Rev Girl

The Go Girls Chronicles #1

by Leigh Hutton

It's hard to be the new girl, but it's even harder being the new girl who races dirt bikes...

Ever since her parents forced her to move from Canada to Silvertown, Colorado, Clover Kassedy hasn't fit in. So how do you deal when everyone hates you?

Focusing all her energy on racing her motorcycle did it for a while, but now that Clover's managed to find a bestie and a boyfriend, the pressure on the sixteen-year-old is worse than ever.

She's determined to get to the World Championships, where she could finally meet her idol - an Australian, the World Champion - and have a shot at becoming a professional dirt bike racer. But with her super-competitive dad, horrible mother and relentless bullies at races and at high school, Clover is struggling to make her dreams a reality.

Will it be her scheming ex-best-friend who shatters her world? Or will she let her 'perfect' boyfriend - the guy who has finally made her feel like she belongs in their school and their town - stop her from becoming an international racing star?

*This book includes teen themes and mild swearing.

Genres: Young Adult, Sports

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2014

About the author

Leigh Hutton is a former Courier-Mail journalist, dirt bike racer and horse show jumper. Leigh was born in Canada and lives on rural property in southeast Queensland, Australia, with her husband and three young children. When she isn’t writing, managing the relocation and restoration of historic ‘Queenslander’ homes, wrangling the kids or swilling coffee, she loves to read, watch smart TV and movies, ride her motorbike and daydream about gorgeous horses. Her family spell racehorses at their property and making friends with each one is also a favourite pastime of Leigh and her children. Leigh is especially passionate about promoting the growing number of girls and women in all action and equestrian sports, and is thrilled to be drawing on her experiences to bring you the exciting novels of The Go Girls Chronicles . . .

Book one, REV GIRL, OUT NOW!

Book two, JUMP GIRL, OUT NOW!

Book three, RACE GIRL, coming April 3rd, 2016!

*LEIGH DONATES a portion of every JUMP GIRL eBook and paperback sold to horse-rescue charity, Equine Action Qld, and a portion of every REV GIRL and JUMP GIRL book sold to the Make-A-Wish Foundation*

Please join Leigh here:

WEBSITE: www.leighhuttonbooks.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/LeighHutton
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/revgirlbook & https://www.facebook.com/jumpgirlbook
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
INSTAGRAM: @leighhuttonbooks & @revgirlbook

Thanks so much for your interest in REV GIRL, JUMP GIRL, and The Go Girls Chronicles :)

Reviews

[Katie Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re bored of the same subjects in YA novels and you’re craving something new and refreshing, this is the book you need to pick up next.

I was immediately intrigued by the idea of this story. How many YA novels are out there at the moment about girls who are dirt bike racers? And that’s exactly why I wanted to read it.

The story follows Clover as she fights to become a champion in dirt bike racing. We follow her struggles to get to the top whilst juggling school and a social life alongside her racing.

I really enjoyed Clover’s urge to give her life a makeover at the start of the book. I feel like this is relatable to a lot of young girls. Most of us went through a period in high school when we’ve just thought ‘right, I’m going to dress up and go to a party!’ and it makes her more realistic to the reader.

Clover was an awesome character from start to finish. She had guts and determination throughout, and even when things seemed like they’d never improve, she refused to give up. One of the things I loved most about her was that even when she was faced with the most difficult choices, she never seriously saw giving up her racing dream as an option.

I’m not going to lie, I really disliked Dallas. Throughout the story, he became more and more infuriating! If he’d have been a more open character, and I’d understood his story more, then maybe I’d have sympathized with him a little. But I really didn’t.

The other characters in this story were great. I really liked Kerry, and would have liked to have seen more of her. The two of them felt like a great friendship match, and I enjoyed seeing Clover finally find someone so like herself.

I also felt sympathy for Sera’s situation. Even though she acted bitchy, I could see why she was upset. Again, the relationship between Clover and Sera were a very realistic and relatable part of the story.

I need to talk about how awesome the racing scenes were. Seriously, it’s completely epic. I had never read a book that featured dirt bike racing before, so it was great to read something completely new to me, and it was exciting to get a taste of the sport. I could picture everything so clearly in my mind, and it had a very cinematic feel to it.

So really, this book has a lot of different aspects to appeal to everyone. If you like the dynamics of a high school setting, with wild party scenes and typical teenage fun, they’re all in this book. But if you prefer super-cool action scenes that get your heart racing, you can also find it here. The cover of the book says it all really; two very different worlds mixed together in one story. And it works fabulously.

[Kelly (Diva Booknerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clover is a girl making it in the world of what is seemingly a male dominated sport. She lives for her dirt bike and is determined to reach her goal of the World Championships, but not without carnage along the way. The pressure from her father and the absence of her mother is becoming too much, and she's on the verge of breaking. She is determined to live her life as any other teen, with her swoonworthy boyfriend and best friend by her side.

Being on the international racing circuit is all she's ever wanted and Clover is determined to have it all.

Rev Girl was a brilliant coming of age story about one girl and her determination to reach the stars. Clover is driven, but is trying to find the balance between a budding extreme sports career and experiencing teen life. Although her father felt as though he was the looming and persistent pressure point in her life, he was nothing in comparison to the pressure Clover places upon herself. She's migrated from Canada and feels as though she's an outsider, so when she meets Dallas as a possible love interest, she is beginning to finally feel that acceptance she desperately craves. My heart broke for Clover, as strong and motivated as she appeared, all she wanted was to belong. For her father to be proud of her, her mother to take an interest and have a friend and boyfriend who understood her need to succeed.

I really enjoy reading about strong and determined young women, and Clover was a prime example of a kick ass book chick. Although Dallas grated on my nerves, I enjoyed experiencing Clover finding her feet within her first relationship and that the experience only made her stronger. Leigh Hutton is a brilliant storyteller, weaving a tale of finding your feet, finding yourself and realising your own worth.

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my many years of reading, I find it suffice to say that for many YA books, the plot can be identified within the blurb and first 10 pages of reading material. There is a girl, there is a boy, they get together, have a fight, break it off for a while and then eventually come back together with heartfelt 'I-miss-you's and 'I-could-never-live-without-you's. Well, let me tell you this: if that is what you have come looking for within Rev Girl, then I must point you towards another piece of literature because honey, you will not find it here.

Set primarily in Kansas and eventually panning out towards other sections of the US and eventually Europe, Rev Girl is a book about something I had heard very little of before starting this book: motorcycle racing for women. Nonetheless, even if sport does not interest you in the least, I believe you should give this book a shot. I did and certainly did not regret it.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stay tuned till the 29th May for review up on the blog: www.printedwordsand.wordpress.com

UPDATE:

When I first heard about the plot of REV Girl, I was very intrigued as to how Hutton would play out the story. By having a female character competing in a predominately male sport, already Hutton has set her novel apart from others. After finishing it, I realised I had never read anything like it before.

The one thing I loved the most from the book was the meaning behind the story. REV Girl was very much a coming of age story, conveying the pressures of being a teenager. Yet, it also covered the issues of being a girl and, more so, being comfortable with who you are and what you do.

Read more here: http://printedwordsand.wordpress.com/...

[Ainsleigh Tisdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a reader at all but I brought rev girls on a thursday night and by lunch time friday id finished it! It was amazing, I honestly didnt want it to end and I didnt know what to do with myself after I finished reading! haha

It is definatly a book, i think, for any age really. I felt it will encourage more girls into 'less girly' sports and that they should be proud of doing it and themselves!

Awesome job Leigh, cant wait for the rest of them! :)

[Jen Powles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book from start to finish defiantly inspired me to get back out there and back into my racing career! Thanks again Leigh can't wait for the next book to be released defiantly recommend to everyone who needs something new to read and any female Motorsport competitors. #realliferevgirl

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINISHED READING REVGIRL! This book is by far my favourite book now, I honestly couldn't get my eyes away from it. Really encouraging story, felt like i could relate to some of the characters and scenes in this book. I rate it 5 stars

[Luce Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read this book have heard some many goods things.. Braaapp

[Angel - Angel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I received a review copy of Rev Girl from Leigh Hutton. This in no way influenced in my review.

I have very mixed feelings about Rev Girl. I enjoyed it, but a lot of things really did get on my nerves.

I liked the story line and the premise. It was interesting and took me by surprise. I didn’t know too much about dirt bike racing, but I do enjoying 'watching' it and all so it was different and really enjoyable.

It was interesting hearing about the world of motorbike racing from a racer's point of view, especially as it was a girl. I loved it.

Clover Kassedy is a fascinating protagonist. Like the novel itself, I have mixed feelings about her. She was enjoyable to read about and the way she spoke of racing was interesting. It really brought me into the novel, but I felt that her feelings took Rev Girl to a new levelbut not in a good way. I think it really overpowered the story.

I felt the romance was so rushed. It felt like insta-love to me and, if you know me, well, you know how much I dislike it with a passion. The romance between Clover and Dallas it made me feel so frustrated. It felt so forced and so rushed. I understand that the book did take place over a time period, but I felt there was no sense of a relationship between Clover and Dallas. It just moved from them getting together to so much more.

I also thought that the characters ‘felt’ too young to be doing what they were doing. They might have been older, but the way that Clover talked and thought, as well as the other characters, they just felt so young.

The family situation: Good family relationships and I never seem to be together and_Rev Girl was no different. Clovers father was a so-so father. Yes, he was really supportive of her. It was really nice reading about it, but then he could get very overprotective at times and overprotective parents and I don’t mix. It was really annoying at times and did really hit my nerves.

Clover's mother, wow, okay, I didn’t like her one bit. She was annoying and unsupportive. She didn’t care one bit for Clover’s career. Maybe deep down she cared about her safety, but I think for the most point she just didn’t care. Clover's sister, hmm, I don’t have that much to say about her as she wasn’t really that much present in the book but from when she was present I don’t think she like her mother, cared much for Clover in some way.

I adored all the racing scenes and the places she went to race and all. It was exciting and interesting reading all about it. Experiencing in some way how these events work. It was really nice seeing people from all the around the world coming together for these comps and it was great of Leigh Hutton to incorporate all types of nationalities into Rev Girl.

Leigh has a talent for making the reader be captured in their imagination. I was able to imagine scenes, accents, and how people looked. It was different and refreshing.

Another thing that I liked about Rev Girl was that we got to experience Clover grow from someone that was dependent on her friends, boyfriend, and everyone around her to an independent girl, really starting to become a women. It was insightful and really lifted the ending.

Overall the book was okay. It wasn’t the best and it wasn’t the worse, just somewhere in between. I am not too sure if I will read the rest of the series, but maybe when they come out I will give them a try.

[Bec (Aussie Book Dragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review first appeared on Readers in Wonderland

INITIAL REACTION


5 THINGS ABOUT REV GIRL

Girl's kicking ass in extreme sports
Girls competing in extreme sports is something I only just realised I haven't really read before, aside from books I got into way back at the start of high school (and they were mainly jockeys and other horse books). REV GIRL showed the glorious, the messy, and the competitive sides of dirt bike racing, something I've never done or seen. It was interesting seeing just how the sport was run, what was involved, etc. The scenes that revolved around racing were some of my favourite parts of the book and I wish there was a little more.


It's based on the author's real experiences
Leigh Hutton has actually competed in the races/locations Clover did. This added an authentic element to the racing scenes. She knew what she was talking about and exactly how to describe the racing scenes.

Ugh, high school drama
never liked being in high school drama and I don't enjoy reading about high school drama. It's the reason I stay away from most contemporaries nowadays. There was more high school drama in REV GIRL than I originally expected and it did get on my nerves at times. Fortunately as time went on and Clover grew she started to deal with things really well and I was proud. In the beginning she was overreacting to various things, but I guess that's teenagers sometimes.


I was worried about the romance
When the romance started in REV GIRL I was a bit iffy about it. There was just something about Dallas I didn't trust. He was a nice enough guy for the most part, but then there were times he was an arse and starting to create a bit of a toxic relationship. Then stuff happened, Clover made hard decisions, and it ended in a completely different place than most contemporaries would have. The inclusion of the romance and how it unfolded was important to Clover's growth as a character.

Clover is an inspiring character
Clover was an incredibly relatable and inspiring character. Her reactions to drama did get on my nerves in the beginning, but she grew on me. Clover is very strong and sure of herself, but she's not made of steel. Many of the fears and doubts she struggles with are things I battle in my own life, and she has many vulnerable moments. She gets cocky, she fails, but every time she falls she gets back up and works through the problem, a quality I really admire.


In summary
Despite the high school drama that got on my nerves, REV GIRL has left me feeling incredibly empowered. Reading about Clover, a girl who I found easily relatable, dominating her own extreme sport made me want to run out there and conquer my own fears and doubts. She was such an inspiring character and the message in REV GIRL has hit me at the right time. It really delivers a message every girl needs to hear.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clover Kassedy has never truly felt like she belonged. As a Canadian transplant in Colorado, she doesn’t quite fit in. Add to that she has never been to a party, would rather spend her spare time racing her motorcycle all over the countryside and is more comfortable in sweats than skirts – Clover is different from most sixteen year olds.

When Clover’s racing season ends, she decides to try to have a go at achieving the social scene most girls her age take for granted. Exchanging the boots for heels and taking fashion advice from her best friend Sera, Clover tries to forget about racing and focuses on other things life has to offer when you are young – parties, fashion and boys.

