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Sweet Valley High #6
Dangerous Love
The end of the road for Todd and Elizabeth?
One of the strictest rules in the Wakefield house is "No motorcycles." Ever since their cousin was killed in a crash, Elizabeth and Jessica have been forbidden to go near them. So when Elizabeth's boyfriend Todd drives up on a shiny new Yamaha, she knows there's trouble ahead. She can't ride Todd's bike, but other girls can and do. And sight of those girls riding with their arms around Todd is making Elizabeth crazy with jealousy. Todd tells her not to worry, but Elizabeth's scared of losing him. Will Todd's new bike drive them apart?
One of the strictest rules in the Wakefield house is "No motorcycles." Ever since their cousin was killed in a crash, Elizabeth and Jessica have been forbidden to go near them. So when Elizabeth's boyfriend Todd drives up on a shiny new Yamaha, she knows there's trouble ahead. She can't ride Todd's bike, but other girls can and do. And sight of those girls riding with their arms around Todd is making Elizabeth crazy with jealousy. Todd tells her not to worry, but Elizabeth's scared of losing him. Will Todd's new bike drive them apart?
132 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
30 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Kate William
236 books31 followersKate William is not a real person and does not exist.
Kate William is the fake name that was created to represent the team of ghostwriters that wrote the Sweet Valley High series.
Kate William is the fake name that was created to represent the team of ghostwriters that wrote the Sweet Valley High series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 2, 2023
So now Liz is Recklessly Riding on Motorcycles? And in book 5 she was Clearly Cheating on Tests?? What is going on with our girl these days I swear.
October 21, 2024
HOT CLAM SPECIAL!
To me, Dangerous Love is the quintessential SVH book. It has our first real cliffhanger and enough Liz angst to float a boat. It is yet another book where Jessica expresses remorse for being Jessica and vows to change (and never does). I probably read this one and "Dear Sister" a dozen times or more when I was a kid and enjoyed every minute of re-reading it again today.
And what did we learn in our re-read?
Motorcycles = Death Machine (don't ride 'em kids -- you'll end up in a coma!)
Liz should have broken up with Todd the second he called her his favorite "motorcycle mama."
Jess and Liz had a cousin named Rexy, which is a stupid name.
Jessica wears a black-and-white satin jumpsuit with spaghetti straps and matching dangling earrings. The '80s just exploded.
Todd lets Liz get on his bike with no helmet and wearing a party dress and doesn't even offer her his jacket. Todd is a jerk.
Did anyone *not* think a guy named "Crunch" who drove a purple van would be bad news? I knew he was trouble back when I first read this book in middle school!
If boring old Enid has her sweet sixteen here, that means that two years ago when she was doing drugs and running with a "wild crowd" (from "Secrets") she was 13 or 14 years old. And she's been a 15-year-old dating a college freshman since book 2 and everyone thought it was hunky dory.
But most of all, we learned about the hot clam special at Dairi Burger. Cara Walker shares one with John Pfiefer in front of all their friends (kinky), the owner of the DB slips a free one to Todd, Elizabeth, and Mandy, Liz doesn't like the taste of it but gets seconds ... it kept being mentioned over and over, and I giggled every time. I think some ghostwriter was having fun.
To me, Dangerous Love is the quintessential SVH book. It has our first real cliffhanger and enough Liz angst to float a boat. It is yet another book where Jessica expresses remorse for being Jessica and vows to change (and never does). I probably read this one and "Dear Sister" a dozen times or more when I was a kid and enjoyed every minute of re-reading it again today.
And what did we learn in our re-read?
Motorcycles = Death Machine (don't ride 'em kids -- you'll end up in a coma!)
Liz should have broken up with Todd the second he called her his favorite "motorcycle mama."
Jess and Liz had a cousin named Rexy, which is a stupid name.
Jessica wears a black-and-white satin jumpsuit with spaghetti straps and matching dangling earrings. The '80s just exploded.
Todd lets Liz get on his bike with no helmet and wearing a party dress and doesn't even offer her his jacket. Todd is a jerk.
Did anyone *not* think a guy named "Crunch" who drove a purple van would be bad news? I knew he was trouble back when I first read this book in middle school!
If boring old Enid has her sweet sixteen here, that means that two years ago when she was doing drugs and running with a "wild crowd" (from "Secrets") she was 13 or 14 years old. And she's been a 15-year-old dating a college freshman since book 2 and everyone thought it was hunky dory.
But most of all, we learned about the hot clam special at Dairi Burger. Cara Walker shares one with John Pfiefer in front of all their friends (kinky), the owner of the DB slips a free one to Todd, Elizabeth, and Mandy, Liz doesn't like the taste of it but gets seconds ... it kept being mentioned over and over, and I giggled every time. I think some ghostwriter was having fun.
Read
January 4, 2015'why am I still reading these?' you ask. the answer: I just don't know.
August 28, 2023
Re-read 2023
Elizabeth Wakefield is always seen as the good twin but her actions in the sixth book of the series could cost her. When her boyfriend, Todd Wilkins gets a motorcycle, Elizabeth feels like the truth might just hurt their relationship. But will she lose her boyfriend to the other girls of Sweet Valley High?
I really enjoyed this one with all its teenage angst. And it had a great cliffhanger ending. Also the whole subplot storyline where Enid's stressing over her mother's overwhelming response to making her sweet 16 a memorable was sweet. Although I always find it hilarious in both American books and television shows that the whole high school just rocks out to someone's birthday party. But maybe that just happened in 1980's California?
Goodreads review published 27/08/23
Elizabeth Wakefield is always seen as the good twin but her actions in the sixth book of the series could cost her. When her boyfriend, Todd Wilkins gets a motorcycle, Elizabeth feels like the truth might just hurt their relationship. But will she lose her boyfriend to the other girls of Sweet Valley High?
I really enjoyed this one with all its teenage angst. And it had a great cliffhanger ending. Also the whole subplot storyline where Enid's stressing over her mother's overwhelming response to making her sweet 16 a memorable was sweet. Although I always find it hilarious in both American books and television shows that the whole high school just rocks out to someone's birthday party. But maybe that just happened in 1980's California?
Goodreads review published 27/08/23
April 14, 2022
Ah, a classic early SVH.
Todd is such a dunce. He doesn't even seem to ask his girlfriend point blank if she would ever ride on a motorcycle before he buys one, which seems like a pretty normal conversation to have if you're in a serious relationship. Also, letting other girls ride with you when your gf refuses is sort of the worst. Ugh Todd. (Liz isn't off the hook, all it would have taken was one honest conversation to clear things up.)
I remember reading the ending of this book and finding it so thrilling. The accident and hospital scene are tense! It's kind of fun knowing what comes next in Dear Sister.
Todd is such a dunce. He doesn't even seem to ask his girlfriend point blank if she would ever ride on a motorcycle before he buys one, which seems like a pretty normal conversation to have if you're in a serious relationship. Also, letting other girls ride with you when your gf refuses is sort of the worst. Ugh Todd. (Liz isn't off the hook, all it would have taken was one honest conversation to clear things up.)
I remember reading the ending of this book and finding it so thrilling. The accident and hospital scene are tense! It's kind of fun knowing what comes next in Dear Sister.
July 13, 2008
What I learned from this book: don't disobey your parents or you'll end up in a coma and avoid guys named 'Crunch' at all cost.
February 13, 2017
This is quintessential SVH drama right here.
Todd finally gets his dream motorcycle, but Liz can't ride with him. She and Jess are forbidden by their parents to ever ride a motorcycle, after their cousin was killed in a motorcycle wreck years before.
Liz gets jealous when she sees other girls riding with Todd. Lots of inner turmoil here.
Finally, just as Todd has decided to sell his bike, Liz begs for just one ride before he sells it. Naturally he's already gotten rid of the extra helmet, and since Todd is kind of a jerk, he uses the only helmet for himself. Fast forward a few minutes, they wreck and Liz ends up in a coma.
Funny, mostly 80s things I noticed:
1. Jess being at the height of fashion in her black and white jumpsuit.
2. Enid turning 16 and everyone is okay with her dating a freshman in college.
3. Liz wearing a blazer to school like it's an everyday thing.
4. And as another reviewer mentioned, the incessant reference to the "hot clam special", which Liz eats three times even though she hates it. You gotta love these books!
Todd finally gets his dream motorcycle, but Liz can't ride with him. She and Jess are forbidden by their parents to ever ride a motorcycle, after their cousin was killed in a motorcycle wreck years before.
Liz gets jealous when she sees other girls riding with Todd. Lots of inner turmoil here.
Finally, just as Todd has decided to sell his bike, Liz begs for just one ride before he sells it. Naturally he's already gotten rid of the extra helmet, and since Todd is kind of a jerk, he uses the only helmet for himself. Fast forward a few minutes, they wreck and Liz ends up in a coma.
Funny, mostly 80s things I noticed:
1. Jess being at the height of fashion in her black and white jumpsuit.
2. Enid turning 16 and everyone is okay with her dating a freshman in college.
3. Liz wearing a blazer to school like it's an everyday thing.
4. And as another reviewer mentioned, the incessant reference to the "hot clam special", which Liz eats three times even though she hates it. You gotta love these books!
Read
July 31, 2009Laugh out loud funny. And embarrassing, as I read much of this in public. The Dairi Burger adds the "hot clam special" to their menu. Liz almost dies after being hit by a drunk driver. Of course, Todd and Jessica feel responsible. What?
I can't decide if Mr. Collins is hot or creepy, which I fear is the whole point.
I can't decide if Mr. Collins is hot or creepy, which I fear is the whole point.
August 31, 2011
If you don't do what your parents say, you'll eventually end up in a coma. This is what I learned.
October 8, 2025
I actually liked this one. For once Jessica wasn't completely evil. In fact she begins to see the error of her ways which no doubt won't last long. So in this book Todd finally gets a motorcycle which was his dream. Liz is forbidden to ride because her cousin Rexy was killed in an accident a few years ago. Jessica thinks motorcycles are evil more evil than she is apparently. Liz gets jealous of all the girls riding with Todd on his bike. Todd calls Liz his motorcycle mama which, ew and even buys a hot pink helmet for her. After trying to convince Ned and Alice to let Liz ride on his bike they refuse and eventually Todd decides to sell the bike. Liz convinces him to let her ride just once even though he doesn't have the pink helmet which is stupid. They are hit by a drunk driver ironically the guy Todd sold his bike to and Liz is seriously injured. Ned and Steven try to kill Todd at the hospital and we're left wondering if Liz will live. The b plot involves Enid having a sweet sixteen party where we learn her mother is going overboard with the planning and that Enid aged 15 is dating a college guy which everyone is fine with. The 80's were a different time. This was a nice blast from the past and the first real cliffhanger of the series.
March 1, 2015
Source: I own this book.
Title: Dangerous Love
Series: Sweet Valley High #6
Author: Kate William & Francine Pascal
Overall Rating: 4 stars
Well, smack me in the face and call me hot clam special. Basically, Todd gets a motorbike. Liz and Jess' cousin Rexy died on a motorbike. They don't get on them. But other girls gets on Todd's. Liz gets jealous. She gets on. She ends up in a coma.
The morals of this story stood as:
*Listen to your parents
*Don't be a jealous girlfriend
*Your english teacher will always be around for a DMC (deep meaningful chat)
This is definitely the second best book in the whole series, 138 was always my personal favourite.
Title: Dangerous Love
Series: Sweet Valley High #6
Author: Kate William & Francine Pascal
Overall Rating: 4 stars
Well, smack me in the face and call me hot clam special. Basically, Todd gets a motorbike. Liz and Jess' cousin Rexy died on a motorbike. They don't get on them. But other girls gets on Todd's. Liz gets jealous. She gets on. She ends up in a coma.
The morals of this story stood as:
*Listen to your parents
*Don't be a jealous girlfriend
*Your english teacher will always be around for a DMC (deep meaningful chat)
This is definitely the second best book in the whole series, 138 was always my personal favourite.
October 27, 2017
Before Reading: I needed to read some good old trash so went back to my SVH books. :) Todd looks super hot on the cover, the artist really focused on him this time. Check out those arm muscles.
The Main Plot in 50 Words or Less: Todd gets a motorcycle. Liz refuses to ride it, but doesn't want any other girls riding it either.
The Second Plot in 20ish Words or Less: Enid's mom is throwing her a sweet sixteen party and is going completely overboard.
Opening Lines: "I still can't believe you got permission to take the Spider to school today," Jessica Wakefield said, opening the passenger side of the red Fiat convertible. "How'd you do it?"
Closing Lines: Yet Elizabeth remained unresponsive, her eyes closed to the world around her.
Best WTF Lines: Elizabeth to Lila: "Listen, you haven't seen Todd around, have you?"
"Have you tried the lost and found?" Lila purred.
"How's my favorite motorcycle mama?"
"You have my word that you'll never see your daughter on my bike." Good use of words there, Todd.
Enid's mom: "I'm not going to use a person whose idea of haute cuisine is pigs in blankets."
"Dreams have a way of turning sour when they become real."
Happenings in SV: The Dairi Burger gets a makeover and a questionable new hot clam special.
The twins are forbidden (and don't want to) from riding on any motorcycles, after their cousin, Rexy, (oh Rexy, you're so sexy) dies in an accident the day after buying his bike. I'm truly surprised that Jessica is okay with this rule and am wondering if it is contradicted later on. I can't see her not getting on the back of some bad boy's bike. Todd is disappointed that Liz won't ride with him and even tries to convince her parents. Yeah right. He gives other girls rides until Liz finally confesses that it makes her jealous. In the end, he decides to sell the bike because it's no fun without a hot blonde pressed up against his back.
Jessica has a new boy toy but dumps him for Enid's cousin. Enid's mom throws her a huge, extravagant 16th birthday party because she's so glad Enid's not on the drugs anymore. Jess abandons Liz after the party to go make-out with her new toy and Liz has no choice (sure) but to ride on the back of Todd's motorcycle. Of course, they get in an accident, thanks to drunk driver Crunch McAllister. Todd's okay but Liz wasn't wearing a helmet and is in a coma at the end of the book.
Fashion Icons: [Elizabeth had] her hair tied back with a blue ribbon, dressed in jeans, blue oxford shirt, and dark blue blazer, [she] looked as fresh and attractive as could be.
She thought [Mr Collins] the strawberry-blond teacher looked especially handsome in the blue crewneck sweater he wore with jeans and a tweed jacket. It wasn't hard to see why practically every girl in school had had a crush on him at one time or another.
[Helping Jess find a dress for the party] "You know that green polka-dot dress with the puff sleeves? I think it would look terrific on you." No, no it wouldn't.
After much searching, [Jessica] had finally found an outfit that did her justice, a black-and-white satin jumpsuit held in place by two tiny spaghetti straps. With her hair piled atop her head and long black-and-white earrings dangling from her lobes, Jessica looked stunning. Brian was a fitting companion, his six-foot-plus body shown off by the Egyptian cotton dress shirt and charcoal-gray pants he wore.
Twin Hijinks: No hijinks, but Jessica has some twintuition when Elizabeth gets in her accident. And at the hospital, she tries to mind-meld with her or something.
Other Thoughts: Guy Chesney, the keyboardist for The Droids, hits on Liz and comes across as kind of creepy. Foreshadowing? This book ends on a cliffhanger and I do NOT have the next book and I'm so annoyed!! How will I know if she makes it?? Spoiler: she does. ;) The ending is very "after school special" but I think it was well done actually. I teared up a little when Jessica was talking to the comatose Elizabeth and saying how she couldn't live without her and such. She also promised to be better if Liz recovered, but we all now how that worked out.
The Next Book*: Will Elizabeth live or die? Find out in Sweet Valley High #7, DEAR SISTER.
*(not necessarily what I'll be reading)
Blogged at SeeJennRead
The Main Plot in 50 Words or Less: Todd gets a motorcycle. Liz refuses to ride it, but doesn't want any other girls riding it either.
The Second Plot in 20ish Words or Less: Enid's mom is throwing her a sweet sixteen party and is going completely overboard.
Opening Lines: "I still can't believe you got permission to take the Spider to school today," Jessica Wakefield said, opening the passenger side of the red Fiat convertible. "How'd you do it?"
Closing Lines: Yet Elizabeth remained unresponsive, her eyes closed to the world around her.
Best WTF Lines: Elizabeth to Lila: "Listen, you haven't seen Todd around, have you?"
"Have you tried the lost and found?" Lila purred.
"How's my favorite motorcycle mama?"
"You have my word that you'll never see your daughter on my bike." Good use of words there, Todd.
Enid's mom: "I'm not going to use a person whose idea of haute cuisine is pigs in blankets."
"Dreams have a way of turning sour when they become real."
Happenings in SV: The Dairi Burger gets a makeover and a questionable new hot clam special.
The twins are forbidden (and don't want to) from riding on any motorcycles, after their cousin, Rexy, (oh Rexy, you're so sexy) dies in an accident the day after buying his bike. I'm truly surprised that Jessica is okay with this rule and am wondering if it is contradicted later on. I can't see her not getting on the back of some bad boy's bike. Todd is disappointed that Liz won't ride with him and even tries to convince her parents. Yeah right. He gives other girls rides until Liz finally confesses that it makes her jealous. In the end, he decides to sell the bike because it's no fun without a hot blonde pressed up against his back.
Jessica has a new boy toy but dumps him for Enid's cousin. Enid's mom throws her a huge, extravagant 16th birthday party because she's so glad Enid's not on the drugs anymore. Jess abandons Liz after the party to go make-out with her new toy and Liz has no choice (sure) but to ride on the back of Todd's motorcycle. Of course, they get in an accident, thanks to drunk driver Crunch McAllister. Todd's okay but Liz wasn't wearing a helmet and is in a coma at the end of the book.
Fashion Icons: [Elizabeth had] her hair tied back with a blue ribbon, dressed in jeans, blue oxford shirt, and dark blue blazer, [she] looked as fresh and attractive as could be.
She thought [Mr Collins] the strawberry-blond teacher looked especially handsome in the blue crewneck sweater he wore with jeans and a tweed jacket. It wasn't hard to see why practically every girl in school had had a crush on him at one time or another.
[Helping Jess find a dress for the party] "You know that green polka-dot dress with the puff sleeves? I think it would look terrific on you." No, no it wouldn't.
After much searching, [Jessica] had finally found an outfit that did her justice, a black-and-white satin jumpsuit held in place by two tiny spaghetti straps. With her hair piled atop her head and long black-and-white earrings dangling from her lobes, Jessica looked stunning. Brian was a fitting companion, his six-foot-plus body shown off by the Egyptian cotton dress shirt and charcoal-gray pants he wore.
Twin Hijinks: No hijinks, but Jessica has some twintuition when Elizabeth gets in her accident. And at the hospital, she tries to mind-meld with her or something.
Other Thoughts: Guy Chesney, the keyboardist for The Droids, hits on Liz and comes across as kind of creepy. Foreshadowing? This book ends on a cliffhanger and I do NOT have the next book and I'm so annoyed!! How will I know if she makes it?? Spoiler: she does. ;) The ending is very "after school special" but I think it was well done actually. I teared up a little when Jessica was talking to the comatose Elizabeth and saying how she couldn't live without her and such. She also promised to be better if Liz recovered, but we all now how that worked out.
The Next Book*: Will Elizabeth live or die? Find out in Sweet Valley High #7, DEAR SISTER.
*(not necessarily what I'll be reading)
Blogged at SeeJennRead
July 16, 2022
Whoa, Jessica was actually NOT completely awful in this one. I'm sure she'll get back to being a massive bitch very soon, but this was a nice respite.
I actually found this one a little better than most of the others so far. As someone who hates motorcycles and has never and would never get on one, I appreciated the Wakefield family for recognizing the death machines for what they are. I particularly liked that Jessica, instead of being her usual bratty rebel self, was adamantly opposed to motorcycles after the trauma of losing their cousin in an accident. And I actually thought the way Todd and Liz discuss the issue when he gets his bike was reasonable and somewhat realistic. He doesn't want to give it up but he won't pressure her to ride it, and she doesn't want him to have it but she doesn't want to tell him what to do with his life.
I do wish the plot wasn't quite as heavy-handed, with Liz ending up in a coma after an accident the one and only time she finally relents and gets on the bike. I mean, come on. I think it would've been stronger if maybe halfway through the book, she says she wants to give it a try, and maybe they do a few secret rides and she gets a little more reckless as it goes on, and THEN the accident happens. But I suppose in a roughly 130 page book, you don't have a lot of room for nuance. I like that it ends on the cliffhanger, and I remember from childhood the plot of the next book and how I asked my mom back then if it was actually possible for such a thing to happen. She told me I'd have to ask the doctor at my next check-up. (Listen, we didn't have the internet back then, kids.)
My main gripe with this one is the scenes involving the teacher, Mr. Collins, when he's letting Liz use him as a sounding board/counselor/relationship advice oracle. It just felt…inappropriate. Like, he doesn't do anything wrong, but a young handsome male teacher really should not be sitting alone with a teenage female student discussing her love life. It kind of felt like the opening chapters to a My Dark Vanessa type of book. He should have realized right away this was not the type of conversation he should be having and directed her to a female teacher or guidance counselor.
But I liked this one well enough, and I hope we get at least a couple more books before Jessica goes back to being the literal worst.
I actually found this one a little better than most of the others so far. As someone who hates motorcycles and has never and would never get on one, I appreciated the Wakefield family for recognizing the death machines for what they are. I particularly liked that Jessica, instead of being her usual bratty rebel self, was adamantly opposed to motorcycles after the trauma of losing their cousin in an accident. And I actually thought the way Todd and Liz discuss the issue when he gets his bike was reasonable and somewhat realistic. He doesn't want to give it up but he won't pressure her to ride it, and she doesn't want him to have it but she doesn't want to tell him what to do with his life.
I do wish the plot wasn't quite as heavy-handed, with Liz ending up in a coma after an accident the one and only time she finally relents and gets on the bike. I mean, come on. I think it would've been stronger if maybe halfway through the book, she says she wants to give it a try, and maybe they do a few secret rides and she gets a little more reckless as it goes on, and THEN the accident happens. But I suppose in a roughly 130 page book, you don't have a lot of room for nuance. I like that it ends on the cliffhanger, and I remember from childhood the plot of the next book and how I asked my mom back then if it was actually possible for such a thing to happen. She told me I'd have to ask the doctor at my next check-up. (Listen, we didn't have the internet back then, kids.)
My main gripe with this one is the scenes involving the teacher, Mr. Collins, when he's letting Liz use him as a sounding board/counselor/relationship advice oracle. It just felt…inappropriate. Like, he doesn't do anything wrong, but a young handsome male teacher really should not be sitting alone with a teenage female student discussing her love life. It kind of felt like the opening chapters to a My Dark Vanessa type of book. He should have realized right away this was not the type of conversation he should be having and directed her to a female teacher or guidance counselor.
But I liked this one well enough, and I hope we get at least a couple more books before Jessica goes back to being the literal worst.
March 24, 2018
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Christian or Secular: Secular
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing.
Content to be aware of: Underage drinking, drug use (non-descriptive), a 15-year-old girl is dating a freshman in college.
Suggested Age: 12+
My Thoughts:
Finally! A Sweet Valley book that didn't make me want to strangle Jessica! Of course, I know she's lying through her teeth when she says she's going to change. But, for the first time, she's actually kind of human!
As an adult, I can't help but wonder why Elizabeth doesn't tell Todd from the beginning that she isn't allowed on a motorcycle—and why! A lot of angst would have been avoided if she had just been honest.
Despite the fact that this book is teenage drama, it actually more of how I remember SVH. I definitely don't remember 1-5 being so annoying. I mean, it was still drivel. But, I didn't want to kill Jessica. Huge improvement!
Anyway, hold up just a moment...Enid is having her 16th birthday party in this book. So, she was strung out on drugs and dating a much older guy at 13-14? Holy crap. She's just turning 16 and she's dating a freshman in college? My mind is blown.
Anyway, this book ends with a massive cliffhanger. I may very well die of suspense. Whatever will Jessica and I do if Elizabeth dies?! Yes, I'm being facetious. Of course, we know Elizabeth can't and won't die. I hope.
Anyway, this book actually had a moral to it. Shocking, right? The moral? Don't get on a motorcycle against your parent's wishes. You'll end up in a coma.
This book is a delightful little train wreck that made me remember why I loved this garbage.
My rating now: 3 stars.
What I would have rated this at 13: 5 stars
Throwback Books is a theme centered around books in a series from a decade or more ago. To join TBB, choose a throwback series (for example, The Hardy Boys) and have fun reliving the past! Don’t forget to link back to A Simply Enchanted Life and Jami’s Words.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
Christian or Secular: Secular
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing.
Content to be aware of: Underage drinking, drug use (non-descriptive), a 15-year-old girl is dating a freshman in college.
Suggested Age: 12+
My Thoughts:
Finally! A Sweet Valley book that didn't make me want to strangle Jessica! Of course, I know she's lying through her teeth when she says she's going to change. But, for the first time, she's actually kind of human!
As an adult, I can't help but wonder why Elizabeth doesn't tell Todd from the beginning that she isn't allowed on a motorcycle—and why! A lot of angst would have been avoided if she had just been honest.
Despite the fact that this book is teenage drama, it actually more of how I remember SVH. I definitely don't remember 1-5 being so annoying. I mean, it was still drivel. But, I didn't want to kill Jessica. Huge improvement!
Anyway, hold up just a moment...Enid is having her 16th birthday party in this book. So, she was strung out on drugs and dating a much older guy at 13-14? Holy crap. She's just turning 16 and she's dating a freshman in college? My mind is blown.
Anyway, this book ends with a massive cliffhanger. I may very well die of suspense. Whatever will Jessica and I do if Elizabeth dies?! Yes, I'm being facetious. Of course, we know Elizabeth can't and won't die. I hope.
Anyway, this book actually had a moral to it. Shocking, right? The moral? Don't get on a motorcycle against your parent's wishes. You'll end up in a coma.
This book is a delightful little train wreck that made me remember why I loved this garbage.
My rating now: 3 stars.
What I would have rated this at 13: 5 stars
Throwback Books is a theme centered around books in a series from a decade or more ago. To join TBB, choose a throwback series (for example, The Hardy Boys) and have fun reliving the past! Don’t forget to link back to A Simply Enchanted Life and Jami’s Words.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
May 25, 2025
Random thoughts I had while reading:
Rexy Wakefield? Who? Apparently he’s a cousin so close to the girls that he was Jessica’s best friend. But don’t worry, you never hear about him again before or after this book. (Also, there’s no mention of him in the “Wakefields of Sweet Valley” book, so there’s that.)
This book drops the bomb that Enid is a year younger than everyone, so she’s only 15 in the first five books. But… isn’t George in college? Gross. Plus her “wild past” is described as over 2 years ago, so… she was only what, like, 12? I don’t know why a year makes such a difference but it just does.
Who is Mandy Farmer? She’s in the sorority?
Apparently the Dairi Burger was NOT a cool hangout until this book when it has a remodeling and reopens. But, why would a hamburger place serve “hot clam special”? Ew.
Rexy Wakefield? Who? Apparently he’s a cousin so close to the girls that he was Jessica’s best friend. But don’t worry, you never hear about him again before or after this book. (Also, there’s no mention of him in the “Wakefields of Sweet Valley” book, so there’s that.)
This book drops the bomb that Enid is a year younger than everyone, so she’s only 15 in the first five books. But… isn’t George in college? Gross. Plus her “wild past” is described as over 2 years ago, so… she was only what, like, 12? I don’t know why a year makes such a difference but it just does.
Who is Mandy Farmer? She’s in the sorority?
Apparently the Dairi Burger was NOT a cool hangout until this book when it has a remodeling and reopens. But, why would a hamburger place serve “hot clam special”? Ew.
June 26, 2017
Oh so awful, but oh so 80s. After Todd finally buys himself a black death machine of a motorcycle, Liz gets jealous watching him druve other girls around on it--in HER HOT PINK HELMET-- so after Jessica (of course) leaves her stranded at a party at the country club (swanky), she decides to defy her parents just once, since in an ultimate show of Wilkins chivalry, Todd reveals he will sell the bike. It doesn't go well. Cliffhanger ending. Terrible book. Two stars. I can't believe hie much I adored these books as a kid. I may have to stop judging my son's obsession with the Wimpy Kids books now. Deep shame. #7 next.
July 3, 2025
This book feels like we are taking a turn into the teen soap opera — and I am here for it. We’ve got forbidden motorcycles, we’ve got Liz now in a COMA, and we’ve got the hot clam special (take a shot every time someone mentions the hot clam special). This book has got it all, including the ultimate cliffhanger if Elizabeth will live or DIE.
March 15, 2019
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD
August 5, 2019
I mean, these books are never good, but the moralizing was strong in this one.
May 14, 2020
This was SO intense!
Read
December 22, 2022Love a good soap opera
December 30, 2022
This is a Mr Collins book. You might think that it’s about Liz and Todd and Todd’s new motorcycle but you’re wrong. This is Mr Collins’ time to shine. Basically Todd gets a motorcycle but Liz doesn’t want to/isn’t allowed to ride on it because her cousin Rexy died in a motorcycle wreck. That’s right the writers are so uncreative they named him after his cause of death. Anyway, Todd understand that Liz can’t ride on the motorcycle but is jealous when she gets rides with other guys and Liz is jealous when other girls ride on his motorcycle so Todd decides he’s going to sell the bike. Liz needs a ride from Enid’s birthday party to the club (?) and decides to ride with Todd so she can say she rode on it once. Todd only has 1 helmet so when the bike gets hit by a drunk driver Liz (who isn’t wearing a helmet) gets rushed off to the emergency room as she’s in a coma. The book ends with Liz in a coma and Todd and Jess being scared she won’t wake up. So how is this a Mr. Collins book you may ask? Here’s a list:
1. Liz goes to Mr Collins for advice on her and Todd
2. The book makes it clear to us that Liz knows all about his troubling divorce and the pain it put Mr Collins through.
3. MR COLLINS IS AT ENIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY. As a chaperone. And Enid says he looks cute.
4. Mr. Collins goes to the hospital and acts as a therapist for Todd.
5. At the end of my copy of the book, after the actual story is done, there’s a little section on Mr. Collins telling us about his divorce and how his wife cheated on him.
Other highlights of the book include the b-plot of Enid’s mother taking Enid’s 16th birthday party too seriously, Todd referring to Liz as his “motorcycle mama” and the line “It was Mandy Farmer, the girl who was saving the whales with Todd.” This one is wild and hilarious, you should read it.
1. Liz goes to Mr Collins for advice on her and Todd
2. The book makes it clear to us that Liz knows all about his troubling divorce and the pain it put Mr Collins through.
3. MR COLLINS IS AT ENIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY. As a chaperone. And Enid says he looks cute.
4. Mr. Collins goes to the hospital and acts as a therapist for Todd.
5. At the end of my copy of the book, after the actual story is done, there’s a little section on Mr. Collins telling us about his divorce and how his wife cheated on him.
Other highlights of the book include the b-plot of Enid’s mother taking Enid’s 16th birthday party too seriously, Todd referring to Liz as his “motorcycle mama” and the line “It was Mandy Farmer, the girl who was saving the whales with Todd.” This one is wild and hilarious, you should read it.
December 2, 2011
An angst-ridden time is had when Todd gets a motorcycle. Liz had a cousin who was killed in a bike accident and her parents have forbidden the twins to ride motorcycles.
Everybody oohs-and-ahhhs over the bike and Liz is stricken with jealousy, especially of all the girls getting a ride to the Dairi Burger on Todd's motorcycle, with their arms flung around him.
Todd is ready to sell his bike and Elizabeth changes her mind and decides to take one ride. This culminates in Liz needing a ride due to Jessica's selfishness--wait, I have a rhetorical question: when was Jessica ever not selfish?
Elizabeth ends up in a coma with Jessica vowing to no longer take advantage of Liz and think of other people besides herself. Hmmm, like that's ever going to happen.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Dangerous Love (Sweet Valley High, #6)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
Everybody oohs-and-ahhhs over the bike and Liz is stricken with jealousy, especially of all the girls getting a ride to the Dairi Burger on Todd's motorcycle, with their arms flung around him.
Todd is ready to sell his bike and Elizabeth changes her mind and decides to take one ride. This culminates in Liz needing a ride due to Jessica's selfishness--wait, I have a rhetorical question: when was Jessica ever not selfish?
Elizabeth ends up in a coma with Jessica vowing to no longer take advantage of Liz and think of other people besides herself. Hmmm, like that's ever going to happen.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Dangerous Love (Sweet Valley High, #6)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
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October 19, 2012The twins' cousin killed in a motorcycle wreck was named.... Rex. Haha!
So Todd is having sex with all the girls in town except for Elizabeth, so she gets jealous and has sex with him anyway, and gets herpes. Substitute "motorcycle rides" for "sex" and "coma" for "herpes" and you've got the whole plot. Except the part where Enid has this non-sequitur debutante ball, which was obviously needed to fatten up the book.
So Todd is having sex with all the girls in town except for Elizabeth, so she gets jealous and has sex with him anyway, and gets herpes. Substitute "motorcycle rides" for "sex" and "coma" for "herpes" and you've got the whole plot. Except the part where Enid has this non-sequitur debutante ball, which was obviously needed to fatten up the book.
March 19, 2018
In my heart, this is a 5 star book because it is so bad and so 80s and so trashy that it is wonderful. Pants suit with spaghetti straps. A band called The Droids. A clam special that is disgusting but everyone keeps eating. Soap opera level drama. Extra points for the creepiest high school teacher ever - camouflaged as a "friend." [A re-reading of this in light of the #MeToo movement could be especially fruitful.] Loved every second spent reading this.
March 6, 2008
I love smutty books about 16 year old twins that lack adult supervision. I'm sorry, I just do!
February 6, 2013
This was stupid as usual. Moral of the story is this: If you face your fears you'll end up in a coma.
April 9, 2016
The best volume of this series I've read so far! It combines elements of an old-school sitcom with a dramatic serial! I'm glad I have the next few books on hand!
December 19, 2024
I won't repeat all the comments about the disgusting hot clam special, or Jessica's jumpsuit (though I will add that the alternative was a green polka dot dress with puff sleeves!!). What's really interesting is what a thinly veiled metaphor this whole book is for unprotected sex. As soon as you see that, you understand the title of the book, as well. In the context of motorcycles, it makes little sense.
So, Liz is devoured with jealousy over seeing other girls riding with Todd on his bike. It soon feels like what's really going on is she's scared that if she doesn't have sex with him, she'll lose him to one of the girls who appear to be more willing.
Luckily, our Todd is nicer than that...or do we think, until we see what's really going on in this book. He tells her he's going to sell the bike, for Liz. Being with her means more to him than that motorcycle. Aww.
BUT...! She's so touched by his gesture that she ASKS to ride it, just once. To paraphrase:
Liz: 'You're not making me do this - I WANT to do it, Todd. I want to feel what it's like to ride with you.'
Todd: 'But I don't have a helmet.'
Liz: 'It'll be fine. Nothing can happen just this one time!'
Now, if we look at this as strictly a motorcycle story, there was Enid's mother offering to call Liz a cab to take her home. Liz could have called her parents. There were other ways to get home. But supposedly Liz had no choice but that bike and Todd had no choice but to agree to it. Sure, he protests a bit, but it doesn't take much to make him bend...knowing there's no helmet. And yet her parents forgive him and say there was nothing else he could have done because Liz is just so darn stubborn. It doesn't work, does it?
Read it another way: Todd says if you don't want to have sex with me, fine, I accept it, if that's what it takes to stay with you. Liz says really?? That's such a grand gesture...maybe I'll give you what you want, just this once. Todd says are you sure? Needles her into being the one to beg for it, even. Doesn't take much to persuade him! Not such a gentleman anymore, is he?
And of course the moral of the story is that the very first time you have unprotected sex, you will absolutely get AIDS and die. Or the very first time you ride a motorcycle, you will absolutely get hit by a drunk driver and end up in a coma and probably die. It's true both things really could happen - though it's rarer than the book suggests. I think the key point is not wearing a helmet. That was pretty stupid all around, whether it's a book about sex or motorcycles, but I guess common for teenagers who think they're invincible, hence the series production team thinking to write the story in the first place.
That said, it still gets me that her parents forgive Todd so quickly. No one ever blames the boy when the girl gets pregnant; it was clearly all her fault. It's entirely down to us girls to make all the wise decisions because we are the only ones who will suffer the consequences.
It's all VERY 1983, from start to finish. But it also attempts to give us a more meaningful story than the previous five books and for that reason it holds attention much better. I assume this is why it's a fan favourite...that and the hot clam special.
So, Liz is devoured with jealousy over seeing other girls riding with Todd on his bike. It soon feels like what's really going on is she's scared that if she doesn't have sex with him, she'll lose him to one of the girls who appear to be more willing.
Luckily, our Todd is nicer than that...or do we think, until we see what's really going on in this book. He tells her he's going to sell the bike, for Liz. Being with her means more to him than that motorcycle. Aww.
BUT...! She's so touched by his gesture that she ASKS to ride it, just once. To paraphrase:
Liz: 'You're not making me do this - I WANT to do it, Todd. I want to feel what it's like to ride with you.'
Todd: 'But I don't have a helmet.'
Liz: 'It'll be fine. Nothing can happen just this one time!'
Now, if we look at this as strictly a motorcycle story, there was Enid's mother offering to call Liz a cab to take her home. Liz could have called her parents. There were other ways to get home. But supposedly Liz had no choice but that bike and Todd had no choice but to agree to it. Sure, he protests a bit, but it doesn't take much to make him bend...knowing there's no helmet. And yet her parents forgive him and say there was nothing else he could have done because Liz is just so darn stubborn. It doesn't work, does it?
Read it another way: Todd says if you don't want to have sex with me, fine, I accept it, if that's what it takes to stay with you. Liz says really?? That's such a grand gesture...maybe I'll give you what you want, just this once. Todd says are you sure? Needles her into being the one to beg for it, even. Doesn't take much to persuade him! Not such a gentleman anymore, is he?
And of course the moral of the story is that the very first time you have unprotected sex, you will absolutely get AIDS and die. Or the very first time you ride a motorcycle, you will absolutely get hit by a drunk driver and end up in a coma and probably die. It's true both things really could happen - though it's rarer than the book suggests. I think the key point is not wearing a helmet. That was pretty stupid all around, whether it's a book about sex or motorcycles, but I guess common for teenagers who think they're invincible, hence the series production team thinking to write the story in the first place.
That said, it still gets me that her parents forgive Todd so quickly. No one ever blames the boy when the girl gets pregnant; it was clearly all her fault. It's entirely down to us girls to make all the wise decisions because we are the only ones who will suffer the consequences.
It's all VERY 1983, from start to finish. But it also attempts to give us a more meaningful story than the previous five books and for that reason it holds attention much better. I assume this is why it's a fan favourite...that and the hot clam special.
June 17, 2019
Title: Dangerous Love
Author: Francine Pascal
Series: Sweet Valley High, 6
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Is this the end of Todd and Elizabeth?
“No motorcycles.” That is the one rule not to be bent or broken in the Wakefield house. Ever since their cousin was killed in a crash, Elizabeth and Jessica are forbidden to go near them.
So when Elizabeth’s boyfriend Todd drives up on a shiny new Yamaha, she knows there’s trouble ahead. She’s not allowed to ride Todd’s bike, but other girls are—and do. Elizabeth loves Todd, but the sight of these girls with their arms around her boyfriend is making her mad with jealousy.
Todd says there’s nothing to be worried about, but Elizabeth is scared of losing him. Will another girl come in an swoop Todd off his feet? Will Todd’s new bike tear him and Elizabeth apart?
Favourite character: N/A
Least favourite character: Jessica
Mini-review: Very dramatic book. Our first near death experience at Sweet Valley High. Although why on earth Elizabeth Wakefield thought it would be a good idea to get on the back of a motorcycle without a helmet after her cousin died in a motorcycle accident is beyond me. Like Elizabeth, you live in Sweet Valley, it’s not going to end well because we have to keep up our readership.
Fan Cast:
Elizabeth Wakefield/Jessica Wakefield - Lili Reinhart
Todd Wilkins - Blake Michael
Enid Rollins - Joey King
Alice Wakefield - Laura Dern
Ned Wakefield - Patrick Warburton
Mr. Collins - Lee Pace
Steven Wakefield - Timothée Chalamet
Brian - Ben Hardy
Crunch McAllister - Justin Prentice
Guy Chesney - Mason Gooding
Mandy Farmer - Ella Balinska
Author: Francine Pascal
Series: Sweet Valley High, 6
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Is this the end of Todd and Elizabeth?
“No motorcycles.” That is the one rule not to be bent or broken in the Wakefield house. Ever since their cousin was killed in a crash, Elizabeth and Jessica are forbidden to go near them.
So when Elizabeth’s boyfriend Todd drives up on a shiny new Yamaha, she knows there’s trouble ahead. She’s not allowed to ride Todd’s bike, but other girls are—and do. Elizabeth loves Todd, but the sight of these girls with their arms around her boyfriend is making her mad with jealousy.
Todd says there’s nothing to be worried about, but Elizabeth is scared of losing him. Will another girl come in an swoop Todd off his feet? Will Todd’s new bike tear him and Elizabeth apart?
Favourite character: N/A
Least favourite character: Jessica
Mini-review: Very dramatic book. Our first near death experience at Sweet Valley High. Although why on earth Elizabeth Wakefield thought it would be a good idea to get on the back of a motorcycle without a helmet after her cousin died in a motorcycle accident is beyond me. Like Elizabeth, you live in Sweet Valley, it’s not going to end well because we have to keep up our readership.
Fan Cast:
Elizabeth Wakefield/Jessica Wakefield - Lili Reinhart
Todd Wilkins - Blake Michael
Enid Rollins - Joey King
Alice Wakefield - Laura Dern
Ned Wakefield - Patrick Warburton
Mr. Collins - Lee Pace
Steven Wakefield - Timothée Chalamet
Brian - Ben Hardy
Crunch McAllister - Justin Prentice
Guy Chesney - Mason Gooding
Mandy Farmer - Ella Balinska
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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