, it sucks big time. However, I don't understand how someone could just go and throw their life away because they don't have enough money. I felt that Lola, because she saw herself in a desperate situation, did something completely stupid. I can't understand that. She should have taken the time out and actually thought things through but... she didn't. I don't hate her but... I feel that she's making a huge mistake. Marlene was a little bit better in this book. She still has a LOT of growing to do but at least she wasn't as annoying as in the first book. My only complaint about her is that... she has a big mouth. Someone needs to teach her the concept of keeping a secret. Blah... this book was dull... my only highlights were Mrs. Amberson and Spencer. Especially Spencer. Mrs. Amberson wasn't in this book as much as she was in the last but when she was, she made it so much more enjoyable. I love her antics and her ability to lie leaves me in awe! She's my idol! XD Spencer! God, he's so hilarious! So much fun and very caring! I love how he's just soooooo amazing! Even if he's upset with his sisters, he still manages to look out for them and care for them. He does something so epic for Lola that I felt like running up to him and giving him a huge hug!!! Things don't go too well for him in this book. I found his story much more appealing than what was going on with Scarlett. He has real issues and a real engaging plot. I was so taken in by it. He goes through a lot of misfortune... it's a shame, really. He's so gentle and honest... you wish he wouldn't have to go through so much hell... and didn't have such dumb sisters. Although, I will say this, I love his relationship with Scarlett. They are hilarious together. I even love it when he interacts with Lola. They are always fighting! XD But you can tell they love each other completely. Even with Marlene. I may not like all of his sisters, but he's definitely a great brother!

What am I trying to say? I'm trying to say the book was... okay. Definitely not the worst book ever written but not the best either. I was disappointed to see that it took the route it did but... *Shrugs* ...what can I do? I did enjoy the book for the parts stated above and that's really what made me decide that it deserves a three. (Spencer saved the book, really.) However, Scarlett was just too pathetic for my liking. *Groans* Somebody put that girl in cold water! >_< I hated the ending, mostly because it ends on this HUGE cliffhanger. There were a lot of questions left unanswered which pissed me off. BAH! That is to say... I like the series and I will probably pick up the next book when it comes out. However, I think it's one of those books you should check out of the library if you are curious enough about it. Scarlett is not a very likable character. *Shrugs* Eh, who knows? You might like her. I encourage you to read it, if only for Spencer. He's such a doll~ Anyway, go ahead. Check it out. You might actually like it. If anything, it is a good read. That makes it count for something, right? I hope so! Enjoy!

[Maureen E · Rating 4 out of 5]

by Maureen Johnson

So, this will be less of a review and more of a reaction, because I just put the book down and AUGH!

Don't get me wrong. It's great. I love Scarlett and her kooky family (remember my thing about families?). I adore Spencer (especially the scene at the party where he attempts to eat an entire bottle of maraschino cherries).

BUT...how long until the next book comes out? I'm not sure I can make it. I'm really not.

Like Leila, I'm totally Team Max, which surprised me quite a bit. Usually I stick like crazy to the original guy, the one that has misunderstandings but gets the girl in the end. Not in this case. Max all the way! (Because, let's face it, Max was a jerk, but Eric was more of a jerk and for less even semi-commendable reasons.)

So, Maureen Johnson! Because we share a first name, and because you're a Nerdfighter Secret Sister and for these two reasons you are awesome, please. Write fast. Write Max.

[nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I didn't like the first book. Even though I love Maureen Johnson and worship the comedic YA ground she walks upon. She's the funniest, most honest teen voice in years, but something about the first book rang hollow for me. In hindsight, I blamed the concept of life in a hotel, but looking back my original review of the book claimed the characters were the problem.

Semantics.

This book just hit the spot. I found it to be a much tighter story than the first part. I liked reading about characters who didn't have money at a time when I myself don't have money. I liked reading Scarlett's little tics while exhibiting little tics myself. I lost myself in the story only to find myself bemoaning THAT ENDING! OH THAT ENDING! I went on and on and on and on about the ending, and the illusion of there being more pages, but really they were blank pages (the ultimate tomfoolery) that weren't really story at all! Finally, my boyfriend threw his hands in the air and said, "I didn't write it! Stop yelling at me!" And that's when I realized I'd been yelling.

What a Maureen Johnson moment.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS A TRILOGY. GODDAMMIT JOHNSON. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A DUET.

