Review Detail

My thoughts: 

I read this about two weeks ago, but *ahem*... One Night that Changes Everything
had a compelling and unique storyline and premise-- it was about a
notebook full of Eliza's, the main character, deepest secrets and fears,
and not all of them about her; and her ex-boyfriend and his friends
have it. What should have been a fun weekend with her two best friends
Clarice and Marissa turns into an inevitable night of blackmail,
overcoming things Eliza had once feared, fallings out, drama, and new
love...

This
novel was always moving along, and with about 12 hours (not even a
day!) for the storyline, there wasn't much time for a dull moment. It
was action-packed, in the slightest of ways, since there are no heavy
explosions or alien invasions...or vampire biting, for all you
paranormalists! 

The
relationship between Eliza and Cooper (the ex) was actually nice, and
fun to watch unfold and develop. It's really obvious what happens at the
end between them, but it was still sweet when I got to read that
moment. It wasn't overly sappy, or cheesy; though I think if it wasn't
already obvious, this book is highly girl-oriented. I'm sure that guys
CAN enjoy this one, but girls may be able to relate to some of the
events a bit more...

However,
good parts of the novel aside, I did have a few problems. When I was
reading, I found that the distinction between Clarice and Marissa,
Eliza's best friends, should have been more defined. I don't know, they
seemed very similar. While there was that whole Clarice is a
hopeless-romantic but keeps running to her "boyfriend" for hookups, or
Marissa who...well, I can't even remember now. I remember her being
described as the more... racy of the two. But really? I just wanted more
of a distinction.

All
in all, I enjoyed this one a whole lot. It was a quick read, it was
interesting, I liked what was explored-- that, ultimately, the things
that compell people to be afraid usually aren't too bad. If you're a
sucker for teen girl light, fun and slightly-dramarific stories, you'll
enjoy this one. 

This is my first novel from Lauren Barnholdt, so I can't give any comparisons between her other novels and this one.