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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

ARC Review: Hooked by Liz Fichera

I think it's safe to say that I got hooked in Liz Fichera's writing.

Title: Hooked (Hooked #1) by Liz Fichera
Release Date: January 29th 2013
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Source: Publisher (Thanks Tashya!)
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

Summary:

When Native American Fredricka ‘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.

When opportunity comes knocking at your door, grab it. Fred Oday is a great golf player and she was offered a scholarship to be a part of her high school's Golf Team. But there's a catch: she was to be the only female player in the boys team. Also, people give her weird stares because she's a kid from the Reservation, and also an Native American Indian. Ultimately, she got her spot in the team because someone got booted off and it happened to be a spoiled rich kid named Seth Winters, Ryan Berenger's best friend, a golden boy from Lone Butte and Ryan doesn't like it one bit. And then he meets Fred, and sparks fly.

I liked Fred. She endeared herself to me because she's just like any other teenager who happens to be an extraordinary golf player. She gets flustered and confused when a boy showers her with attention, maybe she's a little paranoid and assuming, but isn't that normal? She worries about her family, and she, more importantly, doesn't hate herself for who she is. She's a talented girl and all she wants is to play the sport that she likes and help her family in any way she could. What I didn't like is how everyone looks at her just because she's a Native American Indian. To this day and age, people still couldn't look past beyond the color of other people's skin or what a person's heritage is. It was obvious how there's a divide between the kids from the Reservation and the rich in Lone Butte. I hurt every single time Fred gets called out for having a different skin color than the rest of her school. Why did she have to get such treatment?Why does it have to be that way?

On the other hand, meeting Ryan Berenger had me raising my eyebrows. He's a caring older brother to Riley, but half the time he was putting up with such a crappy friend in Seth and a lousy girlfriend in Gwyneth and the other half of the time he was busy irritating his parents. He was the perfect embodiment of a spoiled brat who doesn't have enough courage to call nor help out a friend spinning out of control. He's also a bit contradictory, keeping up appearances and staying with a girl because it was what was expected but then he was caring so much for Fred that he fell for her despite what everyone thinks. But I love it when he gets flustered because of her. I was so glad and relieved when he started changing gradually to the point that I can see beneath all the bad boy wannabe stunts, all because of Fred. What made me like him the most is that he might be a difficult boy to understand, but when it comes to Fred, Ryan sees past the heritage and everything else. He's not putting up with Seth's jibes and downright belittling of Fred. He's that guy who just needs to meet the right girl to set him to the right path.

In the surface, Hooked sounds like a typical love story between a boy who hates the girl but ends up falling for her anyway. But Hooked conveys a deeper message to its readers. Beyond the love story you see a girl trying to fit in in a school where appearances are what matters and the color of your skin can get you ridiculed and bullied. It's about family, the hardships one faces whether they be a rich or a poor one. It's about being proud of your heritage and a community recognizing the effort and the talent of one girl, their dynamics, how they are united and supportive of each other. It's about a boy who despite having everything, craves for something greater than wealth: love and attention of a mother and father, and the genuine love of a girl who can set him straight and see all the reasons behind the mischievous, trouble seeking guy pretending to be tough. I think Fred and Ryan were perfect for each other.

There's something sweet and heart warming about the beautiful pairing Ryan and Fred makes. This isn't your typical love at first sight book. Hooked is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will make you sigh and swoon over a misunderstood male lead and the stubborn, shy, extremely talented female lead. It's a book that makes you proud for being yourself, for acknowledging your heritage, for reaching out to your loved ones, for being brave and tough when the situation calls for it. Hooked made me laugh, sad, extremely frustrated and irritated, but ultimately, it made me believe that love, despite all the odds, can happen in the most unexpected of times.

Perfect Valentines Day read, in my opinion. It's part romance, part sports and a very entertaining read.

Content (plot, story flow, character):
The ultimate decider that made me like Ryan was the last 50 pages of the book. Read it and tell me what you think of his character. Definitely put a complete spin on his personality.
Shining: Worthy of a Goddess' Love!

Book Cover:
Lovely!

5 comments:

  1. This seems like a great read, I love how it's not a typical love story but has so much more meaning to it, can't wait to check this out! Great review :)

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  2. Excellent description of Ryan-I couldn't wait for him to do something instead of just whinge about his oh so privileged life. I even liked the golf sections!

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    Replies
    1. Ah well, Ryan wasn't really a likable character at first, but he kind of grew on me and my impression of him changed so much especially when Fred's dad was in need of so much help. He's a softie deep inside :) The golf parts makes me want to play golf!

      Thanks for the comment!

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  3. I've been trying to read more contemporary romance and a bit less fantasy so that I can have more of a balance. This book sounds really good and I'd love to give a read. Great review.

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  4. It seems like such a cute read!! :D Will definitely be looking for a copy of this. Lovely review, Kai!

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