With new friends, gorgeous new boyfriend Dallas and popularity within her reach, Clover finally feels as if she fits in. But when she gets another opportunity to further her racing career, Clover is at a crossroads. She has to choose between the sport which has always been there for her or the feeling of belonging she’s always wanted.

I don’t know a lot about competitive motorcycling but no knowledge of anything sporty is required to enjoy REV Girl. Clover is a little confused over her life. Her mother is less than supportive of her love of racing and being an outsider at school is never easy. She doesn’t always make the right choices but her mistakes are believable and understandable. When she gets the chance to compete for a place in the Olympics of Enduro racing, it seems like a dream come true. But Dallas is her new dream and one which brings social acceptance. Life vs. Love is never an easy choice but I admired how Clover approached it. She did seem to properly weigh up both sides of the equation and decide with an open mind.

My favourite thing about this novel – apart from learning just how physically and mentally gruelling racing can be – were the messages delivered. Self-acceptance, finding your passion and the idea of trying something because if you don’t there is no chance you will succeed. Clover grows so much throughout this book. She gains valuable insight into herself but also those around her.

This is very much Clover’s story with all of the action revolving around her – which makes sense. But I would have preferred if we got to see a little more about some of the supporting characters. Clover’s sister Jasmine is not very present and I think one of the climaxes of the novel would have been a little stronger had we seen a little more of Sera’s problems. All that said, there is a lot of story squeezed into these 288 pages and I think Leigh did a great job.

I enjoyed Rev Girl and loved being able to have a sneak peek into the life of female motorcycle racing. I was never really aware of this world before and enjoyed getting to see one version of what it is like. Clover is a great character to drive the story and introduce me to the sport.

[Aussie bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev girl is a fresh take on Contemporary Y.A novels, we have a heroine that doesn’t mind getting dirty or a few broken bones either as she makes her way to becoming a Motor Cross Champion. Clover has a few obstacles that she needs to get past to achieve her dream of becoming a professional rider, which include nasty competitors, bullying at school, A mother that spends all her time on her little sister’s passion for dancing and a sometimes a pushy competitive father, throw in the normal drama of dating and high school and you have an awesome book.

The Characters are well Written and I could really admire Clovers determination, although wanting to be a normal teen, she also never truly gives up her dream of becoming an international dirt bike rider, from a Jerk of a boyfriend, a best frenemie, tough competitors and Injuries she never lets anything come between her and her dreams, especially considering that she is a female in a male dominated sport I really loved Clover as a character.

Kerry was another great character, although rivals she still helped Clover and stayed friends no matter what, which is amazing considering Clovers best friend Sera has trouble accepting Clover’s dream. I found Kerry and her family to be refreshing and honest as a friend and character, no backstabbing or bitchiness involved, I would really like to see her get her own book too.

Dallas, Clovers boyfriend was a jerk from the start I could not find anything I could like about him. but he is important part in her story line making her stronger to be where she wants to be.

My family and I spend most weekends motor bike riding , although I admire anyone who can ride and race dirt bikes I give more thumbs up for girls that do, It is not an easy sport to be part of. (we just ride for fun no racing yet.) I was so happy Leigh contacted me about her book it is one of my favorites this year. So if you love Y.A books but need a break from the usual topics pick up a copy of REV GIRL you will not be disappointed.

[Sarah Fairbairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I truly loved this book. Flat out Five stars.

The way Leigh explains the thoughts and feelings Clover goes through during races you can tell that she has been there and done it. It feels real. The story is full of passion and excitement, a real page turner. You can’t help but fall in love with Clover and want her to succeed on her journey.

There are laugh out loud lines throughout the book.

Ernie and Shazza’s dad, John Watson, hit it off like a pair of escaped convicts who just stumbled upon a burlesque bar.

Girls all around her were dropping like Louis Vuitton handbags at a ‘$50 for Everything Sale’.

And there are some truly beautiful inspiring lines as well.

Being dead isn’t just lying in the dirt, your eyes rolled back in your head. You die inside when you give up on what you truly love. On yourself. Find who you are and hold onto it.

I love the in-depth speech Clover gave in the story. It was heartfelt and true. It resonated with me down to my core. I wish that at seventeen I’d known myself as well as Clover comes to. It took me twenty six years and postnatal depression after the birth of my son for me to find myself, to love myself, to have the courage to start working towards my dreams, as I am now.

I think it should be mandatory for teenage girls to read this story. There is something every one of them can relate to, regardless if they’re not into Motor Bikes or Extreme Sports. Being a teenager is hard and it sucks, but unless you can learn to love yourself life just gets harder.

This book has everything; Romance, Action Adventure and tones of Girl Power.
I love that Leigh has managed through this book to teach us a lesson about pride, power, love, loss, peer pressure, friendship, bullying and life changing decisions and have us ENJOY IT!

A brilliant start to what I’m sure will be a brilliant series.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I want to thank Leigh Hutton for giving me a print copy for review! It's been a while since I've read a print book, as opposed to an ebook, and it felt great to actually turn a page, lol :D

Now onto the book. REV GIRL. Being a Canadian girl myself, I instantly connected to Clover Canada! Some of the other characters (one in particular) were questionable at best and I was glad to trust my instincts. Grr.

I really appreciated this book because it's more than just about a girl and her bike. It's more than just about a girl getting her first boyfriend. It's about not conforming to be someone you're not--to be who you are. It's about making those crazy decisions in life and dealing with the repercussions. It's about succeeding (and failing) and understanding how to deal with both.

My complaint? I wanted more--I wanted to know what happened next in Clover's journey. I know, I'm being greedy. So thank you, Leigh, for introducing me to The Go Girls Chronicles. I'm hoping I get to see Clover make an appearance.

*fingers crossed*

[Donna Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! Fast paced and just not possible to put down!

From a guy! The real value of this book is the insight into the thought processes of a teenage girls fragile self-esteem, constant second guessing and perceived image in the eyes of others. Guys it would be really smart to read this book!!

[Rosie Lalonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!! REV GIRL combines two of my all time favourite pastimes - motorcycle riding and reading books! It's not often you find a novel this captivating and enjoyable to read. An inspiring book featuring an independent and strong heroine. LOVED IT!

[Bec Ings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! Loved it! It's great to finally read about an extreme sport with a female main character.. Could not put it down.. :)

[Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rev Girl is a coming of age novel about a motocross racer named Clover. In the course of the novel, Clover navigates the complicated world of high school friendships and romances as well as the motocross track. She grapples with a rival racer and being the new girl at school. She attempts to balance her personal life and boyfriend with her racing goals and aspirations, a difficulty author Leigh Hutton must know well from her own personal life as a motocross racer.

While the conflicts are realistic, the ending read a little flat and cliche. Clover gets the happy ending that she wanted so badly: she becomes a famous racer, meets and develops mutual feelings for her Australian idol, and breaks up with her abusive boyfriend back home. While some of this ending might be justified, it could have been developed in a more complicated manner to make Clover's victories even sweeter. Ending aside, I found this novel to be so compelling that I nearly read it straight through in one sitting! Hutton's action-packed representation of the motocross world draws readers in from page one.

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad reading

I like the plot but I was hoping for more of a romance. Just when I finally started feeling the romance the book ended. Her romance with her boyfriend was too analytical. Didn't feel the connection compared to her and Ryder. I wish the book covered more on her potential romance with Ryder. This book is more about self development and philosophical dialogue. It felt like a biography type of writing. It's an okay book with good writing but not exceptional. No HE A with the cliffhanger in the end between her and Ryder. Still recommend this book for the great realism on the life of a motocross racer.

[Tayler Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this book has a great story, and is one I can definitely relate to in some aspects. The only thing that was really bothersome for me was lack of punctuation throughout the book. Once I began to read, however, my mind started putting the periods and commas where they should have been and the story started to shine through. The descriptions of the races were very good, and I drew from my own experiences with racing and knew exactly what Clover was going through. Lots of flashbacks to one particular race I had. In all its a good story. It just needs more proofreading.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Rev Girl with my 6 year old whom races Motocross too. (She was initially attracted to the cover)

Hayley loved that she could relate to a big kids book and was so excited about it that she is half way through it again!

It was great to have a book hold her interest and challenge her thinking.

We want our girls to believe in themselves and this book helps reinforce this positive process.

Great job Leigh well done highly recommended.

Proud Mum of MX Girls

[Susan Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is definatley one of my favorite books! i don't ride motorbikes masses myself but I still loved it! it gave me an insight into the world of racing whilst keeping me entertained! i love this book so much :)

[Lisa Denyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, amazing plot line. Quick and active and keeps the pages flying by. Loved it all and I am super "Revved" for the rest of the series. Highly recommended!

[Fable · Rating 3 out of 5]

3... 3.5? I'm not sure to be honest. Will probably re-star at a later date.