The Cleo Trilogy:
So, there was this boy..., ...happily ever after, ...best laid plans...

Cleo is a friend of mine. One of those people who drive us mad, but that we absolutely adore in spite of it. Alright, Cleo isn’t real. But damn, it sure does feel like she is. She is the heroine (if you will…) of Stephanie’s, as yet unfinished, trilogy of stories about the life and loves and experiences of long suffering next-door-neighbor/best friend-sort of, to the brothers Hanson and family. Don’t roll your eyes!!! It’s in no way “one of those girl-next-door” stories. This one could happen. Who knows? Maybe it has…

It begins with the universally acclaimed (alright, acclaimed in the hanfic world) “So, There Was This Boy…” I actually almost decided not to review this story, just because it’s been reviewed so many times before. And it’s won a buttload of hanfic awards. Can you see the jealousy oozing out of my fingers? But, it’s all deserved, and if this review gets a reader to head over to Stephanie’s site, “Bitter”, then it will be worth it.

When I first read the first few chapters of “Boy”, I thought, well, it’s a well used plot, but she’s a good writer, I’m gonna stick with it. And I ‘m so glad I did. Her Taylor is the boy you’ve always wanted to fall in love with and have him return the feelings. Her Zac makes you want to go out and find a friend like that to hang around with. Her Isaac is lovable in spite of his (probably realistic) bitchiness. Sorry Isaac, it doesn’t make us love you any less.

Cleo is a girl who can’t make up her mind. She has a lot of baggage. She makes wrong decisions, quite often. She gets mad when she shouldn’t. She’s never gotten over Thad. Now, before I say too much (I hate spoilers!) I’m just going to say this: read “So, There Was This Boy” if you haven’t. Then move on to it’s equally beautiful and enjoyable sequel, “Happily Ever After”—don’t let the name fool ya. And last, check out the third piece in this trilogy, the barely begun “Best Laid Plans”—the opening two chapters are doozies!!!! And give Stephanie all the praise she deserves, because the writing is stellar and the plot is fantastic. If you’re looking for a romantic comedy (with a little tragedy and angst thrown in), this is the story for you. See what everyone’s been talking about these last couple years!