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Smitten
Head Over High Heels
When Lyssa is scouted by a modelling agency, she’s more surprised than anyone. She’s a gangly girl from a migrant family, with out-of-control hair and the wrong postcode.
She’s not even interested in a modelling career. She wants to get into Medicine at university. Then she learns how much she could earn from a single photo shoot – enough to give her struggling family the help they need.
Lyssa’s parents don’t like her talking to boys, let alone posing provocatively for a photographer. And while her best friend Emily is a champion liar, Lyssa’s still not sure she’ll get away with it. She’s always played it safe.
But then she meets Dan at the modeling agency, and Dan is all kinds of amazing. Maybe amazing enough to convince Lyssa that she should play it dangerous for once...
She’s not even interested in a modelling career. She wants to get into Medicine at university. Then she learns how much she could earn from a single photo shoot – enough to give her struggling family the help they need.
Lyssa’s parents don’t like her talking to boys, let alone posing provocatively for a photographer. And while her best friend Emily is a champion liar, Lyssa’s still not sure she’ll get away with it. She’s always played it safe.
But then she meets Dan at the modeling agency, and Dan is all kinds of amazing. Maybe amazing enough to convince Lyssa that she should play it dangerous for once...
266 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 31, 2021
Okay! What to say?
First of all I don't enjoy this book.
And when I thought I was enjoying it, something happens and I stopped enjoying it!
Sorry!
Not for me
1/5 stars
First of all I don't enjoy this book.
And when I thought I was enjoying it, something happens and I stopped enjoying it!
Sorry!
Not for me
1/5 stars
April 26, 2013
It's like my whole dream in one book. It's cute, really cute. I especially love the model part.
August 27, 2015
Honestly, these "Smitten" novels deserve way more credit than they currently receive. Despite the corny lines, the predictability of some of the events and the cliche plot, it's the perfect vacation novel. I could totally picture myself reading this novel relaxing on the beach or in front of a fire place with a steaming hot drink...
Lyssa's story struck me as something so different and interesting, it was good to read a novel, from someone who lives with so little, but is grateful for everything she has in her life - it was really quite refreshing! I loved how she had her priorities straight about school, but still kept up her social life and did an amazing job looking after her brother at home. Sometimes I found that some of the things she said or thought I could sort of relate to, being the same age and position with her in terms of school.
Dan, "Dan the Man" he was a crazy, odd and a very predictable character, but he fit the novel well. Sometimes hearing him describe Lyssa made me roll my eyes in disgust, because it was both so cliche and predictable, but I guess you could say he was both needed and represented so much in the novel, with his humour and strong contrast between his lifestyle and Lyssa's.
There were a few unexpected twists and turns in the novel, that made it a real page turner, the reason she ended up in Paris was far from what I imagined. It was extreme, adventurous and thrilling. This novel surprisingly dealt with some heavy issues, and did it in a way that was so subtle, that the story was not lost. I liked how the novel ended it was really sweet and nothing too dramatic.
Lyssa's story struck me as something so different and interesting, it was good to read a novel, from someone who lives with so little, but is grateful for everything she has in her life - it was really quite refreshing! I loved how she had her priorities straight about school, but still kept up her social life and did an amazing job looking after her brother at home. Sometimes I found that some of the things she said or thought I could sort of relate to, being the same age and position with her in terms of school.
Dan, "Dan the Man" he was a crazy, odd and a very predictable character, but he fit the novel well. Sometimes hearing him describe Lyssa made me roll my eyes in disgust, because it was both so cliche and predictable, but I guess you could say he was both needed and represented so much in the novel, with his humour and strong contrast between his lifestyle and Lyssa's.
There were a few unexpected twists and turns in the novel, that made it a real page turner, the reason she ended up in Paris was far from what I imagined. It was extreme, adventurous and thrilling. This novel surprisingly dealt with some heavy issues, and did it in a way that was so subtle, that the story was not lost. I liked how the novel ended it was really sweet and nothing too dramatic.
March 12, 2013
What it's about: Lyssa gets offered a job at a modelling agency. Hoping to earn some extra money for her family, she has to hide her new job, along with her new love interest from the same family she is trying to help.
What I thought: Head over High Heels is the story of the life we wish we all had. Lyssa gets offered a modelling contract in the middle of a clothes store, but has her reservations. She needs to focus on her studies so she can get into Medicine. However her autistic brother needs proper full-time care from someone other than her mother, but her family just can't afford it. So Lyssa is plunged into a strange new world, one where she will have everything at her feet. She lands a killer contract, one that pays more than enough to give her family what they need. Then of course, she meets Dan. Stuck-up and full of himself at first, he realises Lyssa is unlike all the other models he's come across. She has a purpose, and she's real. Lyssa and Dan learn about each other and from each other, ending in life changes for the better.
This book is cute, with a swoony teen romance that's light and easy to read. Super refreshing.
The Good: Dan is the cutest thing out. Got to have good man-candy.
The Bad: I know she wanted to do what was best, but I mean, come on. Most of her changing her mind gave me whiplash.
Rating: 4 Bookstacks
What I thought: Head over High Heels is the story of the life we wish we all had. Lyssa gets offered a modelling contract in the middle of a clothes store, but has her reservations. She needs to focus on her studies so she can get into Medicine. However her autistic brother needs proper full-time care from someone other than her mother, but her family just can't afford it. So Lyssa is plunged into a strange new world, one where she will have everything at her feet. She lands a killer contract, one that pays more than enough to give her family what they need. Then of course, she meets Dan. Stuck-up and full of himself at first, he realises Lyssa is unlike all the other models he's come across. She has a purpose, and she's real. Lyssa and Dan learn about each other and from each other, ending in life changes for the better.
This book is cute, with a swoony teen romance that's light and easy to read. Super refreshing.
The Good: Dan is the cutest thing out. Got to have good man-candy.
The Bad: I know she wanted to do what was best, but I mean, come on. Most of her changing her mind gave me whiplash.
Rating: 4 Bookstacks
July 11, 2013
Are you looking for a nice teen romance with a bit of edge to it ? Head Over High Heels by Kate Forster has both from the beginning of a blooming romance between main characters Lyssa and Dan to the edginess of Lyssa ending up homeless but with a well-paying job. There is something for everyone in Kate Forster's new teen novel.
Head over High Heels takes us into the life of immigrant Lyssa who has moved to Australia with her family to get a better life, Lyssa has dreamed of becoming a doctor but for someone in her position - the finances are not just there. Out shopping with her friend one day, Lyssa is spotted by Yolanda - a modelling agent who sees great promise in Lyssa and big things. Lyssa is at first reluctant but then when she sees the price tag of modelling, she changes her mind as it races to what she can provide for her family. But will her conservative family see i that way or will they feel ashamed and horrified with their daughter to the point that she may end up homeless?
Head over High Heels is not just one girl's plight to finding romance and true love but also one girl's journey on how she overcame her differences - personal and cultural to become the one thing she could do in order to save and help her family
October 27, 2014
The book itself was great and cute, easily could've been 4 stars. But the main character was the most....insufferable, maddening and down right annoying person I have seen in a long, long time. I think a quote from page 196 sums up her the best:
"You have such double standards, Lyssa. You lie, but no-one else is allowed to. You judge people by their hair colour, but hate when your judged for your skin colour. You assume things without finding out facts. Me, Bella, your dad. It must be great to be so perfect and right all the time."
I would recommend it if you like cute teenage stories, but if you're the type to hate hypocritical characters with a vengeance, stay the hell away.
"You have such double standards, Lyssa. You lie, but no-one else is allowed to. You judge people by their hair colour, but hate when your judged for your skin colour. You assume things without finding out facts. Me, Bella, your dad. It must be great to be so perfect and right all the time."
I would recommend it if you like cute teenage stories, but if you're the type to hate hypocritical characters with a vengeance, stay the hell away.
November 20, 2014
When I picked up this book in town, I don't thin I really knew what I was getting myself into or had prepared myself for this book.
It is a wonderful Australian based story, Smitten is exactly how you would describe this book because you do become smitten with it.
i couldn't put this book down; the story is old but with a new fresh face and the writing is great. Kate Forster does an excellent job and I can't wait to read her next book.
It is a wonderful Australian based story, Smitten is exactly how you would describe this book because you do become smitten with it.
i couldn't put this book down; the story is old but with a new fresh face and the writing is great. Kate Forster does an excellent job and I can't wait to read her next book.
Read
July 31, 2013Loved it a very funny and light hearted romance about what youyng women are capabile of in the modern day and what they will do for the ones they love and it was such a sweet romance
February 24, 2023
I gave this book 3 stars not because it was a reflection of Forster's writing. Her characters were realistic and well-written, her dialogue excellent, and an interesting plot. My issue was more because I can't believe a long-term relationship between an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, not in this day and age. And I know that's my problem, and the reason I don't really enjoy YA romances any longer (although I certainly did when I was that age!).
So if you're reading this review and you're a fan of YA romances, then you should consider this a 4.5 star review and definitely read it!
So if you're reading this review and you're a fan of YA romances, then you should consider this a 4.5 star review and definitely read it!
August 10, 2021
This is typically a book that I should have read earlier and would have probably enjoyed more but now it was a bit whiny for me. It reminded me a lot of the geek girl series.
November 27, 2024
I think this book was so good Dan was a phenomenal character Andre was adorable Emily I think I want as my best friend Lyssa was so lucky to have a friend like her
March 31, 2016
Het boek gaat over een getint meisje met blauwe ogen, genaamd Lyssa. Een modellen bureau wil haar als model hebben omdat ze anders is dan anderen. Lyssa's thuis situatie is niet al te goed. Haar broertje heeft thuiszorg nodig, dus haar moeder werkt niet en haar vader is taxi chauffeur. Daarom neemt Lyssa het aanbod aan om haar gezin te helpen. Op het bureau leert ze Dan kennen, de zoon van de baas van het modellenbureau. Dan verandert Lyssa. Maar hun ouders mogen niks weten van hun relatie, net zoals haar modellenwerk.
Dit is echt een aanrader! Het is een niet te dik boek, maar er gebeurt wel veel. Het heeft gelukkig een goed eind.
Dit is echt een aanrader! Het is een niet te dik boek, maar er gebeurt wel veel. Het heeft gelukkig een goed eind.
April 15, 2013
the book was alright, it was kinda good i guess but it was also kind of shit, it wasnt bad but just not my cup of tea i didnt mind reading it but wouldve preferred not to since i wasted ten bucks on it lol but oh well the cover is nice as so ill let it slip ha
April 2, 2013
Review to come!
June 9, 2016
'Head Over High Heels,' is a really good book. The story behind it is good and it proves that what seems wrong is sometimes right. Really good explaining and strong characters!
June 26, 2016
Enjoyed reading this! It is quite cliche and thought that the ending could probably be better but overall it was simple and "imagineable"! Recommended :D
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews