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Investigating the Hottie #1
Investigating the Hottie
"Juli Alexander displays skill in this laugh-out-loud spy romp. With non-stop action and a budding romance, fans of the Gallagher Girls will love Investigating the Hottie."
-Amanda Brice, author of Pointe of No Return
Peterson. Amanda Peterson.
When my life suddenly turns into the Princess Diaries meets Mission Impossible, can I do in a week what I haven’t managed to do in all my fifteen years - reel in a hottie?
When Amanda spends a week with her aunt, Christie, she learns that her aunt is a spy. Christie admits that Amanda has security clearance and has already started her training. When her aunt asks her to investigate a teenage hacker, Amanda thinks that spending time with a nerd should be doable despite her social ineptitude. Unfortunately for Amanda, the hacker is a hottie.
-Amanda Brice, author of Pointe of No Return
Peterson. Amanda Peterson.
When my life suddenly turns into the Princess Diaries meets Mission Impossible, can I do in a week what I haven’t managed to do in all my fifteen years - reel in a hottie?
When Amanda spends a week with her aunt, Christie, she learns that her aunt is a spy. Christie admits that Amanda has security clearance and has already started her training. When her aunt asks her to investigate a teenage hacker, Amanda thinks that spending time with a nerd should be doable despite her social ineptitude. Unfortunately for Amanda, the hacker is a hottie.
198 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2012
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1064 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
December 31, 2014
It's not a paranormal world, but it sure is not a real one - the characters often act and talk in a unrealistic and fake way, and the main girl is so annoying - she thought about Will's "hotness" and overall awesomeness all the freaking time, even if he wasn't there! Just shut up already!
I read whole 9 chapters, then I skimmed it up to the point where Will's grandma recognized a certain license plate and then I just stopped even that. Seriously? =.=
The year is ending and I'm not going to start another with this book.
Below some rant because I had to get it off my chest.
I read whole 9 chapters, then I skimmed it up to the point where Will's grandma recognized a certain license plate and then I just stopped even that. Seriously? =.=
The year is ending and I'm not going to start another with this book.
Below some rant because I had to get it off my chest.
January 10, 2014
So I was having one of my insomnia nights and had borrowed my cousins kindle. She had this in her favorites shelf and reviewed it as a cute, fun light read. So I thought why not.
The is totally perfect book for a young teenager. It is cute, funny with a little bit of spy work thrown in. Is it realistic? No, it's strictly for enjoyment.
I really enjoyed the book, and the main character. I read it in just a few hours and rather enjoyed it. This is a great book for a young teenage girl.
FYI: There is no swearing, no sex, nothing inappropriate (at least that I caught, but it did read it in the middle of the night). As long as your daughter knows about tampons --- I would clear it for young readers too.
The is totally perfect book for a young teenager. It is cute, funny with a little bit of spy work thrown in. Is it realistic? No, it's strictly for enjoyment.
I really enjoyed the book, and the main character. I read it in just a few hours and rather enjoyed it. This is a great book for a young teenage girl.
FYI: There is no swearing, no sex, nothing inappropriate (at least that I caught, but it did read it in the middle of the night). As long as your daughter knows about tampons --- I would clear it for young readers too.
April 25, 2018
The perfect sort of fluffy, cute read. There were a couple of overly ridiculous scenes, but this was just the sort of entertaining fluff I needed.
July 4, 2014
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
Oh man, this book was such a fun and light read... it was just fantastic!
So we start off with our main character Amanda going to visit her quirky Aunt Christie. What Amanda doesn't expect upon arrival, though, is that the aunt she's known all her life is actually a spy! What?! Even crazier: her aunt has recruited her to help with their current investigation in finding out what Bad, Bad Thing a hacker has planned. Oh, and not to mention that said hacker is a super gorgeous teenager!
I have so much love for this book! There were so many elements that I loved about the book: it was super funny, had really cool gadgets, and, hello, a totally hot and swoon-worthy guy!! Will was just very charming and so nice! Total hottie ;) Amanda's Aunt Christie and her partner Nic were so hilarious! I really loved them and that undeniable chemistry between them. Christie just seemed very carefree and fun while Nidc was all protective of Amanda as if he was actually Christie's boyfriend and Amanda's protective uncle... it's very darling, really :) And Amanda herself, well, she was awesome! So funny and just plain fun to read about.
I really loved the voice of the book, too. It was very well written and that plot twist at the end... whoa! Did not see that coming!
I am officially a fan of Juli Alexander!! I first read her Stirring Up Trouble series and fell completely in love with it, and now this one? Yes please! I need to read ALL of her books! Juli is definitely an author to look out for!
Oh man, this book was such a fun and light read... it was just fantastic!
So we start off with our main character Amanda going to visit her quirky Aunt Christie. What Amanda doesn't expect upon arrival, though, is that the aunt she's known all her life is actually a spy! What?! Even crazier: her aunt has recruited her to help with their current investigation in finding out what Bad, Bad Thing a hacker has planned. Oh, and not to mention that said hacker is a super gorgeous teenager!
I have so much love for this book! There were so many elements that I loved about the book: it was super funny, had really cool gadgets, and, hello, a totally hot and swoon-worthy guy!! Will was just very charming and so nice! Total hottie ;) Amanda's Aunt Christie and her partner Nic were so hilarious! I really loved them and that undeniable chemistry between them. Christie just seemed very carefree and fun while Nidc was all protective of Amanda as if he was actually Christie's boyfriend and Amanda's protective uncle... it's very darling, really :) And Amanda herself, well, she was awesome! So funny and just plain fun to read about.
I really loved the voice of the book, too. It was very well written and that plot twist at the end... whoa! Did not see that coming!
I am officially a fan of Juli Alexander!! I first read her Stirring Up Trouble series and fell completely in love with it, and now this one? Yes please! I need to read ALL of her books! Juli is definitely an author to look out for!
February 21, 2017
Full disclosure - I didn't finish this book. Not because it's bad or unfinishable, I simply don't have time to read, and this is one of the books I was in the middle of before life decided to get crazy hectic. I'm not sure when I'll have time to read again, and I want to get somewhat caught up on reviews for the moment. Once I get the chance to finish reading, I'll update my review accordingly.
I got about half way through before I had to stop, and I was definitely interested. The story is not the most gripping in the world, but safely in the "entertaining" category. The dialogue is probably the most interesting part of the story so far, and I found myself laughing quite often. The characters are all relatable, and the lead character is quite sassy.
I think it's a story I'd recommend to others, although I'm not sure how it'll end, or if it'll end well. I would say though, my recommendation would probably specify teens, and fans of true, simple, YA level stories.
