received from author for honest review

(received on Aug 28th- reviewed on Aug 29th- that should indicate how much I liked this book)

about the book:

Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.

But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?

Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.

MY REVIEW:

It's been quite a while since I've stayed up half the night to finish a book.  I did that tonight.  

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is a fun roller coaster ride. 

I wanted to hate Ella, I really did.  I mean, who likes perfect people?  Only other perfect people, right?  Well, Ella may be the perfect stepsister, but Mattie is a hoot.  I loved her from the first page.  Both sisters (stepsisters) have their good and bad points.  Ella is petite, blonde, popular and has the schools #1 hot guy as a boyfriend.  Mattie is tall, artistic, and willing to fight for a cause.  Mattie is jealous of Ella, who wouldn't be?  Well, things aren't as they appear.  Each is jealous of the other.   The two learn to work together to achieve a goal. We do get our fair share of antagonistic characters.  Mercedes Bentley....what do you think a girl named after two expensive cars would be like?  If you said a witch with a capital "B", you are correct.  We all knew someone like Mercedes in school.  Mercedes' boyfriend Scott is no prize either.  Both characters are easy to dislike.  That brings us to Trent and Jake.  Trent is a friend of Mattie's.  A nice guy who lives in the periphery, easy going, stays out of the limelight.  Jake, however, is the star jock of the school.  The best looking guy, loved by all.  He's Ella's boyfriend and the secret love of Mattie.   

This book has such amazing character development.  We see the characters do a complete 360 during the course of the story.  Characters you love from the beginning, or characters who grow on you.  And yes, I wanted to hate Ella...Couldn't do it.  She really is a great stepsister.  

There is a lot of tenderness throughout this book.  Some strange relationships.  The one I found most puzzling is Mattie with her mom...interesting but puzzling.  Dad, aka Henry VIIIth, more than makes up for an emotionally bankrupt mother.  We see warm, gentle relationships form.  

Overall, I loved this book.  I would recommend it to anyone who would like a quick, fun read.  

Sariah Wilson, you've done a fabulous job with this book.  Please, please...I want to read more.  What happens to Mattie, Ella, Jake and Trent?  I'm even interested in finding out what happens to Scott and Mercedes.   (hint...I'd like to see them knocked down a few pegs).  Looking forward to another book.