I was perfectly happy leaving the series in the first book. I mean, it was pretty good, but nothing making me want to rush out and get the next book. And then. Max. Why am I such a sucker for these second love interests??? Gahhhhh. And he was so much more interesting than Eric.

I did spend a lot of the book wanting to shake sense into Scarlett. Her friend is a saint. Scarlett is being that girl that you’re like I LOVE YOU BUT YOU NEED TO JUST ACCEPT THE FACT YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO GET BACK TOGETHER WITH YOUR EX. HE WAS A COMPLETE DOUCHENUGGET AND PLEASE JUST MOVE ON. YOU ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN HIM AND HE TOTALLY DOESN’T DESERVE YOU EXCEPT IF YOU DON’T STOP WHINING I MIGHT JUST HAVE TO CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT THAT. Luckily, by the end it seemed like Scarlett had successfully moved on to Max. AND THEN Chelsea (Max’s sister) discloses that Eric may or may not still want to get with Scarlett! (though probably only because he can't stand not being a girl's obsession). Gahhhh spare me the love triangles, Johnson!

In less exciting subplots, Spencer is surprisingly the most annoying character in the book, what with his selfishness and his inability to be nice to Lola about her love life. Dude needs to get over himself right quick, or I will have multiple characters to smack. Lola is just such a nice girl and more than anyone else in this book, I want things to work out for her.

I do like that Scarlett’s friends came back from summer break and turned out to be pretty awesome, but then after that Scarlett only really talked to one friend whose name I sadly forgot, despite the fact she was a really good friend and therefore a pretty decent supporting character. Sorry, friend! Scarlett is lucky to have you!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC rocks :)

I can't say anything since it doesn't come out until February 2010, but if you liked Suite Scarlett you will love Scarlett Fever! The characters are as lovable (or some as annoying...) as ever, and since you already know them, you can jump straight into the story. The new characters are just as appealing and by the end of the book you are torn between loving it all and hating that you still have to wait for another book to finish the story!!

[Team Max FTW!:]

[Aina Winky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost put down the book even before reach half of it but continued finished it however. The story was rather plain and monotonous in my opinion. Of course I am not really expecting any thriller or suspense when I first read the plot but I just give it a try out of curiosity and unfortunately it just not my cup of tea I guess. But to whoever love the story of a girl with job and family issue and sort of ex-boyfriend issue, you would probably enjoy this book.

[Runa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Martins are back in full force in this sequel to Maureen Johnson's 2008 release, Suite Scarlett! Scarlett Martin and her spectacularly quirky family are up to their usual funny business, snarky and sharply witty as ever. You thought Maureen Johnson was done with characterization? You were very, very wrong indeed. Characters that seemed to be developed to death got even more complex in their new storylines. I was especially glad to see more of Marlene, even though I found her "big reveal" to be underwhelming, but she was the most fascinating of the Martin siblings to me. There was an even more expanded focus on each sibling, but at the same time, the sibling dynamic is retained, and each character could be looked at as simultaneously an individual unit and a group. It's a rather complex plot, but it all really just comes down to this one heartwarmingly crazy family in the end. Johnson has quite the talent of making sure that her descriptive passages are interesting, rather than falling into everyotherauthor's trap of boring overly-long descriptions. It's a very low-key, laid back, calm, even toned book, even during big events. I did have to question the introduction of Dog-Murray, as he did just seem to be that stereotypical cute doggy sidekick, not serving any larger purpose. One thing I do have to point out--following Maureen Johnson through twitter, her blog, etc, made this really a more dynamic, interesting read. Somehow, having known her a little better, it's almost as if you can hear this crazy stuff that's on page, coming directly out of her, nodding your head all the while going "oh yeah, that's Maureen." Such fun! Next book, please?

Rating: 5/5

[laaaaames · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh I loved the first one, but this one, not as much. And to be fair, I think it's really more of the same, so it's funny to make these complaints?

So charming. So sweet. So cute. So fun!

But here are the people who had really interesting arcs in Scarlett Fever:

1. Spencer (of course, he is clearly Johnson's favorite character and she's practically prose-fucking him at every turn, just, please, Johnson, keep it down, he's the protag's BROTHER OK)
2. Lola geez, Lola!
3. Marlene even!
4. Chelsea gosshhhh yes.

HEY DO YOU GUYS NOTICE WHO I DIDN'T MENTION!

I don't really know who Scarlett is. I could paint you a vivid picture of everyone else, practically write their biographies. Scarlett is so open to me though. And considering this is her story, I'm not quite sure how that's even possible.

