Hooked by Liz Fichera

Hooked by Liz Fichera

Release Date: January 29, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: Hooked, Book 1
Rated: YA 14+
Format: ARC
Source: Author
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

Get hooked on a girl named Fred.

When Fredericka "Fred" Oday is invited to become the only girl on her boys' varsity golf team, she can't say no. This is her opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to college, something no one in her family has done. But Fred's prescensce on the team isn't exactly welcome – especially not to the played she's paired with, rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make room for Fred.

Sparks will fly as the girl from the Rez with the killer swing takes on the boy with the killer smile!

Hooked was one of the last books I read in the year 2012, but it's definitely one that I shall not forget easily. I loved this YA contemporary debut, and it's gorgeously crafted story. I've just been reading some of Sherman Alexie's stories from The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven in class, and been looking for the stereotypes against the Native American race. I was especially looking out for it in this book, but I'm so happy to say that the author has done a brilliant job of portraying the views of an Indian American girl, as well as the general stereotypes which her peers at school make her out to be.
I must admit, the first thing that drew me to this book would have to be the line "Get hooked on a girl named Fred". I mean, after Cricket from The Story of Us by Deb Caletti, it's a pretty unusual name for a girl. After that (and the attractive cover!) I was intent on reading Hooked.

There have been many heroines in YA contemporary who I've adored, but Fred's one of the only which I can whole heartedly say I respect. She's so shy, but she works her way through that and stays on the boys team. She's so determined, and that's what I really ended up liking about her.
Ryan– oh Ryan. Thou was *ehem* a bleepbag at the beginning, but how I came to fall for thee. Your charming good looks and manners and *sigh* just YOU. Okay, (clearly) I'm a big fan of Ryan. Scratch that. HIS PERSONAL CHEERLEADER. I was so rooting for him the whole time. GO RYAN! *pom-poms enthusiastically waved around*

There were a bunch of amazing minor characters such as Sam and Riley, Ryan's little sister. I really can't wait for the sequel, more like companion novel, to Hooked, because it now features them as main characters. Even Seth, who was the baddie of this book, I came to love to hate...if that makes sense. The characters each had their unique characteristics, and that's what made them all so equally interesting!

There was a whole lot of Golf Terminology which had me confused– I've never played golf in my life, and I had no idea what was a bogey and a birdie, and so on, but there's a lovely little guide at the back which I found pretty useful and hence I was able to get most of it, or at least, the gist of the game.

Get ready to get hooked on Hooked because it's a sweet, touching, heartbreaking, heartwarming, absolutely dazzling debut which will have you rooting for Fred and Ryan the whole way. Do not hesitate to pick this one up! Liz Fichera has tackled a serious issue and put it into a story where teens and adults alike can see both sides of it. Can't wait for Sam and Riley's story in Played!

▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Liz Fichera for sending a copy of Hooked for review and BTG2013! ▪ ▪ ▪

If you like this, try...

• What Can't Wait by Ashley Hope Pérez ● Goodreads
• Catching Jordan by Miranda Keneally ● Goodreads

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