Publication: January 31, 2013 (Harlequin Teen)
Source: E-galley from NetGalley
Rating: Beam-worthy
___
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.
Memorable Quote
Her breath warmed my neck. Slowly, I lowered my chin so that it brushed the top of her head. My eyes closed as I listened to our breathing, her heartbeat, and all the corner things that scrolled through my head. I wanted to say something lame, like how her hair smelled as sweet as the desert, because that was how she made me feel - alive and special.
My Review
After reading several contemporary books last year that featured main characters as athletes, I wanted to try Hooked. I'm glad I did, because like predecessors Catching Jordan, Stealing Parker, and others, Hooked utilizes a bit of a twist on familiar plots. In Liz Fichera's debut novel, the main character Fred faces several challenges, but has an indomitable spirit that was beautiful to read about. Although the other main character, Ryan, wore on my nerves, I never found Fred to be anything but inspiring, and ended up enjoying Hooked a great deal.
I really enjoyed the authenticity Liz Fichera gave to her characters. They all felt very real; however in this case, I didn't enjoy the dual point of view as much as I wished. Despite having moments where I softened toward him, for the majority of Hooked, I didn't care for Ryan, or his point of view. I think the story could have been told better without his, because he let me down too many times. He did come through eventually, but by then, I didn't believe in him and Fred as a couple because of his antics and immaturity when it came to her. He had opportunities to step up, but chose not to, and my enjoyment of Hooked suffered. Plus there was just a lot of meaningless drama drummed up between them to keep the story going.
I did come to admire Liz Fichera's story-telling, and the pacing, which was well done. I applaud the fact that Fred isn't the typical Caucasion narrator, and I enjoyed the tribal information in the story. I liked that she took risks as a story-teller, and delved into Fred's less than desirable home life with her alcoholic mother. However, I felt like the actual treatment of that storyline was a bit callous and generalized. Fred's father and brother were great additions to this story as supportive minor characters. I felt like as Hooked neared a climax though, everything was wrapped up really neatly and quickly. Sometimes it's better for an author to leave a bit to the reader's imagination, but that wasn't so here.
Overall, I liked Hooked - the premise, and Fred. I'm glad I took a chance on Liz Fichera's story, because there were some touching moments, but I'd have to say that I've seen this type of premise done better by other authors.
Other books by this author:
Played (Hooked #2 - 2014 Harlequin Teen)
You're sure to love:
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
About Liz
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.
Visit Liz at: her website |
Shop for Hooked at: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
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