(Also if I were the type to write or read fanfic, I'd ask for/compose a whole novel about Mrs. Amberson.)

(read: 11)

[stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

my oh my, i remember why Maureen Johnson is always on my "read as soon as possible" list.

(Key to the Golden Firebird is still my favorite, but this definitely redeemed Devilish for me.)

this can stand alone, but it is a sequel to Suite Scarlett. and the martins are such a crazy lovely family that i think you'll want to read everything you can about them.

i love new york, and the scarlett books love new york too.

(more to come, i have to go fall asleep now.)

[Redvines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just now finally read the first book. It was good. I just want to read about Spencer. Is that possible? I want there to be a contest to win tickets to meet the cast of Spencer. Few will enter, Tessa will win.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked this book a lot more had the third book been written yet. The story leaves you hanging - I literally thought there was a mistake at the end: surely there were a few more chapters? Wait, what? I was ready to download the third book in the trilogy right away, only to find that Maureen Johnson hasn't written/published it yet. Sigh. I want to know what happens next in the Martin family, what happens to Spencer and Lola and yes, Scarlett - so much set up and not enough resolution. I worry that she won't finish the series ... but when she gets around to writing the third book, I will read it eagerly, just to find out what happens.

[Sophia · Rating 1 out of 5]

it would pain me to give this 2 stars. or even giving it a .5.


this book took me the length of two weeks to finish. i hate every one of these characters. the pacing is so freaking weird. the ending was just a stupid cringefest. so unrealistic. i hate this book. and i hate talking about it. that is all.

[OnaVdp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dit boek viel niet echt in de smaak voor mij. Het was zeer langdradig

[Laianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that wow, I'm really impressed!

Maureen Johnson is always so funny and awesome in her blogs and in person, and her sense of humor really came through in this book. I feel like if I know too much about an author, I tend to apply this knowledge to my opinion of their books and so I was really pleasently surprised when this book turned out far better than my expectations.

I expected something light, average-y, but still fun to read all the same...

Just... wow. I thought the plot was good, the pacing was good, the characters were good... Everything about it was just so... good!

Maureen really pulled off a serious angle in this one but still kept it amusing at times.

Scarlett's life continues with her family's financial crisis, Mrs. Amberton's consistant wackiness (including a dog -- and a doorman -- named Murray, oh my God, I could not stop laughing!), Lola's insecurities about never living up to anyone else, Spencer's new acting role, a sudden kindness from Marlene, and oh yeah -- a new loove interest.
Me, I was never an Eric fan and so I found Scarlett's friends -- who we didn't really see much of during Suite Scarlett -- a breath of fresh air. God, that guy is such a scumbag. I do not understand why she still obsesses over him in this book but I can't really complain because I actually enjoyed it.

On that same note, Spencer almost creeps me out with his (unintentional?) sexiness. Apart from a Certain New Character that Scarlett may/may not have feelings for, the Scarlett/Spencer/Lola chemistry was the best in the book. Seriously. I am officially a Spencer/Lola shipper now, maybe even Spencer/Scarlett. Incest, FTW.

(*Though I should probably note that I don't think this was intentional chemistry. Don't be put off by my incestuous imagination. Nothing actually happens between any of them.*)

I see I didn't really elaborate on the plot of the book, but a lot of it would be spoiling so... yeah.

Anyway, five stars, definately.

Enjoy!

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, the family dynamics play a big part in why I like this book so much. The siblings' interactions get more nuanced and more complicated. Spencer has matured a bit, but still not completely, and he takes it out on Lola. Lola, for her part, is struggling with feeling less than her boyfriends' peers, and doesn't know what direction her life will take. Her relationship with Scarlett grows stronger, as Lola is able to confide in Scarlett. Marlene is being suspiciously nice, but she's up to something.

Scarlett, for her part, is still hurting over Eric. Her obsession (checking if he's called, watching his commercial, looking at her photos of him on her phone) reminds me of crushes I had in high school. I want to tell her to get over it as he's obviously not invested, but at the same time, I've felt the way she feels. (She's also dealing with her boss's new client's brother, Max, who is a bit of a situation.)

Aside from the romance department, this book shows Scarlett's intelligence. Yes, she's a teenager mooning over a guy, but she has intuitive ideas and comes up with brilliant solutions for the various problems that arise. She's creative and clever, and not above a bit of manipulation.

Mrs. Amberson is up to her usual tricks—publicity stunts, agency schemes, potential romance—and is unreasonably demanding of Scarlett, but that's Mrs. Amberson for you.

There's only one huge problem with this book: it's the second book of an unfinished trilogy. Apparently the series didn't sell well enough to create demand for the third book, so it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. What happens with Max? Does Spencer get another acting job? How do the Sutcliffes treat the Martins, Lola in particular, after the cake fiasco? Will Chip ever get more of a personality? Is Marlene's new, kinder persona permanent? Will Scarlett cave for Eric's apology? Will the Hopewell Hotel ever get renovated?

I'm tempted to start a Kickstarter for Maureen Johnson to self-publish the third volume. It's been eight years and I want to know the ending!

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a bone to pick with the publishing world. I picked up a copy of Scarlett Fever from my library. There was NO mention on the book that this was book number 2 in a series. Not even one clue. Ok so there was one clue. It mentioned Johnson's other works and one of them was Suite Scarlett. It was really confusing. I think I got the gist of what happened in the first book though, so props to Johnson for catching me up so quickly. Jerkface made out with Scarlett and she developed an unhealthy crush/obsession with him and she started working for a lady named Mrs. Amberson, an agent, who is really a little insane.

That brings us to the start of book 2 where she still has an unhealthy obsession with Jerkface. That part of her character was the only part that seemed like something a 15 year old would do. That was also the part of her character that I liked least. Her obsession was a bit creepy and annoying. Then we meet boy number 2 who I will refer to as Jerkface Two. I wasn't sure who we were suppose to root for: a Freshman in college who is interested in a 15 year old (yuck bordering illegal) or a boy who makes fun of her friends and tries to annoy her and is just mean. Then there was the end. Or should I say lack thereof. It felt like Johnson got sick of writing so she just quit. Practically mid-sentence. There was no set-up for book 2 (or as I've now learned book 3). It just stops. I want to know what happens next, but I really don't like either of the love interests, the main character was annoying, and I'm not sure I want to read another book by an author who treats her readers like that (I mean with the no ending thing). So I guess that means that if she ever writes another Scarlett book I'll be reading the reviews with spoilers to try to figure out what happens.

[K. Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

****I read an ARC of this book***

I jumped into Scarlett Fever without knowing that it was a continuation of Suite Scarlett. However, the story of Suite Scarlett acts more like a deep, detailed backstory for each of the main characters rather than keeping back information a reader needs to enjoy Scarlett Fever.

And I did enjoy Scarlett Fever. Scarlett's family, the Martins, are a wonderful family to read about. I fell in love with all her siblings; her loving, crazy actor brother Spencer, her perfect-on-the-outside sister Lola, and her younger sister who is acting strangely nice to Scarlett all of a sudden.

And then there's the supportive-but-not-a-doormat friend Dakota, insanely eccentric agent-boss Ms. Amberson, a sullen and pouting biology partner, an uptight and obnoxious doorman and a child-actor who needs Scarlett as a friend. Even the agent's dog is hilariously nervous.

The book is chock full of fun people, and although Scarlett's problems aren't life threatening or even clear and defined, they people are so interesting you can't help being swept along by their New York flavored worries about economic status, fame-and-success seeking, and desire for approval.

All the while, Scarlett narrates the story with a witty and engaging personality that is both hopelessly teen (she can't top watching her guy's pizza commercial on youtube) and wise (we get to see her realize how her sister Lola's perfection hides deep insecurities) at the same time.

I would totally recommend this.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few years ago I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes by this same author, and I thought it was a charming book, so when this one popped up at the library during a recent browsing session, I brought it home hoping for the same kind of read.

It turns out, this is the second book in a trilogy--I wish there had been some sort of indication on the cover. It would have been nice to have the backstory from the first book before I read this one. As it is, there are some likable characters, and some not-so-likable ones. Some conflicts, a little too much teen angst, and a lot of New York flavor. There is also...no ending.

Oh, it ends, as in, the book stops, in the way you might expect if you bought a used copy from your local paperback trading post, only to find that the previous owner had a toddler who scribbled on, then ripped out, the last 10 pages. But it doesn't end in the way you would expect of a completely intact, hardcover library copy--you know, with the story coming to some sort of resting point, a denouement, an epilogue, something.

Obviously this is meant to make us buy the third book, but since I didn't even realize this was a second book when I read it, and I may never get around to reading the first book, I don't know how motivated I am to find the third. Plus, series are fine, I read them all the time, but I loathe it when authors don't at least try to make each book somewhat self-contained.

[Romi (likes books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Hot Key Books for this review copy!

This was an incredibly different experience to that of the first book, and I am so glad I had the chance to review both books 1 and 2 simultaneously, since I wouldn't have gone on with the series if I didn't already own book 2. This was marvellous, when I got into it after 70-150 pages; things were happening, lives were changes, love was considered, annoying love interests were mooned over (this is where I had most of my issues, since Scarlett spends a LOT of time mooning, for the beginning, and then intermittently), and BAM you can't put the book down. It was quite surprising and hilarious and wonderful, and I'm wide-eyed with shock still that the third book is, in fact, not already published as I had believed.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love Scarlett, her family, and their tatty-yet-fabulous Hopewell Hotel!

In this sequel to the equally superb Suite Scarlett, Scarlett is now working for Mrs. Amberson at her newly started acting agency. This includes more organic food runs, sorting mail, staging PR events, befriending a strange family, and walking a small, highly anxious dog. Spencer gets a dream acting job . . . or does he? And Lola tries to figure out what do with her own life!

It's wonderful fun to slip back into the lives of these delightful characters!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I'm assuming this is the second book of a trilogy, because this didn't resolve anything, it just ended. I liked most of the characters, just like I did in the first one, but I thought the Marlene arc came from nowhere and the entire book needed more Mrs. Amberson. (And less Eric, even though he was barely in it. Yes, I hold grudges against fictional characters.) Basically, I did like this, even though this review sounds pretty negative. I love most of the characters, but the plot needed some work.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*raises hand* My name is Leanne and I have been personally victimized by Maureen Johnson's cliffhanger endings.

For real, though, this is a great follow-up to the first Scarlett book. Maureen pulls her usual "bet you thought it would go this way, BUT IT DIDN'T AND YOU LOVE IT" trick. The humor of the first book is here, but things in Scarlett's life get even more complicated in this sequel. Expect lots of ups and downs and Martin hijinx before the (EXTREMELY RUDE) ending.

Seriously, the very first thing I did was google information about the next book. Let the desperate countdown begin!!!!

[Rene Kirkpatrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, Maureen Johnson is one of my favorite YA authors. This is the sequel to Suite Scarlett. Scarlett is, once again, involved in a messy family, a dilapidated hotel (her family owns it), and Mrs. Amberson, who is an agent for actors now. Eric is gone, kind of, and Max is on the horizon, kind of. The dialogue is great, it took just a bit to get going, having to remind us all what happened before complicates things, but it was good. I laughed out loud many times.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this just as much as and maybe a little more than Suite Scarlett. The plot essentially continues on from the first book, and the characterization builds on it and is even richer. Plus, Johnson's prose is laugh-out-loud funny. The only problem is that it ends on kind of a cliffhanger, and I want the third book right now!

[Shanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This sequel to Suite Scarlett really disappointed me. The stuff that I liked in the first book - the quirky brother, the bratty little sister, the novelty of living in a hotel just got annoying in this one. It felt like so much filler to try to get to the end of the book and then I was left with a major cliffhanger that ticked me off. That said, I will read the next book to see what the heck is going to happen, but this wasn't my favorite.

[Meenakshisankar M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of the intended trilogy lived up to the expectations based on the first book. I liked the new characters (Dakota, Max, Chelsea) introduced in this book, and the more evolved family dynamics between Scarlett and all of her siblings. The cliffhanger ending (though set up well and guessable right from the beginning) was brought out efficiently. I am disappointed that the third book that will complete the trilogy has not yet been written for more than 14 years now. :-(

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally love Maureen Johnson's books, but this one was just ho-hum. From the beginning, I wasn't all that interested in Scarlett's whining about her miserable life. What does redeem the story is the colorful cast of characters in the Martin family. The story line that follows Scarlett's brother as he embarks on a television career is lots of fun.

[Jake Rideout · Rating 5 out of 5]

There better be a third. Johnson, forget the sequel to Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes. The next Twitter update better be about a third Scarlett book.

[Robin]

Sequel to Suite Scarlett. I really like this author.

[Cassi Haggard · Rating 3 out of 5]

That book didn't so much end as it just stopped. Say WHAT? There must be a book 3. Right? RIGHT?

I do enjoy these as fun books to listen to while driving.