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

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Book Review: Taken by Emma Knight

Goodreads Summary: Rachel Wood finally learns the secret that her new boyfriend, Benji, has been hiding: he is a vampire.
But Rachel refuses to believe it. Thinking he is crazy, she runs from him, and resolves to never see him again.
But despite herself, Rachel can’t stop thinking of him. As he comes to her in her dreams, Rachel can’t help wondering if maybe, just maybe, it is all true.
Meanwhile, Rachel is back in high school, the day after her dreaded homecoming dance, and is left to deal with the fallout of the brawl. Rob’s football friends were injured, but that doesn’t stop Rob from falling for Rachel all over again. And despite herself, she realizes that she just might still have feelings for him, too.
Rachel’s social pressures build from her group of friends, and she is forced to lie to her parents, and sneak out, in order to get out of being grounded and have any social life. Her sister, Sarah, covers for her, as those two start to develop a deeper bond.
But problems only escalate for Rachel, as Benji comes back into her life, bringing danger with him. She discovers his world at his ancestral home in the mysterious Lyndvia Castle on the Hudson River. But just as their romance is blossoming, Benji’s twin brother shows up with a message that just might mean the end for all of them. Rachel will have to decide just how much she wants to sacrifice to be with the love of her life.

Title: Taken
Series: The Vampire Legends #2
Author: Emma Knight
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: 21st December 2011
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: My Shelf
Challenge: Paranormal Challenge - Vampires

This is a total continuation from Sworn, book one and the first paragraph takes off from where it ended. I did like this aspect and it set the whole story for this book. The storyline is interesting, but a little typical of vampire stories, the characters aren’t yet fully explored and I am interested to read the next couple of books to see where they go.

Benji and Rachel escaped the school dance and Rachel is trying to get Benji to explain how he is capable of such strength and speed. Benji is frustrated and doesn’t want to share his secret, but knows Rachel has given him an ultimatum. Buggering it all, he spills the beans and this day is the beginning of all the trouble.

Rachel doesn’t believe what she hears and runs away from Benji. Arriving home she finds the police and worried parents. Telling them all she knows (except for the sworn secret), Rachel goes to bed worried and anxious.

School is horrendous; everybody is talking about the horrible fight from the dance the night before. Rachel is so embarrassed and her friends don’t really help; she is the focus of all the students and the football team is in hospital because of her.

The whole town is wondering who and where Benji is and trying to get answers. Rachel is becoming the bad girl, with the influence from her friends, but her relationship with her sister is becoming better and they seem to be closer than ever before.

This book does focus more on Benji and his story; giving some backstory and why he made the decision to tell Rachel. But there are always consequences and this one has been major. Telling the secret is forbidden and this has caused chaos with another coven. Rachel and Benji are now in danger.

There are some twists and turns along the way, the ending is left open in a huge cliffhanger. The introduction of Benji’s twin brother, Hunter is an interesting addition. He is a total opposite of Benji and I hope he continues to appear in future books. The book does focus on teenage angst and peer pressures, with the added fun of vampire life. I did rate it a 3, but will read the rest of the series.

3 BOOKS - GOOD

About the Author

Emma Knight is author of the bestselling vampire series THE VAMPIRE LEGENDS, consisting of four books and counting: SWORN, TAKEN, BITTEN and CHOSEN. Emma loves to hear from you, so please stay in touch and visit her website.

Book 1 - Sworn is currently FREE for Kindle.

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