August 5, 2013
Investigating the Hottie is a cute read, perfect for Middle School readers to young teens. Anyone older would find the whole plot and details highly implausible, but the story itself is a very fun to read. I felt like a was reading the book version of a Disney Channel movie. It's one of those quick summer books that a young reluctant reader would really enjoy. So I think it perfectly hit the mark for it's target market and audience :)
I received a free review copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley but the opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a free review copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley but the opinions expressed here are my own.
January 15, 2016
A fun, quick read that reminds me a bit of
and
.
summer #bookaday
and
. summer #bookaday
August 21, 2015
The complete story is far-fetched but entertaining. Amanda visits her aunt Christie who turns out to be a spy. She's 'assigned' a case to go to a different high school for her spring break and investigate Will who may or may not be a genius hacker. Will is written pretty well. The story reads well and I enjoyed the book. I will continue with Book 2 in this series.
January 21, 2015
Cute. Not too sure about the ending though. Kind of had a rushed, ridiculous feel to it. Not something to be taken seriously; just a light cute read.
I was provided an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I was provided an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
September 16, 2013
Thank you to NetGalley.com and Juli Anderson for allowing me access to this title.
This was a fun cute read. Not predictable and very entertaining.
This was a fun cute read. Not predictable and very entertaining.
January 3, 2014
I liked this book. Its all very amusing and entertaining but in the same time it was funny. I love the ending
May 11, 2014
a cute, funny, quick read, just what i was in the mood for.
May 14, 2014
This was a pretty cute book. Great twist. But I thought it was weird how she spilled all the beans at the end. Oh and how she had like no training on what to do.
August 23, 2015
A cute little read!!!!
October 9, 2020
Cute
This reminds me of all the teenage spy movies. A new spy who has no idea what they're doing, a cute boy, and two adult spys that are funny. It wax a fun read and perfect for getting my mind off of everything happening in the world.
This reminds me of all the teenage spy movies. A new spy who has no idea what they're doing, a cute boy, and two adult spys that are funny. It wax a fun read and perfect for getting my mind off of everything happening in the world.
May 26, 2017
Really a fun read! and very cute!
June 11, 2021
Fun fluffy reading
This was an enjoyable break from the world. Nothing really bad and a better version of high school for a week.
This was an enjoyable break from the world. Nothing really bad and a better version of high school for a week.
June 6, 2016
Despite the set-up being a bit confusing, I have to admit that I found Investigating the Hottie to be quite enjoyable in that “Turn your brain off and be amused by all it’s strange quirks” type of way. It’s not the best book in the world and it’s not the most insightful nor the most inspiring story ever, but it was cute and entertaining--a fun type of “I’ve got a little extra time to kill” sort of read; very quickly devoured in one sitting.
The writing isn’t the best, and the context of our main character, Amanda Peterson’s narration came off kind of juvenile and nonchalant (her voice sounds much younger than sixteen.. or is she supposed to be fifteen?), but she’s got an amusing sense of humor, and some of the one-liner quips DID manage to bring out a few laughs in me.
Again, the telling is extremely juvenile without a wit of seriousness; it reminded me of a made-for-television family movie with a comedic flair that wouldn’t remotely be taken seriously because of how unrealistic all the situations and all the characters’ actions were. In which case, it was entertaining because of all that.
Amanda comes off as that awkward teenager at an awkward phase in her life who let’s her imagination run a little too wild, though in an entertaining, enjoyable way. She reminds me of me when I’m just sitting and letting my thoughts wander, starting with an imaginary scenario that could happen in my life that gets more and more out of control as my mind stops making logical sense--the next thing you know, you’re angry at an imaginary friend or family member who said or did something in your convoluted reverie because you tend to get really pessimistic and cynical in your own mind-ramblings.
She is definitely an interesting character to follow.
The Story in Brief:
Amanda is spending fall break with her Aunt Christie as a means to “de-stress” from the knowledge of her parents’ divorce. But Amanda learns, upon arrival at her Aunt Christie’s home, that her aunt is actual an agent spy working for the government and that Amanda, herself, has been secretly trained via school courses and activities (such as a technology based camp or specialized physical education courses) for the past few months.
And now Amanda is being offered her first mission as a teen spy. There’s a hacker at Princeton Academy who has been wreaking havoc on a fairly small scale, thus far. But said hacker has promised an even bigger act that could “affect millions” in America. Amanda’s job is to get close to Will Middleton and determine whether or not he truly is a hacker and what his plans for that bigger act consists of.
Unfortunately, she realizes that her first act as a teen spy could very easily be road-blocked by her inability to NOT fall for the “hottie” hacker.
Final Thoughts: The story is very straight-forward with no unpredictable twists and turns. In fact, even the one little, itty, bitty surprise twist at the end wasn’t too awe-worthy and you kind of see it coming miles away.
This book was mainly a “The Day in the Life of Amanda Peterson, Teen Spy In Training” as well as a cutesy high school romance folded into it. The tone of the story was consistently mild and almost comically humorous in a strange way. Where I would have expected a little bit of seriousness, I instead felt a sense of inappropriate nonchalance… but the cutes-y factor of the story and our teenage characters made it manageable.
Other side and supporting characters were pretty flat and one-dimensional and extremely stereotyped as the “typical” high school students. Even Will was pretty boring and standard teen high school boy material.
Amanda, herself, had her quirks and was an enjoyable character to follow. But she, unfortunately, didn’t stray far from the usual teenage girl stereotypes found in YA lately: cynical about her looks and very, very boy crazy. I lost track of how many times she drools or fawns over Will and his “yummy hotness”. Although I DO give props to the fact that Amanda shows a few moments of interest in things that are NOT Will Middleton or any other hot boy, and that’s quite alright with me.
To be honest, the romance was lacking (and juvenile), focused a LOT on how Amanda was very attracted to Will’s hotness--and I was a little disturbed her her consistent description of Will’s “yumminess” because it feels very non-teen to me. You don’t see much romantic chemistry between the two, but maybe that’s the whole point of this quick and easy read.
And then there’s Christie and Nic (who act like teenagers at best); they were actually a pretty intriguing pair; if ever written in a more mature fashion, I would be interested in seeing how some of their spy missions pan out and how their bickering love story unfolds.
The writing isn’t the best, and the context of our main character, Amanda Peterson’s narration came off kind of juvenile and nonchalant (her voice sounds much younger than sixteen.. or is she supposed to be fifteen?), but she’s got an amusing sense of humor, and some of the one-liner quips DID manage to bring out a few laughs in me.
Again, the telling is extremely juvenile without a wit of seriousness; it reminded me of a made-for-television family movie with a comedic flair that wouldn’t remotely be taken seriously because of how unrealistic all the situations and all the characters’ actions were. In which case, it was entertaining because of all that.
Amanda comes off as that awkward teenager at an awkward phase in her life who let’s her imagination run a little too wild, though in an entertaining, enjoyable way. She reminds me of me when I’m just sitting and letting my thoughts wander, starting with an imaginary scenario that could happen in my life that gets more and more out of control as my mind stops making logical sense--the next thing you know, you’re angry at an imaginary friend or family member who said or did something in your convoluted reverie because you tend to get really pessimistic and cynical in your own mind-ramblings.
She is definitely an interesting character to follow.
The Story in Brief:
Amanda is spending fall break with her Aunt Christie as a means to “de-stress” from the knowledge of her parents’ divorce. But Amanda learns, upon arrival at her Aunt Christie’s home, that her aunt is actual an agent spy working for the government and that Amanda, herself, has been secretly trained via school courses and activities (such as a technology based camp or specialized physical education courses) for the past few months.
And now Amanda is being offered her first mission as a teen spy. There’s a hacker at Princeton Academy who has been wreaking havoc on a fairly small scale, thus far. But said hacker has promised an even bigger act that could “affect millions” in America. Amanda’s job is to get close to Will Middleton and determine whether or not he truly is a hacker and what his plans for that bigger act consists of.
Unfortunately, she realizes that her first act as a teen spy could very easily be road-blocked by her inability to NOT fall for the “hottie” hacker.
Final Thoughts: The story is very straight-forward with no unpredictable twists and turns. In fact, even the one little, itty, bitty surprise twist at the end wasn’t too awe-worthy and you kind of see it coming miles away.
This book was mainly a “The Day in the Life of Amanda Peterson, Teen Spy In Training” as well as a cutesy high school romance folded into it. The tone of the story was consistently mild and almost comically humorous in a strange way. Where I would have expected a little bit of seriousness, I instead felt a sense of inappropriate nonchalance… but the cutes-y factor of the story and our teenage characters made it manageable.
Other side and supporting characters were pretty flat and one-dimensional and extremely stereotyped as the “typical” high school students. Even Will was pretty boring and standard teen high school boy material.
Amanda, herself, had her quirks and was an enjoyable character to follow. But she, unfortunately, didn’t stray far from the usual teenage girl stereotypes found in YA lately: cynical about her looks and very, very boy crazy. I lost track of how many times she drools or fawns over Will and his “yummy hotness”. Although I DO give props to the fact that Amanda shows a few moments of interest in things that are NOT Will Middleton or any other hot boy, and that’s quite alright with me.
To be honest, the romance was lacking (and juvenile), focused a LOT on how Amanda was very attracted to Will’s hotness--and I was a little disturbed her her consistent description of Will’s “yumminess” because it feels very non-teen to me. You don’t see much romantic chemistry between the two, but maybe that’s the whole point of this quick and easy read.
And then there’s Christie and Nic (who act like teenagers at best); they were actually a pretty intriguing pair; if ever written in a more mature fashion, I would be interested in seeing how some of their spy missions pan out and how their bickering love story unfolds.
May 31, 2013
Amanda Peterson is an ordinary girl on her fall break from school, going to visit her aunt Christie. But the Christie she sees is not the aunt she remembers. Christie is a spy, working for the government. Amanda finds out that she already has security clearance and has been undergoing training without even realizing it. So when Amanda is given an assignment, she thinks she's prepared. She must determine whether or not Will, a seventeen-year-old boy, is a hacker. No problem, right? Who wouldn't be able to get close with a tech nerd? Only when she sees Will does she realize her problem: Will is a hottie. And that means trouble for Amanda, who is totally shy. But, if Amanda wants to complete her mission, she'll have to be able to investigate the hottie.
I would first like to mention that this book is fairly short - 193 pages of the actual story. However, that said, I whipped through it. I started it at breakfast and finished it at the lunch of the same day. It is such a good read. Incredibly entertaining, unpredictable, and amusing, I laughed and fretted along with Amanda. The spy theme reminded me of the Gallagher Girls series, but once I got reading, I found that they weren't very much alike. This story was more entertaining, in my opinion. I fell in love with the characters. However, there was that length issue. Even though it was 193 pages, I think it would have been even shorter is the words were lined up on both sides of the page. This book was published in a different way than most, with the paragraphs aligned to the left, instead of being justified. Even without being long, though, I found there to be strong and well-built characters. Good job to Juli Alexander!
As I mentioned before, this story reminded me of other books I've read. In that way, it wasn't totally original. However, I appreciated the fact that it was very family-oriented. I don't mean that in the way that everyone cared about their families, thought that's true. I mean that Amanda never even met the organization that she's working for. She was instructed and worked with her aunt Christie the entire time. In the Gallagher Girls series, Cammie's mom was the headmaster of the spy institution. However, they didn't work as a team, like Amanda and Christie did. I found this to be something new, because even though they mentioned that there's not a lot of time for relationships, romantic or otherwise, the bonds were close.
Another thing I supremely enjoyed about this was was the hilarity! Almost every scene got me laughing - out loud. I love funny books on serious topics. It retains the amusement while still having a good backbone. This is ideal, because it lightens up serious situations and keeps things from getting too dark. There were many things that made me giggle, ranging from Amanda's internal dialogue, to conversations between characters, to descriptions of characters, to just plain old funny or awkward situations. This novel is great because it never got too dreary, a serious improvement from previous books I've read.
This book astounded me. How could such a great story be hidden in those pages? It doesn't have the type of cover that would usually draw me in. You know what they say: Don't judge a book by its cover. That's especially true in this case. I would rate this book four stars. It's a terrific read for anyone looking for spies, mystery, and comedy.
I would first like to mention that this book is fairly short - 193 pages of the actual story. However, that said, I whipped through it. I started it at breakfast and finished it at the lunch of the same day. It is such a good read. Incredibly entertaining, unpredictable, and amusing, I laughed and fretted along with Amanda. The spy theme reminded me of the Gallagher Girls series, but once I got reading, I found that they weren't very much alike. This story was more entertaining, in my opinion. I fell in love with the characters. However, there was that length issue. Even though it was 193 pages, I think it would have been even shorter is the words were lined up on both sides of the page. This book was published in a different way than most, with the paragraphs aligned to the left, instead of being justified. Even without being long, though, I found there to be strong and well-built characters. Good job to Juli Alexander!
As I mentioned before, this story reminded me of other books I've read. In that way, it wasn't totally original. However, I appreciated the fact that it was very family-oriented. I don't mean that in the way that everyone cared about their families, thought that's true. I mean that Amanda never even met the organization that she's working for. She was instructed and worked with her aunt Christie the entire time. In the Gallagher Girls series, Cammie's mom was the headmaster of the spy institution. However, they didn't work as a team, like Amanda and Christie did. I found this to be something new, because even though they mentioned that there's not a lot of time for relationships, romantic or otherwise, the bonds were close.
Another thing I supremely enjoyed about this was was the hilarity! Almost every scene got me laughing - out loud. I love funny books on serious topics. It retains the amusement while still having a good backbone. This is ideal, because it lightens up serious situations and keeps things from getting too dark. There were many things that made me giggle, ranging from Amanda's internal dialogue, to conversations between characters, to descriptions of characters, to just plain old funny or awkward situations. This novel is great because it never got too dreary, a serious improvement from previous books I've read.
This book astounded me. How could such a great story be hidden in those pages? It doesn't have the type of cover that would usually draw me in. You know what they say: Don't judge a book by its cover. That's especially true in this case. I would rate this book four stars. It's a terrific read for anyone looking for spies, mystery, and comedy.
February 19, 2017
Fun, chick-lit, spy novel
Fifteen-year old Amanda Peterson has assumed for years that her 30-something Aunt Christie is a fun but flaky professional student. Turns out it was just a cover. Christie is a covert agent for the Global Agency for Shared Intelligence--GASI. Not only that, she has been secretly supplying Amanda with advanced training in foreign languages and high-tech, 007-type gadgets via GASI-funded, innocuous-sounding front groups. Christie and her partner, Nic, a gorgeous hunk Christie's age with whom Christie is constantly verbally sparring, want Amanda to help them either prove or disprove the guilt of a 17-year-old hacker. GASI likes to delicately handle preliminary investigations of hackers who are minors in order to avoid unnecessarily, and unjustly, invoking the harsh procedures required by the draconian anti-terrorism laws.
After initial difficulties convincing Amanda she isn't nuts, Christie successfully recruits and prepares her niece to go undercover as a spy, including constantly wearing a tiny video-recording device which picks up anything Amanda is looking at. Amanda is excited about her huge adventure, especially the part where she gets to pretend she's 16 at a ritzy private high school called Princeton Academy, with many more amenities than her own public school back home. But things start getting sticky when she meets her target. Will is good-looking, popular, head of the soccer team, and an excellent student. Everyone who knows him adores him, and Amanda soon finds herself falling under his spell as well.
This book is funny in a number of ways: the whole wacky spy setup is great, and Amanda's struggles to orient herself in the wild world of espionage is endlessly entertaining. I loved the comic bickering between Christie and Nic that covered up potent sexual chemistry. Best of all are the knots Amanda twists herself into as she develops inappropriate romantic feelings for her quarry. It is impossible for her to resist sweet, handsome Will when he is clearly attracted to her as well.
There is a very satisfying, positive resolution to this book with no loose ends, but there is plenty of potential for more stories set in the comic GASI spy world. I personally hope the author chooses to write them, because I would love to read more of Amanda's adventures with her eccentric aunt.
This is a "clean read," appropriate for readers as young as 11 or 12, but it is a clever enough story that all ages will enjoy it. Fans of the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter will be particularly delighted with this book.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Chick Lit Plot: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Fifteen-year old Amanda Peterson has assumed for years that her 30-something Aunt Christie is a fun but flaky professional student. Turns out it was just a cover. Christie is a covert agent for the Global Agency for Shared Intelligence--GASI. Not only that, she has been secretly supplying Amanda with advanced training in foreign languages and high-tech, 007-type gadgets via GASI-funded, innocuous-sounding front groups. Christie and her partner, Nic, a gorgeous hunk Christie's age with whom Christie is constantly verbally sparring, want Amanda to help them either prove or disprove the guilt of a 17-year-old hacker. GASI likes to delicately handle preliminary investigations of hackers who are minors in order to avoid unnecessarily, and unjustly, invoking the harsh procedures required by the draconian anti-terrorism laws.
After initial difficulties convincing Amanda she isn't nuts, Christie successfully recruits and prepares her niece to go undercover as a spy, including constantly wearing a tiny video-recording device which picks up anything Amanda is looking at. Amanda is excited about her huge adventure, especially the part where she gets to pretend she's 16 at a ritzy private high school called Princeton Academy, with many more amenities than her own public school back home. But things start getting sticky when she meets her target. Will is good-looking, popular, head of the soccer team, and an excellent student. Everyone who knows him adores him, and Amanda soon finds herself falling under his spell as well.
This book is funny in a number of ways: the whole wacky spy setup is great, and Amanda's struggles to orient herself in the wild world of espionage is endlessly entertaining. I loved the comic bickering between Christie and Nic that covered up potent sexual chemistry. Best of all are the knots Amanda twists herself into as she develops inappropriate romantic feelings for her quarry. It is impossible for her to resist sweet, handsome Will when he is clearly attracted to her as well.
There is a very satisfying, positive resolution to this book with no loose ends, but there is plenty of potential for more stories set in the comic GASI spy world. I personally hope the author chooses to write them, because I would love to read more of Amanda's adventures with her eccentric aunt.
This is a "clean read," appropriate for readers as young as 11 or 12, but it is a clever enough story that all ages will enjoy it. Fans of the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter will be particularly delighted with this book.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Chick Lit Plot: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
January 3, 2013
This review first appeared on my blog, Read Books and Live Green
When I found out that Juli Alexander had written another book AND it was free on my kindle yesterday, I was psyched. I have read some of her other books, (Stirring Up Trouble, My life as the ugly stepsister, and the Karma beat.)and let me say this they were all pretty awesome. Be forewarned, these are books that are targeted for pre to early teens. Although I'm a sophmore in High school and I still think they're pretty awesome. These books are great for a light read, but I'm digressing AGAIN. I seem to be doing that an awful lot recently. So here's my breakdown of the book.
THE PREMISE
Amanda's aunt is a secret agent and she recruits Amanda to help her bust a teenage hacker. Her aunt is also working a case with her partner who she supposedly hates.
THE PROS
1. The humor. I love how Christie and Nic were always arguing. They had a great love/hate relationship.
2. Amanda's character. I love how she was always trying to figure everything out from her aunt and Nic tho the case to how she felt about Will.
3. Spies. Really who doesn't love spies. I'm beng serious, ewho doesn't like spies. I'd like to know why.
4. The lack of art talent. Non-Artists must band together.
5. The ending. I love sweet endings.
THE CONS
1. Kind of an obvious ending, but hey it was sweet.
OVERALL
There was an ending that could be open to a sequel, but it all depends on whether the author choses to take that route. I would definitly read the sequel. So in all it was a light quick read with a fun adventure and a sweet romance for younger readers. Definitly not a let down from her other books.
WOULD I READ THIS BOOK: YES
WOULD I BUY THIS BOOK: YES (Even though I got it when it was free, it would have been worth my money!)
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK: YES, TO YOUNGER READERS
WOULD I READ THE NEXT BOOK: YEP
WOULD I READ OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR: YEAH, SHE'S GREAT.
AM I HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK: I LIKED IT AND IT WAS A REALLY GOOD BOOK
Fav quote: ""Are you saying that I need bigger boobs if I'm going to be a spy?" Her eyes widened in horror. "No. Not at all. We just need extra room for the tracking devices, unless you want them implanted in your skin. It's up to you."" HAHA, That part made me laugh!!
When I found out that Juli Alexander had written another book AND it was free on my kindle yesterday, I was psyched. I have read some of her other books, (Stirring Up Trouble, My life as the ugly stepsister, and the Karma beat.)and let me say this they were all pretty awesome. Be forewarned, these are books that are targeted for pre to early teens. Although I'm a sophmore in High school and I still think they're pretty awesome. These books are great for a light read, but I'm digressing AGAIN. I seem to be doing that an awful lot recently. So here's my breakdown of the book.
THE PREMISE
Amanda's aunt is a secret agent and she recruits Amanda to help her bust a teenage hacker. Her aunt is also working a case with her partner who she supposedly hates.
THE PROS
1. The humor. I love how Christie and Nic were always arguing. They had a great love/hate relationship.
2. Amanda's character. I love how she was always trying to figure everything out from her aunt and Nic tho the case to how she felt about Will.
3. Spies. Really who doesn't love spies. I'm beng serious, ewho doesn't like spies. I'd like to know why.
4. The lack of art talent. Non-Artists must band together.
5. The ending. I love sweet endings.
THE CONS
1. Kind of an obvious ending, but hey it was sweet.
OVERALL
There was an ending that could be open to a sequel, but it all depends on whether the author choses to take that route. I would definitly read the sequel. So in all it was a light quick read with a fun adventure and a sweet romance for younger readers. Definitly not a let down from her other books.
WOULD I READ THIS BOOK: YES
WOULD I BUY THIS BOOK: YES (Even though I got it when it was free, it would have been worth my money!)
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK: YES, TO YOUNGER READERS
WOULD I READ THE NEXT BOOK: YEP
WOULD I READ OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR: YEAH, SHE'S GREAT.
AM I HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK: I LIKED IT AND IT WAS A REALLY GOOD BOOK
Fav quote: ""Are you saying that I need bigger boobs if I'm going to be a spy?" Her eyes widened in horror. "No. Not at all. We just need extra room for the tracking devices, unless you want them implanted in your skin. It's up to you."" HAHA, That part made me laugh!!
June 18, 2013
This is also on my blog! : http://fictionalisbetter.blogspot.com...
"Peterson. Amanda Peterson. When my life suddenly turns into the Princess Diaries meets Mission Impossible, can I do in a week what I haven’t managed to do in all my fifteen years—reel in a hottie?
Investigating the Hottie is a completed young adult romance. When Amanda spends a week with her aunt, Christie, she learns that her aunt is a spy. Christie admits that Amanda has security clearance and has already started her training. When her aunt asks her to investigate a teenage hacker, Amanda thinks that spending time with a nerd should be doable despite her social ineptitude. Unfortunately for Amanda, the hacker is a hottie."
Investigating the Hottie by Juli Alexander
200 pages
First of all, let me just say this book was actually pretty good. The characters were very realistic, and I mean very realistic. This book targets what every teenage girl feels and reacts to each situation brought to her.
Amanda Peterson is anything but normal. Her aunt is a spy and now, she's one too. Her first assignment is to investigate a teenage hacker--who is not what she expected--but what happens when she starts falling for him? Let's not forget that Amanda has basically never talked to a boy because of her shyness! In this crazy ride of firsts and odd situations, Amanda is a hilarious character that you will love reading about!
The teenage hacker, Will, is everything you wouldn't expect. He's popular, plays soccer, he does everything you wouldn't expect a hacker to do! A perfect cover, right? Maybe not so much...
Christie, Amanda's aunt, has her own case to solve with her partner, Nic. Both of these characters are always bickering, over every single little thing. Opposites attract, huh?
In this very short, at least for me, novel, Juli Alexander gives us a good plot and very good characters to go with it!
Anyways, I would rate this 3 out of 5 stars. I loved the characters, but I quickly grew disappointed 3/4 of the way in. The little twist at the end just really doesn't appeal to me. There was a bit of obvious foreshadowing as well... And I think I may have been happier if the ending wasn't so vague.
"Peterson. Amanda Peterson. When my life suddenly turns into the Princess Diaries meets Mission Impossible, can I do in a week what I haven’t managed to do in all my fifteen years—reel in a hottie?
Investigating the Hottie is a completed young adult romance. When Amanda spends a week with her aunt, Christie, she learns that her aunt is a spy. Christie admits that Amanda has security clearance and has already started her training. When her aunt asks her to investigate a teenage hacker, Amanda thinks that spending time with a nerd should be doable despite her social ineptitude. Unfortunately for Amanda, the hacker is a hottie."
Investigating the Hottie by Juli Alexander
200 pages
First of all, let me just say this book was actually pretty good. The characters were very realistic, and I mean very realistic. This book targets what every teenage girl feels and reacts to each situation brought to her.
Amanda Peterson is anything but normal. Her aunt is a spy and now, she's one too. Her first assignment is to investigate a teenage hacker--who is not what she expected--but what happens when she starts falling for him? Let's not forget that Amanda has basically never talked to a boy because of her shyness! In this crazy ride of firsts and odd situations, Amanda is a hilarious character that you will love reading about!
The teenage hacker, Will, is everything you wouldn't expect. He's popular, plays soccer, he does everything you wouldn't expect a hacker to do! A perfect cover, right? Maybe not so much...
Christie, Amanda's aunt, has her own case to solve with her partner, Nic. Both of these characters are always bickering, over every single little thing. Opposites attract, huh?
In this very short, at least for me, novel, Juli Alexander gives us a good plot and very good characters to go with it!
Anyways, I would rate this 3 out of 5 stars. I loved the characters, but I quickly grew disappointed 3/4 of the way in. The little twist at the end just really doesn't appeal to me. There was a bit of obvious foreshadowing as well... And I think I may have been happier if the ending wasn't so vague.
June 1, 2013
I love a good Young Adult series with a strong female lead. "Investigating the Hottie" had me wanting to investigate this story. I know I'm not the target audience, but who could pass up a cross between "The Princess Diaries" and "Mission: Impossible"? Not me.
Enter Amanda Peterson, everyday Atlanta girl confused by her parents sudden divorce. Due to her mother's need to fix her or her aunt's prodding, Amanda ends up spending her fall break in Princeton, New Jersey.
I love the concept of this story. A girl finding out she's been trained to be a spy and doesn't even know it. Amanda takes the news from her aunt, an agent with the Global Agency for Shared Intelligence or GASI for short, rather well. I think I would have booked Aunt Christie a ride to the nearest mental health facility. Nothing like that would ever happen in my life.
For her first mission, which she chooses to accept, she is sent to investigate Princeton Academy's number one hottie, Will Middleton. Unlike most fifteen-year-old girls, Amanda is shy and has no idea how to hook the hottie in question. Personally, I wouldn't of known how either. At fifteen I had no idea what was going on in a guy's mind let alone thinking of ways to "befriend" one. Amanda does a stellar job at making the first move. Their "meet-cute" is just that, cute. Since Amanda only has six days, their friendship develops quickly thanks to Aunt Christie, Christie's hottie partner, Nic, and some of the best technology GASI has in it's arsenal.
I knew that there had to be a twist coming when there was only a few days left until Amanda was hopping on a plane back to Atlanta. What happens was something I hadn't expected, so bravo Juli Alexander! So often I am able to predict the way a story will go. I LOVE it when I'm wrong.
According to an interview Alexander did with Killer Fiction, Amanda and Will get a chance at another adventure with book 2, "Undercover with the Hottie".
"Investigating the Hottie" was provided to me from the author through NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and Juli Alexander for the pleasure of experiencing this novel. I'll be picking up book 2 as soon as it comes out.
Enter Amanda Peterson, everyday Atlanta girl confused by her parents sudden divorce. Due to her mother's need to fix her or her aunt's prodding, Amanda ends up spending her fall break in Princeton, New Jersey.
I love the concept of this story. A girl finding out she's been trained to be a spy and doesn't even know it. Amanda takes the news from her aunt, an agent with the Global Agency for Shared Intelligence or GASI for short, rather well. I think I would have booked Aunt Christie a ride to the nearest mental health facility. Nothing like that would ever happen in my life.
For her first mission, which she chooses to accept, she is sent to investigate Princeton Academy's number one hottie, Will Middleton. Unlike most fifteen-year-old girls, Amanda is shy and has no idea how to hook the hottie in question. Personally, I wouldn't of known how either. At fifteen I had no idea what was going on in a guy's mind let alone thinking of ways to "befriend" one. Amanda does a stellar job at making the first move. Their "meet-cute" is just that, cute. Since Amanda only has six days, their friendship develops quickly thanks to Aunt Christie, Christie's hottie partner, Nic, and some of the best technology GASI has in it's arsenal.
I knew that there had to be a twist coming when there was only a few days left until Amanda was hopping on a plane back to Atlanta. What happens was something I hadn't expected, so bravo Juli Alexander! So often I am able to predict the way a story will go. I LOVE it when I'm wrong.
According to an interview Alexander did with Killer Fiction, Amanda and Will get a chance at another adventure with book 2, "Undercover with the Hottie".
"Investigating the Hottie" was provided to me from the author through NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and Juli Alexander for the pleasure of experiencing this novel. I'll be picking up book 2 as soon as it comes out.
June 13, 2013
This review also appears at my blog.
***
Amanda Petersen gets sent to her education-geek aunt’s house for a week because her parents are getting a divorce. Nothing is as it seems and apparently, Amanda’s aunt – Christie – has been a spy all these years. When her aunt gives her a mission to investigate a hot teenage hacker, Amanda is reluctant at first because she knows that she’s shy and socially inept. But she gradually starts to enjoy this mission and the worst thing happens: she ends up having a crush on this boy!
Amanda is an okay character – but just okay. In the beginning she is a bit shallow and later she becomes a lovesick teenager. To be honest there’s nothing really special about her aside from the fact that she’s fluent in Spanish, Italian, French and German. The rest of the characters are okay too. A bit bland but probably that’s because I think this book is too short so there aren't many rooms for development...
I found the plot to be rushed and quite unrealistic. However, one twist did catch me off guard and it was a pleasant surprise! And some scenes made me smile, some made me grinning and giggling like an idiot. Nic and Christie’s bickering is hilarious! The writing is fun enough; it has the right amount of teenage slang without being awkward or tedious. Despite all the negatives, I still liked this book because it's very light, quite entertaining and easy to devour. I read this in around four hours and that's really quick for me.
Investigating the Hottie was a very fluffy and light read that I couldn't help but to enjoy! This book is more of a contemporary with a little espionage so don’t expect much of espionage when you decide to pick it up. Very girly read indeed. Definitely a great past-time if you’re looking for a break from all the heavy reads.
Huge thanks to CrushStar Mulitimedia LLC and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
***
Amanda Petersen gets sent to her education-geek aunt’s house for a week because her parents are getting a divorce. Nothing is as it seems and apparently, Amanda’s aunt – Christie – has been a spy all these years. When her aunt gives her a mission to investigate a hot teenage hacker, Amanda is reluctant at first because she knows that she’s shy and socially inept. But she gradually starts to enjoy this mission and the worst thing happens: she ends up having a crush on this boy!
Amanda is an okay character – but just okay. In the beginning she is a bit shallow and later she becomes a lovesick teenager. To be honest there’s nothing really special about her aside from the fact that she’s fluent in Spanish, Italian, French and German. The rest of the characters are okay too. A bit bland but probably that’s because I think this book is too short so there aren't many rooms for development...
I found the plot to be rushed and quite unrealistic. However, one twist did catch me off guard and it was a pleasant surprise! And some scenes made me smile, some made me grinning and giggling like an idiot. Nic and Christie’s bickering is hilarious! The writing is fun enough; it has the right amount of teenage slang without being awkward or tedious. Despite all the negatives, I still liked this book because it's very light, quite entertaining and easy to devour. I read this in around four hours and that's really quick for me.
Investigating the Hottie was a very fluffy and light read that I couldn't help but to enjoy! This book is more of a contemporary with a little espionage so don’t expect much of espionage when you decide to pick it up. Very girly read indeed. Definitely a great past-time if you’re looking for a break from all the heavy reads.
Huge thanks to CrushStar Mulitimedia LLC and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
June 11, 2013
3.5 stars, but I decided to round up.
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Investigating the Hottie is a quick, cute read. When 15-year-old Amanda Peterson steps off the plane, she expects to spend her week long break with her free-spirited aunt. Her aunt, however, as it turns out is not so free-spirited and has big plans for Amanda's stay. Her aunt is a spy and her organization has been tracking young recruits, including Amanda, to help with certain operations. Amanda's assignments, should she choose to accept it, is to spend the week at a private school and get to know super hot soccer Will, a person of interest, as he is believed to be a hacker.
The novel is well-paced and the connection between Amanda and Will stays PG (maybe PG-13 by the end). It's not insta-love. She acknowledges he is good looking and admits how he makes her feel, but the romance is relatively love key, good for younger YA readers. I'd say the target audience is 13-15.
I enjoyed Amanda as a narrator, but my favorite character was actually the aunt, Christie. She's spunky. The banter between her and her spy partner Nic is great. I would have liked Will to have been more developed. Also, some of the kids at school seemed to be mean girls just for the sake of being mean, to add tension. While this does speak to a the high school experience, it was not needed. I would have liked to know more about the spy stuff. Amanda accepts it relatively quickly. Also, the resolution to the hacking situation seems too simple. This was a point where there could have been excellent tension and the author did not take advantage of it. Amanda and Will's relationship resolves satisfactorily.
Overall, this was a fun story, a very quick read. It has the potential to be a series. I would like to know more about Amanda and Will's adventures.
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Investigating the Hottie is a quick, cute read. When 15-year-old Amanda Peterson steps off the plane, she expects to spend her week long break with her free-spirited aunt. Her aunt, however, as it turns out is not so free-spirited and has big plans for Amanda's stay. Her aunt is a spy and her organization has been tracking young recruits, including Amanda, to help with certain operations. Amanda's assignments, should she choose to accept it, is to spend the week at a private school and get to know super hot soccer Will, a person of interest, as he is believed to be a hacker.
The novel is well-paced and the connection between Amanda and Will stays PG (maybe PG-13 by the end). It's not insta-love. She acknowledges he is good looking and admits how he makes her feel, but the romance is relatively love key, good for younger YA readers. I'd say the target audience is 13-15.
I enjoyed Amanda as a narrator, but my favorite character was actually the aunt, Christie. She's spunky. The banter between her and her spy partner Nic is great. I would have liked Will to have been more developed. Also, some of the kids at school seemed to be mean girls just for the sake of being mean, to add tension. While this does speak to a the high school experience, it was not needed. I would have liked to know more about the spy stuff. Amanda accepts it relatively quickly. Also, the resolution to the hacking situation seems too simple. This was a point where there could have been excellent tension and the author did not take advantage of it. Amanda and Will's relationship resolves satisfactorily.
Overall, this was a fun story, a very quick read. It has the potential to be a series. I would like to know more about Amanda and Will's adventures.
June 19, 2014
"Investigating the Hottie" was published in 2013 and is the first in a series. The book was written by Juli Alexander (http://www.julialexanderauthor.com/). Ms. Alexander has published seven novels, including recently the sequel to this book "Undercover with the Hottie".
This is a Young Adult Romance/Thriller set in contemporary times. Amanda Peterson is 15 and goes to spend a week during fall break with her aunt Christie to get away from home and her divorcing parents. Her aunt has always been a wild card in the family and a perpetual student. Amanda is shocked when she arrives and her aunt meets her looking . . . normal.
The shocks continue as Amanda finds that she has unknowingly been going through training, at the request of her aunt, for the past few years to be an agent for the Global Agency for Shared Intelligence (GASI). This is because her aunt is an agent and wanted to bring Amanda into the organization.
Her aunt asks Amanda to take an assignment during her visit to watch a boy at a local High School. Amanda takes the assignment to get close to Will Middleton who they think may be responsible for computer hacking. While Amanda is investigating Will, her aunt Christie and her partner Nic Maxwel are following other leads.
There is some romance and a little excitement in the story. I really felt it was more of a romance than a thriller. The novel also seemed to be targeted at very young teenage girls. The plot was very simple. The situations were never more than PG with no adult language.
I rate this a 3 out of 5.
More of my book reviews can be seen on my blog https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog
This is a Young Adult Romance/Thriller set in contemporary times. Amanda Peterson is 15 and goes to spend a week during fall break with her aunt Christie to get away from home and her divorcing parents. Her aunt has always been a wild card in the family and a perpetual student. Amanda is shocked when she arrives and her aunt meets her looking . . . normal.
The shocks continue as Amanda finds that she has unknowingly been going through training, at the request of her aunt, for the past few years to be an agent for the Global Agency for Shared Intelligence (GASI). This is because her aunt is an agent and wanted to bring Amanda into the organization.
Her aunt asks Amanda to take an assignment during her visit to watch a boy at a local High School. Amanda takes the assignment to get close to Will Middleton who they think may be responsible for computer hacking. While Amanda is investigating Will, her aunt Christie and her partner Nic Maxwel are following other leads.
There is some romance and a little excitement in the story. I really felt it was more of a romance than a thriller. The novel also seemed to be targeted at very young teenage girls. The plot was very simple. The situations were never more than PG with no adult language.
I rate this a 3 out of 5.
More of my book reviews can be seen on my blog https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog
July 19, 2013
Amanda is spending a week with her Aunt Christie to get her mind off of her parents' divorce. Which is exactly what happens when she finds out that Christie is not exactly the dear old aunt she knew but a spy for the Global Agency for Shared Intelligence. GASI is an agency that coordinates efforts "to fight biological and technological terrorism and espionage". When GASI started recruiting younger agents, Amanda unknowingly participated in the initial stage of training by attending Technology Camp, extreme endurance camp, foreign language pograms and other grants that she received. The next stage of training is to immerse Amanda in a small mission with low danger level. Her mission is to investigate a Princeton Academy student's possible involvement in computer hacking and terrorism. Should Amanda accept, she will be part of GASI. But how can Amanda refuse a mission that involves the school hottie, Will Middleton?
I liked the light and easy treatment to the story. I can imagine the excitement for Amanda-- being a real spy and having a great excuse to be near the hottest guy in the campus. The best part for me though is the subplot -- Christie and her partner Nic Maxwell's love-hate-strictly business relationship. Stealing some limelight too is Will Middleton's groovy grandma. Hilarious! Well this book was fun, fast-paced and completely engaging. I don't mind reading more of the young agents, if there's ever a plan for a series.
I liked the light and easy treatment to the story. I can imagine the excitement for Amanda-- being a real spy and having a great excuse to be near the hottest guy in the campus. The best part for me though is the subplot -- Christie and her partner Nic Maxwell's love-hate-strictly business relationship. Stealing some limelight too is Will Middleton's groovy grandma. Hilarious! Well this book was fun, fast-paced and completely engaging. I don't mind reading more of the young agents, if there's ever a plan for a series.
September 14, 2015
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Amanda has had a lot of shocks recently for a 15 year old. First of all. .. Out of the clear blue... Her parents are getting a divorce. No one saw that coming. But her mother doesn't think she's dealing properly so she's sent to spend fall break with her free spirited aunt. The plane ride is not so great but getting off and seeing NO ONE waiting for her is worse!
Shock of shocks her flowy skirt wearing aunt of the waist length hair has been replaced by a short haired glam go get em over achiever who drives a sports car. Reeling from the changes and in a bit of shock Amanda thinks her aunt has had a psychotic break till Nic walks literally out of the wall in her aunt's condo. GASI is real and she has been groomed secretly and recruited to be one of the youngest agents in a new super secret spy service. So much for a relaxing fall break! Her mission starts the next day when she starts school (on her break!) No fun! But it's for her country and she has been bored...
This is such a great story and amazingly believable. Intrigue and suspense are a nice backdrop to a first crush/coming of age story unlike anything else I have ever read! The book was a fun read and very entertaining. I loved the snarkiness of her aunt and her partner. I can't wait to read the second book Undercover with the Hottie (Investigating the Hottie)!
***This book is suitable for young adult through adult readers
Amanda has had a lot of shocks recently for a 15 year old. First of all. .. Out of the clear blue... Her parents are getting a divorce. No one saw that coming. But her mother doesn't think she's dealing properly so she's sent to spend fall break with her free spirited aunt. The plane ride is not so great but getting off and seeing NO ONE waiting for her is worse!
Shock of shocks her flowy skirt wearing aunt of the waist length hair has been replaced by a short haired glam go get em over achiever who drives a sports car. Reeling from the changes and in a bit of shock Amanda thinks her aunt has had a psychotic break till Nic walks literally out of the wall in her aunt's condo. GASI is real and she has been groomed secretly and recruited to be one of the youngest agents in a new super secret spy service. So much for a relaxing fall break! Her mission starts the next day when she starts school (on her break!) No fun! But it's for her country and she has been bored...
This is such a great story and amazingly believable. Intrigue and suspense are a nice backdrop to a first crush/coming of age story unlike anything else I have ever read! The book was a fun read and very entertaining. I loved the snarkiness of her aunt and her partner. I can't wait to read the second book Undercover with the Hottie (Investigating the Hottie)!
***This book is suitable for young adult through adult readers
February 8, 2015
It's a great read. Highly unrealistic, but that just adds to the appeal. Granted, it is probably a book more suited to young teenage girls, I thought the humour was great, the writing well done and the characters honest, witty, smart and real. All of this made for an easy relateable book (even though they are spies). This book had me grinning and giggling like an idiot.
I loved Amanda. She was a cute, fun character that made me laugh the most. Her, well, let's say 'inexperience', as a spy and with guys made for believable experiences and great dialogue. And Will was an ok character...ok honestly he was a bit strange. This character seemed inconsistent and was a bit annoying. I loved Christie and Nic and their bickering. Too funny together, but add Amanda and it reached a whole other dimension. Will's crazy grandma was a nice touch, if a little predictable. Will and Amanda were usually pretty great together. What I think I liked most about this book though was how the author writes. It captured me completely and I couldn't stop reading.
The end though! It was way rushed and Amanda spilling the beans at the end? Really? But it worked, surprisingly...Ms Alexander tied it all together neatly, leaving me wanting more.
A fast-paced, cute, girly, funny read that is great to pass the time without the heavy scenes of other books, like The Gallagher Girls (awesome series, by the way). Can't wait for the next two!
I loved Amanda. She was a cute, fun character that made me laugh the most. Her, well, let's say 'inexperience', as a spy and with guys made for believable experiences and great dialogue. And Will was an ok character...ok honestly he was a bit strange. This character seemed inconsistent and was a bit annoying. I loved Christie and Nic and their bickering. Too funny together, but add Amanda and it reached a whole other dimension. Will's crazy grandma was a nice touch, if a little predictable. Will and Amanda were usually pretty great together. What I think I liked most about this book though was how the author writes. It captured me completely and I couldn't stop reading.
The end though! It was way rushed and Amanda spilling the beans at the end? Really? But it worked, surprisingly...Ms Alexander tied it all together neatly, leaving me wanting more.
A fast-paced, cute, girly, funny read that is great to pass the time without the heavy scenes of other books, like The Gallagher Girls (awesome series, by the way). Can't wait for the next two!
April 11, 2013
oh my goodness, this book was super cute! It was a little predictable but the characters were amusing, believable, and had some good dialogue going on. If you're looking for a clean, fun, light romance, then this is the story you want to read.
To be completely honest, I read the first 10% on amazon a few months ago but while I found the idea intriguing, just wasn't feeling it. I would like to say I gave it another go after much thought and deliberation, but the fact is, I simply remembered the core concept of the book and after reading a few positive reviews, decided to give it a go, and I'm glad I did.
Amanda is a tall sophmore in highschool with a bad track record when it comes to boys - and when I say bad, I mean the encounters usually end up humiliating for her, not that she is a 'bad' girl. She is shy and thinks she's awkward and gets self conscious when she's around "hotties," turns out to be a problem, because her aunt, a government secret agent with GASI has recruited her to attend a private school during her fall break and investigate a soccer playing, ever successful super hottie who her agency suspects may be a hacker who has threatened national security. The only problem is, he doesn't fit the profile, and Amanda sort of, maybe, - okay, completely - falls for him.
Like I said, predictable, but super cute. It's worth the read.
To be completely honest, I read the first 10% on amazon a few months ago but while I found the idea intriguing, just wasn't feeling it. I would like to say I gave it another go after much thought and deliberation, but the fact is, I simply remembered the core concept of the book and after reading a few positive reviews, decided to give it a go, and I'm glad I did.
Amanda is a tall sophmore in highschool with a bad track record when it comes to boys - and when I say bad, I mean the encounters usually end up humiliating for her, not that she is a 'bad' girl. She is shy and thinks she's awkward and gets self conscious when she's around "hotties," turns out to be a problem, because her aunt, a government secret agent with GASI has recruited her to attend a private school during her fall break and investigate a soccer playing, ever successful super hottie who her agency suspects may be a hacker who has threatened national security. The only problem is, he doesn't fit the profile, and Amanda sort of, maybe, - okay, completely - falls for him.
Like I said, predictable, but super cute. It's worth the read.
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