Gr 7-10-Charismatic, lighthearted, and irresistible, Kate Bjorkman narrates her tale of teen romance in the language and conventions of The Romance Writer's Handbook. Spoofing the searing descriptions and pat plots of torrid bodice rippers, this six-foot tall heroine with glasses thick as Coke bottles and an I.Q. off the charts proves that true love awaits even the gawkiest, most socially inept teen. With a surprise Christmas visit from her older brother, his wife, and college friends, one of whom is a former neighbor and Kate's dream hunk, the freezing Minnesota winter takes on summer's glow. Fleur, whom Kate believes to be Richard's girlfriend, combines perfect California good looks with a rapier wit. Ashley, Kate's nubile, popular best friend, lets raging hormones stampede loyalty and horns in on Richard, even though Kate has identified him as the man of her dreams; thus a perfect romance-fiction villain is born. After much humorous travail, everything sorts itself out, and Kate lives happily ever after, at least for the six weeks that her romance has lasted. Witty, keen writing; likable characters, and an interesting format form a fast-paced, refreshing book with lots of appeal. Written in chapters that alternate novel segments with Kate's revision notes, the plot advances and characters develop with hilarity of detail. Kate is a uniquely strong female protagonist whose reflections on life, love, and people shine through. With a forgivably pat ending (this is a bodice ripper, after all!) that isn't quite as successful as its build-up, the book appeals to the starry-eyed romantic that lurks in us all.-Alice Casey Smith, Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan, NJ
