Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
Published: June 26, 2007 by Simon Pulse
Received: Purchased from Amazon

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other. [goodreads]

My first experience reading this book occurred a few year ago, but with Barnholdt's companion novel [Right of Way] coming out this summer, I wanted to revisit this book and post an official review for it on the blog.  For anyone who enjoys an engaging, sweet, surprising YA contemporary -- this book is perfect to pick up next!  The first thing that grabbed me about this story is that it's centered around a road trip.  There are endless possibilities of what can go wrong, and go right, as the miles pass down the highway.  I remember being instantly pulled to this story simply for that fact.

The story begins with a brokenhearted Courtney, attempting to hide the pieces and face the world as the tough girl she is.  Jordan, her very recent ex-boyfriend, is driving her to college -- plans they had made prior to the break up, but there's a mystery as to why they'd still continue on with the plans.  That interesting twist to the story kept me reading, wondering why Courtney would go along with this plan.  I know my teenage self would not want to spend hours upon days inside a car with a boy who just broke my heart. And why is Jordan accepting to drive her, when he was the one who did the breaking up?

Barnholdt kept the story moving along and soon my questions started to shift and my focus was projected at the relationship that was not quite over between Courtney and Jordan.  The tension between these two characters was so much fun to read about.  They were both stubborn, yet you knew deep down they still cared for one another.  Ultimately I knew they'd end up at a pleasant destination, but it was the road getting there that I enjoyed so much.

If you're a fan of light, fun, and unexpected surprises; then I recommend picking up this contemporary novel.  Even years later I still hold a fondness for its story and am looking forward to the companion novel that is set to be released in July.

Waiting On: Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt

Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt
To be published: July 9, 2013 by Simon Pulse

Can a road trip repair a romance gone wrong? Find out in this standalone companion to Lauren Barnholdt’s Two-way Street.

Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.

Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.

Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead… [goodreads]

I am really excited to read this book by Lauren Barnholdt, especially since it's a companion novel to Two-way Street -- a story I read before my days of blogging & remember loving so much.  I love that this one follows the same premise of being set during a road trip, surrounded by a story of two characters who share a past and are thrown together to figure out their futures.  The tension in Two-way Street was so much fun to read, and the romance was the perfect amount of sweet.  I have a feeling this companion novel will deliver the same - if not more!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

GReads Favs of 2010 - #2

The holiday season is upon us & that means 2010 will soon be coming to a close. I read a pile of fantastic books this past year that I would like to mention through out the month of December.

Please feel free to join in this event hosted by me to showcase your fav books from 2010. If you do, please post a link back in the comments section to let me know, thanks!

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

There are two sides to every break up. This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care. But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot. Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other. 

I love this book for many reasons, but the #1 reason is because it introduced me to the talented YA author Lauren Barnholdt.  The feeling I got while reading this book put me in the middle of this chaotic roadtrip, with these two destined-to-be-together, messed up teenagers.  I loved every second of it!  Since I discovered Contemporary YA I haven't been able to look away from it.  I love the elements of re-living your teenage youth.  This book takes you back to your first heart break.  Oh how devastating that was!  However, this version of it has a happy ending - while my version just left me saying "good riddance!" haha.  This book also introduced me to my love for books centered around roadtrips!  The idea of two teenagers traveling cross-country for a destination they don't quite know is headed their way, intrigues me more than you know.  I cried for Courtney, and I swooned for Jordan.  If you have not read anything by Lauren Barnholdt, then I suggest you start with this wonderful diamond in the ruff.  Two-Way Street is one of my top contemporary YA reads of 2010!

One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

Eliza is in a full-blown panic. Her notebook has been stolen—the one that lists everything she wants but is afraid to go after. And the absolute worst person in the world has it: her ex-boyfriend, Cooper. 

Like it’s not enough Cooper was lying to Eliza for their entire relationship, now he and his friends are blackmailing her. They’re giving her just one night to complete the most humiliating tasks on her list or they’ll post her secrets online—including the ones that aren’t just about her.

Eliza’s sure of only one thing: she isn’t going down without a fight. Cooper may have what’s left of her dignity, but she’s not the only one with something to hide. - Review taken from Goodreads.


I first came across the author, Lauren Barnholdt with her book Two-way Street earlier this year.  I really enjoyed that read, so when I found out she was writing a new book I thought I should pick it up as well.  One Night That Changes Everything was a quick, easy read for me.  The story began right away & didn't leave much room to ponder what may or may not happen first.  I liked that it started this way, because once it took off it made it hard to put the book down.  And that's always a good sign!


Eliza is the type of character that most people can relate to.  I found my 16 year old self relating to a lot of her actions through out this book.  The story begins with her & her girl friends planning a night in at her house since her parents are gone.  Chick flicks, pizza, & popcorn!  But the night takes on a whole new spin when Eliza realizes that her purple notebook is missing.  The same notebook she has cataloged all her deep, dark secrets in.  Mostly lists of things she has been afraid to do, or say to people she really cares about.  The girls soon realize it is Eliza's ex-boyfriend Cooper, and his posse that have stolen the notebook to get revenge on her for the nasty things she posted online about Cooper after their horrific break-up.  Eliza felt she had every right to say these things about Cooper since she found out the only reason why he was dating her was for a bet among his friends.


As the story continues, Eliza is forced to complete tasks through out the night from her notebook.  The guys are threatening to spill out her secrets, unless she plays along.  As the night unfolds, and so do Eliza's fears, she soon realizes the importance of her friendships & relationships in life.  The reader is taken on a fun ride along side Eliza.  There is just enough humor & romance to tide you over.  Even though the ending is predictable, I felt like the story was something different.. something worth reading other than the typical teenage romance.  I like that it all takes place in one night & there's a mission at hand.  You never quite know what will come next, so it's definitely a page turner!


I think Lauren Barnholdt is an excellent YA author.  She touches on the teenage spirit perfectly.  It's real, yet comical.  I'm anxious to read more things from this author.