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The Vipers Nest #1
Venom
If they're going to whisper anyway, give them something to shout!
The only thing that’s kept me from being a nobody is my red hair, but most people still get my name wrong or call me: ‘Matchstick,’ instead. You know… skinny body, big red head? I’d like to write my peers off as idiots but unfortunately, I owe a teacher for that one.
Being invisible sucks. So to get some attention, I punched my boyfriend for dumping me in the middle of math class, broke the school captain’s leg and threw myself at the delicious new guy… right in front of queen b-cup Sonia, who wants Saxon too. I was shameless. Trampy… and now I’m bad news with no school spirit.
Apparently. They call it: ‘Gossip’ and not ‘The News’ for a reason!
I swear that I only did most of that stuff. I think. I don’t know… I was pretty mad so it’s hard to remember... and Saxon Clarke is so pretty that I could cry!
Well, I’m not invisible anymore. And if that American PE teacher thinks that handing me a pair of Pom Poms is going to set me straight... then maybe she’s onto something.
It’s time for this Matchstick to light up.
The only thing that’s kept me from being a nobody is my red hair, but most people still get my name wrong or call me: ‘Matchstick,’ instead. You know… skinny body, big red head? I’d like to write my peers off as idiots but unfortunately, I owe a teacher for that one.
Being invisible sucks. So to get some attention, I punched my boyfriend for dumping me in the middle of math class, broke the school captain’s leg and threw myself at the delicious new guy… right in front of queen b-cup Sonia, who wants Saxon too. I was shameless. Trampy… and now I’m bad news with no school spirit.
Apparently. They call it: ‘Gossip’ and not ‘The News’ for a reason!
I swear that I only did most of that stuff. I think. I don’t know… I was pretty mad so it’s hard to remember... and Saxon Clarke is so pretty that I could cry!
Well, I’m not invisible anymore. And if that American PE teacher thinks that handing me a pair of Pom Poms is going to set me straight... then maybe she’s onto something.
It’s time for this Matchstick to light up.
- GenresYoung Adult
260 pages, ebook
First published August 6, 2014
8 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Fenn
3 books12 followersSamantha Fenn is an Aussie mummy and a former coach/flyer/ captain for Adrenalin Cheer & Dance in Australia.
She has several novels published under a pen name, but is using Samantha Fenn now for her young adult novels. venom is her first YA but will not be the last :)
She has several novels published under a pen name, but is using Samantha Fenn now for her young adult novels. venom is her first YA but will not be the last :)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 4, 2014
*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
And quite honestly, I really loved this book.
When it was first described to me as a book about cheerleading I was skeptical. Cheerleading doesn't exactly have the best rep. But I wouldn't describe it as a book about cheerleading. Granted, that serves as a relatively important factor, but this book is really about a girl battling the evils of high school and fulfilling her dreams. (I made that sound corny, but just trust me on this)
Bronte Holloway is a junior in high school. She has her group of friends and her drifter of a boyfriend Aron, but otherwise, she's not popular. That is until the fateful Valentines day when all the shit that can possibly hit the fan does so. Her boyfriend dumps her, again, this time for her best friend Tahlia. Bronte is then saddled with detention for smacking Aron (rightly deserved on his part), and while her and her fellow detention takers are scrubbing gum off the bottom of the bleachers, Bronte witnesses Heaven on Earth. A 6ft tall body of yum walks in for basketball practice, casting her a shy grin as she openly stares. Then the other girls decide to pull a prank, one that results in the very broken leg of a basketball player. Bronte takes the blame and is given hell by the school and the new guy in return. As detention for their prank gone awry, Bronte and the other girls are put under Coach Brennan's watch. And Coach Brennan wants a cheer team for the basketball games since they actually have a chance for the championship title this year. We watch Bronte become a better person, by learning to come out of her shell, and as she falls for the new guy, Saxon Clarke.
My description of the book doesn't do it justice. Samantha Fenn is a master storyteller because you become so connected with the character that you feel everything she does and get so immensely frustrated that you want to throttle someone (in the best possible way). Everyday Bronte went to school and was bullied I felt embarrassed even though the only thing I have in common with Bronte is her red hair. But I loved watching her character grow from the timid girl who let everyone roll over her into the bad-ass everyone thought she was ever since that prank she took the fall for. I absolutely loved the side characters, her detention partners Aisha, Bree, and Tessa. They were all uniquely different and hilarious, and grew on me just as they did Bronte. Saxon, the new guy, was frustrating to the bone, but at the same time SO likable. He and Bronte butted heads left and right, but still there was attraction (obviously) and the tension was so palpable every time they interacted. So many embarrassing things happened to Bronte that made me want to dig a hole and cower there for eternity, but Bronte handled the situations, albeit not all as gracefully as possible. Spoiler; she may have flashed someone. ;)
Brilliant book. Seriously. I kept craving to read it when I was away, it was that good.
Happy Reading!!!!
And quite honestly, I really loved this book.
When it was first described to me as a book about cheerleading I was skeptical. Cheerleading doesn't exactly have the best rep. But I wouldn't describe it as a book about cheerleading. Granted, that serves as a relatively important factor, but this book is really about a girl battling the evils of high school and fulfilling her dreams. (I made that sound corny, but just trust me on this)
Bronte Holloway is a junior in high school. She has her group of friends and her drifter of a boyfriend Aron, but otherwise, she's not popular. That is until the fateful Valentines day when all the shit that can possibly hit the fan does so. Her boyfriend dumps her, again, this time for her best friend Tahlia. Bronte is then saddled with detention for smacking Aron (rightly deserved on his part), and while her and her fellow detention takers are scrubbing gum off the bottom of the bleachers, Bronte witnesses Heaven on Earth. A 6ft tall body of yum walks in for basketball practice, casting her a shy grin as she openly stares. Then the other girls decide to pull a prank, one that results in the very broken leg of a basketball player. Bronte takes the blame and is given hell by the school and the new guy in return. As detention for their prank gone awry, Bronte and the other girls are put under Coach Brennan's watch. And Coach Brennan wants a cheer team for the basketball games since they actually have a chance for the championship title this year. We watch Bronte become a better person, by learning to come out of her shell, and as she falls for the new guy, Saxon Clarke.
My description of the book doesn't do it justice. Samantha Fenn is a master storyteller because you become so connected with the character that you feel everything she does and get so immensely frustrated that you want to throttle someone (in the best possible way). Everyday Bronte went to school and was bullied I felt embarrassed even though the only thing I have in common with Bronte is her red hair. But I loved watching her character grow from the timid girl who let everyone roll over her into the bad-ass everyone thought she was ever since that prank she took the fall for. I absolutely loved the side characters, her detention partners Aisha, Bree, and Tessa. They were all uniquely different and hilarious, and grew on me just as they did Bronte. Saxon, the new guy, was frustrating to the bone, but at the same time SO likable. He and Bronte butted heads left and right, but still there was attraction (obviously) and the tension was so palpable every time they interacted. So many embarrassing things happened to Bronte that made me want to dig a hole and cower there for eternity, but Bronte handled the situations, albeit not all as gracefully as possible. Spoiler; she may have flashed someone. ;)
Brilliant book. Seriously. I kept craving to read it when I was away, it was that good.
Happy Reading!!!!
September 5, 2014
Wallflower Bronte is having the worst day ever. It's Valentine's day and her long time boyfriend tells her he has feelings for her best friend. While serving detention with 3 other girls for giving him a well earned slap she sees the new guy Saxton and has an instant attraction. She is then witness to a prank on the basketball team resulting in the captains broken leg. She takes the blame to protect the other girls since she has the least to lose. Now she is public enemy #1 and Saxton hates her.
As punishment her and the other girls are being forced into becoming a cheerleading team for the basketball team, but they have to be quiet about it. Now vicious rumors are being started about her by the queen bee and Saxton's girlfriend Sonia. Plus is seems her history teacher is out to get her expelled.
I loved this story! I love Bronte, her new friends and sometimes Saxton. Although it does involve cheerleading it doesn't revolve around it. All the crap Bronte is put through had me wanting to kick some butt for her. I wanted her to grow some confidence and stand up for herself but I figured that would make it worse. And when she does it gives the school something new to talk about.
I was sucked into her story so much that halfway through I knew it was getting 5 stars. I was wishing it was longer or the first in a series, so I was excited when I got to the end and saw the blurb for another one. I hope it goes the way I want and I would really like to know what's on that teachers computer.
This is Samantha's first YA and she did excellent! I did notice a couple of typos but nothing major.
I was given an ebook by the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you
As punishment her and the other girls are being forced into becoming a cheerleading team for the basketball team, but they have to be quiet about it. Now vicious rumors are being started about her by the queen bee and Saxton's girlfriend Sonia. Plus is seems her history teacher is out to get her expelled.
I loved this story! I love Bronte, her new friends and sometimes Saxton. Although it does involve cheerleading it doesn't revolve around it. All the crap Bronte is put through had me wanting to kick some butt for her. I wanted her to grow some confidence and stand up for herself but I figured that would make it worse. And when she does it gives the school something new to talk about.
I was sucked into her story so much that halfway through I knew it was getting 5 stars. I was wishing it was longer or the first in a series, so I was excited when I got to the end and saw the blurb for another one. I hope it goes the way I want and I would really like to know what's on that teachers computer.
This is Samantha's first YA and she did excellent! I did notice a couple of typos but nothing major.
I was given an ebook by the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you
August 22, 2014
Source: I received a digital copy of this book from the author for free on a read-to-review basis. A huge thank you to Samantha Fenn for the opportunity!
And an opportunity it was, because typically I wouldn’t be into books like this. Maybe I’m wrong, but when I hear about cheerleading books, I usually invision vapid, shallow characters with their main motivation being making it to the top of the pyramid. In this instance, I was wrong. Although a book involving cheerleading, it wasn’t a book about cheerleading, meaning the main character had stronger motivations than becoming head cheerleader or the most popular girl in school. Of course there were the shallow, status-obsessed characters, but they were secondary to the main plot that unfolded, which was a story of self-discovery and the idea that it’s okay to stand out, stand up, and chase your dreams.
High school Junior Bronte Holloway, after dumping her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day because he decided he was into her best friend, she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, when the school’s basketball captain takes a tumble and breaks his leg, and she’s blamed for the entire incident. Of course, now boy Saxon Clarke takes one look at her and decides she’s the devil incarnate, because who does stuff like that?
Anyways, throughout the story, we see Bronte fall for Saxon Clarke, and it becomes pretty obvious he’s falling right back. Although both try to hide their feelings by throwing themselves into other relationships, it only works to pull them closer together until the breathtaking finale that will have you reading frantically just wanting to know what happens.
Typically, I’m not a huge teen romance fan. I find them shallow, repetitive, and the love story usually feels to inevitable to be enjoyable. Samantha Fenn wove a fantastic story, which left the reader wanting the best for Bronte Holloway and her unlikely group of friends. The book ended in such a way that it feels like everything’s tied up in a little bow, but there’s that one stray thread that’s just begging to be pulled, and pulled I’m sure it will be.
The only criticism I have of this book, and it's not even a huge thing, is the multiple pop culture references. I only say this because they might date the book way before its time, since in a couple of years, a lot of the references might be obsolete (like Justin Bieber *crosses fingers*).
If the end of the book is accurate, and the second book in the series is coming out in October, well I’ll be counting down the days! I’d recommend this book to anyone who asked, because it’s such an invaluable read. The wording was wonderful, with metaphors that made your heart skip a beat and your breath catch in your throat just like the characters in the book. Again, I can’t thank the author enough for providing the opportunity to read this book, because I’m not sure if I would’ve come across it otherwise.
A million stars for Samantha Fenn's debut YA novel; set the fiction world on fire and keep on writing!
And an opportunity it was, because typically I wouldn’t be into books like this. Maybe I’m wrong, but when I hear about cheerleading books, I usually invision vapid, shallow characters with their main motivation being making it to the top of the pyramid. In this instance, I was wrong. Although a book involving cheerleading, it wasn’t a book about cheerleading, meaning the main character had stronger motivations than becoming head cheerleader or the most popular girl in school. Of course there were the shallow, status-obsessed characters, but they were secondary to the main plot that unfolded, which was a story of self-discovery and the idea that it’s okay to stand out, stand up, and chase your dreams.
High school Junior Bronte Holloway, after dumping her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day because he decided he was into her best friend, she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, when the school’s basketball captain takes a tumble and breaks his leg, and she’s blamed for the entire incident. Of course, now boy Saxon Clarke takes one look at her and decides she’s the devil incarnate, because who does stuff like that?
Anyways, throughout the story, we see Bronte fall for Saxon Clarke, and it becomes pretty obvious he’s falling right back. Although both try to hide their feelings by throwing themselves into other relationships, it only works to pull them closer together until the breathtaking finale that will have you reading frantically just wanting to know what happens.
Typically, I’m not a huge teen romance fan. I find them shallow, repetitive, and the love story usually feels to inevitable to be enjoyable. Samantha Fenn wove a fantastic story, which left the reader wanting the best for Bronte Holloway and her unlikely group of friends. The book ended in such a way that it feels like everything’s tied up in a little bow, but there’s that one stray thread that’s just begging to be pulled, and pulled I’m sure it will be.
The only criticism I have of this book, and it's not even a huge thing, is the multiple pop culture references. I only say this because they might date the book way before its time, since in a couple of years, a lot of the references might be obsolete (like Justin Bieber *crosses fingers*).
If the end of the book is accurate, and the second book in the series is coming out in October, well I’ll be counting down the days! I’d recommend this book to anyone who asked, because it’s such an invaluable read. The wording was wonderful, with metaphors that made your heart skip a beat and your breath catch in your throat just like the characters in the book. Again, I can’t thank the author enough for providing the opportunity to read this book, because I’m not sure if I would’ve come across it otherwise.
A million stars for Samantha Fenn's debut YA novel; set the fiction world on fire and keep on writing!
November 8, 2014
I recieved a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Venom
Series: The Viper's Nest
Author: Samantha Fenn
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Rating: 4 Stars
Bronte Holloway was a typically good student, she was invisible, she wasn't a swot and the most dramatic thing she ever had done in her life was her relationship with the popular boy, Aron. But when Aron admits his feelings for Bronte's best friend, Tahlia, she see's red as bright as her hair! And all this happened on Valentine's Day! Winding up in detention, she gets caught in a plot for a complicated prank against the basketball team that ends up with an ambulance being called. When she takes the sole responsibility, how can she convince not only her friends and the student body that she isn't an outlaw but how can she convince the beautiful new boy Saxon that she isn't a psychopath?
When I seen the cover for this book, I kind of expected a paranormal story or at least a book with paranormal elements but this book was a typical feel good contemporary about loving yourself, helping others and overcoming your demons. The cover would be the only issue I would have this book to be honest, it was kind of misleading. Bronte is a relatable teenage girl, she has insecurities, she has passions, she has ups and downs. The only thing that didn't seem relatable to me was her obsession with puberty. It was a bit awkward. I loved her character though, when she was standing up to Sonia, I kind of wanted to stand up on the bus and clap.
Saxon's character had me in spins sometimes, I wanted to hate him, I wanted to love him and I ended up feeling indifferent towards him in some places. His backstory was interesting and I kind of wanted more development on it, like how it affected him, has he spoke to his ex since? I'm always drawn to stories of vulnerability as I believe they hold a lot of potential. This is a story I'd love to read more about in the next installment of the book.
All in all, a good book and a interesting read, well done, and thank you Samantha Fenn!
Title: Venom
Series: The Viper's Nest
Author: Samantha Fenn
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Rating: 4 Stars
Bronte Holloway was a typically good student, she was invisible, she wasn't a swot and the most dramatic thing she ever had done in her life was her relationship with the popular boy, Aron. But when Aron admits his feelings for Bronte's best friend, Tahlia, she see's red as bright as her hair! And all this happened on Valentine's Day! Winding up in detention, she gets caught in a plot for a complicated prank against the basketball team that ends up with an ambulance being called. When she takes the sole responsibility, how can she convince not only her friends and the student body that she isn't an outlaw but how can she convince the beautiful new boy Saxon that she isn't a psychopath?
When I seen the cover for this book, I kind of expected a paranormal story or at least a book with paranormal elements but this book was a typical feel good contemporary about loving yourself, helping others and overcoming your demons. The cover would be the only issue I would have this book to be honest, it was kind of misleading. Bronte is a relatable teenage girl, she has insecurities, she has passions, she has ups and downs. The only thing that didn't seem relatable to me was her obsession with puberty. It was a bit awkward. I loved her character though, when she was standing up to Sonia, I kind of wanted to stand up on the bus and clap.
Saxon's character had me in spins sometimes, I wanted to hate him, I wanted to love him and I ended up feeling indifferent towards him in some places. His backstory was interesting and I kind of wanted more development on it, like how it affected him, has he spoke to his ex since? I'm always drawn to stories of vulnerability as I believe they hold a lot of potential. This is a story I'd love to read more about in the next installment of the book.
All in all, a good book and a interesting read, well done, and thank you Samantha Fenn!
August 27, 2014
Okay, so I will be honest.. I used to think cheerleading was reserved for gorgeous teenage witches drunk on popularity with ADHD or adult versions with silicone DD's desperate to be ogled and bag a footy head. In my defence.. Here in NSW, Australia (no, I have never met Saxon's ex ;)) the only cheer we see are glimpses on television. That was also before this book opened my eyes. I needed a visual and so I visited youtube and discovered that cheer requires a great deal of athletic ability and skill. I am actually jealous. I wanna be a cheerleader too!! But, Alas I still haven't perfected the star jump let alone mid-air toe taps.
Anyways, if you aren't a cheer fan don't turn away from this book like I almost did because the cheer aspect is only a sideline to the overall story, which is a cute and funny tale of teenage lust, first love, friendship and betrayal.
This was an entertaining story and I could not put it down. I only wish I were a young adult so I could have enjoyed this story completely and that hottie #2 won in the end but thats just me :)
Anyways, if you aren't a cheer fan don't turn away from this book like I almost did because the cheer aspect is only a sideline to the overall story, which is a cute and funny tale of teenage lust, first love, friendship and betrayal.
This was an entertaining story and I could not put it down. I only wish I were a young adult so I could have enjoyed this story completely and that hottie #2 won in the end but thats just me :)
August 25, 2014
Oh WOW.....I started reading this book last night.....thought I'd give it a looksee.....I finished it two hours later could not put it down.....I could barely read the last chapter as I was crying....I know I'm a bit of a sook and cry during films.... you know those ones where something so joyful has happened that your eyes leak.
The characters are so believable....this book has it all, highly recomend giving it a read, don't think YA....It has no boundries as far as an age thing. It's not childish/teenagerish.
Can't wait for the next installment
The characters are so believable....this book has it all, highly recomend giving it a read, don't think YA....It has no boundries as far as an age thing. It's not childish/teenagerish.
Can't wait for the next installment
November 15, 2014
This is a great YA book (I'm an adult and I loved it!) full of teenage angst and everything that goes along with high school life in general. Bullying, gossip and mean spirited teens. The coach finds an unusual way to punish four girls for a prank gone wrong and it manages to change the way Bronte views herself and those around her. This story has some interesting twists. I think that teens will be able to identify with this story and really enjoy it!
September 1, 2014
*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This book has a well-executed plot that sucked me in from the start. It also talks about friendship, loyalty, and life in general. I found that all the characters in this book I can relate to in some way shape or form.
Venom is a great YA book that will give you all the feels of high school. I truly enjoyed this book.
