What do you think?
Rate this book
Friday Night Alibi
With her fresh, charming, and hilarious take on New Adult romance, Cassie Mae introduces readers to a soon-to-be college freshman who’s cashing in on her sweet reputation—and the unlikely guy who turns her life upside-down.
In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s a Friday-night alibi, the “girlfriend” or “BFF” that parents dream about. With college approaching in the fall, Kelli’s services are in demand more than ever, which means that her social life is nonexistent. But Kelli is A-okay with that. She’s raking in cash for school. Besides, relationships are tricky, and sometimes very messy. She’d rather be at home on Xbox LIVE, anyway. Then the unexpected She meets college stud Chase Maroney.
Chase isn’t like the preppy, privileged guys Kelli usually meets in Sundale. For starters, he’s twentysomething, always wears black, and he shoots back one-liners as fast as she can dish them out. But Kelli’s attempts to drive Chase away falter when she realizes that he treats her like he really knows her, like he cares about knowing her. When Kelli finally gives in to the delicious kiss she’s been fighting for so long, she faces a tough make Chase a real-life boyfriend and risk her heart . . . or keep her clients and lose her first true love.
In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s a Friday-night alibi, the “girlfriend” or “BFF” that parents dream about. With college approaching in the fall, Kelli’s services are in demand more than ever, which means that her social life is nonexistent. But Kelli is A-okay with that. She’s raking in cash for school. Besides, relationships are tricky, and sometimes very messy. She’d rather be at home on Xbox LIVE, anyway. Then the unexpected She meets college stud Chase Maroney.
Chase isn’t like the preppy, privileged guys Kelli usually meets in Sundale. For starters, he’s twentysomething, always wears black, and he shoots back one-liners as fast as she can dish them out. But Kelli’s attempts to drive Chase away falter when she realizes that he treats her like he really knows her, like he cares about knowing her. When Kelli finally gives in to the delicious kiss she’s been fighting for so long, she faces a tough make Chase a real-life boyfriend and risk her heart . . . or keep her clients and lose her first true love.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
118 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mae
46 books1,148 followersCASSIE MAE is the author of a few hundred—okay, maybe not that many—books, some of which became popular for their quirky titles, characters, and stories. She likes writing about nerds, geeks, the awkward, the fluffy, the short, the shy, the loud, the fun.
Since publishing her bestselling debut, Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend, she’s signed several Romance titles with Random House Loveswept, and founded CookieLynn Publishing Services. She is represented by Sharon Pelletier at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.
Along with writing, Cassie likes to binge-watch Once Upon a Time and The Flash. She can quote Harry Potter lines quick as a whip. And she likes kissing her hubby, but only if his facial hair is trimmed. She also likes cheesecake to a very obsessive degree.
You can stalk, talk, or send pictures of Luke Bryan to her on her Facebook page.
cassiemaeauthor.com
Facebook.com/cassiemaeauthor
Since publishing her bestselling debut, Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend, she’s signed several Romance titles with Random House Loveswept, and founded CookieLynn Publishing Services. She is represented by Sharon Pelletier at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.
Along with writing, Cassie likes to binge-watch Once Upon a Time and The Flash. She can quote Harry Potter lines quick as a whip. And she likes kissing her hubby, but only if his facial hair is trimmed. She also likes cheesecake to a very obsessive degree.
You can stalk, talk, or send pictures of Luke Bryan to her on her Facebook page.
cassiemaeauthor.com
Facebook.com/cassiemaeauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
January 8, 2014
FIVE STICKY ORANGE, POPCORNY STARS.
I've got a huge case of the heart-in-mouth feels, I want a 'hold me tight hug' right now, I can't resist young love that makes me smile, my heart is beating hard and fast, I didn't want this book to ever end, sweeter than any sugar covered sweets, I'll hold these characters in my heart forever and ever, I'm on a dreamy book cloud, wishing for a lasting happily ever after, I'm smiling so much I could burst ... I have so many descriptions for how this story made me feel, I must warn readers that I'm feeling just a little bit in a frenzy over this story, beware a gushing review will commence. Once again this author has written a young adult novel to perfection I feel like I'm in reading heaven, Cassie Mae is my absolute go-to-girl for the best young adult fix, and it probably goes without saying that I loved this book and all it's 'gooey, I've-got-butterflies-in-my-tummy-from-reading-this-book feelings'. If you can handle my sunshine, lollipop and all is right with the world review, then read on. Here are my book thoughts ...
What's it all about?
Kelli Pinkins has found a profitable way to pass her time on Friday nights, offering herself as a go-to-girl for the rich, snobby and wealthy young residents of Sundale town. Kelli fills the Role as the perfect Friday night alibi to those that need to keep up appearances with the 'well respected girl'. This plan runs like clockwork, Kelli is happy, the parents of Sundale are happy and Kelli keeps her friends happy by providing the get a way excuse that they need to live their lives as they want. That is until the annoying, college stud Chase Maroney enters her life, because Kelli may have just stumbled upon something better to do with her lonely Friday nights ... Follow the hilariously sweet story of finding that someone who knows you and keeping ahold of that friendship that maybe, just maybe turn into real love.
What did I love?
I adored everything, every single, cute page had me glued to the storyline. I started this book knowing that I was likely to enjoy this story, but what I didn't realise is that I wouldn't put it down until id finished the last candy-coated page. It felt like this book was written just for me it had a great mix of story telling; it was funny and a little cringe worthy (who isn't a that age)? It had me smiling and laughing out loud but it also had a more serious, heart-felt side to it which gave the story a little substance. The love connection was heart melting and I had the biggest smile on my face right from chapter one until the loveable acknowledgements at the end. Unlike some young adult stories there was nothing abstract or confusing about the story instead it was just a lovely well-rounded tale of first love. The characters were delightful both held their teenage angst and respective difficulties without being annoying. Individually I adored them, bring them together and I could not stop smiling. Chase Moroney is a confident but at times shy twenty something, his cute and dreamy appearance was nothing compared to his loving and sweet personality, his character was consistently charming throughout and id gladly crown him one of my favoured young adult characters, although we didn't get his point of view throughout I felt like I knew enough about him from the thoughts of our young adult heroine, Kelli Pinkins her character was as original as her name. She showed a vulnerable and equally daring side, I loved her quirky, self-assured dialogue and could not have asked for more with these two loved up imaginary characters. The book had the most captivating dialogue and darling one liners I've read for awhile, I loved their dreamy interactions just as much as I laughed at their sarcastic, witty banter. From beginning to end I was spell bound by this easy-to-read, pure-escape-from-reality novel and I don't care that this book was cheesy and dreamy it fitted my love for books like a glove and for those that love a sweet coming of age romance, don't take my word for it go get a sticky orange, popcorny feeling fix, you may find yourself falling in love.
Final thoughts?
Those that need a serious love story, with more bedroom action than a late night adult channel probably don't want to step near this book. But those that love the young adult genre and a book that holds romantic comedy genius with a beautiful story of first love, then I can't say any more than give this book a go. Cassie Mae writes books that remind me of why I first fell in love with reading about romance, her sweet stories are heartwarming, funny and ever so adorably silly. I think I've just about read all there is to read from Cassie Mae so like a true addict, I'm impatiently waiting for more. Go grab it readers, enjoy kisses.
I've got a huge case of the heart-in-mouth feels, I want a 'hold me tight hug' right now, I can't resist young love that makes me smile, my heart is beating hard and fast, I didn't want this book to ever end, sweeter than any sugar covered sweets, I'll hold these characters in my heart forever and ever, I'm on a dreamy book cloud, wishing for a lasting happily ever after, I'm smiling so much I could burst ... I have so many descriptions for how this story made me feel, I must warn readers that I'm feeling just a little bit in a frenzy over this story, beware a gushing review will commence. Once again this author has written a young adult novel to perfection I feel like I'm in reading heaven, Cassie Mae is my absolute go-to-girl for the best young adult fix, and it probably goes without saying that I loved this book and all it's 'gooey, I've-got-butterflies-in-my-tummy-from-reading-this-book feelings'. If you can handle my sunshine, lollipop and all is right with the world review, then read on. Here are my book thoughts ...
What's it all about?
Kelli Pinkins has found a profitable way to pass her time on Friday nights, offering herself as a go-to-girl for the rich, snobby and wealthy young residents of Sundale town. Kelli fills the Role as the perfect Friday night alibi to those that need to keep up appearances with the 'well respected girl'. This plan runs like clockwork, Kelli is happy, the parents of Sundale are happy and Kelli keeps her friends happy by providing the get a way excuse that they need to live their lives as they want. That is until the annoying, college stud Chase Maroney enters her life, because Kelli may have just stumbled upon something better to do with her lonely Friday nights ... Follow the hilariously sweet story of finding that someone who knows you and keeping ahold of that friendship that maybe, just maybe turn into real love.
What did I love?
I adored everything, every single, cute page had me glued to the storyline. I started this book knowing that I was likely to enjoy this story, but what I didn't realise is that I wouldn't put it down until id finished the last candy-coated page. It felt like this book was written just for me it had a great mix of story telling; it was funny and a little cringe worthy (who isn't a that age)? It had me smiling and laughing out loud but it also had a more serious, heart-felt side to it which gave the story a little substance. The love connection was heart melting and I had the biggest smile on my face right from chapter one until the loveable acknowledgements at the end. Unlike some young adult stories there was nothing abstract or confusing about the story instead it was just a lovely well-rounded tale of first love. The characters were delightful both held their teenage angst and respective difficulties without being annoying. Individually I adored them, bring them together and I could not stop smiling. Chase Moroney is a confident but at times shy twenty something, his cute and dreamy appearance was nothing compared to his loving and sweet personality, his character was consistently charming throughout and id gladly crown him one of my favoured young adult characters, although we didn't get his point of view throughout I felt like I knew enough about him from the thoughts of our young adult heroine, Kelli Pinkins her character was as original as her name. She showed a vulnerable and equally daring side, I loved her quirky, self-assured dialogue and could not have asked for more with these two loved up imaginary characters. The book had the most captivating dialogue and darling one liners I've read for awhile, I loved their dreamy interactions just as much as I laughed at their sarcastic, witty banter. From beginning to end I was spell bound by this easy-to-read, pure-escape-from-reality novel and I don't care that this book was cheesy and dreamy it fitted my love for books like a glove and for those that love a sweet coming of age romance, don't take my word for it go get a sticky orange, popcorny feeling fix, you may find yourself falling in love.
Final thoughts?
Those that need a serious love story, with more bedroom action than a late night adult channel probably don't want to step near this book. But those that love the young adult genre and a book that holds romantic comedy genius with a beautiful story of first love, then I can't say any more than give this book a go. Cassie Mae writes books that remind me of why I first fell in love with reading about romance, her sweet stories are heartwarming, funny and ever so adorably silly. I think I've just about read all there is to read from Cassie Mae so like a true addict, I'm impatiently waiting for more. Go grab it readers, enjoy kisses.
July 13, 2013
3.5 Enjoyable Stars
To say Kelli Pinkins has an interesting after school job would be an understatement. In the ultra-wealthy, uber pretentious town of Sundale, GA apparently teenagers can’t so much as jaywalk without their parents finding out and taking away their trust fund. Dating anyone their parents don’t approve of means the shit would really hit the fan but luckily these teenagers have another option; paying Kelli to be their Friday night alibi. For the right price Kelli will provide them with one of several scenarios that are bound to be parent approved. Want to hook up with your less than appropriate girlfriend? Kelli will provide you with a story, including details of where you went and what you did. In return she hides out in her room playing video games to guarantee she’s seen by no one and then backs up the stories if questioned by a parental unit. Since Kelli has a stellar reputation as a church going, Christian book store working, non-whoring around kind of gal the parents don’t have to worry about what their impressionable teens are getting up to, said teens get to go their own way and Kelli gets paid. Seems like a win/win!
Kelli and Chase first connect through their mutual Friday night video games. For weeks they’ve been challenging each other online and when they happen to meet by accident in real life, it doesn’t go too hot for Chase. The two embark on a frienemies type relationship and the story takes off.
There are a whole lot of things I really enjoyed about Friday Night Alibi, first and foremost was Kelli and her snarky inner monologues. Even though she’s prim and proper on the outside, she can be the sarcastic bitch she was meant to be in her own head. She realizes most of the relationships in her life, including her parents, are superficial at best and she never hesitates to comment on the ridiculousness of it all.
”Oh, sweetie. Did you hear about that Lindsay Hannigan? Poor thing got the crabs. And she’s your age. Do you see? This is what happens when you explore your underparts too early. You get bugs. Do you want bugs, dear?” Part of Kelli’s rendition of a conversation involving talking sex with her mother and it was hilarious! I’m not supposed to quote from an ARC so don’t tell!
The writing was solid and smooth and I was surprised by how much certain parts got to me. Kelli isn’t close to her parents and they basically ignore her. Instead of brushing it off Kelli inwardly deals with it, even though she has no real hope of the relationship improving. It felt honest and very much how I would expect an 18 year old girl to handle that part of her life.
What didn’t work as well for me was Kelli and Chase’s relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I liked them both but there was a definite lack of depth, even for a YA novel. And this was most definitely a YA novel not even teetering on the line of NA sometimes steam level, but that's not my problem. She’s 18 and he’s 21 and they’re both extremely inexperienced about relationships and people in general. It was a believable trait in Kelli but not so much for Chase, even though there was a somewhat plausible reason given. There aren’t any real "let’s delve deeper" conversations, with the exception of Kelli confiding in Chase about the relationship she has with her parents, until the very end. By that point we’re supposed to believe the two had completely fallen for each other and it was too little too late for me at that point. I did enjoy the various pranks they pulled on each other, though. Chase will never look at body waxing the same way again.
Overall I had a good time reading Friday Night Alibi. It’s funny, sweet and I’d definitely recommend it to folks who are fans of the tamer YA/NA books or if you’re just looking for something easy to read between the heavy stuff.
ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
To say Kelli Pinkins has an interesting after school job would be an understatement. In the ultra-wealthy, uber pretentious town of Sundale, GA apparently teenagers can’t so much as jaywalk without their parents finding out and taking away their trust fund. Dating anyone their parents don’t approve of means the shit would really hit the fan but luckily these teenagers have another option; paying Kelli to be their Friday night alibi. For the right price Kelli will provide them with one of several scenarios that are bound to be parent approved. Want to hook up with your less than appropriate girlfriend? Kelli will provide you with a story, including details of where you went and what you did. In return she hides out in her room playing video games to guarantee she’s seen by no one and then backs up the stories if questioned by a parental unit. Since Kelli has a stellar reputation as a church going, Christian book store working, non-whoring around kind of gal the parents don’t have to worry about what their impressionable teens are getting up to, said teens get to go their own way and Kelli gets paid. Seems like a win/win!
Kelli and Chase first connect through their mutual Friday night video games. For weeks they’ve been challenging each other online and when they happen to meet by accident in real life, it doesn’t go too hot for Chase. The two embark on a frienemies type relationship and the story takes off.
There are a whole lot of things I really enjoyed about Friday Night Alibi, first and foremost was Kelli and her snarky inner monologues. Even though she’s prim and proper on the outside, she can be the sarcastic bitch she was meant to be in her own head. She realizes most of the relationships in her life, including her parents, are superficial at best and she never hesitates to comment on the ridiculousness of it all.
”Oh, sweetie. Did you hear about that Lindsay Hannigan? Poor thing got the crabs. And she’s your age. Do you see? This is what happens when you explore your underparts too early. You get bugs. Do you want bugs, dear?” Part of Kelli’s rendition of a conversation involving talking sex with her mother and it was hilarious! I’m not supposed to quote from an ARC so don’t tell!
The writing was solid and smooth and I was surprised by how much certain parts got to me. Kelli isn’t close to her parents and they basically ignore her. Instead of brushing it off Kelli inwardly deals with it, even though she has no real hope of the relationship improving. It felt honest and very much how I would expect an 18 year old girl to handle that part of her life.
What didn’t work as well for me was Kelli and Chase’s relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I liked them both but there was a definite lack of depth, even for a YA novel. And this was most definitely a YA novel not even teetering on the line of NA sometimes steam level, but that's not my problem. She’s 18 and he’s 21 and they’re both extremely inexperienced about relationships and people in general. It was a believable trait in Kelli but not so much for Chase, even though there was a somewhat plausible reason given. There aren’t any real "let’s delve deeper" conversations, with the exception of Kelli confiding in Chase about the relationship she has with her parents, until the very end. By that point we’re supposed to believe the two had completely fallen for each other and it was too little too late for me at that point. I did enjoy the various pranks they pulled on each other, though. Chase will never look at body waxing the same way again.
Overall I had a good time reading Friday Night Alibi. It’s funny, sweet and I’d definitely recommend it to folks who are fans of the tamer YA/NA books or if you’re just looking for something easy to read between the heavy stuff.
ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
dnf
October 7, 2013
WANTED:
Someone to smack some sense into me when I request these kinds of books.
DNF At 16%:
Someone to smack some sense into me when I request these kinds of books.
DNF At 16%:
Oh, Moron is so the right name for him. His dang ego stands in the way of him finding out I'm only doing this to show him who has the upper hand in this relationship.
Whoa, I mean... ugh, this isn't a relationship. It's an antagoni-ship? Enemi-ship? Grr... let's just call it I-hate-your-dang-tude-and-I'm-gonna-make-you-pay-for-being-a-pervert thing. Yeah, that's what we have.
July 18, 2013
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book
Have you been searching for a good clean romance? One with no sex whatsoever...not even the Fade To Black scenes? A book with a heroine who's moral standards keep her from hopping in the sack with a boy just because he's perfect for her?
Yeah, me neither.
But if you know someone who is looking for something like that, you can recommend Friday Night Alibi to them!
Ok, the premise is actually really weird. Like, Syfy channel weird.
Sundale is a community filled to the brim with the super-wealthy. That's not the weird part, by the way...
The weird part is that all of these people are heavily involved in the local church. Even their country club is called the Christian County Club. Very religious. As in, their kids don't get their trust funds if they fool around before marriage and/or date heathens.
Because the rich have always been the benchmark for morality in America, right?
*crickets chirping*
Um, right. Now, if you're going to get any enjoyment out of this book, you're just gonna have to roll with it, and pretend that this kind of place could be real...outside of the state of Utah.
So, like the blurb says, Kelli is a good girl who runs a business for trust fund babies that enables them to date people who their parents would consider unsavory. Nudists, atheists, hippies, etc.. It's not that Kelli needs the money. Oh, no. She's a trust fund baby, too. Her own parents, although morally upright, are emotionally distant and often absent. She's your classic Poor Little Rich Girl.
Her life is bumping along at boring pace until she meet Chase. Chase and Kelli's courtship, especially in the beginning, is very antagonistic. Their interactions really are pretty cute and funny, and they're the main reason for the highish rating. Also, you have to admire any girl who sets a guy up for an impromptu butt-waxing. Very nice.
They were a fun couple read about, though, and I found myself rooting for them to make it.
Alright, I feel it's only fair to warn you that they do a lot of kissing. A lot. And that's all they do. He does attempt to touch her boob at one point, but she doesn't feel like she's ready to move that fast. He's such a good guy, that he immediately hops off of her and apologizes for trying to get to second base...with his 18 year old girlfriend. After the tittie-touch incident, they decide that they should never make out on a bed again, because the temptation to squeeze each other's naughty bits inappropriately is just too great. It's not a big deal to him, though. I mean, he's never gotten his hands on a girl's hooters before anyway. Yes, you read that sentence correctly. There is an explanation for his bizarre lack of experience with women, but I couldn't swallow it. Then again, not much could convince me that a 21 year old guy who wasn't socially inept had zero sexual experience.
Sure, they're both stunningly attractive young people with charming personalities. And, of course, there's been no parental supervision in their lives. Logic dictates that these two would, naturally, both be virgins. Seems reasonable to me!
*Theme to Twilight Zone playing*
I don't..what?
Look, we all can suspend disbelief to get into stories about zombies, superheroes, and vampires. Is is such a stretch to use that same mental muscle to believe that this scenario is possible, too?
*sigh*
That's a decision that only you can make.
As for me, I'm immediately buying this, and then adding it to my daughters' bookshelves when when they get older.
"Boys are yucky! Don't let them touch you!"
Yeah, I know. I'm a hypocrite. Sue me.
This review can also be seen at http://www.addicted2heroines.com/2013...
Have you been searching for a good clean romance? One with no sex whatsoever...not even the Fade To Black scenes? A book with a heroine who's moral standards keep her from hopping in the sack with a boy just because he's perfect for her?
Yeah, me neither.
But if you know someone who is looking for something like that, you can recommend Friday Night Alibi to them!
Ok, the premise is actually really weird. Like, Syfy channel weird.
Sundale is a community filled to the brim with the super-wealthy. That's not the weird part, by the way...
The weird part is that all of these people are heavily involved in the local church. Even their country club is called the Christian County Club. Very religious. As in, their kids don't get their trust funds if they fool around before marriage and/or date heathens.
Because the rich have always been the benchmark for morality in America, right?
*crickets chirping*
Um, right. Now, if you're going to get any enjoyment out of this book, you're just gonna have to roll with it, and pretend that this kind of place could be real...outside of the state of Utah.
So, like the blurb says, Kelli is a good girl who runs a business for trust fund babies that enables them to date people who their parents would consider unsavory. Nudists, atheists, hippies, etc.. It's not that Kelli needs the money. Oh, no. She's a trust fund baby, too. Her own parents, although morally upright, are emotionally distant and often absent. She's your classic Poor Little Rich Girl.
Her life is bumping along at boring pace until she meet Chase. Chase and Kelli's courtship, especially in the beginning, is very antagonistic. Their interactions really are pretty cute and funny, and they're the main reason for the highish rating. Also, you have to admire any girl who sets a guy up for an impromptu butt-waxing. Very nice.
They were a fun couple read about, though, and I found myself rooting for them to make it.
Alright, I feel it's only fair to warn you that they do a lot of kissing. A lot. And that's all they do. He does attempt to touch her boob at one point, but she doesn't feel like she's ready to move that fast. He's such a good guy, that he immediately hops off of her and apologizes for trying to get to second base...with his 18 year old girlfriend. After the tittie-touch incident, they decide that they should never make out on a bed again, because the temptation to squeeze each other's naughty bits inappropriately is just too great. It's not a big deal to him, though. I mean, he's never gotten his hands on a girl's hooters before anyway. Yes, you read that sentence correctly. There is an explanation for his bizarre lack of experience with women, but I couldn't swallow it. Then again, not much could convince me that a 21 year old guy who wasn't socially inept had zero sexual experience.
Sure, they're both stunningly attractive young people with charming personalities. And, of course, there's been no parental supervision in their lives. Logic dictates that these two would, naturally, both be virgins. Seems reasonable to me!
*Theme to Twilight Zone playing*
I don't..what?
Look, we all can suspend disbelief to get into stories about zombies, superheroes, and vampires. Is is such a stretch to use that same mental muscle to believe that this scenario is possible, too?
*sigh*
That's a decision that only you can make.
As for me, I'm immediately buying this, and then adding it to my daughters' bookshelves when when they get older.
"Boys are yucky! Don't let them touch you!"
Yeah, I know. I'm a hypocrite. Sue me.
This review can also be seen at http://www.addicted2heroines.com/2013...
July 5, 2013
I. LOVED. This. Book. Absolutely, utterly amazing! Everything about it was perfect. So funny, so sweet, and a brilliant book. Friday Night Alibi is definitely my new favorite summer read. I don't even have enough words to say how much I loved it.
I don't think I've ever had a book make me laugh this much. I was literally laughing out loud during this entire book. And when I wasn't laughing, I was smiling so widely that my cheeks hurt. Thank goodness I was in my room when I read this because my family would have wondered if I had lost it. This book was just so funny. And not cheesy funny, or cliched funny. Genuinely, hilariously funny. That made this book a very fun book to read. Ms. Cassie Mae definitely knows how to write with humor.
Kelli was a wonderful heroine. She was just so realistic. And very easy to relate to. She the kind of character that you would love to be friends with if she were real. On the surface, she's a goody goody girl who does everything that a perfect Sundale girl should do. She contributes to charities, goes to church every Sunday, visits the country club, and never gets into trouble. Basically, totally boring. But, underneath that, she was a barrel of laughs. She knows how sweet her reputation is and uses it to earn money and a Friday Night Alibi. You want to go somewhere that your parents (read: trust fund jailers) wouldn't like? Talk to Kelli and for a small fee, she'll use her reputation to assure your parents that you were with her doing something perfectly acceptable. Her voice as the narrator of this book was most of what made it so funny. Reading her thoughts as she matched wits with Chase was hilarious. She was just great, definitely worthy of being a book BFF.
Chase was just as perfect. Like Kelli, he was so fun to read about. While on the surface, he seems carefree and lighthearted, there was more to his character. He had depth as a character and a sad past that made him seem more real than he would have otherwise. And, after reading about him, I will never see oranges in the same way again :) He was so sweet and funny and utterly adorable. He's definitely gotten onto my list of best love-interests. Move over boys, here comes another book boyfriend.
The romance was brilliant. Because this is a New Adult book, the romance was definitely steamier than YA, but it was still tame, so a younger audience can feel free to enjoy this book. There were still tons of swoon worthy moments that had me sighing. And Kelli and Chase were really sweet together. Beneath all that banter and teasing, they really were perfect for each other and a cute couple. Both of them met their match, wit for wit. They were just wonderful together.
The plot was fast paced. I was completely and utterly riveted the entire way through. I didn't even want this book to end because I was enjoying it so much. While this book was LOL worthy, there were more serious moments. Kelli and Chase both had to deal with some issues and there were secrets in the past. And the ending was completely perfect and sweet. When I finished this book, I was left with a huge smile. Just remembering it as I'm writing the review has me smiling.
Friday Night Alibi was a brilliant, lovely summer read. It was lighthearted, funny, and so sweet. It's just the kind of book that puts a smile on your face. If you're looking for a brilliant book, you definitely need to read this. I believe this book is launching the Flirt imprint at Random House and, if this is what we can expect, I can't wait to see more. And I'm definitely excited to see more from this author. Simply amazing!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Random House: Flirt for a copy!
I don't think I've ever had a book make me laugh this much. I was literally laughing out loud during this entire book. And when I wasn't laughing, I was smiling so widely that my cheeks hurt. Thank goodness I was in my room when I read this because my family would have wondered if I had lost it. This book was just so funny. And not cheesy funny, or cliched funny. Genuinely, hilariously funny. That made this book a very fun book to read. Ms. Cassie Mae definitely knows how to write with humor.
Kelli was a wonderful heroine. She was just so realistic. And very easy to relate to. She the kind of character that you would love to be friends with if she were real. On the surface, she's a goody goody girl who does everything that a perfect Sundale girl should do. She contributes to charities, goes to church every Sunday, visits the country club, and never gets into trouble. Basically, totally boring. But, underneath that, she was a barrel of laughs. She knows how sweet her reputation is and uses it to earn money and a Friday Night Alibi. You want to go somewhere that your parents (read: trust fund jailers) wouldn't like? Talk to Kelli and for a small fee, she'll use her reputation to assure your parents that you were with her doing something perfectly acceptable. Her voice as the narrator of this book was most of what made it so funny. Reading her thoughts as she matched wits with Chase was hilarious. She was just great, definitely worthy of being a book BFF.
Chase was just as perfect. Like Kelli, he was so fun to read about. While on the surface, he seems carefree and lighthearted, there was more to his character. He had depth as a character and a sad past that made him seem more real than he would have otherwise. And, after reading about him, I will never see oranges in the same way again :) He was so sweet and funny and utterly adorable. He's definitely gotten onto my list of best love-interests. Move over boys, here comes another book boyfriend.
The romance was brilliant. Because this is a New Adult book, the romance was definitely steamier than YA, but it was still tame, so a younger audience can feel free to enjoy this book. There were still tons of swoon worthy moments that had me sighing. And Kelli and Chase were really sweet together. Beneath all that banter and teasing, they really were perfect for each other and a cute couple. Both of them met their match, wit for wit. They were just wonderful together.
The plot was fast paced. I was completely and utterly riveted the entire way through. I didn't even want this book to end because I was enjoying it so much. While this book was LOL worthy, there were more serious moments. Kelli and Chase both had to deal with some issues and there were secrets in the past. And the ending was completely perfect and sweet. When I finished this book, I was left with a huge smile. Just remembering it as I'm writing the review has me smiling.
Friday Night Alibi was a brilliant, lovely summer read. It was lighthearted, funny, and so sweet. It's just the kind of book that puts a smile on your face. If you're looking for a brilliant book, you definitely need to read this. I believe this book is launching the Flirt imprint at Random House and, if this is what we can expect, I can't wait to see more. And I'm definitely excited to see more from this author. Simply amazing!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Random House: Flirt for a copy!
July 20, 2014
ARC received on behalf of Random House Publishing Group - Flirt from NetGalley.
I adored this story, but there was just something that I can't put my finger on that it was missing though. I am also going to be a bit of a snob, there were several references of Chase looking like Joseph Gordon Levitt... that by itself knocked this down a notch. Sorry to any JGL fans, but nope that's just not happening.
Do not want to picture this while reading a romance, even one on a more PG side of things...
In Friday Night Alibi we meet Kelli and Chase. Kelli is all sorts of prim and proper; she goes to church, works at a Christian bookstore, is predictable and responsible. But she runs a little business on the side. You see her community is filled with the rich upper class, and kids in her neighborhood just can't date anyone. So when they want to escape for the night with a date they call Kelli and she provides them the cover they need. This has brought her money, which she doesn't need, a purpose to feel useful, which she desperately seeks and absolutely zero life.
Enter Chase, the obnoxious college boy she meets while forced out of the house by her bestie (who was sort of a shitty friend). Chase can't seem to shake the pervy vibe or get Kelli to react to him in any way that doesn't cause public humiliation. But there is just something about Chase that lingers beneath the surface that makes you feel all tingly for him. He is a bit lost, a bit awkward and when he's not poking fun at Kelli he can be sweet.
Suddenly these two are thrown together and with her Friday nights tied up with her fake dates, it's the perfect opening for Chase to spend some time with his Friday night girl. To draw her closer and to get to know the real Kelli, to be the friend she desperately needs.
This was another bubble-gum young adult romance that although did not hit all my buttons, was utterly enjoyed. There is not much more than some heavy kissing, both characters are a bit awkward in the sexual department. Kelli's character was a bit of a goof, her inner thoughts were far more telling than most of what she ever says and there was a bit of good humor mixed in.
I adored this story, but there was just something that I can't put my finger on that it was missing though. I am also going to be a bit of a snob, there were several references of Chase looking like Joseph Gordon Levitt... that by itself knocked this down a notch. Sorry to any JGL fans, but nope that's just not happening.
Do not want to picture this while reading a romance, even one on a more PG side of things...
In Friday Night Alibi we meet Kelli and Chase. Kelli is all sorts of prim and proper; she goes to church, works at a Christian bookstore, is predictable and responsible. But she runs a little business on the side. You see her community is filled with the rich upper class, and kids in her neighborhood just can't date anyone. So when they want to escape for the night with a date they call Kelli and she provides them the cover they need. This has brought her money, which she doesn't need, a purpose to feel useful, which she desperately seeks and absolutely zero life.
Enter Chase, the obnoxious college boy she meets while forced out of the house by her bestie (who was sort of a shitty friend). Chase can't seem to shake the pervy vibe or get Kelli to react to him in any way that doesn't cause public humiliation. But there is just something about Chase that lingers beneath the surface that makes you feel all tingly for him. He is a bit lost, a bit awkward and when he's not poking fun at Kelli he can be sweet.
Suddenly these two are thrown together and with her Friday nights tied up with her fake dates, it's the perfect opening for Chase to spend some time with his Friday night girl. To draw her closer and to get to know the real Kelli, to be the friend she desperately needs.
This was another bubble-gum young adult romance that although did not hit all my buttons, was utterly enjoyed. There is not much more than some heavy kissing, both characters are a bit awkward in the sexual department. Kelli's character was a bit of a goof, her inner thoughts were far more telling than most of what she ever says and there was a bit of good humor mixed in.
December 2, 2020
May be a 4.5 stars...I'm still waffling. I seriously love Ms. Mae's writing "voice"...I fell in love with it in Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend, and knew I would be a fan for life. And this book did not let me down. I think in the end, I just got so frustrated with Kelli and could not personally relate to her, and that's basically the only reason this is not a solid 4.5 rounded up to 5 star book. It's not that Kelli was unlikeable, it was just that I didn't always fully buy her complete aversion to her being in a relationship with Chase. Then again, sometimes real life people *are* that stubborn and frustrating and illogical. And in the end I liked how Kelli grew and figured things out and found that believable.
OK, so the fantastic parts of this book? It was real... I know that sounds lame and stupid, but don't you ever get tired of reading about characters that are uber gorgeous swoon worthy movie star good looking??? Did that even make sense? I mean, when I was reading this book, I LOVED that she thought he was cute, but that his personality initially turned her off, and it wasn't some insta-love and and attraction thing. B/C while I am so in love with my husband and think he is uber hot, I know objectively he's not some mega gorgeous movie star that women are falling all over themselves for. But he makes my stomach pop popcorn (you'd get it if you read this book). And so I *believed* and totally fell for the development of Kelli's feelings for Chase. They were *REAL*. I could see myself in this situation. It was what real life looks like, not fantasy life. Now don't get me wrong, there was plenty of swoon worthy parts. But that's b/c she made you fall in love with all of who Chase was, not just mostly appearance and whatnot. I mean, he climbed 3 floors with grocery bags!! OK, I'm really babbling now. If you follow my reviews, I have to admit to being mystified b/c I don't think I ever write anything of value. I just LOVE *REAL LIFE REAL LOVE*. And I don't get enough of that. But it makes me feel butterfly tummy happy all over the place...perma-grin all the time, just feeling like life is good, and good things happen and that's what this book gives me. All of that non-sensical stuff I just tried to describe. So if you want a real life real love, with bantering and teasing and awkward moments, and a guy who is not perfect but you love his entire imperfect self, then this is the book for you.
ps - I really dislike the cover. I was never a fan before the book was released, but now I am even less excited about it. It's just personal taste, but they just don't scream Chase and Kelli to me...especially after reading the swimming pool part...
OK, so the fantastic parts of this book? It was real... I know that sounds lame and stupid, but don't you ever get tired of reading about characters that are uber gorgeous swoon worthy movie star good looking??? Did that even make sense? I mean, when I was reading this book, I LOVED that she thought he was cute, but that his personality initially turned her off, and it wasn't some insta-love and and attraction thing. B/C while I am so in love with my husband and think he is uber hot, I know objectively he's not some mega gorgeous movie star that women are falling all over themselves for. But he makes my stomach pop popcorn (you'd get it if you read this book). And so I *believed* and totally fell for the development of Kelli's feelings for Chase. They were *REAL*. I could see myself in this situation. It was what real life looks like, not fantasy life. Now don't get me wrong, there was plenty of swoon worthy parts. But that's b/c she made you fall in love with all of who Chase was, not just mostly appearance and whatnot. I mean, he climbed 3 floors with grocery bags!! OK, I'm really babbling now. If you follow my reviews, I have to admit to being mystified b/c I don't think I ever write anything of value. I just LOVE *REAL LIFE REAL LOVE*. And I don't get enough of that. But it makes me feel butterfly tummy happy all over the place...perma-grin all the time, just feeling like life is good, and good things happen and that's what this book gives me. All of that non-sensical stuff I just tried to describe. So if you want a real life real love, with bantering and teasing and awkward moments, and a guy who is not perfect but you love his entire imperfect self, then this is the book for you.
ps - I really dislike the cover. I was never a fan before the book was released, but now I am even less excited about it. It's just personal taste, but they just don't scream Chase and Kelli to me...especially after reading the swimming pool part...
Read
July 30, 2013Sweet, funny, swoon-worthy romantic novel that reminds me of some of Jennifer Echols' first romantic comedies.
Thank you to Random House Publishing - Flirt for the ARC on Netgalley.
Such a sweet cover. So glad it's not a headshot of a girl and a guy staring at each other or getting ready to kiss.
There's so much I enjoyed about FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI, so here's my list:
1. I was fascinated that Kelli Pinkins came up with the idea of charging people to be their alibi while they went and did something that they weren't supposed to do. For example: Alex paid Kel to be his alibi while he dated a girl he knew his parents wouldn't approve of (wrong side of the tracks, so to speak.)
2. The one time Kelli sneaks out (she stays home when she's someone's alibi) she meets Chase, a boy she thinks is a jerk, but really is socially awkward.
3. Chase and Kel's relationship heats up in a sweet and romantic way. It's respectful and sexy and has very clear boundaries. Kel is a virgin and she wants to stay that way. I love that Chase respects her.
4. Chase is a lot more selfless than Kel is and it ends up surprising her and humbling her. It's a cool lesson to learn: that people aren't always who they appear to be in first, second, and third impressions.
5. Kel finally realizes that she doesn't want to lose one of the best people who have come into her life. This wakeup call forces her to make some tough and honest changes. Definitely admirable.
6. I laughed a lot while reading this novel. Cassie Mae has a way of stringing words together that just make you smile.
7.It's refreshing not to read a heavily sexed NA novel. It's good to read about passionate kisses and watch two people fall in love.
8. The banter between Chase and Kel is fantastic. Chase is a really good sport. Kel is kickass when it comes to keeping him in his place. It's fun to read.
Overall conclusion: If you like an NA modern love story that's sexy without sex, then this novel is a winner. If you like a story that will make you smile and swoon, you'll definitely enjoy FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI.
Thank you to Random House Publishing - Flirt for the ARC on Netgalley.
Such a sweet cover. So glad it's not a headshot of a girl and a guy staring at each other or getting ready to kiss.
There's so much I enjoyed about FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI, so here's my list:
1. I was fascinated that Kelli Pinkins came up with the idea of charging people to be their alibi while they went and did something that they weren't supposed to do. For example: Alex paid Kel to be his alibi while he dated a girl he knew his parents wouldn't approve of (wrong side of the tracks, so to speak.)
2. The one time Kelli sneaks out (she stays home when she's someone's alibi) she meets Chase, a boy she thinks is a jerk, but really is socially awkward.
3. Chase and Kel's relationship heats up in a sweet and romantic way. It's respectful and sexy and has very clear boundaries. Kel is a virgin and she wants to stay that way. I love that Chase respects her.
4. Chase is a lot more selfless than Kel is and it ends up surprising her and humbling her. It's a cool lesson to learn: that people aren't always who they appear to be in first, second, and third impressions.
5. Kel finally realizes that she doesn't want to lose one of the best people who have come into her life. This wakeup call forces her to make some tough and honest changes. Definitely admirable.
6. I laughed a lot while reading this novel. Cassie Mae has a way of stringing words together that just make you smile.
7.It's refreshing not to read a heavily sexed NA novel. It's good to read about passionate kisses and watch two people fall in love.
8. The banter between Chase and Kel is fantastic. Chase is a really good sport. Kel is kickass when it comes to keeping him in his place. It's fun to read.
Overall conclusion: If you like an NA modern love story that's sexy without sex, then this novel is a winner. If you like a story that will make you smile and swoon, you'll definitely enjoy FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI.
December 31, 2013
3.5 stars
Great plot. Super writing!
The nicknames were fresh to see!
Sometimes I wished the story moved faster BUT I read it in almost one afternoon. I love the ESR (easy, sexy, romantic) ones!!
Great plot. Super writing!
The nicknames were fresh to see!
Sometimes I wished the story moved faster BUT I read it in almost one afternoon. I love the ESR (easy, sexy, romantic) ones!!
August 26, 2013
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
Friday Night Alibi is a YA Contemporary Romance written by Cassie Mae. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review by Random House Publishing Group - Flirt through NetGalley.
4 Lovely, Flirtatious Stars!
Quirky and Fun! A Sweet and Enjoyable YA Romance for Everyone!
The Review:
I really enjoyed Friday Night Alibi. It was a light romance that was incredibly sweet, often hilarious and simply charming. The characters were interesting and their antics left me in stitches or grinning well after the scene was over. The story was well written, endearing and made me nostalgic. I wish it could have gone on for another hundred pages!
Characters/Story...
The town of Sundale and its affluent members of the community hold themselves and those they associate with in upscale company. Those that aren’t of the same caliber are hardly acknowledged other than to fuel town gossip. So if the younger generation of Sundale find romance outside their circle, trust funds are threatened and the social ladder is questioned as a parent holds the family money over their heads to guide them in their foreseen direction.
Kelli Pinkins has just finished high school and is preparing for college. She doesn’t have a lot of friends, mostly because she’s shut herself off emotionally from others. Though wealthy and privileged, she decided long ago that solitude, being a good girl and never committing to relationships was better than rejection. But realizing a necessity within her group of peers and still having the desire to be needed, even wanted, she comes up with a solution. To provide a service that will make her unique.. and needed among others. She’ll be everyone’s Friday Night Alibi.
Kelli was a complicated character. I liked her adaptability and her shy confidence. Her story was enduring and a bit sad but she was also a bit overbearing and unreasonable at times. It however, didn’t take away from her overall likability. She was fun and had her own distinct personality. She was challenging, gave as good as she got and tough. But she was lonely and that shone through in everything she did. She spent her Friday nights hiding away in her bedroom while being an alibi for other people to go out and actually live their lives. She thinks she’s ok with this because at least this way, she can stay emotionally cut off yet still feel needed.
Quote Spotlight...
Friday nights are usually spent locked in my room playing online video games, headset and all. Don’t call me a nerd or a loser or anything, because while I’m exploding fictional heads off and trash talking to strangers, keep in mind I got paid two hundred bucks tonight to do exactly this. So I’m blowing raspberries at anyone who judges me.
One night, while on a rare night out, she bumps into Chase, who immediately gets on her bad side with his corny pickup lines and cocky attitude. She instantly rebuffs he’s flirtiness and sticks in him her “ignore at all costs” column.
Chase Moroney is arrogant and brash. He comes on like a swaggering wise guy, but its all an act. He’s carrying around a painful past that he’s trying to overcome. He wears all black and likes to be alone but there’s something about Kelli that pulls him out of the shadows and into the light. The moment he sees her, he knows she’s something special and he has to get to know her. The only problem? He botched their first meeting and now she wants nothing to do with him. But he’s not one to give up easily and soon, sparks fly and challenges are set!
Quote Spotlight...
“No one knows me.”
...
“...You know how to fight dirty and know how to have fun, but you’re afraid to. You worry too much about being perfect. You wish you had friends. You wish you weren't invisible to your parents. You want to be needed. You like feeling needed. Which is why you’re the alibi, because it allows you to fill the emptiness.”... “You’re stubborn. You’re frustrating. You’re challenging.”...”You’re beautiful. You’re fun. You’re... everything.”
I loved Chase. He was a beautiful person, inside and out and he never gives up on Kelli. These two challenge each other and they like to play pranks on one another. Silly, laugh out loud pranks that kept me laughing so hard, I just had to keep reading, even well past my bedtime. Whenever these two are in a scene together, you know something wild and crazy is about to happen. I loved watching these two come together and when we finally learn Chase’s secret, my heart completely broke.
The Wrap Up:
I won't forget these characters any time soon. They nestled their way into my heart and left me feeling content and exhilarated all at the same time. This is my first book by this author but it absolutely won't be my last. If her other books are anything like this one, I'm in for a real treat!
Friday Night Alibi is a YA Contemporary Romance written by Cassie Mae. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review by Random House Publishing Group - Flirt through NetGalley.
4 Lovely, Flirtatious Stars!
Quirky and Fun! A Sweet and Enjoyable YA Romance for Everyone!
The Review:
I really enjoyed Friday Night Alibi. It was a light romance that was incredibly sweet, often hilarious and simply charming. The characters were interesting and their antics left me in stitches or grinning well after the scene was over. The story was well written, endearing and made me nostalgic. I wish it could have gone on for another hundred pages!
Characters/Story...
The town of Sundale and its affluent members of the community hold themselves and those they associate with in upscale company. Those that aren’t of the same caliber are hardly acknowledged other than to fuel town gossip. So if the younger generation of Sundale find romance outside their circle, trust funds are threatened and the social ladder is questioned as a parent holds the family money over their heads to guide them in their foreseen direction.
Kelli Pinkins has just finished high school and is preparing for college. She doesn’t have a lot of friends, mostly because she’s shut herself off emotionally from others. Though wealthy and privileged, she decided long ago that solitude, being a good girl and never committing to relationships was better than rejection. But realizing a necessity within her group of peers and still having the desire to be needed, even wanted, she comes up with a solution. To provide a service that will make her unique.. and needed among others. She’ll be everyone’s Friday Night Alibi.
Kelli was a complicated character. I liked her adaptability and her shy confidence. Her story was enduring and a bit sad but she was also a bit overbearing and unreasonable at times. It however, didn’t take away from her overall likability. She was fun and had her own distinct personality. She was challenging, gave as good as she got and tough. But she was lonely and that shone through in everything she did. She spent her Friday nights hiding away in her bedroom while being an alibi for other people to go out and actually live their lives. She thinks she’s ok with this because at least this way, she can stay emotionally cut off yet still feel needed.
Quote Spotlight...
Friday nights are usually spent locked in my room playing online video games, headset and all. Don’t call me a nerd or a loser or anything, because while I’m exploding fictional heads off and trash talking to strangers, keep in mind I got paid two hundred bucks tonight to do exactly this. So I’m blowing raspberries at anyone who judges me.
One night, while on a rare night out, she bumps into Chase, who immediately gets on her bad side with his corny pickup lines and cocky attitude. She instantly rebuffs he’s flirtiness and sticks in him her “ignore at all costs” column.
Chase Moroney is arrogant and brash. He comes on like a swaggering wise guy, but its all an act. He’s carrying around a painful past that he’s trying to overcome. He wears all black and likes to be alone but there’s something about Kelli that pulls him out of the shadows and into the light. The moment he sees her, he knows she’s something special and he has to get to know her. The only problem? He botched their first meeting and now she wants nothing to do with him. But he’s not one to give up easily and soon, sparks fly and challenges are set!
Quote Spotlight...
“No one knows me.”
...
“...You know how to fight dirty and know how to have fun, but you’re afraid to. You worry too much about being perfect. You wish you had friends. You wish you weren't invisible to your parents. You want to be needed. You like feeling needed. Which is why you’re the alibi, because it allows you to fill the emptiness.”... “You’re stubborn. You’re frustrating. You’re challenging.”...”You’re beautiful. You’re fun. You’re... everything.”
I loved Chase. He was a beautiful person, inside and out and he never gives up on Kelli. These two challenge each other and they like to play pranks on one another. Silly, laugh out loud pranks that kept me laughing so hard, I just had to keep reading, even well past my bedtime. Whenever these two are in a scene together, you know something wild and crazy is about to happen. I loved watching these two come together and when we finally learn Chase’s secret, my heart completely broke.
The Wrap Up:
I won't forget these characters any time soon. They nestled their way into my heart and left me feeling content and exhilarated all at the same time. This is my first book by this author but it absolutely won't be my last. If her other books are anything like this one, I'm in for a real treat!
February 18, 2019
4.5 Cute and innocent Stars
Sometimes you're just in the mood for a very PG, cute, simple, banter-filled story about two innocent people about to fall in love for the first time.
Sometimes you're just in the mood for a very PG, cute, simple, banter-filled story about two innocent people about to fall in love for the first time.
August 7, 2013
E-Arc from Netgalley
I would qualify this book as YA rather than NA, simply because Kelli hasn't really set out into the "adult" world yet: she's a sheltered 18 year-old who lives at home, grapples with few to no difficult, "real life" problems, and thinks that the growing-up step between high school and college is scaling back on how much glitter is in your make-up.
But that's splitting hairs, and age-bracket placement doesn't *really* matter when everything comes down to: this book was TERRIBLE. Awful. Horrendous. I don't even have a reasonable excuse as to why I finished it.
The voice/writing is inexcusably juvenile. It's like a rambling, teenage stream-of-consciousness, using terms like "convo" and "deets" like they are real words. It's written like I thought 18 year-olds thought/functioned when I was 12. Everything is exaggerated, immature and stupid stupid stupid. As a character, Kelli is generally unimpressive and difficult to sympathize with. Somewhere near the beginning she wails and upsets because she dirties her $400 jeans; I (naively) made the assumption that this was a character flaw display that would be part of her journey and at some point she would learn a lesson about not spending a month or two's worth of groceries on jeans. Spoiler: she does not. I think we are actually supposed to feel bad for her. Ditto instances with $100 tops and $500 shoes.
Tip: if you are trying to appeal to the broke millennial market, don't expect us to feel sorry for someone who could pay our rent with her shoes.
Also, Kelli's deep-sated psychological need to be an alibi never REALLY makes sense. Considering this is the foundation of at least half the plot, that's a problem.
I would qualify this book as YA rather than NA, simply because Kelli hasn't really set out into the "adult" world yet: she's a sheltered 18 year-old who lives at home, grapples with few to no difficult, "real life" problems, and thinks that the growing-up step between high school and college is scaling back on how much glitter is in your make-up.
But that's splitting hairs, and age-bracket placement doesn't *really* matter when everything comes down to: this book was TERRIBLE. Awful. Horrendous. I don't even have a reasonable excuse as to why I finished it.
The voice/writing is inexcusably juvenile. It's like a rambling, teenage stream-of-consciousness, using terms like "convo" and "deets" like they are real words. It's written like I thought 18 year-olds thought/functioned when I was 12. Everything is exaggerated, immature and stupid stupid stupid. As a character, Kelli is generally unimpressive and difficult to sympathize with. Somewhere near the beginning she wails and upsets because she dirties her $400 jeans; I (naively) made the assumption that this was a character flaw display that would be part of her journey and at some point she would learn a lesson about not spending a month or two's worth of groceries on jeans. Spoiler: she does not. I think we are actually supposed to feel bad for her. Ditto instances with $100 tops and $500 shoes.
Tip: if you are trying to appeal to the broke millennial market, don't expect us to feel sorry for someone who could pay our rent with her shoes.
Also, Kelli's deep-sated psychological need to be an alibi never REALLY makes sense. Considering this is the foundation of at least half the plot, that's a problem.
July 3, 2013
I read recently that the YA category is the most difficult category to find a book that you completely fall in love with. There aren't any steamy sex scenes or anything graphic or scandalous that would be inappropriate for a young audience. The story and characters have to be enough to make the reader fall in love with the book.
And, I am so in love with this book! One of my favorite ever! I literally didn't put this book down - literally read it cover to cover without stopping, completely sleep deprived the next day and it was so worth it. If I knew it would have been this good I would have worn Depends so I wouldn't have had to even take a bathroom break. I loved everything about this book from the progression/pace of the story, the uniqueness of the "Friday night alibi" job and most of all the characters.
I read so many books (2 to 3 a week) that there are very few characters that I will remember once I go on to the next book. But, I think Stinky and Moron will be with me forever. I would put this book right up there with Colleen Hoover's Slammed series and S.C. Stephen’s Thoughtless series - which are two of my all time favorites. And, Cassie Mae is one of my new favorite authors.
My “to-read” list probably just got a lot longer because now I must read every book by this author!
Love, love, love. Did I mention I might like this book a little bit?
(ARC enthusiastically received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
And, I am so in love with this book! One of my favorite ever! I literally didn't put this book down - literally read it cover to cover without stopping, completely sleep deprived the next day and it was so worth it. If I knew it would have been this good I would have worn Depends so I wouldn't have had to even take a bathroom break. I loved everything about this book from the progression/pace of the story, the uniqueness of the "Friday night alibi" job and most of all the characters.
I read so many books (2 to 3 a week) that there are very few characters that I will remember once I go on to the next book. But, I think Stinky and Moron will be with me forever. I would put this book right up there with Colleen Hoover's Slammed series and S.C. Stephen’s Thoughtless series - which are two of my all time favorites. And, Cassie Mae is one of my new favorite authors.
My “to-read” list probably just got a lot longer because now I must read every book by this author!
Love, love, love. Did I mention I might like this book a little bit?
(ARC enthusiastically received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
September 6, 2016
WOW. Wow. WOW! This is the sweetest story I have read in a long time. It made me laugh out loud, cry and will seriously tug at your heart. I read it in one sitting- Couldn't put it down.
Kelli Pickins is the girl who has it all, or at least it looks like she does from the outside anyway. In the super rich town of Sundale, Kelli is the girl you say you were with when you were really out with the girl-or guy-that your trust fund hostage holding parents find undesirable. For a price, Kelli has carved a living out of being a weekend alibi for the super rich while she actually spends Friday nights playing XBox live with her favorite gaming partner.
Chase isn't the type of guy Kelli is used to, in fact he takes her so off guard that she doesn't know what to do with him. He's slightly older and challenges her at every turn.
I loved watching these two fall in love. Even when they are playing these huge jokes on each other the romantic tension is just so fun and entertaining. They are kissing one minute and throwing hilarious verbal jabs at each other the next, which amps up the steam and the adorable factor. This is labeled New Adult, but I think is safe for Young Adults (14+). Make out scenes only (mostly kissing)- but they are totally sigh-licious!
I can't wait to see what else comes from this author in the future!
Kelli Pickins is the girl who has it all, or at least it looks like she does from the outside anyway. In the super rich town of Sundale, Kelli is the girl you say you were with when you were really out with the girl-or guy-that your trust fund hostage holding parents find undesirable. For a price, Kelli has carved a living out of being a weekend alibi for the super rich while she actually spends Friday nights playing XBox live with her favorite gaming partner.
Chase isn't the type of guy Kelli is used to, in fact he takes her so off guard that she doesn't know what to do with him. He's slightly older and challenges her at every turn.
I loved watching these two fall in love. Even when they are playing these huge jokes on each other the romantic tension is just so fun and entertaining. They are kissing one minute and throwing hilarious verbal jabs at each other the next, which amps up the steam and the adorable factor. This is labeled New Adult, but I think is safe for Young Adults (14+). Make out scenes only (mostly kissing)- but they are totally sigh-licious!
I can't wait to see what else comes from this author in the future!
July 15, 2013
Friday Night Alibi, although categorized as new adult, reads like young adult fiction. As a fan of many YA titles, I decided to make an allowance and continued to read. To my dismay, I was constantly distracted by the unsophisticated choices made by the author. The writing feels overly adolescent and forced with crude vocabulary and recurrent juvenile acts by main characters, Kelli and Chase.
The tone shifts and matures a little further into the story as we discover Kelli and Chase are both lonely, sad souls a bit lost in the world. After they kiss and finally connect (all PG), they spend less time sparring and more time getting to know one another. Lots of energetic, still chaste, make-out sessions follow, along with some sweet late night confessions. The book improves as the romance blossoms. But, unfortunately it never achieves greatness.
With regret, I must say that I am not the true audience for this title. The mindset skewed way too young. There's no sex. And possibly most grating was the constant barrage of colorfully base wording like "booger", "butthole", "farts" and "barf" among others. For a moment I thought I was mistakenly reading a chapter from Captain Underpants. (Did I mention no sex?)
ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The tone shifts and matures a little further into the story as we discover Kelli and Chase are both lonely, sad souls a bit lost in the world. After they kiss and finally connect (all PG), they spend less time sparring and more time getting to know one another. Lots of energetic, still chaste, make-out sessions follow, along with some sweet late night confessions. The book improves as the romance blossoms. But, unfortunately it never achieves greatness.
With regret, I must say that I am not the true audience for this title. The mindset skewed way too young. There's no sex. And possibly most grating was the constant barrage of colorfully base wording like "booger", "butthole", "farts" and "barf" among others. For a moment I thought I was mistakenly reading a chapter from Captain Underpants. (Did I mention no sex?)
ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2014
4.8 Sweet Orange Flavored Stars!
I think i just found my new favorite author!! After reading Switched, im so eager to read another Cassie Mae book! Enjoyed reading this book! Another light, funny, good humored and refreshing read. No heavy and over the top drama. This one really satisfied my needs and wants for romance book. Humor, sweet, sexy, slow burn, i-hate-you-but-i-want-you kind of book. The relationship between Kelli and Chase was slow building. It's so cute to see how their romance progress.
My cheek bones and jawline are officially sore from smiling and laughing too much and I couldnt keep my shit-reading grin off my face while reading this sweet sweet book! I found a moment to relax, laugh, swoon and generally have fun. I simply love this!
I think i just found my new favorite author!! After reading Switched, im so eager to read another Cassie Mae book! Enjoyed reading this book! Another light, funny, good humored and refreshing read. No heavy and over the top drama. This one really satisfied my needs and wants for romance book. Humor, sweet, sexy, slow burn, i-hate-you-but-i-want-you kind of book. The relationship between Kelli and Chase was slow building. It's so cute to see how their romance progress.
“Well, if you asked me what my favorite fruit was before last night, I would've said strawberries. But that's cuz I didn't know oranges could taste so good.”
My cheek bones and jawline are officially sore from smiling and laughing too much and I couldnt keep my shit-reading grin off my face while reading this sweet sweet book! I found a moment to relax, laugh, swoon and generally have fun. I simply love this!
“You should know by now, you're more than my Friday night. You're... You're everything.”
April 16, 2013
Cassie Mae is brilliant! Kelli and Chase are so much fun, and had me laughing from the "gum incident." I love some playful banter turned HOT! This book had me laughing out loud, tearing up, blushing and everything in between. I can't get enough of these characters or their sweet amazing story. Definitely a book I can read again and again.
August 2, 2013
A cute little frolic into the YA genre where the rich kids apparently need Friday night alibis to assure hanging on to their trust funds. It’s a little on the unbelievably zany side but I'll give kudos for a stab at new and refreshing.
Well-written and very few editing errors which certainly made the plus column. Fun-to-read.
Well-written and very few editing errors which certainly made the plus column. Fun-to-read.
July 2, 2013
Initial reaction: Very cool story. I'll admit this started rocky and it had cliches that made me roll my eyes more than once, but I really liked watching the development of the relationship between Chase and Kelli. Kelli can be a little on the goofy side in her internal voice, but she's likable, and I think she's typical of a chick-lit heroine. Chase has his annoying moments, but he's very respectful towards Kelli, and it's refreshing to see that even with the way he teases her, they have a good, flirtatious rapport. I'll explain more in the full review.
Full review:
I thought that "Friday Night Alibi" turned out to be a light read in the end for me, but to be honest, it was a rocky road because of places I had problems with it. Depending on your suspension of disbelief and tolerance for the internal voice of the narrating character, this overarching read may or may not hit with you. I think it worked for me because of its light nature for the most part and not necessarily following the paint by numbers story plots I've seen in this age group so far. Usual NA readers who want something different from the angst and melodrama probably would enjoy this, because this is pretty light and fluffy in comparison to the usual "tormented tattooed bad boy and female heroine with oh-so-tortuous problems" formula that peppers some of the novels in this area. It was nice to see something a little more comedic and flirty and that didn't follow all the same grains of the genre for once, and I think Cassie Mae hits the nail on the head for writing something that goes against the current grain on some levels.
As far as being realistic? Ehh, personally speaking, not as I would like, but I consider this pretty much a fluffy read. Part of what distanced me from the read was not being able to relate to the demographic that it portrays and the other part of it I'll explain below.
The story begins with Kelli, an aspiring college freshman who runs a cover service at her high school and community for people in her well-to-do community. Kelli is probably the all-around picture of a perfect student - makes good grades, goes to church, volunteers. But in the backdrop of things, she runs an "alibi" service, where she serves as a girlfriend or BFF for hire for anyone who needs one for the right price, to maintain their respective image. Kelli's voice was, in my opinion, too forced in the story with odd turns. She's quirky, but not necessarily in an endearing way. Her narrative voice was grating in many turns. Saying things like the only thing that's different between high school guys and college guys are their "hair, size, and how many condoms they carry" was a recipe for making me bang my head against my desk several times, among other things she says. As was having an overconfident love interest (Chase) who calls the heroine "Stinky," and pretty much has every potential of being an alpha jerk, at least in the first part of the story.
For what it's worth, the narrative did even out, and I'll admit I laughed and thought Chase and Kelli's flirtatious rapport and coming to know each other was worth following, especially when they realized they had more connections than when they first encountered each other. This felt like an easily digested, well-to-do chick lit story after a time, formulaic, but sweet. I still had issues with Kelli's voice through the narrative, but there were times when she was genuinely funny and I found I liked her, like when she'd gotten a cold and Chase came knocking at her window with a paper bag containing soup and OJ - him saying he "[came] in peace" and her telling him to leave "or leave in pieces".
It was hard for me to consider at times that Chase was a college student versus Kelli, who was still a high school senior, but I figured they were close enough for the relationship to work out and in the progression it did. It was nice watching the banter and discovery between them, as well as the development of Chase and Kelli's relationship over time with some palpable tough subjects that are lightly touched upon. Still that doesn't keep it from having the typical element of "I hate you, I heart you, you saved me, I saved you" motif. If you're looking for a light flirty read that doesn't overdo the melodrama and explores the relationships of the two leads in a humored way, this is fine to pickup, but it is formulaic, the cast mostly serves to shape the plot with some palpable stakes, and the heroine's voice may make or break you. I would almost say that given the content of this novel, it could work for an upper YA audience. There are no heavy handed sexual scenes in this book, which was a distinctly different read in comparison to some of the NA books I've picked up.
I think in retrospect if some of the problematic/formulaic elements were taken out of this, and the heroine's voice were a little smoother, this would've been a better read for me personally. I wouldn't mind reading more of Cassie Mae's work to see more of what she does in this age group, though, because I liked this for what it was worth.
Overall score: 2.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Random House Flirt.
Full review:
I thought that "Friday Night Alibi" turned out to be a light read in the end for me, but to be honest, it was a rocky road because of places I had problems with it. Depending on your suspension of disbelief and tolerance for the internal voice of the narrating character, this overarching read may or may not hit with you. I think it worked for me because of its light nature for the most part and not necessarily following the paint by numbers story plots I've seen in this age group so far. Usual NA readers who want something different from the angst and melodrama probably would enjoy this, because this is pretty light and fluffy in comparison to the usual "tormented tattooed bad boy and female heroine with oh-so-tortuous problems" formula that peppers some of the novels in this area. It was nice to see something a little more comedic and flirty and that didn't follow all the same grains of the genre for once, and I think Cassie Mae hits the nail on the head for writing something that goes against the current grain on some levels.
As far as being realistic? Ehh, personally speaking, not as I would like, but I consider this pretty much a fluffy read. Part of what distanced me from the read was not being able to relate to the demographic that it portrays and the other part of it I'll explain below.
The story begins with Kelli, an aspiring college freshman who runs a cover service at her high school and community for people in her well-to-do community. Kelli is probably the all-around picture of a perfect student - makes good grades, goes to church, volunteers. But in the backdrop of things, she runs an "alibi" service, where she serves as a girlfriend or BFF for hire for anyone who needs one for the right price, to maintain their respective image. Kelli's voice was, in my opinion, too forced in the story with odd turns. She's quirky, but not necessarily in an endearing way. Her narrative voice was grating in many turns. Saying things like the only thing that's different between high school guys and college guys are their "hair, size, and how many condoms they carry" was a recipe for making me bang my head against my desk several times, among other things she says. As was having an overconfident love interest (Chase) who calls the heroine "Stinky," and pretty much has every potential of being an alpha jerk, at least in the first part of the story.
For what it's worth, the narrative did even out, and I'll admit I laughed and thought Chase and Kelli's flirtatious rapport and coming to know each other was worth following, especially when they realized they had more connections than when they first encountered each other. This felt like an easily digested, well-to-do chick lit story after a time, formulaic, but sweet. I still had issues with Kelli's voice through the narrative, but there were times when she was genuinely funny and I found I liked her, like when she'd gotten a cold and Chase came knocking at her window with a paper bag containing soup and OJ - him saying he "[came] in peace" and her telling him to leave "or leave in pieces".
It was hard for me to consider at times that Chase was a college student versus Kelli, who was still a high school senior, but I figured they were close enough for the relationship to work out and in the progression it did. It was nice watching the banter and discovery between them, as well as the development of Chase and Kelli's relationship over time with some palpable tough subjects that are lightly touched upon. Still that doesn't keep it from having the typical element of "I hate you, I heart you, you saved me, I saved you" motif. If you're looking for a light flirty read that doesn't overdo the melodrama and explores the relationships of the two leads in a humored way, this is fine to pickup, but it is formulaic, the cast mostly serves to shape the plot with some palpable stakes, and the heroine's voice may make or break you. I would almost say that given the content of this novel, it could work for an upper YA audience. There are no heavy handed sexual scenes in this book, which was a distinctly different read in comparison to some of the NA books I've picked up.
I think in retrospect if some of the problematic/formulaic elements were taken out of this, and the heroine's voice were a little smoother, this would've been a better read for me personally. I wouldn't mind reading more of Cassie Mae's work to see more of what she does in this age group, though, because I liked this for what it was worth.
Overall score: 2.5/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Random House Flirt.
February 24, 2016
I won Friday Night Alibi in a Days of Christmas giveaway, it is one of the two Cassie Mae books I didn’t already own at the time. As always, Cassie does not disappoint in giving me a great story to smile and laugh at. Her characters always feel like real people who you know or want to know in real life.
What I Loved: The ‘foreplay’ of this book was the greatest, the bickering, jabs and pranks made for amusing relationship development. Then once things got heated up between Kelli and Chase, well it never cooled off. I also enjoyed the friendship between Kelli and Sadie, and how Sadie wasn’t afraid to tell Kelli the truth. She just told her what she thought and waited for Kelli to accept it.
As far as the story-line goes, I liked the bit of resolution between Kelli and her father. The entire book made me feel like punching a lot of people in the throat, but this relationship evolution made me want to cry happy for Kel.
Not So Much: This book is becoming difficult to review, mostly because of this section right here. What I’m going to list in ‘not so much’ are the exact things we weren’t suppose to like about Kelli’s life. I hated how people treated her, and that she had to find something like becoming an alibi for the rich and spineless in order to feel needed. I hated that. I found myself scowling at this book a lot, mostly because of something Kel’s mom said, or how people treated her like a thing rather than a person. The part that’s hard is – typically this section is more about what didn’t work in a book for me…and this did work for the book, although I do wish that there was more relationship resolution between Kel and some of the other characters – i.e. her mother, who I ended up just feeling like she was a classless person who never really wanted Kelli to begin with, in the end. It’s hard for me to feel that way about a mother.
I do wish we could have heard more of Chase’s side of the story. He had a lot of grief he was working through in this book, and while we find out what and why that is, I feel like it was just kind of a story to add to the story. I know that would be difficult to do since this was first person from Kelli’s perspective, I just kind of wanted a bit more!
The Verdict:
This is a great quick read! Perfect for a long weekend in, or a light fun read while on vacation! This was a mostly clean book, like in all of Cassie’s books, she doesn’t hold back on talk of body parts or sex – but there is nothing graphic or really inappropriate for YA readers.
What I Loved: The ‘foreplay’ of this book was the greatest, the bickering, jabs and pranks made for amusing relationship development. Then once things got heated up between Kelli and Chase, well it never cooled off. I also enjoyed the friendship between Kelli and Sadie, and how Sadie wasn’t afraid to tell Kelli the truth. She just told her what she thought and waited for Kelli to accept it.
As far as the story-line goes, I liked the bit of resolution between Kelli and her father. The entire book made me feel like punching a lot of people in the throat, but this relationship evolution made me want to cry happy for Kel.
Not So Much: This book is becoming difficult to review, mostly because of this section right here. What I’m going to list in ‘not so much’ are the exact things we weren’t suppose to like about Kelli’s life. I hated how people treated her, and that she had to find something like becoming an alibi for the rich and spineless in order to feel needed. I hated that. I found myself scowling at this book a lot, mostly because of something Kel’s mom said, or how people treated her like a thing rather than a person. The part that’s hard is – typically this section is more about what didn’t work in a book for me…and this did work for the book, although I do wish that there was more relationship resolution between Kel and some of the other characters – i.e. her mother, who I ended up just feeling like she was a classless person who never really wanted Kelli to begin with, in the end. It’s hard for me to feel that way about a mother.
I do wish we could have heard more of Chase’s side of the story. He had a lot of grief he was working through in this book, and while we find out what and why that is, I feel like it was just kind of a story to add to the story. I know that would be difficult to do since this was first person from Kelli’s perspective, I just kind of wanted a bit more!
The Verdict:
This is a great quick read! Perfect for a long weekend in, or a light fun read while on vacation! This was a mostly clean book, like in all of Cassie’s books, she doesn’t hold back on talk of body parts or sex – but there is nothing graphic or really inappropriate for YA readers.
July 23, 2013
Need an alibi for Friday night? Dinner date, movie night? You name it Kelli has it covered, for a price. Kelli is the Friday Night Alibi for those who don't want to lose their trust funds by dating the wrong type of person. Kelli Pinkins is the ideal girlfriend or friend to be associated with. The only person who know about Kelli's business is her best friend Sadie, her gamer friend on Friday nights, and the people she is an alibi for.
Friday Night Alibi is another book I failed at taking review notes for. I began reading and when I went to bed I realised I was half way through and hadn't really made any notes. The characters feel down to earth, even though they are trust fund babies, and while I can see where Kelli was coming from with her Friday Night Alibi 'business' it made it hard for her to get out and meet people herself, to be a teenager like everyone else she was being an alibi for. She works so hard keeping everyone else's cover, it limits her ability to go out an meet others, and actually take a chance at being in a real relationship.
I loved Chase from the moment we meet him and how we meet him, just from the casual way he reacts to seeing Kelli under an air hockey table, and then getting a tennis ball hit on his butt, that seriously made me laugh out loud. He is the perfect person for Kelli, not taking any crap off her and giving as good as he gets. The pranks these two play on each other had me laughing and cringing in pain at the same time. As the friendship between Kelli and Chase develops I love how its realistic, and slow, it actually feels like a true friendship has formed before it jumps straight into the relationship part, and even then there is a lot of denial. When it finally comes down to sharing feelings I approve of how Chase stood his ground and made it clear to Kelli what he wanted and why.
Friday Night Alibi is a quick read that I not only stormed through, but also really enjoyed. I would definitely read more books by Cassie Rae, especially if we get to re-visit some of the characters in this book.
Friday Night Alibi is another book I failed at taking review notes for. I began reading and when I went to bed I realised I was half way through and hadn't really made any notes. The characters feel down to earth, even though they are trust fund babies, and while I can see where Kelli was coming from with her Friday Night Alibi 'business' it made it hard for her to get out and meet people herself, to be a teenager like everyone else she was being an alibi for. She works so hard keeping everyone else's cover, it limits her ability to go out an meet others, and actually take a chance at being in a real relationship.
I loved Chase from the moment we meet him and how we meet him, just from the casual way he reacts to seeing Kelli under an air hockey table, and then getting a tennis ball hit on his butt, that seriously made me laugh out loud. He is the perfect person for Kelli, not taking any crap off her and giving as good as he gets. The pranks these two play on each other had me laughing and cringing in pain at the same time. As the friendship between Kelli and Chase develops I love how its realistic, and slow, it actually feels like a true friendship has formed before it jumps straight into the relationship part, and even then there is a lot of denial. When it finally comes down to sharing feelings I approve of how Chase stood his ground and made it clear to Kelli what he wanted and why.
Friday Night Alibi is a quick read that I not only stormed through, but also really enjoyed. I would definitely read more books by Cassie Rae, especially if we get to re-visit some of the characters in this book.
July 30, 2013
Talk about grinning from ear to ear – FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI had me giddy happy and hugging my kindle, not to mention ignoring my family for the half a day I spent reading it.
FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI is a humorous and refreshingly clean new/young adult book that makes you fall in love with each of the characters and every part of their lives. (And its not clean in the cheesy, written for younger people way – Cassie Mae is able to include so much passion and romance that you don’t feel like you need anything else!) Kelli runs an alibi business where she helps fellow trust fund recipients keep their inheritance by dating the cookie cutter perfect girl. For a fee, she agrees to provide herself as an alibi so they can go out with whomever they want, without having to explain to their parents who they were really with. The only catch for Kelli is, she spends more time pretending to have a life than actually living one.
Enter Chase Maroney. Conceited frat boy or endearing online Xbox player? Either way, he’s Kelli’s Friday Night Guy, whether she’s willing to admit it or not.
I found Kelli and Chase’s friendship and romance to be equal parts humorous, endearing, lovable, squeezable, and all-around squee-able. I just loved it. I loved Kelli even when she was so wrong it was blaring. I loved Chase – well, I loved every part of Chase – there are no caveats there. I even loved Kelli’s contracts – especially her ice cream contract – why couldn’t I have thought of something so cute and fun?
This book will have you laughing out loud - it’s just a great, beautiful and fun romance and I couldn’t have asked for more. I rated this 4.75 stars but it definitely deserves the round up!
(I had some cute quotes I wanted to add to this review but I had an ARC and it says I have to compare it to the final version – so you’ll just have to take my word for it and read it for yourself!)
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI is a humorous and refreshingly clean new/young adult book that makes you fall in love with each of the characters and every part of their lives. (And its not clean in the cheesy, written for younger people way – Cassie Mae is able to include so much passion and romance that you don’t feel like you need anything else!) Kelli runs an alibi business where she helps fellow trust fund recipients keep their inheritance by dating the cookie cutter perfect girl. For a fee, she agrees to provide herself as an alibi so they can go out with whomever they want, without having to explain to their parents who they were really with. The only catch for Kelli is, she spends more time pretending to have a life than actually living one.
Enter Chase Maroney. Conceited frat boy or endearing online Xbox player? Either way, he’s Kelli’s Friday Night Guy, whether she’s willing to admit it or not.
I found Kelli and Chase’s friendship and romance to be equal parts humorous, endearing, lovable, squeezable, and all-around squee-able. I just loved it. I loved Kelli even when she was so wrong it was blaring. I loved Chase – well, I loved every part of Chase – there are no caveats there. I even loved Kelli’s contracts – especially her ice cream contract – why couldn’t I have thought of something so cute and fun?
This book will have you laughing out loud - it’s just a great, beautiful and fun romance and I couldn’t have asked for more. I rated this 4.75 stars but it definitely deserves the round up!
(I had some cute quotes I wanted to add to this review but I had an ARC and it says I have to compare it to the final version – so you’ll just have to take my word for it and read it for yourself!)
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
July 14, 2013
3.5
Friday Night Alibi is the story of Kelli Pinkins, good little rich Christian girl, who spends her Friday nights locked in her room playing X-Box, watching movies, or doing anything that doesn’t require her to go out. Why? Because she’s an alibi. People give her money to pretend that they were hanging out with her while they are with other people, people that their parents wouldn’t approve of.
Sounds…boring, right? Well, Kelli thinks she’s doing good and therefore doesn’t mind staying in. Her parents are never home, so to her, it’s good to feel wanted. Then she meets Chase. Adorable, hilarious, dorky Chase. (Can you tell I love him?) He was just what this book needed. He brought humor and light to this dull world of country clubs and tennis playing that Kelli inhabited. He teased her, challenged her, takes care of her when she’s sick (he brings her oranges and orange juice because he didn’t know which she would want more), and deals with her alibi gig. For most of the book, Kelli did not deserve Chase.
I found the book to be a bit predictable, but it wasn’t a big issue for me. There was enough amusement to keep me reading. It was just enough of a new take on a familiar premise. I struggled to like Kelli for a good portion of the book only because she was fighting herself and I could see how much it was hurting her. The way she treated Chase sometimes was horrible and her naivety was cringe worthy, but she did finally grow. The scene with her father toward the end of the book was one of my favorites and I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from having an involved parent.
I enjoyed Cassie Mae’s writing style and hope that the smart banter and witty responses are present in her other work, which I look forward to checking out.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
Friday Night Alibi is the story of Kelli Pinkins, good little rich Christian girl, who spends her Friday nights locked in her room playing X-Box, watching movies, or doing anything that doesn’t require her to go out. Why? Because she’s an alibi. People give her money to pretend that they were hanging out with her while they are with other people, people that their parents wouldn’t approve of.
Sounds…boring, right? Well, Kelli thinks she’s doing good and therefore doesn’t mind staying in. Her parents are never home, so to her, it’s good to feel wanted. Then she meets Chase. Adorable, hilarious, dorky Chase. (Can you tell I love him?) He was just what this book needed. He brought humor and light to this dull world of country clubs and tennis playing that Kelli inhabited. He teased her, challenged her, takes care of her when she’s sick (he brings her oranges and orange juice because he didn’t know which she would want more), and deals with her alibi gig. For most of the book, Kelli did not deserve Chase.
I found the book to be a bit predictable, but it wasn’t a big issue for me. There was enough amusement to keep me reading. It was just enough of a new take on a familiar premise. I struggled to like Kelli for a good portion of the book only because she was fighting herself and I could see how much it was hurting her. The way she treated Chase sometimes was horrible and her naivety was cringe worthy, but she did finally grow. The scene with her father toward the end of the book was one of my favorites and I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from having an involved parent.
I enjoyed Cassie Mae’s writing style and hope that the smart banter and witty responses are present in her other work, which I look forward to checking out.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
October 7, 2013
Very cute, but this had more of a YA feel than NA. The main character seemed immature and hadn't made the move from "high-school" living (still with mommy and daddy) to venturing out on her own. There were some funny areas, but, again, the humor seemed geared more toward highschoolers.
Kelly was slightly immature and it came out in her thoughts and inner dialogue. I didn’t find anything about this book to attract the new adult audience.
That being said, I did love the idea of the Friday night alibi girl. I thought that was a new, fresh idea. It was cute and I think a lot of teens will enjoy the concept.
Kelly was slightly immature and it came out in her thoughts and inner dialogue. I didn’t find anything about this book to attract the new adult audience.
That being said, I did love the idea of the Friday night alibi girl. I thought that was a new, fresh idea. It was cute and I think a lot of teens will enjoy the concept.
July 29, 2013
Cassie Mae has a fun fresh voice that's flirty, romantic, and awkward in the most adorable way. The characters are so real to life I wanted to hang out with them for a lot longer. The plot had me alternating between laughing, crying, and cringing just enough to make me turn the page. If you're fan of romance, this is one book you won't want to put down.
May 19, 2013
I'd like to say that I love Cassie, her work and this cover. Friday Night Alibi is a wonderfully different love story, and I love it to the core. I love the cover, too. It fits. I recommend this to anyone who loves New Adult. Cassie is a great writer, story writter and person! :)
Brittany Booker
Brittany Booker
Want to read
June 19, 2013THANK YOU NETGALLEY!!!!
November 16, 2013
Such a cute book. I loved Chase! What a good book boyfriend he is!
July 23, 2013
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
(Author) A practical soon-to-be college freshman who seems to have everything—until a special guy shows her what she’s been missing.
In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s dream: a Friday-night alibi, the “girlfriend” or “BFF” that parents dream about. With college approaching in the fall, Kelli’s services are in demand more than ever, which means that her social life is nonexistent. But Kelli is A-okay with that. She’s raking in cash for school. Besides, relationships are tricky, and sometimes very messy. She’d rather be at home on Xbox LIVE, anyway. Then the unexpected happens: She meets college stud Chase Maroney.
Chase isn’t like the preppy, privileged guys Kelli usually meets in Sundale. For starters, he’s twentysomething, always wears black, and he shoots back one-liners as fast as she can dish them out. But Kelli’s attempts to drive Chase away falter when she realizes that he treats her like he really knows her, like he cares about knowing her. When Kelli finally gives in to the delicious kiss she’s been fighting for so long, she faces a tough decision: make Chase a real-life boyfriend and risk her heart . . . or keep her clients and lose her first true love.
Review:
Judging by the first line in blurb, I was expecting this to be a New Adult book. It was a far cry from NA and I don't like that "soon to be college freshman" was used to describe the setting of the book, as it was misleading. No where does Kelli plan anything out for college, talk about moving away for college, or even discuss college. This is very much a YA book and I'm not even sure I would go as far to classify this as a mature YA book.
Once you get past that initial shying away of the text, you're able to figure out that it's actually an okay coming-to-age kind of story. Kelli Pinkins has made her high school life all about being that perfect girl. She goes to church regularly, works at a Christian book store, and has advanced through high school a whole semester ahead of her class. While her life is perfect on the outside, her mom and dad have a distant relationship with her and she's often left out of "family" events or from having any kind of real relationship with them. So she starts a little side business where she pretends to have real relationships with her high school classmates and becomes their friend/girlfriend for the night, so that said client can go out with their not-so-perfect girlfriend or friends and not get in trouble with their parents.
It's a pretty typical storyline, and I'm sure you can see where it's going to go. But, as I've said many times before, just because it's cliche doesn't mean that the book can't be good! It's all in the writing and interpretation of the characters.
And that's where the book falls apart.
The writing is really an acquired taste. I honestly wasn't sure if I'd be able to push on past the first few pages once I realized that the book is written in a very relaxed conversational tone. Abbreviations and fake words pop up everywhere; even in dialog! It's written in a lax conversational, middle-teen tone and frequently includes phrases like:
Fam, fa-zillionairism, 'cause, "become a hooker or something", superdelish, convo, sucktacular, Grr, Überclean, fake-a-roni, phooey, certifiably nutso ca-ra-zie, the perv, everybody to-ta-ly sucks, "We just kiss, kiss, kiss", Überyummy, yuckville, popcorny, Überclean, "We kiss, kiss, kiss until I'm the one pressed against the side of the pool.", "Ew, Sades! I haven't slept with Chase!" (I had fun highlighting them after a while...)
No wonder Kelli isn't in college! 90% of the adjectives used were not real words! And every romantic interlude was described as "kiss, kiss, kiss"! Not very romantic or descriptive as I have no idea what fa-zillionairism means!
I don't know anyone that's "entering college" that spells out "O-M-G" and words of the like in conversation and uses this list of sucktacular words (hmm, maybe I will use this to start describing reviews), but apparently that's what the YA audience likes to read (?) Though, I don't really believe that because I know that from the time I was 12 I enjoyed well written books and not mindless chattering dialog.
I really didn't like Kelli! She was mean and self righteous. In the beginning of the book when her and Chase first meet, Chase barely says anything to her and she goes off on a name calling spree (i.e., Moron, jerk, full-of-himself, egotistic, perv...) - all because he made a smart comment about her pants. And then she goes on this rant about how he just wants in her pants (based on one comment) - yet calls Chase big-headed...ugh!
Then there's this whole name calling thing that's meant to be "flirty banter" that later turns "endearing" - however, I don't know in what universe calling someone "Moron" all of the time is flirty, or romantic (a play on the name Maroney). Chase sometimes calls her "Stinky" (again a play on Pinkins), but it's not to the same degree or frequency as moron. When Kelli says it, it's demeaning sounding and never in fun, while Chase is always described as having a smile.
About 60% through the book it finally gets better. The writing gets a face-lift and the slang talk is less frequent. The nice relationship between Chase and Kelli also develops. Where Kelli finally figures out that just because a guy gives her a compliment doesn't mean he's trying to bed her. Once that relationship develops it's a cute book that progresses nicely and you finally get some real background information on the characters.
Overall, if you can get past the lax conversational intra and inter-dialog then you might enjoy the book as I felt that the overall writing style was the biggest put-off. I'm going to give this a 2 rating because I don't think the "age group" of the book matters as much as the content. I said before that I was trying to think of this review outside the context of NA, but as I conclude I know that YA/NA is only an age and should not reflect quality or style of the book. It would take a very peculiar taste for ANYONE to really get into this book.
Ratings:
Character development: ** (very basic and anti-climatic revelations)
Writing quality: ** (a few too many made up words)
Plot progression: ***+ (it clips along pretty good, but I got whiplash with the characters' feelings toward one another)
Romance: **+ (clean, lacking connection and likability)
(Author) A practical soon-to-be college freshman who seems to have everything—until a special guy shows her what she’s been missing.
In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s dream: a Friday-night alibi, the “girlfriend” or “BFF” that parents dream about. With college approaching in the fall, Kelli’s services are in demand more than ever, which means that her social life is nonexistent. But Kelli is A-okay with that. She’s raking in cash for school. Besides, relationships are tricky, and sometimes very messy. She’d rather be at home on Xbox LIVE, anyway. Then the unexpected happens: She meets college stud Chase Maroney.
Chase isn’t like the preppy, privileged guys Kelli usually meets in Sundale. For starters, he’s twentysomething, always wears black, and he shoots back one-liners as fast as she can dish them out. But Kelli’s attempts to drive Chase away falter when she realizes that he treats her like he really knows her, like he cares about knowing her. When Kelli finally gives in to the delicious kiss she’s been fighting for so long, she faces a tough decision: make Chase a real-life boyfriend and risk her heart . . . or keep her clients and lose her first true love.
Review:
Judging by the first line in blurb, I was expecting this to be a New Adult book. It was a far cry from NA and I don't like that "soon to be college freshman" was used to describe the setting of the book, as it was misleading. No where does Kelli plan anything out for college, talk about moving away for college, or even discuss college. This is very much a YA book and I'm not even sure I would go as far to classify this as a mature YA book.
Once you get past that initial shying away of the text, you're able to figure out that it's actually an okay coming-to-age kind of story. Kelli Pinkins has made her high school life all about being that perfect girl. She goes to church regularly, works at a Christian book store, and has advanced through high school a whole semester ahead of her class. While her life is perfect on the outside, her mom and dad have a distant relationship with her and she's often left out of "family" events or from having any kind of real relationship with them. So she starts a little side business where she pretends to have real relationships with her high school classmates and becomes their friend/girlfriend for the night, so that said client can go out with their not-so-perfect girlfriend or friends and not get in trouble with their parents.
It's a pretty typical storyline, and I'm sure you can see where it's going to go. But, as I've said many times before, just because it's cliche doesn't mean that the book can't be good! It's all in the writing and interpretation of the characters.
And that's where the book falls apart.
The writing is really an acquired taste. I honestly wasn't sure if I'd be able to push on past the first few pages once I realized that the book is written in a very relaxed conversational tone. Abbreviations and fake words pop up everywhere; even in dialog! It's written in a lax conversational, middle-teen tone and frequently includes phrases like:
Fam, fa-zillionairism, 'cause, "become a hooker or something", superdelish, convo, sucktacular, Grr, Überclean, fake-a-roni, phooey, certifiably nutso ca-ra-zie, the perv, everybody to-ta-ly sucks, "We just kiss, kiss, kiss", Überyummy, yuckville, popcorny, Überclean, "We kiss, kiss, kiss until I'm the one pressed against the side of the pool.", "Ew, Sades! I haven't slept with Chase!" (I had fun highlighting them after a while...)
No wonder Kelli isn't in college! 90% of the adjectives used were not real words! And every romantic interlude was described as "kiss, kiss, kiss"! Not very romantic or descriptive as I have no idea what fa-zillionairism means!
I don't know anyone that's "entering college" that spells out "O-M-G" and words of the like in conversation and uses this list of sucktacular words (hmm, maybe I will use this to start describing reviews), but apparently that's what the YA audience likes to read (?) Though, I don't really believe that because I know that from the time I was 12 I enjoyed well written books and not mindless chattering dialog.
I really didn't like Kelli! She was mean and self righteous. In the beginning of the book when her and Chase first meet, Chase barely says anything to her and she goes off on a name calling spree (i.e., Moron, jerk, full-of-himself, egotistic, perv...) - all because he made a smart comment about her pants. And then she goes on this rant about how he just wants in her pants (based on one comment) - yet calls Chase big-headed...ugh!
Then there's this whole name calling thing that's meant to be "flirty banter" that later turns "endearing" - however, I don't know in what universe calling someone "Moron" all of the time is flirty, or romantic (a play on the name Maroney). Chase sometimes calls her "Stinky" (again a play on Pinkins), but it's not to the same degree or frequency as moron. When Kelli says it, it's demeaning sounding and never in fun, while Chase is always described as having a smile.
About 60% through the book it finally gets better. The writing gets a face-lift and the slang talk is less frequent. The nice relationship between Chase and Kelli also develops. Where Kelli finally figures out that just because a guy gives her a compliment doesn't mean he's trying to bed her. Once that relationship develops it's a cute book that progresses nicely and you finally get some real background information on the characters.
Overall, if you can get past the lax conversational intra and inter-dialog then you might enjoy the book as I felt that the overall writing style was the biggest put-off. I'm going to give this a 2 rating because I don't think the "age group" of the book matters as much as the content. I said before that I was trying to think of this review outside the context of NA, but as I conclude I know that YA/NA is only an age and should not reflect quality or style of the book. It would take a very peculiar taste for ANYONE to really get into this book.
Ratings:
Character development: ** (very basic and anti-climatic revelations)
Writing quality: ** (a few too many made up words)
Plot progression: ***+ (it clips along pretty good, but I got whiplash with the characters' feelings toward one another)
Romance: **+ (clean, lacking connection and likability)
July 16, 2013
You can read this and other reviews at Madison Says
There is something about the way that Cassie Mae writes which causes my mouth to curve up into the most unattractive of gummy grins. It’s like I smile so hard, it hurts. Her characters are so likable and the story-lines are innocent yet complex. She has me on the edge of my seat with butterflies flapping (or if I were trying to mimic this book, popcorn popping) all up in my tummy over a stinkin’ kiss! I’ve read some pretty intense love scenes, and this chick gets me all crazy over some lip lock action. And in Friday Night Alibi, there is quite a bit of kissing.
Kelli Pinkins is not your average 18 year old. First off, she’s super smart and has graduated from high school earlier than her peers. She doesn’t boast many friends, never goes out on a Friday night and is quite content playing Halo in her decked out bedroom. She lives in Sundale, Georgia – Christian country club capital of the world. (Okay, that may not be true, but it sounded good to me.) You see, in Sundale, it’s looked down upon to date outside of your social class. If you fall in love with someone from the wrong side of the tracks or even dare I say, middle class *gasp,* you run the risk of losing your trust fund, which would otherwise be handed over to you at the ripe old age of 21. That’s where Kelli comes in. She’s your Friday Night Alibi! You want to go out, but Mommy and Daddy don’t approve? Easy! Call Kelli. You pay a couple hundred bucks (chump change to these folks) and wham bam, you have yourself covered. You just have to memorize some information about the date package you’ve selected. Easy enough right?
"One thing about Sundale, image is everything. If your churchgoing, button-up, I’m-going-to-run-a-charity-for-sick-kids son or daughter doesn’t live up to all of that, bye-bye trust fund, hello working at Dairy Queen. And heaven forbid they want to date someone outside of our perfect little community. There goes your college money. Sorry guys, it’s not what Mommy and Daddy had envisioned for you."
Everything goes along smashingly until Kelli meets Chase (Moron) Moroney. He’s different from everyone else in her life. He’s the only person who isn’t trying to get something out of Kelli. Well, I guess that’s not true. He’s kinda jonesing for a kiss. Imagine Kelli’s surprise when the all black wearing, bad pick up line slinging, Joseph Gordon-Levitt look-a-like happens to be the same guy she’s been playing X-box live with for months. Right from the start, Kelli finds Chase less than appealing, or at least she’s tried to convince herself of that. When no one is there, Chase is. And as time goes by they grow closer eventually so close that their lips smack right into one another. Now Kelli must decide if being an alibi is worth losing an “epic romance”.
"He knows. Chase the freaking manwhore-Moron! He knows how pathetic my life really is. How I spend every Friday night playing video games and pretending to be out on dates with other people. Getting his body hair waxed off will be nothing compared to what’s coming to me, I’m sure of it. He could ruin it all."
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again; I thoroughly enjoy the way that Cassie writes. I feel like my best friend is filling me in on her life as I read the pages in front of me. Yes, this is most definitely YA fiction. There’s not a whole lot of naughty stuff going on. If that’s what you’re looking for, don’t look here. You’ll find a good wholesome story that you wouldn’t mind your son or daughter reading. Not a romp between the sheets. To tell you the truth though, it’s kind of refreshing. Kelli is obviously striving to be loved, needed, and appreciated – even if she doesn’t realize it. She doesn’t get it from her parents who are too busy living their lives – working too hard or traipsing across the world on vacation. Her best friend Sadie has her own life to live, other friends to spend time with and possible love interests of her own. So that leaves Kelli with Chaztazxx4(Chase’s X-box live name), her X-box and the satisfaction of being someone’s alibi. But let’s get real for a minute, how long can being someone’s alibi really appeal to a person. Don’t you eventually want to live your own life?
I absolutely loved watching Kelli come into her own as the book progressed. She started out kind of insecure and overtime with the help of a moron, she begins to see more in herself and want more out of her life. She shifts her priorities.
The only issue I had with the book was the lack of…drama. There wasn’t much angst, I guess. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it just seemed to hover in the air the whole book. I do have to say that Kelli’s relationship with her dad hit me hard. I am a complete Daddy’s girl, and I also had a time in my life when my dad and I weren’t close at all; It kind of mirrored Kelli’s experience minus the millions of dollars. Ha! I liked seeing them mend their relationship and in turn watching Kelli begin to piece herself and self-worth together.
Okay, I’ll say it. I love Cassie Mae. I love her as an author and just as a pretty rad person in general. Her writing style always leaves me coming away wanting more. She hits on the things we women feel. Especially in high school when we’re battling hormones, stupid girls and dumb boys. Her books always seem to have some deeper message. It’s like the pages whisper to its reader that they’re worth more than they think they are; that we all deserve to feel love and need to find beauty within ourselves.
This is a YA author you don’t want to miss. If you haven’t read Reasons I Fell for the Fat Funny Friend, you should pick it up immediately and then be sure you follow on its heels with Friday Night Alibi. They’re both extremely sweet reads that will leave a perma smile on your face.
There is something about the way that Cassie Mae writes which causes my mouth to curve up into the most unattractive of gummy grins. It’s like I smile so hard, it hurts. Her characters are so likable and the story-lines are innocent yet complex. She has me on the edge of my seat with butterflies flapping (or if I were trying to mimic this book, popcorn popping) all up in my tummy over a stinkin’ kiss! I’ve read some pretty intense love scenes, and this chick gets me all crazy over some lip lock action. And in Friday Night Alibi, there is quite a bit of kissing.
Kelli Pinkins is not your average 18 year old. First off, she’s super smart and has graduated from high school earlier than her peers. She doesn’t boast many friends, never goes out on a Friday night and is quite content playing Halo in her decked out bedroom. She lives in Sundale, Georgia – Christian country club capital of the world. (Okay, that may not be true, but it sounded good to me.) You see, in Sundale, it’s looked down upon to date outside of your social class. If you fall in love with someone from the wrong side of the tracks or even dare I say, middle class *gasp,* you run the risk of losing your trust fund, which would otherwise be handed over to you at the ripe old age of 21. That’s where Kelli comes in. She’s your Friday Night Alibi! You want to go out, but Mommy and Daddy don’t approve? Easy! Call Kelli. You pay a couple hundred bucks (chump change to these folks) and wham bam, you have yourself covered. You just have to memorize some information about the date package you’ve selected. Easy enough right?
"One thing about Sundale, image is everything. If your churchgoing, button-up, I’m-going-to-run-a-charity-for-sick-kids son or daughter doesn’t live up to all of that, bye-bye trust fund, hello working at Dairy Queen. And heaven forbid they want to date someone outside of our perfect little community. There goes your college money. Sorry guys, it’s not what Mommy and Daddy had envisioned for you."
Everything goes along smashingly until Kelli meets Chase (Moron) Moroney. He’s different from everyone else in her life. He’s the only person who isn’t trying to get something out of Kelli. Well, I guess that’s not true. He’s kinda jonesing for a kiss. Imagine Kelli’s surprise when the all black wearing, bad pick up line slinging, Joseph Gordon-Levitt look-a-like happens to be the same guy she’s been playing X-box live with for months. Right from the start, Kelli finds Chase less than appealing, or at least she’s tried to convince herself of that. When no one is there, Chase is. And as time goes by they grow closer eventually so close that their lips smack right into one another. Now Kelli must decide if being an alibi is worth losing an “epic romance”.
"He knows. Chase the freaking manwhore-Moron! He knows how pathetic my life really is. How I spend every Friday night playing video games and pretending to be out on dates with other people. Getting his body hair waxed off will be nothing compared to what’s coming to me, I’m sure of it. He could ruin it all."
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again; I thoroughly enjoy the way that Cassie writes. I feel like my best friend is filling me in on her life as I read the pages in front of me. Yes, this is most definitely YA fiction. There’s not a whole lot of naughty stuff going on. If that’s what you’re looking for, don’t look here. You’ll find a good wholesome story that you wouldn’t mind your son or daughter reading. Not a romp between the sheets. To tell you the truth though, it’s kind of refreshing. Kelli is obviously striving to be loved, needed, and appreciated – even if she doesn’t realize it. She doesn’t get it from her parents who are too busy living their lives – working too hard or traipsing across the world on vacation. Her best friend Sadie has her own life to live, other friends to spend time with and possible love interests of her own. So that leaves Kelli with Chaztazxx4(Chase’s X-box live name), her X-box and the satisfaction of being someone’s alibi. But let’s get real for a minute, how long can being someone’s alibi really appeal to a person. Don’t you eventually want to live your own life?
I absolutely loved watching Kelli come into her own as the book progressed. She started out kind of insecure and overtime with the help of a moron, she begins to see more in herself and want more out of her life. She shifts her priorities.
The only issue I had with the book was the lack of…drama. There wasn’t much angst, I guess. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it just seemed to hover in the air the whole book. I do have to say that Kelli’s relationship with her dad hit me hard. I am a complete Daddy’s girl, and I also had a time in my life when my dad and I weren’t close at all; It kind of mirrored Kelli’s experience minus the millions of dollars. Ha! I liked seeing them mend their relationship and in turn watching Kelli begin to piece herself and self-worth together.
Okay, I’ll say it. I love Cassie Mae. I love her as an author and just as a pretty rad person in general. Her writing style always leaves me coming away wanting more. She hits on the things we women feel. Especially in high school when we’re battling hormones, stupid girls and dumb boys. Her books always seem to have some deeper message. It’s like the pages whisper to its reader that they’re worth more than they think they are; that we all deserve to feel love and need to find beauty within ourselves.
This is a YA author you don’t want to miss. If you haven’t read Reasons I Fell for the Fat Funny Friend, you should pick it up immediately and then be sure you follow on its heels with Friday Night Alibi. They’re both extremely sweet reads that will leave a perma smile on your face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews