Labelled a nerd for most of high school, Livi sees her first year of university as a chance to redefine herself. She can finally enter the popular crowd and maybe even land herself a super hot boyfriend. But Livi’s about to discover that the in-crowd isn’t what she’s always believed it to be, and that maybe what — and who — she wants most has always been right in front of her.
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REVIEW
I was excited to have the chance to read this book, as I have been trying to expand my reading horizons. By that I mean genres, settings and nationality of authors. This is my first one where the author is from South Africa and the book is set there.
I felt like I was back in high school at times reading the book. I can understand Livi's wanting to re-invent herself in college and be part of the 'in' crowd, but at the same time it makes me groan. But that's life. Some people boost their own self-esteem by setting people who are different apart from themselves and considering them as 'less worthy'.
But growing up entails a lot of learning, only some of which can be found in textbooks. Livi learns things about her 'new friends', her 'old friends' and even her family - some pleasant and some not so pleasant. Since I couldn't be in the book, 'slappin' Livi upside the head', trying to talk some sense into her, a couple of times I almost caught myself nodding with an 'I told you so' air, when she was finding out how 'loyal' her new friends were.
Aside from the friend issues, there are some rather unexpected changes in her family life. I really like the way Ms. Morgan handled these upheavals - it was done with sensitivity and a bit of a (happily) surprising ending to that part of the story.
The Trouble with Flirting is the 2nd in Morgan's "Troubled" series, but it is my first experience with this author's work and it really reads quite well as a standalone. If someone asked me to place this book in a genre, I'd probably go with YA/Women's Fiction. A solid piece of work that piques my interest in the author's other titles.
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AUTHOR INFORMATION
Rachel Morgan is a South African author who spent a large portion of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making. After completing a degree in genetics, she decided science wasn’t for her—after all, they didn’t approve of made-up facts. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults and those young at heart.
She is the author of the bestselling Creepy Hollow series, and the lighthearted contemporary romance Trouble series.
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(Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book from the author and publisher via Book Blasts and Blog Tours and NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.)
I've seen this book around. It sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteI continue to be pleasantly surprised by YA books, Yvonne. Thanks for visiting! :O)
DeleteWow! Sounds like my book of book. Have added it my TBR list! Thanks for sharing, LuAnn :)
ReplyDeleteI am really impressed that you are trying to expand your reading horizons, so you should feel proud! I rarely know where my authors are from, but I do read a lot of genres ;)
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