This book has a well-executed plot that sucked me in from the start. It also talks about friendship, loyalty, and life in general. I found that all the characters in this book I can relate to in some way shape or form.
Venom is a great YA book that will give you all the feels of high school. I truly enjoyed this book.
February 13, 2015
Book Trailer http://t.co/3lS8CWsMHC
January 9, 2015
Loved it!! Great, realistic story that a lot of people can relate to bringing you back to high school politics
May 23, 2015
I really cannot get enough of this author's books!! She had me hooked at the first chapter. Venom surrounds a redheaded girl named Bronte who is having a Valentine's Day from hell!! When her boyfriend breaks up with her for her best friend she has a right to be more than a little upset. Afterwards, in detention, her detention-mates decide to get a few boys back after saying some cruel words and that turns disastrous for one in particular. To make matters worse, the hottie new guy, Saxon, is a part of the disaster that Bronte takes the blame for. In result of the mishap Saxon takes every chance to make a jab at Bronte for the damage done. I really do feel a genuine connection to Bronte in this book. Bronte gets constantly bullied from then on out with wild rumours spread about her at every turn. I have experience in this and it is not a very pleasant thing to bare the brunt of. Though, as the bad becomes worse there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Bronte befriends her detention-mates, and as a unique punishment they are forced to work together to form a cheer squad. I really enjoy these parts of the books because I absolutely LOVE Bring It On!!! This book has something for everyone. I do think that this book ended a little too abruptly for my taste because I really wanted MORE. I will definitely be reading the next book as soon as I possibly can!! I highly recommend this book for EVERYONE especially those who enjoy love-hate relationships, some standing up to bullies action, friends in unlikely situations, and a really hot book boyfriend who is out of reach!!!
July 27, 2023
Venom packs a punch! And it was nothing like I expected, which made it all the more interesting. Bronte’s boyfriend has just told her he’s fallen for her best friend, so she hits him. Her detention opens her eyes to the new guy in school, Sexton. However she decided to take the blame for a prank which costs the school’s basketball team a broken leg … for their captain and Sexton declared her as the mortal enemy. And what better punishment for that is to join the basketball cheerleader team. That in itself is a great storyline!
This book is not all teenage romance. It does dig deeper and explores the bullying that Bronte faced by other students and even one of her teachers. The fact that she sorts through some very prickly relationships with the other girls on detention and in the cheerleading team is quite genuine; it’s not all hearts and roses. And I think that’s why it works so well. It is not as predictable as you think. There is a lot of time spent around Bronte showing her vulnerability and inability to kick her self-esteem into gear, and that does reflect the hardships and effects of being outcasts at a young age. This book does set itself up for the next book in the series as well.
Highly recommend this book, @authorskmunt has done a great job starting this series.
This book is not all teenage romance. It does dig deeper and explores the bullying that Bronte faced by other students and even one of her teachers. The fact that she sorts through some very prickly relationships with the other girls on detention and in the cheerleading team is quite genuine; it’s not all hearts and roses. And I think that’s why it works so well. It is not as predictable as you think. There is a lot of time spent around Bronte showing her vulnerability and inability to kick her self-esteem into gear, and that does reflect the hardships and effects of being outcasts at a young age. This book does set itself up for the next book in the series as well.
Highly recommend this book, @authorskmunt has done a great job starting this series.
November 18, 2015
This book as far better than I expected. I thought it would be light-hearted and mindless, so I read it cuz that's what I was in the mood for. And I soon discovered that it was not only entertaining as hell, but also actually had meaning. Now there's insta-love and a hell of a lot of petty High School drama, but I enjoyed this book so much that I'm not going to knock of three stars for the insta love-- I'll only knock off one.
October 27, 2014
High School drama
I know I can't spell and grammatical errors are a huge weaknesses of mine, but this is full of them. Overall though the book was alright. I don't really care for HS stories. I left that drama behind when I graduated too many years ago to count.
I know I can't spell and grammatical errors are a huge weaknesses of mine, but this is full of them. Overall though the book was alright. I don't really care for HS stories. I left that drama behind when I graduated too many years ago to count.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews