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Badboy Rockers #1
Thin White Line
Kenzie’s picture perfect California life is turned upside down when her father leaves the family for another woman. Within months, she goes from private school and posh beachside living to public school and a sub-par apartment in rainy Washington.On her first day at her new school, Kenzie is reunited with her cousin Brooke, a rebellious senior who sings in a popular rock band with two of the sexiest men Kenzie has ever met.Kenzie is soon swept into a world of partying, concerts and tattooed bad boy rockers. Just when she starts to feel like she finally belongs, a single night and a fateful decision changes everything.*New Adult Romance--17+ due to adult situations.THIN WHITE LINE is book one in the Badboy Rockers series.RYDER'S REDEMPTION, book two in the Badboy Rockers series is currently available.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2013
44 people are currently reading
1545 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Templeton
15 books618 followersJ.A. Templeton is the YA/New Adult pen name for adult romance author Julia Templeton. A psychic medium, Julia loves history, travel, and reading in every subgenre of romance, especially young and new adult.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 20, 2014
Okay, going into this, I had no idea that the title Thin White Line was referring to cocaine.
So, I'm reading the beginning of this book and I'm thinking: "So far this is such teenage high school YA cliché."
Then the characters start whipping out the drugs!
I got really into this book after that and I am so freaking happy that Kenzie ended up with the guy I wanted her to. (Especially after the recent disappointment that is Dead Ever After)
And, I'm wondering, is this the first book in a series? Because I'd really like to read more about these characters.
Seems that the author is good for more than just erotica. This was great new adultish YA. Though, I'm hoping she continues in both genres.
So, I'm reading the beginning of this book and I'm thinking: "So far this is such teenage high school YA cliché."
Then the characters start whipping out the drugs!
I got really into this book after that and I am so freaking happy that Kenzie ended up with the guy I wanted her to. (Especially after the recent disappointment that is Dead Ever After)
And, I'm wondering, is this the first book in a series? Because I'd really like to read more about these characters.
Seems that the author is good for more than just erotica. This was great new adultish YA. Though, I'm hoping she continues in both genres.
October 30, 2014
3 solid, unexpectedly gritty stars!
I will say I was a bit surprised at this read...good girl moves to a new town and really a new entire lifestyle and BAM, welcome to the dark side!
Kenzie is a good girl from an all girls school...her parents unexpected split has left her in a downgraded lifestyle. This girl finds life in the fast lane when her cousin takes her under her wing. Now she is in an atmosphere with local rockers, diving into the realm of drugs because everyone else is taking them and then practically giving up her v-card for the hottie bass player! Ryder is sex on a stick and well, he has bedded half the town honey! Those groupies hanging all over him are a red flag girl, but Kenzie is blinded by her lust! Then there is also the smoking hot drummer Decklan...well he might be in the mix too with the longing looks, shoulder to cry on and definite interest!
This story was more than good girl meets bad boy...it was more of a dabble into how easy life can change if you give up control or if you cannot find someone when you are down. I liked the take home message and I liked that the bad boy didn't get the girl! I loved that the good guy and the good girl were it! My problem was it was a bit fast and unrealistic...too unbelievable! Decklan was older, wise, and just smokin'...I just wasn't sure what the pull toward a senior naive band groupie with home drama had! But that's just me!
I will say I was a bit surprised at this read...good girl moves to a new town and really a new entire lifestyle and BAM, welcome to the dark side!
Kenzie is a good girl from an all girls school...her parents unexpected split has left her in a downgraded lifestyle. This girl finds life in the fast lane when her cousin takes her under her wing. Now she is in an atmosphere with local rockers, diving into the realm of drugs because everyone else is taking them and then practically giving up her v-card for the hottie bass player! Ryder is sex on a stick and well, he has bedded half the town honey! Those groupies hanging all over him are a red flag girl, but Kenzie is blinded by her lust! Then there is also the smoking hot drummer Decklan...well he might be in the mix too with the longing looks, shoulder to cry on and definite interest!
This story was more than good girl meets bad boy...it was more of a dabble into how easy life can change if you give up control or if you cannot find someone when you are down. I liked the take home message and I liked that the bad boy didn't get the girl! I loved that the good guy and the good girl were it! My problem was it was a bit fast and unrealistic...too unbelievable! Decklan was older, wise, and just smokin'...I just wasn't sure what the pull toward a senior naive band groupie with home drama had! But that's just me!
May 25, 2013
Good girl Kenzie, lived a pampered, straight-edged life before her parents divorced. Then, suddenly finds herself lost in a whirlwind of wild parties, drugs, slutty girls, and hot rocker boys. But, tragedy strikes and she starts to question her lifestyle, attitude, her choices in friends, and boys in particular.
This book took me by surprise; I expected one thing, but got something totally unexpected. And, by unexpected, I mean the heavy drug use, and party scenes. And, as much as I liked the little love-triangle, I wasn't really into the romance aspect of the story (strangely). Instead, I found myself really appreciating the message behind the story - it wasn't particularly deep, but still effective. At first, I thought the author was glorifying drug use, but it turned out to be quite the opposite.
Definitely a unique, and unexpected read in the indie-YA genre.
This book took me by surprise; I expected one thing, but got something totally unexpected. And, by unexpected, I mean the heavy drug use, and party scenes. And, as much as I liked the little love-triangle, I wasn't really into the romance aspect of the story (strangely). Instead, I found myself really appreciating the message behind the story - it wasn't particularly deep, but still effective. At first, I thought the author was glorifying drug use, but it turned out to be quite the opposite.
Definitely a unique, and unexpected read in the indie-YA genre.
June 11, 2013
would have earned a 5 had the ending not been so typical. I really felt like it needed to be more gritty and not the HEA, especially with the subject matter. other than that... superb read.
August 21, 2015
Ewww a love triangle. Why is there always a love triangle? Ahem. Anyway... not a bad freebie, though I do have quite a few gripes. Firstly, writing in the present tense. More and more authors seem to be doing this lately, but I find it rather awkward. Second - stop calling that teenage boy a man already. You know him from SCHOOL. He is not a man. So annoying. Third - what teenager says "making love"? I mean seriously, no. Fourth - must YA/NA characters always declare their profound love after ten minutes?
Things started off reasonably well but I admit it did feel sanctimonious further in. Not that I'm saying 'yeah, let's everybody take drugs', no. But to have the cousin and have this neat little ending felt too obvious. A bit like the author conceived the plot as: character is sad - character takes drugs to stop feeling sad - another character overdoses - character becomes more sad - characters swear off drugs for ever and ever - characters now have perfect lives. I'm sorry but... yay, you stopped using! But it isn't going to magically make your life perfect and to suggest it is does feel more I-wrote-this-for-a-don't-take-drugs-campaign than good-story-that-just-so-happened-to-have-a-positive-message.
Things started off reasonably well but I admit it did feel sanctimonious further in. Not that I'm saying 'yeah, let's everybody take drugs', no. But to have the cousin and have this neat little ending felt too obvious. A bit like the author conceived the plot as: character is sad - character takes drugs to stop feeling sad - another character overdoses - character becomes more sad - characters swear off drugs for ever and ever - characters now have perfect lives. I'm sorry but... yay, you stopped using! But it isn't going to magically make your life perfect and to suggest it is does feel more I-wrote-this-for-a-don't-take-drugs-campaign than good-story-that-just-so-happened-to-have-a-positive-message.
June 4, 2013
I loved the idea of this book. Kenzie is a good girl and she does go a bit bad. She's in pain and finding ways to cover it. She gets taken under her cousin Brooke's wing at school and in life and soon finds herself in a whole new world. A world filled with hot guys and parties.
This book starts out like a typical YA/NA book and quickly delves into the dark side of life, then ends on a happy go lucky note. I love all things dark twisted and real, so I was really excited when I downloaded this book (for .99cents from amazon if I recall correctly).
Anyway I got right to it, and read it in one short sitting. I loved, loved, loved the first half of the book. But the second half of the book happened too fast and got a bit preachy for my tastes, which is fine. Because young people need more anti-drug messages shoved down their throats. I think. Why the sarcasm about the message, well because I'm perma stuck as an immature teenager. This whole book makes me want to start crushing my meds and abuse them, just to drown out the preachy message. Harsh? Yep, you betcha. But I frecking hate being preached to. About anything. Seriously, tell me not to do something and more than likely I will. And I am probably the most anti-drug person ever. So I am NOT advocating that people should do them, but I do not believe in being preachy. It happens to backfire more often than not.
So now that I got that rant out of my system we can focus on the awesomeness that is most of this book.
I loved Kenzie and her cousin Brooke's relationship. It was great, and I loved that Brooke taught Kenzie to have more confidence. I love that Kenzie found herself in what felt like a natural way, until the end of the book and the insta-love. She may have gone about becoming her own person in the "wrong" way, but isn't that what being young is all about. Making massive mistakes is one of those things that all young people do. Hey they are young, that stuff happens to those cute little people like insta-love and going down the "wrong" path.
The love triangle was interesting, and added the right amount of sexual drama to the story. I loved Deklan. Yummy boys with tattoos. Plus I don't feel like a pedo crushing on him. He's of age folks!!! Yess!!!
I would love to read a follow up book, because any addict can tell you that quitting drugs is not that easy. Definitely not as easy as this book made it seem.
Anyway at this point, it's the cold meds talking (I hate being sick). Just know that I enjoyed this book, A LOT, it has a bit of an edge to it, but falls flat when the story suddenly shifts gears in the middle. If it could have found a way to stay edgy, real and have the perfect solution it would have been a five star book for sure, as it is, it is still a four star book!!!
This book starts out like a typical YA/NA book and quickly delves into the dark side of life, then ends on a happy go lucky note. I love all things dark twisted and real, so I was really excited when I downloaded this book (for .99cents from amazon if I recall correctly).
Anyway I got right to it, and read it in one short sitting. I loved, loved, loved the first half of the book. But the second half of the book happened too fast and got a bit preachy for my tastes, which is fine. Because young people need more anti-drug messages shoved down their throats. I think. Why the sarcasm about the message, well because I'm perma stuck as an immature teenager. This whole book makes me want to start crushing my meds and abuse them, just to drown out the preachy message. Harsh? Yep, you betcha. But I frecking hate being preached to. About anything. Seriously, tell me not to do something and more than likely I will. And I am probably the most anti-drug person ever. So I am NOT advocating that people should do them, but I do not believe in being preachy. It happens to backfire more often than not.
So now that I got that rant out of my system we can focus on the awesomeness that is most of this book.
I loved Kenzie and her cousin Brooke's relationship. It was great, and I loved that Brooke taught Kenzie to have more confidence. I love that Kenzie found herself in what felt like a natural way, until the end of the book and the insta-love. She may have gone about becoming her own person in the "wrong" way, but isn't that what being young is all about. Making massive mistakes is one of those things that all young people do. Hey they are young, that stuff happens to those cute little people like insta-love and going down the "wrong" path.
The love triangle was interesting, and added the right amount of sexual drama to the story. I loved Deklan. Yummy boys with tattoos. Plus I don't feel like a pedo crushing on him. He's of age folks!!! Yess!!!
I would love to read a follow up book, because any addict can tell you that quitting drugs is not that easy. Definitely not as easy as this book made it seem.
Anyway at this point, it's the cold meds talking (I hate being sick). Just know that I enjoyed this book, A LOT, it has a bit of an edge to it, but falls flat when the story suddenly shifts gears in the middle. If it could have found a way to stay edgy, real and have the perfect solution it would have been a five star book for sure, as it is, it is still a four star book!!!
May 7, 2013
Short book that packs a punch. It's a very realistic & honest story about teenage peer pressure & the things you do to fit in with the 'cool' crowd. It shows the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse without being preachy. Liked it.
April 28, 2014
3.5 stars
Not too bad. This was a freebie & it amazingly enough held my interest. I really enjoyed it. Love when that happens :)
Not too bad. This was a freebie & it amazingly enough held my interest. I really enjoyed it. Love when that happens :)
June 7, 2018
I'm going to give this book 4.5! Well written from 17 year old Kenzie's POV. Lots of angst and drama in this N/A story. It deals with adult situations and romance and I'm not giving away the plot. It was easy to read, an interesting plot, had excellent character development and I really loved Kenzie. There is drug use included, so an adults only read. This author also writes steamy Historical romance under the name Julia Templeton.
January 7, 2021
As a huge fan if J.A Templeton's novels I was thrilled with Thin White Line. As teenagers every girl goes through crushes on two guts at the same time. This book defiantly shows how right or wrong you can be about picking the better relationship. Heart breaking and putting me on edge when Brooke ends up in the hospital for a tragedy that could have been avoided. A young adult must read. Truths about drugs, relationships, right and wrong and so much more. A 5 star read
March 27, 2018
"Don't ever let anyone determine who you should be. You're the only one who can do that."
February 27, 2019
Good read
Excellent book about a group of friends that go through a lot of life lessons and work through them together.
Excellent book about a group of friends that go through a lot of life lessons and work through them together.
July 29, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
okay-ish.
didn't feel the chemistry between the main characters, didn't feel the love between them either.
This book was probably too short for more depth.
okay-ish.
didn't feel the chemistry between the main characters, didn't feel the love between them either.
This book was probably too short for more depth.
October 29, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
It's been a long time since I've read a YA read, Usually, all of my YA reading is either paranormal romance or fantasy, so this book was without a doubt putting me outside of my comfort zone. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read it though because there were so many times I thought to myself, 'Wow, this is all so familiar'- going back to my high school days. This generation of teenagers lead totally different lives than the average teenager led 20-30 years ago. Templeton puts many issues into perspective here and writes about several obstacles Kenzie, the main character of the story, Brooke, her cousin, and their friends overcome.
Sex, drugs, rock-n-roll-- speed, weed, and birth control! How many times did I say that as a teen? Too many! I thought I was oh so cool, fitting in with all different crowds of kids- the stoners, the preps, the geeks, the athletes, and even occasionally the 'nobodies'. I was a cute teenage girl who loved her pot and liquor. I got good grades and ALWAYS had a fiction book in hand, worked a full-time job after school and still managed to be involved in at least one sport per season. I found myself relating to Brooke the most because of her 'won't take anyone's shit' attitude, her drug use, her relationship with Curtis, etc.
Kenzie is forced to move from her private school life in San Diego, California to Vancouver, Washington where she attends public school, meets new people, develops a totally different persona, goes wild, experiments, and falls in love- just to name a few. Eager to fit in but also knowing right from wrong, Kenzie encounters many different dilemmas and is forced to make decisions she thought she would never have to make. Until one day, everything turns around. She's questioned by her brother about her behavior, her mother and friends notice a change in her, and she deals with fighting off her own demons. With overwhelming feelings of jealousy, hatred, lust, loathing, euphoria, depression, and so on- this is Kenzie's journey through her new high school, friends, boys, parties, drugs\alcohol, and family issues.
Although I never personally had to experience infidelity or a divorce/separation between my parents as a teen, I saw so many of my friends go through it. Some parents don't realize the impact this has on their children and in Kenzie's case, she is hurt and angry. She finds ways to channel her depression and loneliness that are self destructive, leading her down a path going nowhere. Almost losing a family member wakes her up and makes her realize the terrible things she is doing. All the while, she has an unfaithful boyfriend and fantasizes about a boy that is so close, yet so far away.
I enjoyed this book up until the ending. It was just so cliche. I think I would've rather it conclude with a cliffhanger versus the HEA. With all of the struggles that Kenzie and her friends encounter in this story, it is unrealistic that everything falls back into place and is perfect at the end. Of course everyone loves a happy ending- but there is always some flaws left somewhere. This book is ideal for ages 13+ and it projects an educational lesson to teens who struggle with the same issues Kenzie and Brooke have.
It's been a long time since I've read a YA read, Usually, all of my YA reading is either paranormal romance or fantasy, so this book was without a doubt putting me outside of my comfort zone. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read it though because there were so many times I thought to myself, 'Wow, this is all so familiar'- going back to my high school days. This generation of teenagers lead totally different lives than the average teenager led 20-30 years ago. Templeton puts many issues into perspective here and writes about several obstacles Kenzie, the main character of the story, Brooke, her cousin, and their friends overcome.
Sex, drugs, rock-n-roll-- speed, weed, and birth control! How many times did I say that as a teen? Too many! I thought I was oh so cool, fitting in with all different crowds of kids- the stoners, the preps, the geeks, the athletes, and even occasionally the 'nobodies'. I was a cute teenage girl who loved her pot and liquor. I got good grades and ALWAYS had a fiction book in hand, worked a full-time job after school and still managed to be involved in at least one sport per season. I found myself relating to Brooke the most because of her 'won't take anyone's shit' attitude, her drug use, her relationship with Curtis, etc.
Kenzie is forced to move from her private school life in San Diego, California to Vancouver, Washington where she attends public school, meets new people, develops a totally different persona, goes wild, experiments, and falls in love- just to name a few. Eager to fit in but also knowing right from wrong, Kenzie encounters many different dilemmas and is forced to make decisions she thought she would never have to make. Until one day, everything turns around. She's questioned by her brother about her behavior, her mother and friends notice a change in her, and she deals with fighting off her own demons. With overwhelming feelings of jealousy, hatred, lust, loathing, euphoria, depression, and so on- this is Kenzie's journey through her new high school, friends, boys, parties, drugs\alcohol, and family issues.
Although I never personally had to experience infidelity or a divorce/separation between my parents as a teen, I saw so many of my friends go through it. Some parents don't realize the impact this has on their children and in Kenzie's case, she is hurt and angry. She finds ways to channel her depression and loneliness that are self destructive, leading her down a path going nowhere. Almost losing a family member wakes her up and makes her realize the terrible things she is doing. All the while, she has an unfaithful boyfriend and fantasizes about a boy that is so close, yet so far away.
I enjoyed this book up until the ending. It was just so cliche. I think I would've rather it conclude with a cliffhanger versus the HEA. With all of the struggles that Kenzie and her friends encounter in this story, it is unrealistic that everything falls back into place and is perfect at the end. Of course everyone loves a happy ending- but there is always some flaws left somewhere. This book is ideal for ages 13+ and it projects an educational lesson to teens who struggle with the same issues Kenzie and Brooke have.
March 31, 2014
I did enjoy reading Thin White Line, although YA fiction is not my usual read.
The story is about young love, first love, heartbreak and everything in between.
Kenzie is torn away from her privileged lifestyle and private school after her parents separate. She finds herself in public school, living in an apartment with her mother, over a thousand miles away from her friends and the only home she's known.
Her cousin Brooke is in a band, with some very cool, very hot, talented, tattooed guys. Kenzie finds herself attracted to Ryder, but then there's Deklan, who's quiet, made her feel welcome, and almost normal again.
Kenzie is having a tough time dealing with her parents separation, she finally has some freedom and uses it to find new friends and find acceptance of her situation.
Kenzie is very young, and in some parts of the story this shows through. She very much wants to fit in and be accepted, so she goes with the flow most of the time. It takes a few 'out of control' moments for her to realise she's better than that, and one tragic event to change the course of her life, and the lives of those around her, forever.
Ryder is your typical good looking teenage boy. He's cocky and self assured, he knows he can have any girl at his beck and call, and he's never been denied what he wants.
Deklan is older, he's finished with High School and he has a job working at Branded, a tattoo parlour. He finds himself attracted to Kenzie, but sees the way she is with Ryder, and steers clear; but it does become harder for him, and his feelings creep through throughout the book.
Overall, Thin White Line by J.A. Templeton is a good, quick, easy read. The characters are good, the story is told well. It doesn't set you alight and it won't change your life, but it's still worth a go on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
The story is about young love, first love, heartbreak and everything in between.
Kenzie is torn away from her privileged lifestyle and private school after her parents separate. She finds herself in public school, living in an apartment with her mother, over a thousand miles away from her friends and the only home she's known.
Her cousin Brooke is in a band, with some very cool, very hot, talented, tattooed guys. Kenzie finds herself attracted to Ryder, but then there's Deklan, who's quiet, made her feel welcome, and almost normal again.
Kenzie is having a tough time dealing with her parents separation, she finally has some freedom and uses it to find new friends and find acceptance of her situation.
Kenzie is very young, and in some parts of the story this shows through. She very much wants to fit in and be accepted, so she goes with the flow most of the time. It takes a few 'out of control' moments for her to realise she's better than that, and one tragic event to change the course of her life, and the lives of those around her, forever.
Ryder is your typical good looking teenage boy. He's cocky and self assured, he knows he can have any girl at his beck and call, and he's never been denied what he wants.
Deklan is older, he's finished with High School and he has a job working at Branded, a tattoo parlour. He finds himself attracted to Kenzie, but sees the way she is with Ryder, and steers clear; but it does become harder for him, and his feelings creep through throughout the book.
Overall, Thin White Line by J.A. Templeton is a good, quick, easy read. The characters are good, the story is told well. It doesn't set you alight and it won't change your life, but it's still worth a go on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
April 27, 2014
Some spoilers...
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked Kenzie right from the start. Even though she was miserable and out of her element she accepted her cousin unconditionally. I loved the respect and love the girls had for each-other just because the were family which ultimately lead to them being friends as well.
Teenagers face these types of issues all the time, peer pressure, drugs, sex, self worth and respect, making choices on a daily basis. There's a fine line between experimenting, fun and going too far. I think Kenzie's mom said it best when she said, “Hell, we were kids once. It’s not like we were angels. We were just lucky."
That's the truth.. Anyone who survives being a teenage is lucky... It's some of the roughest years..
As far as the love triangle I was really torn as to who I wanted her to end up with. Even though Ryder was an immature jerk, I was hoping he might realize sooner and change for her before it was too late. But she made the right choice Deklan was always concerned about her and always jumped to protect her which I loved. And in the end she did help Ryder grow to be a better person.
I enjoyed her journey of finding her way and staying true to herself.. In the end everyone was better off even her mother became happier thus just solidifying that some of the things we see as the worst thing to ever happen to us could turn out being the best, if we let it..
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked Kenzie right from the start. Even though she was miserable and out of her element she accepted her cousin unconditionally. I loved the respect and love the girls had for each-other just because the were family which ultimately lead to them being friends as well.
Teenagers face these types of issues all the time, peer pressure, drugs, sex, self worth and respect, making choices on a daily basis. There's a fine line between experimenting, fun and going too far. I think Kenzie's mom said it best when she said, “Hell, we were kids once. It’s not like we were angels. We were just lucky."
That's the truth.. Anyone who survives being a teenage is lucky... It's some of the roughest years..
As far as the love triangle I was really torn as to who I wanted her to end up with. Even though Ryder was an immature jerk, I was hoping he might realize sooner and change for her before it was too late. But she made the right choice Deklan was always concerned about her and always jumped to protect her which I loved. And in the end she did help Ryder grow to be a better person.
I enjoyed her journey of finding her way and staying true to herself.. In the end everyone was better off even her mother became happier thus just solidifying that some of the things we see as the worst thing to ever happen to us could turn out being the best, if we let it..
January 15, 2016
I got this book as a freebie on Kindle and bought it without reading the blurb. It's a freebie- how can you resist!
As I've said in some of reviews, weirdly enough I love reading about drug use- it's probably a weird kind of book fetish. soz. Despite only giving it 2 stars, I had enjoyed it as a short quick read as a freebie.
One thing that I really liked about the novel was the relationship between Kenzie and her cousin. It is something is valuable and precious that I kind of got jealous wanting a relationship like that. Although Brooke can be seen as opening the gateway for drugs, she takes resposnibility and takes care of her cousin.
As for Deklan-
and Ryder-
So after comparing other books, I found that this novel's description was somewhat lacking. I would of liked to see more description.
It was a fairly short novel therefore towards the end I felt that the author was trying to squish 100 ideas into the last few chapters. It would have been so much better if she had extended her chapters as everything was feeling a bit rushed towards the finishing line.
As I've said in some of reviews, weirdly enough I love reading about drug use- it's probably a weird kind of book fetish. soz. Despite only giving it 2 stars, I had enjoyed it as a short quick read as a freebie.
One thing that I really liked about the novel was the relationship between Kenzie and her cousin. It is something is valuable and precious that I kind of got jealous wanting a relationship like that. Although Brooke can be seen as opening the gateway for drugs, she takes resposnibility and takes care of her cousin.
As for Deklan-
and Ryder-
So after comparing other books, I found that this novel's description was somewhat lacking. I would of liked to see more description.
It was a fairly short novel therefore towards the end I felt that the author was trying to squish 100 ideas into the last few chapters. It would have been so much better if she had extended her chapters as everything was feeling a bit rushed towards the finishing line.
September 29, 2016
Kenzie lived in a bubble until her parents' marriage blew up. Her reality included a safe boyfriend, big house in a gated Southern California community with guards. She attended a good school and had few worries. Then the divorce hit, letting things get ugly and life became very different. She found herself a thousand miles north, living in a small apartment while starting at a public school.
Her only salvation was her cousin Brooke. But Brooke has changed a lot since they last saw each other. She's edgy now, smokes, drinks and has multiple ear piercings as well as singing in a local band. At first, Kenzie's a bit put off by the changes, but she quickly re-bonds with her cousin and after meeting Ryder and Declan, two very hot members of the band, her need to belong, coupled with her feelings of loss, propel her down a path unimaginable just months before. Where it takes her and what happens to the new people in her life is a very good cautionary tale for at-risk teens. It doesn't preach, instead letting the consequences of Kenzie's choices, coupled with ones made by Brooke, her boyfriend and Ryder, give readers a chance to think about the results of risky behavior. Strong language and a sex scene at the end may put off some teens and/or librarians, but the overall story, coupled with its message, should outweigh such concerns.
Her only salvation was her cousin Brooke. But Brooke has changed a lot since they last saw each other. She's edgy now, smokes, drinks and has multiple ear piercings as well as singing in a local band. At first, Kenzie's a bit put off by the changes, but she quickly re-bonds with her cousin and after meeting Ryder and Declan, two very hot members of the band, her need to belong, coupled with her feelings of loss, propel her down a path unimaginable just months before. Where it takes her and what happens to the new people in her life is a very good cautionary tale for at-risk teens. It doesn't preach, instead letting the consequences of Kenzie's choices, coupled with ones made by Brooke, her boyfriend and Ryder, give readers a chance to think about the results of risky behavior. Strong language and a sex scene at the end may put off some teens and/or librarians, but the overall story, coupled with its message, should outweigh such concerns.
April 9, 2014
In my naivety I had no idea that thin white line meant cocaine!! In my defense I got it as a free Kindle ebook from my Kindle device that has a small black and white picture that is barely visible and I was in a hurry to download as many books as I could before I had to get on a plane to go to a place where I wouldn't have internet... and it just went downhill from there.
This book reminded me of pieces of my life that I really want to put behind me. It hurt me that these people threw their lives away on being popular and that the main character was so weak that she went along with it because her cousin was into it. I don't think this sends a good message to the age of people that it's intended for.
I also was very angry in how it ended. Everyone rallied over a girls O.D. and cleaned themselves up. This book completely failed to recognize the power that drugs have over a persons life and completely misrepresented it. The author writes as if drug use is a game that you can quit at any time, and that's not true. It made me angry to give a message to teenagers that it's easy to clean yourself up at any time. I think the author's attitude about casual sex and drugs was offensive.
This book reminded me of pieces of my life that I really want to put behind me. It hurt me that these people threw their lives away on being popular and that the main character was so weak that she went along with it because her cousin was into it. I don't think this sends a good message to the age of people that it's intended for.
I also was very angry in how it ended. Everyone rallied over a girls O.D. and cleaned themselves up. This book completely failed to recognize the power that drugs have over a persons life and completely misrepresented it. The author writes as if drug use is a game that you can quit at any time, and that's not true. It made me angry to give a message to teenagers that it's easy to clean yourself up at any time. I think the author's attitude about casual sex and drugs was offensive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2014
Kenzie ist sehr behütet in einem reichen Elternhaus in Kalifornien aufgewachsen. Nach der Scheidung der Eltern zieht sie mit ihrer Mutter in ein bescheideneres Heim in die Nähe ihrer Tante, während der Vater mit seiner halb so alten Freundin im alten Heim ein neues Leben beginnt.
Brooke, Kenzies Cousine kümmert sich um sie.
Brooke singt in einer aufstrebenden Band und Kenzie lernt zum ersten Mal Jungs kennen, die nicht wohlerzogen sind. Unerfahren, wie sie ist, schlittert sie in ein Chaos zwischen zwei Jungs. Dazu kommen Probleme in der Schule, wo sie gemobbt wird. Und ihr Vater ignoriert sie, seine Prinzessin, während er das Wochenende mit ihrem Bruder verbringt.... Der Schritt zu den Drogen wird durch ermutigende Worte von Brooke und ihren Freunden leicht gemacht. Und schon ist das perfekte Drama kreiert.
Die Geschichte zeigt, wie leicht man zu Drogen kommen kann, wie gefährlich sie sind und dass nicht alle Menschen, die Drogen nehmen Tattoos haben und schlechte Menschen sind.
Eine gute 'coming-of-age'-Geschichte, die nicht zu pädagogisch geschrieben ist.
Brooke, Kenzies Cousine kümmert sich um sie.
Brooke singt in einer aufstrebenden Band und Kenzie lernt zum ersten Mal Jungs kennen, die nicht wohlerzogen sind. Unerfahren, wie sie ist, schlittert sie in ein Chaos zwischen zwei Jungs. Dazu kommen Probleme in der Schule, wo sie gemobbt wird. Und ihr Vater ignoriert sie, seine Prinzessin, während er das Wochenende mit ihrem Bruder verbringt.... Der Schritt zu den Drogen wird durch ermutigende Worte von Brooke und ihren Freunden leicht gemacht. Und schon ist das perfekte Drama kreiert.
Die Geschichte zeigt, wie leicht man zu Drogen kommen kann, wie gefährlich sie sind und dass nicht alle Menschen, die Drogen nehmen Tattoos haben und schlechte Menschen sind.
Eine gute 'coming-of-age'-Geschichte, die nicht zu pädagogisch geschrieben ist.
April 27, 2014
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. It has its flaws and my patience for this increasingly more common YA/NA hybrid genre is next to nothing. The author latched onto a couple of terms and phrases and recycled them one too many times for my taste but I pressed on and finished this story in one sitting.
I'm okay with the "too stupid to live" type of heroines as long as I see steady growth and progress. Kenzie is young and quite naive but she doesn't just twirl her hair and pop her gum through her lightbulb moments.
The supporting cast is filled with troubled kids who make bad choices, kids of whom the love for music, partying and lots of other "extracurricular activities" gives them common, albeit unsteady, ground.
Thin White Line leans heavier towards the NA genre, verses YA even though the majority of the characters are in highschool. The story is angsty and hormone driven with no "fade to black". I'm curious of how this series will progress onward.
I'm okay with the "too stupid to live" type of heroines as long as I see steady growth and progress. Kenzie is young and quite naive but she doesn't just twirl her hair and pop her gum through her lightbulb moments.
The supporting cast is filled with troubled kids who make bad choices, kids of whom the love for music, partying and lots of other "extracurricular activities" gives them common, albeit unsteady, ground.
Thin White Line leans heavier towards the NA genre, verses YA even though the majority of the characters are in highschool. The story is angsty and hormone driven with no "fade to black". I'm curious of how this series will progress onward.
June 30, 2014
There is a lot of heavy subject matter in this story which is the reality of teens these days. I have read some really well done novels that cover these subjects (sex, drugs,alcohol, family issues, etc), but THIN WHITE LINE didn't work for me.
The character development wasn't deep enough that I really felt the darkness that lead to taking drugs. The drug taking itself just felt like a plot device to preach "don't take drugs" and everything seemed a little too easy the way it worked out.
There is a love triangle, but I never really got why Kenzi was so desirable other than she was new to town. Ryder and Deklan were interesting characters and not just because they were "the sexiest men Kenzie had ever met". They definitely has some yin and yang going on, but I would have like to have learned a little more about them.
This is 200 pages, so a fast read but it really could have used an extra 100 pages for character development.
The character development wasn't deep enough that I really felt the darkness that lead to taking drugs. The drug taking itself just felt like a plot device to preach "don't take drugs" and everything seemed a little too easy the way it worked out.
There is a love triangle, but I never really got why Kenzi was so desirable other than she was new to town. Ryder and Deklan were interesting characters and not just because they were "the sexiest men Kenzie had ever met". They definitely has some yin and yang going on, but I would have like to have learned a little more about them.
This is 200 pages, so a fast read but it really could have used an extra 100 pages for character development.
May 29, 2013
this was a great story. its about real things that can and do happen. from peer pressure to just wanting to fit in.
this is about a good girl who was privileged and loved her life. she then had to move to a new state and school. only person she knew was her cousin Brooke who is nothing like kenzie remembered. kenzie meets hot band mates of Brooke's....Ryder and Deklan....both ooze sexiness. Kenzie finds herself in situations she never thought about before and makes choices not thinking about the consequences. eventually bad things happen and Kenzie must face reality and be who she is. she's able to grow and start feeling better about who she is and who she wants!!!
this was a great read!!!!
this is about a good girl who was privileged and loved her life. she then had to move to a new state and school. only person she knew was her cousin Brooke who is nothing like kenzie remembered. kenzie meets hot band mates of Brooke's....Ryder and Deklan....both ooze sexiness. Kenzie finds herself in situations she never thought about before and makes choices not thinking about the consequences. eventually bad things happen and Kenzie must face reality and be who she is. she's able to grow and start feeling better about who she is and who she wants!!!
this was a great read!!!!
November 13, 2013
Kenzie is a high school student whose life gets flipped upside down due to her parents' divorce. Her mother moves her back to her childhood city and Kenzie is instantly the uncomfortable, unhappy outsider. Brooke, her cousin, steps in and gives her a life and new friends. Kenzie makes a handful of dumb decisions but learns almost more than she can bare throughout the process.
This is a great Saturday afternoon read. It's simple, quick, easy and keeps you interested to the end. I love the characters and how much their personalities evolve throughout the story, it's very realistic. The reason for four stars instead of five is that I felt the story was too rushed. It was getting amazing and then ended. If you're looking for a teen romance, I suggest you read this.
This is a great Saturday afternoon read. It's simple, quick, easy and keeps you interested to the end. I love the characters and how much their personalities evolve throughout the story, it's very realistic. The reason for four stars instead of five is that I felt the story was too rushed. It was getting amazing and then ended. If you're looking for a teen romance, I suggest you read this.
February 9, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It's probably not something I would read again (or a series I would pursue), but I enjoyed the writing style. I was easy to read. It was a little... almost a bit judgmental at times, I guess? Which sounds ridiculous considering the contents of the book as a whole. Or maybe that was the point? A lesson learned? I guess it depends on if you're reading it as a teenager, or as the mother of a teenager. (Sidenote: Reading books like this as mother-of-a-teenager will only make you feel old and paranoid about your medicine cabinet.)
My only other complaint was that the ending was wrapped a little too neatly - and quickly - for my taste with a happy ending and a bow, but that's not the end of the world.
My only other complaint was that the ending was wrapped a little too neatly - and quickly - for my taste with a happy ending and a bow, but that's not the end of the world.
April 8, 2014
when i was reading the ending i was like
the end makes no dam sense i dont fucken understand like was my book missing pages or something
at first i enjoyed the book dint care to much for ryder tho werid right.. but deklan
i wish there was more to the story so much could have been done with it good fast read
the end makes no dam sense i dont fucken understand like was my book missing pages or something
at first i enjoyed the book dint care to much for ryder tho werid right.. but deklan
i wish there was more to the story so much could have been done with it good fast read
April 16, 2014
Enjoyed, for sure. 3.5-4 star rating.
This story was realistic for the most part and it including the gritty details of peer pressure. The characters were lovable and enjoyable. I quickly became attached to the all the characters but I do feel that more depth could have been given to them if the book was longer. At some points the story seemed rushed and that is what lowered it's rating for me. I enjoyed the ending results but it could have been explained in more detail. I am the type that reads books over and over if I love them. As for this book, I will put it in the 'maybe' shelf...it will not be my first choice to re-read but always an option because I do love the characters. I am excited to read the next book in this series.
This story was realistic for the most part and it including the gritty details of peer pressure. The characters were lovable and enjoyable. I quickly became attached to the all the characters but I do feel that more depth could have been given to them if the book was longer. At some points the story seemed rushed and that is what lowered it's rating for me. I enjoyed the ending results but it could have been explained in more detail. I am the type that reads books over and over if I love them. As for this book, I will put it in the 'maybe' shelf...it will not be my first choice to re-read but always an option because I do love the characters. I am excited to read the next book in this series.
May 21, 2013
I've never read any of J.A. Templeton books before but the book cover caught my attention. I first thought that Kenize’s character was going to be an uptight snooty girl but she was totally different. Loved her cousin Brook because she didn’t give a crap about what other people thought of her. Kenize’s knows right from wrong but will she make the right choices at the end.
I did wonder on who Kenize was going to end up with!
Would it be Ryder ~ the good looking guitar player or Deklan ~the tattoo, piercing, rock hard body drummer?
Anyway, I was not disappointed and I loved the ending!
I did wonder on who Kenize was going to end up with!
Would it be Ryder ~ the good looking guitar player or Deklan ~the tattoo, piercing, rock hard body drummer?
Anyway, I was not disappointed and I loved the ending!
September 25, 2013
This may be the best YA book I've ever read. It tells about Kenzie and how her parents divorce is affecting her.
She deals with moving from her mansion in California to an apatment in Washington. The story follows her friendship with her cousin Brooke, who's a singer in a band. Her developing relationship with Ryder, the bass player. Her feelings for Deklan , the drummer. The drugs and alcohol she participates in, friends that turn on her, life and death situations, and her father abandoning her.
My only problem is it skips over how hard kicking drugs are but this story is so well written. I'm truly glad I got to read this.
I recieved my copy through goodreads first reads.
She deals with moving from her mansion in California to an apatment in Washington. The story follows her friendship with her cousin Brooke, who's a singer in a band. Her developing relationship with Ryder, the bass player. Her feelings for Deklan , the drummer. The drugs and alcohol she participates in, friends that turn on her, life and death situations, and her father abandoning her.
My only problem is it skips over how hard kicking drugs are but this story is so well written. I'm truly glad I got to read this.
I recieved my copy through goodreads first reads.
March 22, 2014
I loved this book, darker than some of my recent reads I couldn't put it down.
Kenzie moves from California to Vancouver to be closer to family when her mother and father's marriage breaks down. Reunited with her cousin Brooke, Kenzie starts a new high school a far cry from what she's used to. Feeling out of sorts with everything in her life, Brooke takes her under her wing and introduces her to the band she plays with. Suddenly exposed to hot dangerously handsome men, alcohol and drugs. Kenzie finds herself out of her depth and attracted to someone her cousin warns her about, Ryder.
A surprisingly addictive read.
Kenzie moves from California to Vancouver to be closer to family when her mother and father's marriage breaks down. Reunited with her cousin Brooke, Kenzie starts a new high school a far cry from what she's used to. Feeling out of sorts with everything in her life, Brooke takes her under her wing and introduces her to the band she plays with. Suddenly exposed to hot dangerously handsome men, alcohol and drugs. Kenzie finds herself out of her depth and attracted to someone her cousin warns her about, Ryder.
A surprisingly addictive read.
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