Wednesday 23 January 2013

Book Review: Hooked by Liz Fichera

Goodreads Summary: When Native American Fredericka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done. 
But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.
But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...
GET HOOKED ON A GIRL NAMED FRED.



Title: Hooked
Series: Hooked #1
Author: Liz Fichera
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 1st February 2013
Format: e-galley
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Challenge: Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

I had seen this book all over the blogosphere and thought I had better check it out. The synopsis was intriguing and I thought it would be a fantastic young adult read that goes through all the typical teenage issues and some not so typical. I haven’t read a sports themed book for a while and being a lover of golf myself, thought it would be fun. Hooked was a great read and the writing style of the author was fantastic; I couldn't stop turning the pages.

Frederika ‘Fred’ Oday is from the wrong side of Pecos Road, or so she thinks. Being an Indian and living on the Reserve all her life, Fred had aspirations to be the first in her family to head off to college with a golf scholarship. Her Dad works at the local golf course and every Saturday she heads to work with him and uses the driving range. Her long and short game is fantastic and the best the Coach of her high school has ever seen. Going to the white rich people’s school has its issues, but Fred had worked a way around it, being invisible. Until the Coach was adamant that Fred had to be on his Varsity Golf team. Fred wasn’t sure if she should accept his offer, but in the end if she wanted to go to college she needed this opportunity to help get her there.

The next day at school, there were whispers about some Fred person joining the team. Fred didn't know what to think and just kept to her invisibility guise to ignore it all. Ryan and Seth have been best friends since, forever and now that Seth has been kicked off the Golf team, he is distraught. How could they kick him off and why is some person called Fred allowed on without even having a try out? Seth is out for revenge!

That first practice session, Fred showed off her driving skills and the boys were shocked. Ryan is astounded to think a girl had taken Seth’s place and knows Seth will not be happy to find out that one, it’s a girl and two, she is Indian.

The more Ryan and Fred get to know each other, feelings arise. Being the best pair on the Golf team, they were always paired together during the tournaments. The more time they spent together, Ryan felt protective of Fred. But somebody is determined to destroy Fred’s game with sabotage.

Is Ryan just trying to annoy his parents by getting friendly with Fred? Can Seth get over his obsession with Fred taking his spot and his friend? Will Fred be able to overcome her social standing ideals and let her feelings rule? Can Fred and Ryan really be together as a couple? What about Ryan’s so called girlfriend?

This has a fantastic story that anybody can follow their dreams and overcome whatever obstacles get thrown in their path. Fred is such a strong protagonist, but has her flaws and concerns. She is embarrassed about her family and learns that not everybody is perfect and that most families have their own embarrassing qualities. I loved the golf lingo and it makes me want to go have a game. I loved this book and how much the characters changed and evolved throughout. It will be interesting to see what happens in book 2, Played, I can only find that it is about Riley (Ryan’s younger sister) and Sam (one of Fred’s friends from the Rez). Overall, I recommend this to all young adult contemporary fans.

4 BOOKS - GREAT


About the Author

Courtesy of Liz Fichera's website

Me?

I'm an American author living in the American Southwest by way of Chicago.

Born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, after college, never expecting to live more than one year among cactus and people who’d never seen snow. I was wrong. It certainly didn't hurt that I met my future husband in Phoenix too.

Most of my stories are set in the American Southwest because I think the desert is a cool place. Living in Phoenix, I'm surrounded by Native American culture and influences, not to mention intriguing Hohokam petroglyph's and centuries-old canals. There are over 20 tribes in Arizona and I'm lucky to be neighbours to the Gila River and the Salt River Indian Communities.

When I'm not busy writing my next novel, I like to travel, visit museums, support local theatre productions, hike, and pretend that I'm training for a triathlon. I post a lot of photos from my desert and mountain hikes on my Facebook and Twitter pages. In no particular order, I've been chased by javalinas, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and even one curious black bear. Would love to connect with you there too!
~ courtesy of Liz Fichera's website




4 comments:

  1. This definitely sounds unique. I really love the idea that the story revolves around golf! I've heard a lot of mixed thoughts on this book, but I'm definitely going to keep an opened mind about it. Great review :)

    Jesse @ Pretty In Fiction

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  2. Love the sound of this story and the cover is so beautiful.
    My WoW

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  3. It sounds really interesting and unique in the world of YA books. I'm not sure how I feel about golf but I know I like that its something different and unexpected ;)

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  4. I have seen this book all over the blogs lately and it is getting some great reviews! I guess I will have to check it out. :) Thanks for helping convince me - lovely review

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