Being Nikki

This book was fantastic. I loved Airhead and I read it in two days. Being Nikki took me even less time. The only unfortunate part of this book was that it ended. And, according to Meg Cabot's website, I have to wait until May 3, 2010 to read Runaway, the third novel in the addictive and fabulous Airhead series. Some books are predictable, and these books are not. I never in a million years would have guessed what was going to happen in the end. The book made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. I would read them again, except that my friend already took my copy of Airhead after hearing my praises for it. The problem is now that I don't feel like reading anything else; I want to stay immersed in Em/Nikki's world as long as I can.

I was not a fan of Airhead, let me say that straight out. I liked the characters just fine, but felt like nothing much really happened. Being Nikki changed all that. In this book, Meg Cabot manages to push the story along at the perfect pace, bringing all the different storylines and parts of Em's life together. What was really great about this was that while Nikki was a sequel, Cabot spent very little time going over what happened in Airhead, unlike other authors who feel the need to recap everything for a chapter or two before actually getting into the story. It all flows wonderfully with Airhead. Airhead also really ticked me off because most of the time, it just seemed like Emerson was making out with complete strangers. She's still got some of that in this book, but it's sparsely sprinkled throughout the book without being overwhelming. There's so much more time that went into plot-development, rather than exposition, which is an awesome thing for those of us who just want the story to move along. The ending could be a whole other review. Without saying too much, Christopher's story and the role he plays is greatly expanded, and readers will completely love and adore this fact. It's mindblowing how much Meg Cabot's storytelling style has changed. She ends Being Nikki in a way that will be a complete shock for Meg Cabot's longtime readers (and I'm sure newer fans will be enthralled as well). She's somehow found a way to completely captivate her readers with more plot twists than you could ever imagine, and a story that will leave you speechless and begging for more. Way to bring the A-game! Rating: 5/5

In the past three months since the tragic accident that prompted normal, plain Em Watts' brain transplant into model Nikki Howard's body, Em has been struggling to survive in the edgy, unpredictable environment she's been thrust in. She's desperate to make contact with her old best friend and crush, Christopher, but is under the constant scrutiny of her employer, Stark Enterprises. Em knows that there's something odd going on with them, but in order to discover what it is, it means risking her own life--and the lives of everyone she loves. Being Nikki is a clever combination of geeky smarts and fashionable fun, a duo not easily pulled off, but is done so with ease by reigning YA Lit queen Meg Cabot. Em Watts is an intelligent and down-to-earth character who genuinely strives to do the right thing in a very, very unconventional situation, but still manages to make more than a few mistakes herself, a quality that makes her a character readers will just fall more in love with. Her zippy, magnetic, and hilarious voice, coupled with a unique and surprising plotline and authentically depicted supporting characters, make for a unique read that is memorable and highly entertaining. Cabot's usual dose of drama, romance, and biting humor, and witty banter are another bonus, and go a long way in making this second Airhead novel even more laugh-worthy, suspenseful, and gripping than its prequel. Just as before, Cabot will leave readers dangling, breathless for a sequel.

Emerson Watts - in Nikki Howard's body - returns to Nikki's home from a photo shoot to find a stranger waiting for her in the apartment's lobby. He reveals that he's her brother - when she thought she was an orphan. It's hard enough trying to keep up with the world, but now her brother drops a bomb on her. Their mom is missing. Em/Nikki doesn't know what to think of this information. She doesn't remember her mother or her brother. Plus, she's got a sneaking suspicion that Stark Enterprise might know more than they're saying. Nikki already suspects Stark of bugging her apartment. Who's to say they haven't gone farther? She's made a deal with her brother to help find their mother. In a moment of weakness, she confides in Christopher. He's willing to help her find her mother - for a price. In exchange, he wants a login and password for Stark Enterprise. Em/Nikki gets caught up in a plot to ruin the company she works for while trying to uncover the mystery surrounding her mother's disappearance. A little science fiction blended with both mystery and romance equals a great series. The secrets uncovered in BEING NIKKI will leave the reader eagerly awaiting RUNAWAY - a sign that Meg Cabot rocks yet again. Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

(THIS REVIEW IS SPOILER FREE) Airhead by Meg Cabot Emerson Watts is a high school junior, she is sneered at by the popular crowd and is in love with her best friend Christopher, whom doesn't seem to realize she is in fact a girl. It couldn't get much worse could it. It sure could, like getting stuck taking your little sister to the grand opening of some superstore to see her latest boy band crush. Luckily for Emerson, Christopher tags along. He even says she looks fine, as in okay. And Em is totally excited about her new "fine" status (maybe he does know she is a girl), until Christopher sees super model Nikki Howard. Emerson can't help but notice Christopher's stare and wonders if he would look at her that way if she were a super model. If only. She knows he will only every see her as a video -game playing tomboy, right? I'm sorry but I left out a huge part of the story in my summary. I just can't make myself tell you what happens! You need to read it and discover it for yourself, because I know you are going to freak out, just like I did. What can I say, Cabot did it again , the lady is a freaggin literary genius. I mean how many books has she written, seriously. I know that this is going to be one of my new favorite series. You are going to love it, as well as fall in love with Emerson. She is my new best friend and she doesn't even know it! I cannot wait to read more about her. If you haven't already decided to get this book, you really should!