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The Change #1
A Simple Change
My name is Alison, I am a goody, goody. I follow the rules, I work hard and study while everyone else parties and hooks up. I'm ok with that, I'm use to it. My life isn't simple though, I have a secret-I'm in love with my next door neighbour, my best friend Kyle Jacobs. Kyle Jacobs is popular, hot, wanted by every girl in school. I am the exact opposite, I'm invisible, unnoticed, I haven't even kissed a boy. One girly weekend to a spa for a makeover changes everything. I start getting noticed, even Kyle is starting to act differently around me. Somebody though doesn't like this new change, doesn't like how Kyle and I are blurring the lines from friendship to something more. New adult contemporary romance with mature content. Recommended for 17+ due to mature language and adult situations
218 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2015
About the author
J.L. Ostle
24 books174 followersJ.L. Ostle was born in Antrim, Northern Ireland, now living in Carlisle, England. J.L. Ostle is a full time mother looking after her cute, active little boy.
When she she hasn't got her head stuck in a book or writing, she's watching movies, or doing activities with her friends and their children
When she she hasn't got her head stuck in a book or writing, she's watching movies, or doing activities with her friends and their children
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 9, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review.
A Simple Change by J.L. Ostle was a good book and i enjoyed it very much -it is the first of 2 parts. It ends in a cliffhanger, but the second book is out so you will not have to wait to see what happens!
The main character of the book is a 17 year old girl named Alison, or Ali as everyone calls her. Ali at the beginning of the book wears clothes that are way to big for her, wearing the boy's next door discarded t shirts to school and to bed and hides her beauty, but her beauty shines through anyway although she does not realize it. She is a good girl, gets straight A's never goes anywhere and is her parents' angel. Ali has a secret however -she has been in love with the boy next door since they were 13 years old. Ali would die rather than admit to it as he is also one of two of her only friends and he has always been there for her, her protector against anyone who gives her a hard time and she rides to school and back every day in his car, along with Lexi their other friend since childhood. Every friday is there movie night and it has been a tradition with them!
Kyle Jacobs is Ali's best friend the boy who has lived next door to her since they were both 3 years old, and unknown to Ali, he is in love with her also-has been since he was 13, but feeling she would never see him that way has his share of hook ups with girls from school, never realizing it did matter to Ali. He tries to hide this from her by only going with girls at parties. He does not want her to see this side of him.
One weekend Lexi decides she is going to do something about the way Ali looks and takes her to a day at the spa and she gets a makeover. She emerges from a dowdy girl to a beauty and when she dresses up for a party they are going to go to she is beautiful. Needless to say when Kyle sees her at the party and sees how all the males are looking at her like the new girl in town he gets upset, that is his girl after all whether she knows it or not.And even though he is making out with a girl, he dumps the girl and comes after Ali, and drunk, asks her what the hell she is doing there? Kyle knows how innocent Ali is and in his mind when she is ready she is going to belong to him.
Things start changing and then Kyle finally works up the nerve to tell Ali how he feels and they are now together! However there are a couple of people who are very unhappy about this-one-a girl who has bullied Ali since she started high school, and another that thinks Kyle is hers. Add to that a guy that has taken a liking to Ali and after a couple of dates, thinks that he is now the man that should be in her life. Kyle is so jealous of Ali going out with the other boy he makes his move.
As Halloween approaches everyone gets ready for the party at school, and Ali decides that she and Kyle are going to finally be together for the first time.That was the plan-what happens is another thing altogether, and the book ends in a cliffhanger you will never see coming in a million years. It really ends like a Halloween horror story with someone winding up in the hospital and another in jail!
This book had well developed characters, a lot of emotional and sexual angst, had a plot that will keep you guessing constantly as it takes another turn and the end is shocking -what more could anyone else want in a book!
I rated this book with 5***** stars, and am going to read the next part right away-I just have to see what happens, and I know you will want to also.
A Simple Change by J.L. Ostle was a good book and i enjoyed it very much -it is the first of 2 parts. It ends in a cliffhanger, but the second book is out so you will not have to wait to see what happens!
The main character of the book is a 17 year old girl named Alison, or Ali as everyone calls her. Ali at the beginning of the book wears clothes that are way to big for her, wearing the boy's next door discarded t shirts to school and to bed and hides her beauty, but her beauty shines through anyway although she does not realize it. She is a good girl, gets straight A's never goes anywhere and is her parents' angel. Ali has a secret however -she has been in love with the boy next door since they were 13 years old. Ali would die rather than admit to it as he is also one of two of her only friends and he has always been there for her, her protector against anyone who gives her a hard time and she rides to school and back every day in his car, along with Lexi their other friend since childhood. Every friday is there movie night and it has been a tradition with them!
Kyle Jacobs is Ali's best friend the boy who has lived next door to her since they were both 3 years old, and unknown to Ali, he is in love with her also-has been since he was 13, but feeling she would never see him that way has his share of hook ups with girls from school, never realizing it did matter to Ali. He tries to hide this from her by only going with girls at parties. He does not want her to see this side of him.
One weekend Lexi decides she is going to do something about the way Ali looks and takes her to a day at the spa and she gets a makeover. She emerges from a dowdy girl to a beauty and when she dresses up for a party they are going to go to she is beautiful. Needless to say when Kyle sees her at the party and sees how all the males are looking at her like the new girl in town he gets upset, that is his girl after all whether she knows it or not.And even though he is making out with a girl, he dumps the girl and comes after Ali, and drunk, asks her what the hell she is doing there? Kyle knows how innocent Ali is and in his mind when she is ready she is going to belong to him.
Things start changing and then Kyle finally works up the nerve to tell Ali how he feels and they are now together! However there are a couple of people who are very unhappy about this-one-a girl who has bullied Ali since she started high school, and another that thinks Kyle is hers. Add to that a guy that has taken a liking to Ali and after a couple of dates, thinks that he is now the man that should be in her life. Kyle is so jealous of Ali going out with the other boy he makes his move.
As Halloween approaches everyone gets ready for the party at school, and Ali decides that she and Kyle are going to finally be together for the first time.That was the plan-what happens is another thing altogether, and the book ends in a cliffhanger you will never see coming in a million years. It really ends like a Halloween horror story with someone winding up in the hospital and another in jail!
This book had well developed characters, a lot of emotional and sexual angst, had a plot that will keep you guessing constantly as it takes another turn and the end is shocking -what more could anyone else want in a book!
I rated this book with 5***** stars, and am going to read the next part right away-I just have to see what happens, and I know you will want to also.
July 28, 2015
Alison has been in love with her best friend Kyle for years. She does not tell him for fear that it will destroy the close friendship they have. There are a lot of factors working against what she wants. Kyle is a player. Alison is being bullied. She dates someone else.
Kyle is a very protective best friend. They have known one another for so long that they know each other better than themselves. He takes her to school and home each day. He is a popular guy at school.
Alison gets a spa day with her other best friend and makes some changes. Next thing she knows, guys and girls alike are noticing the new her. Where before, she was invisible. Will the guy she really wants to attract see the new her?
Meanwhile, there is a stalker wanting to harm Alison if she does not get away from Kyle. Even with the police and school involved the stalker is making their presence known. Can they be caught before tragedy strikes?
A really engaging book that I could NOT put down! The story is very well put together with complex characters who have real feelings for each other. I am hoping this is the start of a series! I give this story a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This ARC copy was given for review purposes only.
Kyle is a very protective best friend. They have known one another for so long that they know each other better than themselves. He takes her to school and home each day. He is a popular guy at school.
Alison gets a spa day with her other best friend and makes some changes. Next thing she knows, guys and girls alike are noticing the new her. Where before, she was invisible. Will the guy she really wants to attract see the new her?
Meanwhile, there is a stalker wanting to harm Alison if she does not get away from Kyle. Even with the police and school involved the stalker is making their presence known. Can they be caught before tragedy strikes?
A really engaging book that I could NOT put down! The story is very well put together with complex characters who have real feelings for each other. I am hoping this is the start of a series! I give this story a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This ARC copy was given for review purposes only.
August 5, 2015
Young love, crazy things kids do and a mystery all in one. Alison has always been the girl next door. With a little help from her friend and unknowingly her mom too. She comes out of her she'll. Kyle has been her friend forever and by his word will still be no matter what happens. Why would anyone want to hurt her... Will they find out who is threatening her before it's too late.
March 9, 2015
4.5 stars
I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review.
When I started reading this book I felt it was choppy. Not sure how else to explain it, but it's the only word that comes to my mind. It starts British like, but says they're an all American family. We don't say 'mum' and make tea (well, we do, but usually our 'go to' is coffee). Past the 1st chapter or so the book started to run smoothly and I started to get into it. As a matter of fact I didn't want to put it down! The author seemed to be getting better and better. I really enjoyed the friendship of Ali (Alisha) and Kyle and Lexi. Great characters. Ali the 'goody goody' girl, Lexi is the 'out going' friend and Kyle 'The boy next door, the protector'.
Loved the premise of the story. Friendships, firsts and high school angst. I do recommend reading this book, but know that it is a 1st in at least a 2 book series, that is not clear. The author does not say, but I can't imagine it stops where it did, at least I hope not!
March 17, 2015
Starting this book I had a few issues but as the story progressed I grew more interested in the story.
I felt like Ali's character made some great changes throughout the book. Watching her grow from the shy unpopular girl to the strong woman who took up for herself was really refreshing. Lexi was an amazing best friend to Ali. Always having her back. I felt like she played a major roll in making this book what it is.
Kyle was awesome throughout the book. He didn't pretend to be someone he was not. He was popular but didn't let that affect his relationship with Ali.
It's a story with just the right amount of drama and angst. With a beautiful love story in the mix.
I am giving this book 4 stars because I did have some issues with it but all in all it was a pretty great debut novel and I wish this author the best of luck with her writing in the future.
This book ends with a major cliffhanger. There will be a book 2 so please give this book a chance. I am looking forward to the next installment.
.
I felt like Ali's character made some great changes throughout the book. Watching her grow from the shy unpopular girl to the strong woman who took up for herself was really refreshing. Lexi was an amazing best friend to Ali. Always having her back. I felt like she played a major roll in making this book what it is.
Kyle was awesome throughout the book. He didn't pretend to be someone he was not. He was popular but didn't let that affect his relationship with Ali.
It's a story with just the right amount of drama and angst. With a beautiful love story in the mix.
I am giving this book 4 stars because I did have some issues with it but all in all it was a pretty great debut novel and I wish this author the best of luck with her writing in the future.
This book ends with a major cliffhanger. There will be a book 2 so please give this book a chance. I am looking forward to the next installment.
.
June 14, 2015
I liked the plot - Ali and Kyle were best friends and as time went by, their feelings for each other changed, but both of them were afraid to tell and show how they really feel. When Ali turned from ugly ducking to a lovely swan, Kyle decided to pursue her and fight for his feelings. Soon Ali was noticed by a lot of people but not all were pleased. Something happened Halloween night, where everything changed. Will they finally get their happy every after?
Story-wise, it was good. It has lot of potential, but my concern was the poor editing and grammar issues. Honestly, I am quite fussy with the use of the words "you're" and "your", which weren't properly used in the book, among other things (like punctuation marks) I can't help but pout whenever I encountered these errors multiple times. But I'm still holding my breath for book 2. I think it's going to be a lot better.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Story-wise, it was good. It has lot of potential, but my concern was the poor editing and grammar issues. Honestly, I am quite fussy with the use of the words "you're" and "your", which weren't properly used in the book, among other things (like punctuation marks) I can't help but pout whenever I encountered these errors multiple times. But I'm still holding my breath for book 2. I think it's going to be a lot better.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2015
This was an awesome book about bullying and young love. How far can bullying go in high school. Unless you have been there, you can only imagine. This is a very well written book told through the eyes of a 17 almost 18 year old girl, who is being bullied. Ali is in love with her best friend Kyle. They grew up together. He is popular and she is on the outside looking in, except for her other best friend Lexi. J.L. Ostle does a wonderful job with all aspects of this book. It is a must read.
May 1, 2015
I always enjoy reading new authors. Ms Ostle has captured high school angst at its finest. Her characters are well developed and very likable. Kyle and Alison are meant for each other, if they would only admit it to themselves. Lex is a stellar best friend, everyone needs someone like her in their life.The twists in the story are well plotted and the ending will leave the reader wanting more. The only thing that threw me was the use of British terms in a story set in the US. As a debut novel, this book is a great read, perfect for laying on the beach and relaxing with.
April 27, 2015
This is the first book I have read by this author..... The beginning I was a bit confused and it was here and there but she pulled it together pulled.me into a great start to a new series. It brings the dynamic of high school life or how it could be for some . I enjoyed it and looking forward to reading the rest of series. Comefind out if one change could make a difference between these three friends, the good girl,the adventerous ,and the boy typical boy next door that everyone loves. I think you'll really enjoy this book. I reccomend for 17+. Great story!
May 3, 2015
Alison is in love with the boy next door, but doesn't want to ruin their friendship with any drama. Kyle is the hot one in school that every one is after, but he can't ever find a girl to settle down with. Things are tested between the best friends and taken on a level that could be hard to turn back from but they always find their way back. After another boy shows interest in Alison things start to make Kyle seem jealous. Has Kyle been hiding feelings all this time, or is he just scared of loosing his best friend?
March 9, 2015
I really liked this book. The characters were well thought out and we either knew people like these characters or were these people back in high school. The situations these characters faced were for the most part realistic (although I don't think my parents would let me spend the night at a boys' house, especially when the parents weren't home). This is an awesome first book and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
March 15, 2015
j.l ostle debut novel a simple change is an page turner. i couldn't put this book down Alison is simple girl just trying to get thru high school without Kyle her best friend finding out she madly in love with him but what is high school without a bully, villain and amazing best friends. Kyle is popular boy who is secretly in love with his best friend in this book we see them both grow together and well as alison finding herself and becoming less invisible thanks to her best friend lex
May 17, 2015
The book has a great storyline about teenage love, jealousy and all the drama that goes with it. There's also a bit of suspense that makes this book hard to put down. I really enjoyed the different personalities of Ali, Lex, Kyle and all the other characters. The story ends in a cliffhanger so you'll want to pick up the next book, The Hardest of Changes, which is also very good.
(received an ARC for review)
(received an ARC for review)
March 9, 2015
I would give this book a 3.5 star review. The beginning was set with lots of potential! An easy flow. The end, well bits of it was a but unbelievable to me, which took away from the awesome factor for me. But I found it entertaining and will have to check out the sequel if it comes about! Because I'll have to know what happens
March 10, 2015
This book has all of the kinds of people you'd expect to see in high school. She captures the cliques thing pretty well. I think every girl could see themselves in Ali. I know I did. I couldn't put this down from the moment I started. It's a definite must read for 2015. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
April 8, 2015
omg glad this is series 1 I need more of these guys this book is brilliant it got recommend on Twitter by other authors i love I was not disappointed the drama mystery bullying love lives of young friends it has everything and more in it brilliant for the 1st book I've read by j.l ostle ill b waiting for the change series book 2
March 11, 2015
Jena has out done herself with this book. I absolute couldn't put it down. Read the whole book in one day. Kyle, Alisha & Lexi are the best of friends. But as the story goes on someone is jealous and out for revenge. Can't wait to see if there's a book 2. Great job Jena.
March 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book by J.L. Ostle! Ostle nailed the high school bullying on the button. This was a very emotional read for me, It was like I was there with Ali living it with her. I can't wait for book two!
May 7, 2015
I really liked this book. The characters were likeable, situations that most can relate to & the story flowed well. An amazing debut from J.L. Ostle, I look forward to the rest of this series.
Actual Rating 4.5
Actual Rating 4.5
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May 11, 2015Other than the errors in grammar and spelling, I fell in love with this book! I loved the storyline between the two characters, Kyle and Ali. This book left me hanging and anticipating for Hardest of Changes, can't wait to read and continue this story!
March 10, 2015
I'm not a big reader and it's hard trying to find a book that keeps me intrigued, but I really enjoyed it I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the sequel.
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March 10, 2015Finished ... Not sure I can express what I'm feeling ..
I hate endings like that... With that said I will have to think everything else..
I hate endings like that... With that said I will have to think everything else..
March 13, 2015
Read this book and couldn't put it down I loved it and can't wait to read the next book seen book on other author page and so glad I gave it a chance fab first book
April 25, 2015
absolutely loved this book... was such a page Turner finished it in one day:) can't wait for the next book:)
May 8, 2015
OMG! I NEED the 2nd book NOW!!
It is a really sweet high school love story and I absolutely love it!! I could not put the book down. Oh the feels!!!!
It is a really sweet high school love story and I absolutely love it!! I could not put the book down. Oh the feels!!!!
May 9, 2015
Loved this book, it made me laugh and cry. Can't wait for the next one.
May 10, 2015
A page turner. I loved it, luckily I have the second book with me, so I can find out how everything works out.
May 10, 2015
I absolutely love this book, I was hooked from start to finish. Amazing especially considering it is the authors first book.
June 27, 2015
This novel is excellent. Ali and Kyle should have express their feelings from the beginning. Good read!!!
April 13, 2015
Review to come
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews