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Diplomatic Immunity
Anna and the French Kiss meets The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks in a romantic and hilarious new novel from Brodi Ashton, the author of the Everneath trilogy.
Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity . . . it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row.
Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—which would ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.
Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school—and realizes that access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington.
The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish Ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s big chance to get the full scoop. Except Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it will destroy the boy she just might love?
Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity . . . it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row.
Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—which would ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.
Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school—and realizes that access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington.
The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish Ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s big chance to get the full scoop. Except Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it will destroy the boy she just might love?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
39 people are currently reading
5010 people want to read
About the author
Brodi Ashton
19 books2,941 followersI write Young Adult novels. I eat cinnamon bears. I love me some Diet Coke.
My debut book EVERNEATH (the first in a trilogy) comes out Winter 2012 with Balzer and Bray (Harper Collins).
I'm represented by Michael Bourret at Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.
My debut book EVERNEATH (the first in a trilogy) comes out Winter 2012 with Balzer and Bray (Harper Collins).
I'm represented by Michael Bourret at Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.
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April 26, 2016Early book blurb: "...only to find herself falling in love with the baddest boy of all."
the baddest boy of all
not just a bad boy, but also the baddest bad boy of all bad boys
so bad
badder than bad
the baddest
the baddest boy of all
not just a bad boy, but also the baddest bad boy of all bad boys
so bad
badder than bad
the baddest
November 14, 2016
DNF at 23%
I was really excited to read this book, I really was. The premise made me think of The Fixer and Embassy Row series, both of which I quite adore. Yet right away, several things made me uncomfortable.
First of all, the love interest-esque character Rafael Amador, who's the son of the Spanish Ambassador. Which is all fine, except there are some very cringe-worthy stereotypes that are used in relation to him perpetuate by the heroine.
"Standing before me was the most exotic, rugged, beautiful piece of personhood (of the male variety) I'd ever seen." (taken from ARC~7%)
The description of "exotic" is one that is often reserved for POC characters and frankly makes most POC uncomfortable and also enforces the idea that POC characters are different , which is also annoying and just frustrating to see.
"It's not 'Pipper'-"
"You prefer just 'Pip'?"
I sighed. Maybe we should wait to discuss personal details until we had only the language barrier and not the wardrobe malfunction to deal with." (taken from ARC~7%)
Raf is perfectly proficient at speaking English, there is no 'language barrier' and it's very irritating for that to be used, even if it's in a joking manner. My name gets mispronounced almost daily by other people, am I supposed to assume that there is a language barrier between the Starbucks barista and I when they don't get my name correct?
"Yes. It's the flamenco. From the Andalusian region in southern Spain. Ahi donde mi familia es de.
"Huh?"
He smiled and shook his head. "I'm sorry. It's the music and the dance. Makes me speak en español." (taken from ARC~19%)
This is a stereotype that I often see in books, that in the middle of a conversation a character will randomly speak in a different language. Frankly, I've never seen anyone do this in real life (unless you completely switch over to that language with someone who is fluent in both languages) and it often seems forced and unnatural for a character to do this with someone else unless they are implied to be not fluent in English, especially with a person they barely know.
Also, there's one other trope/idea that greatly troubled me to be used in a YA book.
"As the woman shook her head in front of the press corps, mascara tears streamed down her face, making her look even more like a prostitute. Is that uncharitable? Maybe so." (taken from ARC~2%)
Mascara makes someone look like a prostitute? Yes, the person mentioned above happened to be the mistress of a senator, but the idea that makeup makes one look more slutty/cheap/etc. is one that is of poor taste to be used in a book marketed for teens or honestly anywhere.
In retrospect these points addressed may seem like small things that wouldn't deter a reader, but as I've seen these same stereotypes enforced in book after book, I'm getting tired. Yes diverse characters are needed, but half-heartedly inserting a character and relegating to the token tropes is not the way to go.
I was really excited to read this book, I really was. The premise made me think of The Fixer and Embassy Row series, both of which I quite adore. Yet right away, several things made me uncomfortable.
First of all, the love interest-esque character Rafael Amador, who's the son of the Spanish Ambassador. Which is all fine, except there are some very cringe-worthy stereotypes that are used in relation to him perpetuate by the heroine.
"Standing before me was the most exotic, rugged, beautiful piece of personhood (of the male variety) I'd ever seen." (taken from ARC~7%)
The description of "exotic" is one that is often reserved for POC characters and frankly makes most POC uncomfortable and also enforces the idea that POC characters are different , which is also annoying and just frustrating to see.
"It's not 'Pipper'-"
"You prefer just 'Pip'?"
I sighed. Maybe we should wait to discuss personal details until we had only the language barrier and not the wardrobe malfunction to deal with." (taken from ARC~7%)
Raf is perfectly proficient at speaking English, there is no 'language barrier' and it's very irritating for that to be used, even if it's in a joking manner. My name gets mispronounced almost daily by other people, am I supposed to assume that there is a language barrier between the Starbucks barista and I when they don't get my name correct?
"Yes. It's the flamenco. From the Andalusian region in southern Spain. Ahi donde mi familia es de.
"Huh?"
He smiled and shook his head. "I'm sorry. It's the music and the dance. Makes me speak en español." (taken from ARC~19%)
This is a stereotype that I often see in books, that in the middle of a conversation a character will randomly speak in a different language. Frankly, I've never seen anyone do this in real life (unless you completely switch over to that language with someone who is fluent in both languages) and it often seems forced and unnatural for a character to do this with someone else unless they are implied to be not fluent in English, especially with a person they barely know.
Also, there's one other trope/idea that greatly troubled me to be used in a YA book.
"As the woman shook her head in front of the press corps, mascara tears streamed down her face, making her look even more like a prostitute. Is that uncharitable? Maybe so." (taken from ARC~2%)
Mascara makes someone look like a prostitute? Yes, the person mentioned above happened to be the mistress of a senator, but the idea that makeup makes one look more slutty/cheap/etc. is one that is of poor taste to be used in a book marketed for teens or honestly anywhere.
In retrospect these points addressed may seem like small things that wouldn't deter a reader, but as I've seen these same stereotypes enforced in book after book, I'm getting tired. Yes diverse characters are needed, but half-heartedly inserting a character and relegating to the token tropes is not the way to go.
June 6, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was a YA contemporary romance featuring a girl who wanted to be a journalist.
Piper was a very focused girl, and she was really intent on winning the Bennington prize for journalism. She did sometimes let her drive blind her to what she was actually doing though, and it seemed obvious to me that she was going to hurt people that she cared about. She also seemed a little blind to the fact that she wasn’t the only one who was trying to win the scholarship.
The storyline in this was about Piper being desperate to make a big hit on the school newspaper at her new school, and stepping on toes to try and achieve that. This wasn’t limited to irritating the school principle either, and when she started going after Raf it really did seem like she was asking for trouble.
There was a bit of romance in this, but it did come into the story quite late really, and it wasn’t really developed enough for me.
The ending to this was fairly happy, which was a little surprising, but things did work out in the end.
6 out of 10
“Everyone here is going for the Bennington.”
This was a YA contemporary romance featuring a girl who wanted to be a journalist.
Piper was a very focused girl, and she was really intent on winning the Bennington prize for journalism. She did sometimes let her drive blind her to what she was actually doing though, and it seemed obvious to me that she was going to hurt people that she cared about. She also seemed a little blind to the fact that she wasn’t the only one who was trying to win the scholarship.
The storyline in this was about Piper being desperate to make a big hit on the school newspaper at her new school, and stepping on toes to try and achieve that. This wasn’t limited to irritating the school principle either, and when she started going after Raf it really did seem like she was asking for trouble.
There was a bit of romance in this, but it did come into the story quite late really, and it wasn’t really developed enough for me.
The ending to this was fairly happy, which was a little surprising, but things did work out in the end.
6 out of 10
August 2, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity...it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row.
Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the country’s most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—and winning will ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.
Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the intense competition in the journalism program—and the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school. And Piper knows access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington.
The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s chance to get the full scoop. But as they spend time together, Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it could destroy the boy she just might love?
What I Liked:
This book was more enjoyable than I expected! Then again, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I remember trying Ashton's debut novel and not being able to get through it. I recently read My Lady Jane (co-written with two other authors) and liked it. I wanted to give Diplomatic Immunity a chance because it looked like cute contemporary and it was a standalone. I'm glad I gave this book a chance!
Piper Baird wants to be a journalist, and she's very good at being one. She has applied for a scholarship to the prestigious Chiswick Academy for the last three years. Finally, at the start of her senior year, she gets the scholarship. But Chiswick is completely different from her public high school. Chiswick is full of rich, privileged kids, children of international politicians and diplomats who have diplomatic immunity, a free pass to bad behavior. Piper really wants to win the Bennington scholarship offered by Chiswick, but the competition for the scholarship is fierce. She'll have to rite a juicy story that no one can write. But to do so, she'll have to hone in on one of the diplomatic immunity kids - Rafael Amador, the hot Spaniard who has a penchant for making mischief and trouble and being spontaneous. But there is more to Rafael than his bad boy status, and as Piper discovers this, she finds it harder and harder to publisher her scandalous story.
I totally felt for Piper, from start to finish. Her family is on the low end of middle class, and eventually, they reach the point of food stamps and bankruptcy. There was a time when they were richer... but that time was years ago. The only way Piper can follow her dreams of going to Columbia next year is to get a scholarship. The Bennington is a great scholarship, but she needs to get into Chiswick first. Piper is entirely focused on the Bennington (once she gets into Chiswick), and being a cutthroat journalist is exactly how she plans on winning the Bennington.
She doesn't plan on Rafael Amador though. On her first day at Chiswick, he saves her from an already embarrassing situation. Piper recognizes his insane hotness, but she also recognizes the massive amount of privilege he has. Diplomatic immunity covers his butt for everything - and Rafael takes advantage. There is nothing bad that he won't do - like climbing national monuments, or setting off the school's fire alarm to get out.
I personally thought Piper was justified in her disdain for all the rich, privileged students at the school. She definitely had some resentment for them at first, which I could relate to. But as she got to know more of them (especially Rafael), her attitude changed. She mostly hung out with other scholarship kids at Chiswick, but you could see her gradual change in attitude towards the diplomatic immunity kids.
Rafael... what a swoony dreamboat. Honestly he seemed a little too perfect, a little too bad-boy bad, but I really liked him. I've always liked Spaniard hotties, and it wasn't hard to fall for this particular one. He liked hearing Piper's opinion on the students at Chiswick, and how privileged he was. Rafael is totally unconcerned with rules and laws - or so it seems. But there is more to him, and I liked seeing behind the walls.
The romance in this book is fairly slow-burn, and all of the musy-gushy crush feelings come first. It's cute, watching Piper fall for Rafael. At first I thought Rafael was hanging around Piper because she was a challenge, but it became clear that he really liked her. I love slow-burn romances, and a love a good girl/bad boy romance, so the combination was fantastic. The only thing that would have made it better was a slow-burn, good girl/bad boy, hate-to-love romance. A trifecta of romance awesomeness!
But still, the romance was cute. During half the book, Piper is in denial about her feelings for Rafael. Around three-fourths in, both of them hash it out. I liked the dates and the crazy outings and the warm and fuzzies I got, during the whole book.
No love triangle. Piper goes on a "date" with another boy, but literally nothing happened, and she wasn't interested in him at any point, really. It was all Rafael, physically and emotionally and such!
As mentioned, Piper begins writing her big story for the Bennington scholarship on the diplomatic immunity kids, including Rafael. So you can imagine how that goes... girl starts hanging out with boy to get dirt on him, but ends up falling for him... how is that going to end? I was so nervous about the ending, because Piper's story could end up ruining Rafael's life. But the ending was a happy one, if a little abrupt (see below), and I could get behind it since this is a standalone. The evolution of Piper's story was interesting, and a little heartbreaking too.
Did I mention that this book is hilarious? The humor is so on point. I had several good belly laughs while reading, which is actually pretty rare for me. Somehow, books don't get too many extreme reactions from me (belly laughs, crying, etc.). The mild ones (giggling, irritation, etc.), sure.
So I liked this book! It's the first solo book I've read by Ashton (I do not count Everneath), and it turned out to be great. If she keeps
What I Did Not Like:
The ending is a little abrupt. I wanted to see more development in the ending! Why did Rafael choose to do this? Where did Samuel go? How did Piper's parents get by? I wasn't satisfied with the ending. It felt too neat and tidy. I loved that it was a HEA, but again, too neat and tidy.
Would I Recommend It:
I liked this book and I would recommend it, if you like cute contemporary! The romance is cute and there isn't too much drama, until the climax. The big climax scene at the end is as painful as you expect it would be, but the ending makes up for it (mostly -- see above). But this was a great standalone and well worth the time!
Rating:
4 stars. I wasn't sold on Ashton's debut series, but I liked her co-written book and I liked this one. I may read more books by Ashton if they're anything like this one! Standalones are a wonderful thing. And I'm not usually a YA contemporary person, but this one was pretty great!
Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity...it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row.
Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the country’s most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—and winning will ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.
Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the intense competition in the journalism program—and the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school. And Piper knows access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington.
The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s chance to get the full scoop. But as they spend time together, Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it could destroy the boy she just might love?
What I Liked:
This book was more enjoyable than I expected! Then again, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I remember trying Ashton's debut novel and not being able to get through it. I recently read My Lady Jane (co-written with two other authors) and liked it. I wanted to give Diplomatic Immunity a chance because it looked like cute contemporary and it was a standalone. I'm glad I gave this book a chance!
Piper Baird wants to be a journalist, and she's very good at being one. She has applied for a scholarship to the prestigious Chiswick Academy for the last three years. Finally, at the start of her senior year, she gets the scholarship. But Chiswick is completely different from her public high school. Chiswick is full of rich, privileged kids, children of international politicians and diplomats who have diplomatic immunity, a free pass to bad behavior. Piper really wants to win the Bennington scholarship offered by Chiswick, but the competition for the scholarship is fierce. She'll have to rite a juicy story that no one can write. But to do so, she'll have to hone in on one of the diplomatic immunity kids - Rafael Amador, the hot Spaniard who has a penchant for making mischief and trouble and being spontaneous. But there is more to Rafael than his bad boy status, and as Piper discovers this, she finds it harder and harder to publisher her scandalous story.
I totally felt for Piper, from start to finish. Her family is on the low end of middle class, and eventually, they reach the point of food stamps and bankruptcy. There was a time when they were richer... but that time was years ago. The only way Piper can follow her dreams of going to Columbia next year is to get a scholarship. The Bennington is a great scholarship, but she needs to get into Chiswick first. Piper is entirely focused on the Bennington (once she gets into Chiswick), and being a cutthroat journalist is exactly how she plans on winning the Bennington.
She doesn't plan on Rafael Amador though. On her first day at Chiswick, he saves her from an already embarrassing situation. Piper recognizes his insane hotness, but she also recognizes the massive amount of privilege he has. Diplomatic immunity covers his butt for everything - and Rafael takes advantage. There is nothing bad that he won't do - like climbing national monuments, or setting off the school's fire alarm to get out.
I personally thought Piper was justified in her disdain for all the rich, privileged students at the school. She definitely had some resentment for them at first, which I could relate to. But as she got to know more of them (especially Rafael), her attitude changed. She mostly hung out with other scholarship kids at Chiswick, but you could see her gradual change in attitude towards the diplomatic immunity kids.
Rafael... what a swoony dreamboat. Honestly he seemed a little too perfect, a little too bad-boy bad, but I really liked him. I've always liked Spaniard hotties, and it wasn't hard to fall for this particular one. He liked hearing Piper's opinion on the students at Chiswick, and how privileged he was. Rafael is totally unconcerned with rules and laws - or so it seems. But there is more to him, and I liked seeing behind the walls.
The romance in this book is fairly slow-burn, and all of the musy-gushy crush feelings come first. It's cute, watching Piper fall for Rafael. At first I thought Rafael was hanging around Piper because she was a challenge, but it became clear that he really liked her. I love slow-burn romances, and a love a good girl/bad boy romance, so the combination was fantastic. The only thing that would have made it better was a slow-burn, good girl/bad boy, hate-to-love romance. A trifecta of romance awesomeness!
But still, the romance was cute. During half the book, Piper is in denial about her feelings for Rafael. Around three-fourths in, both of them hash it out. I liked the dates and the crazy outings and the warm and fuzzies I got, during the whole book.
No love triangle. Piper goes on a "date" with another boy, but literally nothing happened, and she wasn't interested in him at any point, really. It was all Rafael, physically and emotionally and such!
As mentioned, Piper begins writing her big story for the Bennington scholarship on the diplomatic immunity kids, including Rafael. So you can imagine how that goes... girl starts hanging out with boy to get dirt on him, but ends up falling for him... how is that going to end? I was so nervous about the ending, because Piper's story could end up ruining Rafael's life. But the ending was a happy one, if a little abrupt (see below), and I could get behind it since this is a standalone. The evolution of Piper's story was interesting, and a little heartbreaking too.
Did I mention that this book is hilarious? The humor is so on point. I had several good belly laughs while reading, which is actually pretty rare for me. Somehow, books don't get too many extreme reactions from me (belly laughs, crying, etc.). The mild ones (giggling, irritation, etc.), sure.
So I liked this book! It's the first solo book I've read by Ashton (I do not count Everneath), and it turned out to be great. If she keeps
What I Did Not Like:
The ending is a little abrupt. I wanted to see more development in the ending! Why did Rafael choose to do this? Where did Samuel go? How did Piper's parents get by? I wasn't satisfied with the ending. It felt too neat and tidy. I loved that it was a HEA, but again, too neat and tidy.
Would I Recommend It:
I liked this book and I would recommend it, if you like cute contemporary! The romance is cute and there isn't too much drama, until the climax. The big climax scene at the end is as painful as you expect it would be, but the ending makes up for it (mostly -- see above). But this was a great standalone and well worth the time!
Rating:
4 stars. I wasn't sold on Ashton's debut series, but I liked her co-written book and I liked this one. I may read more books by Ashton if they're anything like this one! Standalones are a wonderful thing. And I'm not usually a YA contemporary person, but this one was pretty great!
Read
June 22, 2025I liked Brodi Ashton's Everneath trilogy - yes, it was chockful of adolescent angst and had a love triangle, but also a compelling narrative voice and a lot of humor. So I was excited to read Diplomatic Immunity, which takes place at an exclusive Washington DC prep school. This cover and title scream "political intrigue" to me and I went in expecting something like Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls or Embassy Row books or Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Fixer series.
But no, this is a contemporary romance. And even judging it on that basis I was kinda underwhelmed. For me, Diplomatic Immunity felt a little on the flat side, with a premise that had promise that was never fully realized and a romance that didn't really do it for me.
Piper Barnes dreams of being an award-winning student journalist and is thrilled to receive a scholarship to the aforementioned DC prep school. I never completely warmed up to Piper. She whines because she doesn't get assigned all the best stories for the paper at her new school (hello, you're new!) and then proceeds to get involved in a sort-of love triangle with two guys who, despite Piper's extreme social awkwardness, are crazy about her. Unfortunately, I wasn't crazy about either of the guys, and a little uncomfortable with the way one of them, who is the son of a Spanish diplomat, is saddled with a "Latin Lover" stereotype. On the plus side, Piper's family situation was interesting to me (they are low income and her brother is on the autism spectrum) and I wished those issues - the class differences between Piper and her classmates and perhaps the way her brother's medical issues contributed to the family's financial troubles - had been explored more.
But mostly, I wanted more plot. Piper is looking for a compelling story to win a journalism contest. She spends most of the book "investigating" her classmates and then finally tells the editor of the student paper that she's found an amazing story "involving drugs, fake IDs, binge drinking, pill-popping..." Uh... not that I condone that kind of behavior among teenagers, but sorry, I'm decidedly NOT shocked that this is going on at an exclusive private school and wasn't buying the fact that exposing typical rich kid hijinks was going to win her any kind of award. Piper's dogged insistence on blowing the lid off the fact that a subset of teenage kids drink and have fakes made her seem like a bit of a self-righteous tattletale.
The book - and its title - do bring up an intriguing angle: that some of the students at her school are diplomats' kids and have diplomatic immunity. I waited patiently for that to come into play, but in the end the concept seemed underutilized. I mean, if a kid with diplomatic immunity was driving drunk, hit someone, and got away with it, I would have been outraged.
Piper puts together her story and then gets worried about exposing her love interest's secrets.(Uh, yeah, probably not the best idea if you like the guy.) Then she seems to think that publishing the story anonymously is a good idea (Um... how can she win the award if no one knows she wrote the article?) Her story gets published under completely improbable conditions and then she is upset because all her classmates are mad at her because she blabbed. Really? She just never seemed to think things through.
Then .. stuff happens (romantic and otherwise) but all of it was predictable.
tl;tr Zero thrills, romantic or otherwise.I will definitely try another Brodi Ashton book, but this one was a bit of a miss for me.
Read more of my reviews on YA Romantics or follow me on Bloglovin
Thanks to the publisher for providing a free advance copy of this book for me to review.
But no, this is a contemporary romance. And even judging it on that basis I was kinda underwhelmed. For me, Diplomatic Immunity felt a little on the flat side, with a premise that had promise that was never fully realized and a romance that didn't really do it for me.
Piper Barnes dreams of being an award-winning student journalist and is thrilled to receive a scholarship to the aforementioned DC prep school. I never completely warmed up to Piper. She whines because she doesn't get assigned all the best stories for the paper at her new school (hello, you're new!) and then proceeds to get involved in a sort-of love triangle with two guys who, despite Piper's extreme social awkwardness, are crazy about her. Unfortunately, I wasn't crazy about either of the guys, and a little uncomfortable with the way one of them, who is the son of a Spanish diplomat, is saddled with a "Latin Lover" stereotype. On the plus side, Piper's family situation was interesting to me (they are low income and her brother is on the autism spectrum) and I wished those issues - the class differences between Piper and her classmates and perhaps the way her brother's medical issues contributed to the family's financial troubles - had been explored more.
But mostly, I wanted more plot. Piper is looking for a compelling story to win a journalism contest. She spends most of the book "investigating" her classmates and then finally tells the editor of the student paper that she's found an amazing story "involving drugs, fake IDs, binge drinking, pill-popping..." Uh... not that I condone that kind of behavior among teenagers, but sorry, I'm decidedly NOT shocked that this is going on at an exclusive private school and wasn't buying the fact that exposing typical rich kid hijinks was going to win her any kind of award. Piper's dogged insistence on blowing the lid off the fact that a subset of teenage kids drink and have fakes made her seem like a bit of a self-righteous tattletale.
The book - and its title - do bring up an intriguing angle: that some of the students at her school are diplomats' kids and have diplomatic immunity. I waited patiently for that to come into play, but in the end the concept seemed underutilized. I mean, if a kid with diplomatic immunity was driving drunk, hit someone, and got away with it, I would have been outraged.
Piper puts together her story and then gets worried about exposing her love interest's secrets.(Uh, yeah, probably not the best idea if you like the guy.) Then she seems to think that publishing the story anonymously is a good idea (Um... how can she win the award if no one knows she wrote the article?) Her story gets published under completely improbable conditions and then she is upset because all her classmates are mad at her because she blabbed. Really? She just never seemed to think things through.
Then .. stuff happens (romantic and otherwise) but all of it was predictable.
tl;tr Zero thrills, romantic or otherwise.I will definitely try another Brodi Ashton book, but this one was a bit of a miss for me.
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Thanks to the publisher for providing a free advance copy of this book for me to review.
March 24, 2017
I don’t know why, but for some reason, I had HUGE expectations going into this book. I thought it was going to be some compelling coming-of-age story that was super cute and really fun to read…
Instead I got a typical love story that was kinda fun to read.
Its all about how rich kids get extra benefits than the rest of society and while it might have some truth, perhaps for entertainment purposes the truth was stretcchhheeeddd quite a lot.
The MC was funny, I have to give her that. Sometimes the jokes fell flat but most of the time they were pretty entertaining.
Here’s my problem with the story. It’s too average to be special. Like Piper, the MC, definitely HATES the rich kids in her school because they’re so /entitled/. NOOOOO way is she going to fall for the hot, exotic, jerk at school…definitely NOT ! he’s rich!! And entitled!! And super hot!!
Okay dude, chill.
The relationship between Piper and her brother was nice. I think I would have enjoyed more moments between the two of them.
Besides that, the book was meh on a lot of levels. Lots of skimming took place. Oops.
2 stars.
June 4, 2016
Hella predictable. Narrow-minded main character. I am disappointed.
Not what I was expecting. I feel like the title was wasted on a romance. Where is the intrigue and excitement of discovering secrets? There are so many romance novels published every month. I just wanted to read about regular folks uncovering rich people's secrets. Where are those books at?
I had a problem with the 'exotic' love interest, or should I say, the messy main character talking in such a manner about a person from a different country. I guess my pale ass would also be exotic for her. Let's try to make this happen. Here! I'll even stop speaking English. Ti si curo jedna velika zadrta budala. Am I exotic enough for you now?
The whole situation where she gets the scoop about the life of rich and privileged is beyond ridiculous. Her love interest shares everything with her knowing she's 'a journalist looking for a good story' and the fool goes off to write an expose 'in her free time' and sends it to her friend who's uncle works for People magazine just so she can 'check it' or whatever other lame excuse she came up with. Of course, the story ends up being published and it causes a scandal. Of course! I can bull! I just can't with this whole book. Can I erase it from my mind?
Because I was annoyed at the messiness of this book I was even side-eyeing the parts where these two bonded over both having brothers with mental problems. A cheap play to make them both seem better people.
Check out Eri's review if you want a more in depth review about this problematic book.
In the end I feel sad just thinking about what this book could've been. To think Diplomatic Immunity was once on my can't wait list...
Not what I was expecting. I feel like the title was wasted on a romance. Where is the intrigue and excitement of discovering secrets? There are so many romance novels published every month. I just wanted to read about regular folks uncovering rich people's secrets. Where are those books at?
I had a problem with the 'exotic' love interest, or should I say, the messy main character talking in such a manner about a person from a different country. I guess my pale ass would also be exotic for her. Let's try to make this happen. Here! I'll even stop speaking English. Ti si curo jedna velika zadrta budala. Am I exotic enough for you now?
The whole situation where she gets the scoop about the life of rich and privileged is beyond ridiculous. Her love interest shares everything with her knowing she's 'a journalist looking for a good story' and the fool goes off to write an expose 'in her free time' and sends it to her friend who's uncle works for People magazine just so she can 'check it' or whatever other lame excuse she came up with. Of course, the story ends up being published and it causes a scandal. Of course! I can bull! I just can't with this whole book. Can I erase it from my mind?
Because I was annoyed at the messiness of this book I was even side-eyeing the parts where these two bonded over both having brothers with mental problems. A cheap play to make them both seem better people.
Check out Eri's review if you want a more in depth review about this problematic book.
In the end I feel sad just thinking about what this book could've been. To think Diplomatic Immunity was once on my can't wait list...
Want to read
January 23, 2015YAAAAAAAASSSSSS
August 4, 2016
I downloaded this strictly off of Brodi's name and from the title, I was expecting something political. That couldn't be further from what it is.
I really liked Piper. She's ambitious and relatable and her inner monologue is amusing, but her lack of filter is hilarious. Raf is the only other character we really get to know. There are scenes with her parents and brother, but everyone and everything is kept arm's length. It's a very effective way of showing Piper's constantly looking at life through a reporter's eye.
The plot was amusing and there were some parts that made me laugh. Of course things happen the way you would expect and while the ending was definitely adorable, I wanted more.
Overall, a quick and fun read.
**Huge thanks to Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I really liked Piper. She's ambitious and relatable and her inner monologue is amusing, but her lack of filter is hilarious. Raf is the only other character we really get to know. There are scenes with her parents and brother, but everyone and everything is kept arm's length. It's a very effective way of showing Piper's constantly looking at life through a reporter's eye.
The plot was amusing and there were some parts that made me laugh. Of course things happen the way you would expect and while the ending was definitely adorable, I wanted more.
Overall, a quick and fun read.
**Huge thanks to Balzer + Bray and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
abandoned
May 13, 2016This is way too "young" for me.
It started great but it soon became silly. The main character is driven only by her frustration of being poor (which is petty, if you ask me) and the "don't drink before 21" propaganda is getting on my nerves already.
I gave it a 50% chance, but I can't finish reading it. Sorry. Maybe you will enjoy it better.
ARC received for review.
It started great but it soon became silly. The main character is driven only by her frustration of being poor (which is petty, if you ask me) and the "don't drink before 21" propaganda is getting on my nerves already.
I gave it a 50% chance, but I can't finish reading it. Sorry. Maybe you will enjoy it better.
ARC received for review.
May 31, 2016
Actual Rating: 2.5/5
Ugh, it hurts me to rate this book this low, it really does. This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2016 and it was sadly a huge letdown. The writing was great, but that's honestly my only positive. The subplots and the plot just killed this story. I felt like there was no ending to anything, especially the subplots never...really... They didn't take off. And then they just disappeared without any resolution or tapered off with poor story telling.
There were moments in this story and scenes I really enjoyed reading, but overall, I wanted more from this.
Ugh, it hurts me to rate this book this low, it really does. This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2016 and it was sadly a huge letdown. The writing was great, but that's honestly my only positive. The subplots and the plot just killed this story. I felt like there was no ending to anything, especially the subplots never...really... They didn't take off. And then they just disappeared without any resolution or tapered off with poor story telling.
There were moments in this story and scenes I really enjoyed reading, but overall, I wanted more from this.
Want to read
January 28, 2015
I REALLY WANT THIS, OKAY?
April 18, 2021
1 star
How... did we end up... here. After loving Brodi's Everneath series and her latest co-writing adventures in My Lady Jane ... Between all of that, I figured this was an author that couldn't possibly lose my love. But I guess there are still some surprises to be had in the world. Diplomatic Immunity just wasn't good.
So this is a story of the uber-privileged kids in Washington D.C. Piper winds up at their school on a special scholarship and hopes that it'll be able to get her a win in a journalism competition that would get her a college scholarship. Considering her family's financial struggles, it's a dire need, and Piper has long had an affinity and love for journalism, so she ends up wanting to do an exposé of the lives of these privileged kids of rich guys and diplomats. Well, what could possibly go wrong with that idea?
First things first: Piper is hopeless as a journalist. I mean, an exposé of these lives is a pretty good story. But before she even starts, she already gets too attached to the people - mostly Raf, the super charming and literally "exotic" son of a Spanish diplomat. Honestly, he's kind of a douche. But from the first page, basically, it's obvious they're going to be a thing. She still throughout the whole story thinks that she can write a story about him, exposing secrets he only tells her, and that he would never find out slash be totally cool with it. She doesn't know shit about gathering good sources, writing fairly and representing both sides... for a hardcore journalism piece it sure sounds a lot more like tabloid gossip. And as the world's biggest fan of The Newsroom I basically take personal offense to it.
Piper's voice is incredibly annoying. She does this thing where she has an internal monologue about something or other and then suddenly says the next line of her thoughts out loud. This honestly happens five or more times. NOBODY DOES THAT. IT'S SO STUPID. IT'S NOT CUTE OR FUNNY. IT'S PATHETIC. And as a journalist, it's horrible. Because she almost blurts out what she's working on or how she's trying to get information out of people. She can't lie, or at least tell convincing cover stories. I wanted to bash my head against a wall because honestly.
The romance is god-awful. Seriously, I see zero appeal in Raf, and it was a pretty big NOTP for me from the first encounter. Obviously this is because they simultaneously lie to each other and reveal too much at other times. It's just dumb. And dramatic. And not at all swoony. And Piper gets so dumb when it comes to him. She waffles back and forth about the article based on how they interacted with each other on that particular day. And then she drools all over him with such brilliant commentary as the following...
I honestly wanted to barf. Multiple times.
However, maybe the most disappointing thing of all is that from reading the premise, you basically already know 100% how this story is going to go. And it goes exactly the way you think. It's actually astonishing that Piper still thinks her story wouldn't obviously be by her when it contains information only she knows and photos only she was there to take. She's actually surprised by peoples' reactions to the story.
Bitch, what did you think was going to happen???
Against all the odds, the romance of course manages to survive, but it seals it with a quote so disgusting that I don't even understand who exactly was supposed to find it romantic.
Summing Up:
This book is a disaster. I normally try to reserve judgment and claim that a book is just "not for me" but may in fact work for somebody else. But on this rare occasion I feel like I can say that qualitatively, this book just isn't good. I don't know who would actually like it. Just... no. Diplomatic Immunity, I'm sorry. But it's not me, it's you.
GIF it to me straight!
*An electronic advance review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of the review... Clearly.
How... did we end up... here. After loving Brodi's Everneath series and her latest co-writing adventures in My Lady Jane ... Between all of that, I figured this was an author that couldn't possibly lose my love. But I guess there are still some surprises to be had in the world. Diplomatic Immunity just wasn't good.
So this is a story of the uber-privileged kids in Washington D.C. Piper winds up at their school on a special scholarship and hopes that it'll be able to get her a win in a journalism competition that would get her a college scholarship. Considering her family's financial struggles, it's a dire need, and Piper has long had an affinity and love for journalism, so she ends up wanting to do an exposé of the lives of these privileged kids of rich guys and diplomats. Well, what could possibly go wrong with that idea?
First things first: Piper is hopeless as a journalist. I mean, an exposé of these lives is a pretty good story. But before she even starts, she already gets too attached to the people - mostly Raf, the super charming and literally "exotic" son of a Spanish diplomat. Honestly, he's kind of a douche. But from the first page, basically, it's obvious they're going to be a thing. She still throughout the whole story thinks that she can write a story about him, exposing secrets he only tells her, and that he would never find out slash be totally cool with it. She doesn't know shit about gathering good sources, writing fairly and representing both sides... for a hardcore journalism piece it sure sounds a lot more like tabloid gossip. And as the world's biggest fan of The Newsroom I basically take personal offense to it.
Piper's voice is incredibly annoying. She does this thing where she has an internal monologue about something or other and then suddenly says the next line of her thoughts out loud. This honestly happens five or more times. NOBODY DOES THAT. IT'S SO STUPID. IT'S NOT CUTE OR FUNNY. IT'S PATHETIC. And as a journalist, it's horrible. Because she almost blurts out what she's working on or how she's trying to get information out of people. She can't lie, or at least tell convincing cover stories. I wanted to bash my head against a wall because honestly.
The romance is god-awful. Seriously, I see zero appeal in Raf, and it was a pretty big NOTP for me from the first encounter. Obviously this is because they simultaneously lie to each other and reveal too much at other times. It's just dumb. And dramatic. And not at all swoony. And Piper gets so dumb when it comes to him. She waffles back and forth about the article based on how they interacted with each other on that particular day. And then she drools all over him with such brilliant commentary as the following...
"I briefly imagined scrubbing clothes clean on his washboard abs, and I was going to mention the idea, but I still had just enough wits about me to keep the thought to myself."
- ARC of Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton
I honestly wanted to barf. Multiple times.
"I wanted to savor every tidbit with Rafael. It was like a good book, one I'd been waiting for and anticipating, and once I'd gotten it in my hands, I couldn't bear to read one single page because that would be one fewer page I would get to read.
My dad knocked on my door and poked his head in. "Breakfast, Pipe," he said, and then, looking at my face, he frowned. "What's wrong?"
"I don't want to turn his pages!"
"Whose pages?"
"Never mind. Sorry. I'm fine."
Because Raf was a person. Not a book. He didn't have a beginning and an end. It wasn't like I had a set amount of minutes with him, and every minute spent together was a minute gone that I wouldn't get back.
No. We had infinite minutes. And I was going to savor every one."
- ARC of Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton
However, maybe the most disappointing thing of all is that from reading the premise, you basically already know 100% how this story is going to go. And it goes exactly the way you think. It's actually astonishing that Piper still thinks her story wouldn't obviously be by her when it contains information only she knows and photos only she was there to take. She's actually surprised by peoples' reactions to the story.
"I was pretty sure successful reporters weren't supposed to lose every single friend afterward."
- ARC of Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton
Bitch, what did you think was going to happen???
Against all the odds, the romance of course manages to survive, but it seals it with a quote so disgusting that I don't even understand who exactly was supposed to find it romantic.
"I ran to him and he picked me up and kissed my face all over and I kissed his face off. Clean off."
- ARC of Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton
Summing Up:
This book is a disaster. I normally try to reserve judgment and claim that a book is just "not for me" but may in fact work for somebody else. But on this rare occasion I feel like I can say that qualitatively, this book just isn't good. I don't know who would actually like it. Just... no. Diplomatic Immunity, I'm sorry. But it's not me, it's you.
GIF it to me straight!
*An electronic advance review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of the review... Clearly.
May 13, 2016
I'll admit it: Diplomatic Immunity was a tad bit disappointing. I enjoyed Ashton's debut series quite a bit--I didn't love it but I was impressed by the characterization and, mostly, the complex world-building--so I expected a lot from her latest installment. For the most part, Diplomatic Immunity delivered. Just...not to the extent I wish it had.
Piper is an aspiring journalist and I absolutely loved her voice throughout this novel. When she wins a scholarship to attend a prestigious private school for her senior year--a school where the children of ambassadors study!--her life changes drastically. More importantly, for Piper, she now has a shot at winning a journalism scholarship for college. Piper's family is struggling financially and it's up to her to find a way to pay for her higher education. I really admired Piper's dedication. While her parents are supportive and caring, and her relationship with her younger brother is truly adorable, the financial strains her family is under weigh heavily on her. Piper works outside of school and is disdainful of the privilege that the students at Chaswick possess.
In particular, Piper cannot help but be both enamored and disgusted by Rafael, the son of the Spanish ambassador. They literally bump into each other on the first day of school and, ever since, Piper is enthralled by Rafael's world. By the secret party invitations, the underage drinking, and the diplomatic immunity that allows him to get away with it all. In order to win her journalism scholarship, Piper decides to go undercover and get "in" with the DIs, the Diplomatic Immunities, and then expose their crazy lifestyle to the world. But the more time she spends with Rafael, the more she realizes that she just might be wrong about him and if she wants to salvage her friendship with Rafael, she just may have to give up her dreams.
Diplomatic Immunity sounds incredible. It seems like a Pride and Prejudice re-telling, almost, with Rafael the rich and "misunderstood" Mr. Darcy and Piper our modern-day Elizabeth Bennett whose prejudice clouds her judgement. While Piper and Rafael's friendship develops over time, and is extremely believable, I just couldn't fall for this couple. I adored the way that they challenged each other but all-too-often Rafael is forced to ignore Piper because of her class status and I just couldn't forgive him for that. Moreover, he hesitates for far too long to tell her the truth about his relationship status and his excuses seemed flimsy at best, to me. Their friendship drags on for far too long, taking up the majority of this novel, and the time we glimpse of them together is so brief that I remained unconvinced that these two were the real deal.
I also felt rather uncomfortable with the treatment of Piper's financial situation. I think it's important to highlight the stark class differences that exist in our world and, moreover, I really loved watching Piper grow from being someone who was bitter and judgmental to becoming much more understanding that money did not equate happiness. However, I think I would have liked to see more of Piper's family or a stronger discussion of how they came to rely on food stamps since their financial situation only deteriorates over the course of the novel. It's a messy, difficult topic to broach but I think Ashton did a disservice in bringing it to light and then not discussing it quite fully. I really also wanted to see Rafael and Piper work through their class differences more while in a relationship, as well.
Another aspect of this book that I found lacking were the female friendships. Piper's best friend from her old high school, Charlotte, texts, e-mails, and calls her all the time but they never meet up outside of work throughout the school year and their interactions solely revolve around Piper. Charlotte seems like a doll. She never gets upset that Piper has moved on and made new friends, she never shares stories of her life or her struggles or her own dreams of becoming a news reporter, and she is never physically there in Piper's life. It's such a cop-out of a friendship and I felt genuinely annoyed at the way this was handled. I really enjoyed Tell Me Three Things and the messy friendship where one girl moves to a different school and it's genuinely hard to maintain their old friendship but there was none of that nuance in this.
Diplomatic Immunity is a quick read. It's funny and entertaining and the sparring matches between Rafael and Piper are sure to keep you flipping the pages. Piper is a wonderful female lead and her passion for journalism bleeds through the page. I love characters with interests and goals and most of the characters in this novel have those. They have families that are present and make an impact on their lives and they have class baggage that is something that they deal with. So while Ashton may not have made me swoon with this romance or won any points on the friendship department, I suspect that this is going to be a hit among readers far more easy to please than I am.
Piper is an aspiring journalist and I absolutely loved her voice throughout this novel. When she wins a scholarship to attend a prestigious private school for her senior year--a school where the children of ambassadors study!--her life changes drastically. More importantly, for Piper, she now has a shot at winning a journalism scholarship for college. Piper's family is struggling financially and it's up to her to find a way to pay for her higher education. I really admired Piper's dedication. While her parents are supportive and caring, and her relationship with her younger brother is truly adorable, the financial strains her family is under weigh heavily on her. Piper works outside of school and is disdainful of the privilege that the students at Chaswick possess.
In particular, Piper cannot help but be both enamored and disgusted by Rafael, the son of the Spanish ambassador. They literally bump into each other on the first day of school and, ever since, Piper is enthralled by Rafael's world. By the secret party invitations, the underage drinking, and the diplomatic immunity that allows him to get away with it all. In order to win her journalism scholarship, Piper decides to go undercover and get "in" with the DIs, the Diplomatic Immunities, and then expose their crazy lifestyle to the world. But the more time she spends with Rafael, the more she realizes that she just might be wrong about him and if she wants to salvage her friendship with Rafael, she just may have to give up her dreams.
Diplomatic Immunity sounds incredible. It seems like a Pride and Prejudice re-telling, almost, with Rafael the rich and "misunderstood" Mr. Darcy and Piper our modern-day Elizabeth Bennett whose prejudice clouds her judgement. While Piper and Rafael's friendship develops over time, and is extremely believable, I just couldn't fall for this couple. I adored the way that they challenged each other but all-too-often Rafael is forced to ignore Piper because of her class status and I just couldn't forgive him for that. Moreover, he hesitates for far too long to tell her the truth about his relationship status and his excuses seemed flimsy at best, to me. Their friendship drags on for far too long, taking up the majority of this novel, and the time we glimpse of them together is so brief that I remained unconvinced that these two were the real deal.
I also felt rather uncomfortable with the treatment of Piper's financial situation. I think it's important to highlight the stark class differences that exist in our world and, moreover, I really loved watching Piper grow from being someone who was bitter and judgmental to becoming much more understanding that money did not equate happiness. However, I think I would have liked to see more of Piper's family or a stronger discussion of how they came to rely on food stamps since their financial situation only deteriorates over the course of the novel. It's a messy, difficult topic to broach but I think Ashton did a disservice in bringing it to light and then not discussing it quite fully. I really also wanted to see Rafael and Piper work through their class differences more while in a relationship, as well.
Another aspect of this book that I found lacking were the female friendships. Piper's best friend from her old high school, Charlotte, texts, e-mails, and calls her all the time but they never meet up outside of work throughout the school year and their interactions solely revolve around Piper. Charlotte seems like a doll. She never gets upset that Piper has moved on and made new friends, she never shares stories of her life or her struggles or her own dreams of becoming a news reporter, and she is never physically there in Piper's life. It's such a cop-out of a friendship and I felt genuinely annoyed at the way this was handled. I really enjoyed Tell Me Three Things and the messy friendship where one girl moves to a different school and it's genuinely hard to maintain their old friendship but there was none of that nuance in this.
Diplomatic Immunity is a quick read. It's funny and entertaining and the sparring matches between Rafael and Piper are sure to keep you flipping the pages. Piper is a wonderful female lead and her passion for journalism bleeds through the page. I love characters with interests and goals and most of the characters in this novel have those. They have families that are present and make an impact on their lives and they have class baggage that is something that they deal with. So while Ashton may not have made me swoon with this romance or won any points on the friendship department, I suspect that this is going to be a hit among readers far more easy to please than I am.
June 15, 2016
3.5 stars. I really love that the vibe of this one is a bit different from all of the contemporaries I've been reading lately! It's a mix of Nancy Drew, Scandal, Gossip Girl... at least in term of the vibe. Main character Piper is definitely a piece of work, and it's a little hard to understand or connect to her at first. Eventually, however, I understood where she was coming from and I actually came to admire her tenacity paired with her social awkwardness (which reminded me of myself). It was definitely on the lighter side in spite of some of the heavy things tackled in it, and I enjoyed it! Plus, I'd like a Raf. Thanks.
August 30, 2016
Diplomatic Immunity is a standalone YA contemporary.
The narrator is high school senior Piper Baird. She comes from a lower middle class family. Her little brother is autistic (he is one of the highlights of the story).
Piper is a journalist for her high school newspaper. She receives a scholarship to the exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC. This school is full of spoiled rich kids.
Piper desperately wants to win the Bennington scholarship so she can go to college. But the competition is fierce.
I really enjoyed the school newspaper and seeing how it was run. I also enjoyed seeing which stories Piper was assigned. And I loved how much she loved journalism.
Piper finds a story that she thinks will help her win the Bennington scholarship. This part of the story was good. But I had a strong feeling what would happen.
The title of the book refers to some of the kids at her new school who have diplomatic immunity (DI). I think the title was good. And it was quite interesting to read about this lifestyle. The main teen with DI is Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish ambassador. This guy was fun to read about. I loved when Piper visited the embassy.
I really enjoyed Piper's best friend Charlotte, some of the rich kids, Piper's grandmother and as I mentioned Piper's brother.
There is some romance in this book, which I think definitely added to the story.
I thought the ending was well done.
Overall, the book is sweet and funny. Yes, some of it was predictable. But it is a cute YA story. The diplomatic immunity stuff was funny and interesting. And the journalism aspect was really good. If you want a light YA contemporary romance this is book is charming.
Thanks to edelweiss and Balzer + Bray for allowing me to read this book.
dnf
August 9, 2016Pages read: 47
I am cringing so hard at the diversity (which starts out by calling the Spanish love interest exotic) and the clumsy Bella Swan nature of the protagonist. Read The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes instead.
I am cringing so hard at the diversity (which starts out by calling the Spanish love interest exotic) and the clumsy Bella Swan nature of the protagonist. Read The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes instead.
March 6, 2015
This book is hilarious. I love Brodi's sense of humor and no one does romance like she does.
February 4, 2017
I recently read My Lady Jane, a book that was co-written by this author, and when I heard about Diplomatic Immunity, I added it to my wish list. Political books have become an interest of mine recently, and I was hoping this book would add to my ever growing list.
Diplomatic Immunity tells the story of Piper, a high school senior who dreams of nothing but becoming a journalist, travelling the world, reporting on important cases. When she gets offered a scholarship to the prestigious Chiswick Academy, the school home to the Bennington scholarship, the most exclusive journalism award, she jumps at the chance. Now she will be rubbing shoulders with the children of some of the most important people in the world, and the opportunity for a story is just waiting to be found. Once she realises that there is a serious hierarchy at the school, and that the kids of diplomats can get away with anything, she begins digging into the story of Diplomatic Immunity, the soon finds herself falling for one of her subjects.
I liked the premise of the book, but for some reason, it just didn't work on paper. As I was reading the book, I did enjoy it, but kept wishing for more and more. Piper's character was alright, but I never really got an opinion on her - she wasn't boring, but she also wasn't exciting, either. She was fleshed out, with a really good backstory and family members, but character was just there. I understood why she wanted to get the story, especially as it was basically her only way to get to college, but she wasn't exactly professional about it. She kept telling people what she was writing about, and even though she knew how much of a fall out it would cause, she didn't consider that until it was too late.
Her relationship with Rafael was good, and I did enjoy that aspect of the book, but it did feel sour to me, as I knew she was using him to get ahead. They did develop naturally, after she had somewhat forced her way into his eyeline. However, she knew he had some kind of feelings for her, but she flaunted her dates with another person, without really a care in the world.
I did enjoy reading the book, but I kept wishing for more, and that didn't come. I'm not going to say this isn't a good book, but it just didn't do it for me.
Diplomatic Immunity tells the story of Piper, a high school senior who dreams of nothing but becoming a journalist, travelling the world, reporting on important cases. When she gets offered a scholarship to the prestigious Chiswick Academy, the school home to the Bennington scholarship, the most exclusive journalism award, she jumps at the chance. Now she will be rubbing shoulders with the children of some of the most important people in the world, and the opportunity for a story is just waiting to be found. Once she realises that there is a serious hierarchy at the school, and that the kids of diplomats can get away with anything, she begins digging into the story of Diplomatic Immunity, the soon finds herself falling for one of her subjects.
I liked the premise of the book, but for some reason, it just didn't work on paper. As I was reading the book, I did enjoy it, but kept wishing for more and more. Piper's character was alright, but I never really got an opinion on her - she wasn't boring, but she also wasn't exciting, either. She was fleshed out, with a really good backstory and family members, but character was just there. I understood why she wanted to get the story, especially as it was basically her only way to get to college, but she wasn't exactly professional about it. She kept telling people what she was writing about, and even though she knew how much of a fall out it would cause, she didn't consider that until it was too late.
Her relationship with Rafael was good, and I did enjoy that aspect of the book, but it did feel sour to me, as I knew she was using him to get ahead. They did develop naturally, after she had somewhat forced her way into his eyeline. However, she knew he had some kind of feelings for her, but she flaunted her dates with another person, without really a care in the world.
I did enjoy reading the book, but I kept wishing for more, and that didn't come. I'm not going to say this isn't a good book, but it just didn't do it for me.
May 19, 2017
Awww, super cute and hilarious! This was a quick and enjoyable read.
Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton was super fun and hilarious. I haven't had the pleasure to read Everneath series yet. Even though, I had her books for so long on my bookshelf. But now that I read Diplomatic Immunity. I have to read it.
The Ms. Brodi Ashton’s writing was outstanding. Usually YA Contemporaries are a miss for me, but this one was actually quite enjoyable. The first half of the book was pretty hilarious. I loved Piper and Raf and they made the book for me. They're bantering was what really grabbed me and made me want to know more.
“Sure. Normal. Because whenever I walk anywhere, I always spoon the person in front of me.”
"Is that..... is that....," "pot?"
See, I would've written down more quotes. BUT I was too busy to do that, so know. I only have 2. Lol. Lesson learned, for next time you borrow a book.
The last part of the book, I have to say, it slowed down a bit. Not that, that was a bad thing. I enjoyed it but it was on the more serious side. There were less funny situations and bantering. But it was all because of circumstances that happened. It was a bit predictable but it's a "young” YA. What more can ya expect, lol. It was still a good read and I enjoyed it.
BTW english is my second language, if ya didn't know (insert dramatic eyeroll) I see a lot of people being upset at the point that “people DON’T insert other languages in the middle of an English conversations. Well, let me tell ya, I do it all the time, my relatives do it all the time. My neighborhood does as well. Do you get what I’m saying? You can’t say that it's a random stereotype thing and that it doesn’t happen. Because it actually does and it happens quite often. It really depends on where you are from. So please don’t dismiss a book bc of that along.
Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton was super fun and hilarious. I haven't had the pleasure to read Everneath series yet. Even though, I had her books for so long on my bookshelf. But now that I read Diplomatic Immunity. I have to read it.
The Ms. Brodi Ashton’s writing was outstanding. Usually YA Contemporaries are a miss for me, but this one was actually quite enjoyable. The first half of the book was pretty hilarious. I loved Piper and Raf and they made the book for me. They're bantering was what really grabbed me and made me want to know more.
“Sure. Normal. Because whenever I walk anywhere, I always spoon the person in front of me.”
"Is that..... is that....," "pot?"
See, I would've written down more quotes. BUT I was too busy to do that, so know. I only have 2. Lol. Lesson learned, for next time you borrow a book.
The last part of the book, I have to say, it slowed down a bit. Not that, that was a bad thing. I enjoyed it but it was on the more serious side. There were less funny situations and bantering. But it was all because of circumstances that happened. It was a bit predictable but it's a "young” YA. What more can ya expect, lol. It was still a good read and I enjoyed it.
BTW english is my second language, if ya didn't know (insert dramatic eyeroll) I see a lot of people being upset at the point that “people DON’T insert other languages in the middle of an English conversations. Well, let me tell ya, I do it all the time, my relatives do it all the time. My neighborhood does as well. Do you get what I’m saying? You can’t say that it's a random stereotype thing and that it doesn’t happen. Because it actually does and it happens quite often. It really depends on where you are from. So please don’t dismiss a book bc of that along.
July 24, 2016
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
When I first read the synopsis for Diplomatic Immunity, I was really excited. I felt like this would be a unique story because of the journalism factor in YA, and I also knew that there would be romance between Piper and Rafael. I kind of expected there to be a hint of mystery as well, and I just sounded so interesting to me. However, I was disappointed by this book.
Piper Baird is the type of character that I hate reading about in young adult novels that I read. There are some parts when she sounded like a naive little kid, and then some part where she sounded her age, and yet some other parts like an old person. I just thought that it was confusing and robotic at some points that I just couldn't bring myself to connect with her. I felt like the narrative was awkward, and the flow was not natural.
In terms of Rafael, on the other hand, he acts and talks like someone older than he is. Correct me if I'm wrong, but these two characters are just in high school, right? So I don't know how he gets away with everything that he does, even if he has diplomatic immunity. I just felt like the characters weren't acting like their actual ages.
This is a unique and interesting book, but it just didn't capture me as much as I thought it would. However, its saving grave is the last few chapters of the book, where I finally connected with the story. The romance aspect of the last part was written so beautifully, and I can really feel what the character experienced, especially with that Post-Anon post. I just wish that the rest of the book could have been like that section, and then I surely would have loved this book!
Overall, this book was just not what I was expecting. I didn't really connect to the main characters and the story until the last part, and by then it was too late for me to like this book. It is a unique story, but it lacks something.
When I first read the synopsis for Diplomatic Immunity, I was really excited. I felt like this would be a unique story because of the journalism factor in YA, and I also knew that there would be romance between Piper and Rafael. I kind of expected there to be a hint of mystery as well, and I just sounded so interesting to me. However, I was disappointed by this book.
Piper Baird is the type of character that I hate reading about in young adult novels that I read. There are some parts when she sounded like a naive little kid, and then some part where she sounded her age, and yet some other parts like an old person. I just thought that it was confusing and robotic at some points that I just couldn't bring myself to connect with her. I felt like the narrative was awkward, and the flow was not natural.
In terms of Rafael, on the other hand, he acts and talks like someone older than he is. Correct me if I'm wrong, but these two characters are just in high school, right? So I don't know how he gets away with everything that he does, even if he has diplomatic immunity. I just felt like the characters weren't acting like their actual ages.
This is a unique and interesting book, but it just didn't capture me as much as I thought it would. However, its saving grave is the last few chapters of the book, where I finally connected with the story. The romance aspect of the last part was written so beautifully, and I can really feel what the character experienced, especially with that Post-Anon post. I just wish that the rest of the book could have been like that section, and then I surely would have loved this book!
Overall, this book was just not what I was expecting. I didn't really connect to the main characters and the story until the last part, and by then it was too late for me to like this book. It is a unique story, but it lacks something.
May 26, 2016
OH MY GOSH! Can I please give this book more than 5 stars?!?! It was so so so good.
Before I get into this review I want to say that I have had the privilege to receive an ARC of this book. I got it at a book convention that I recently went to. That being said this review is NOT sponsored in anyway. All thoughts and comments on this book are completely my own.
Now that we have that out of the way lets get to the fun stuff. . .
This book is amazing. It was one of those books that sucks you in and doesn't want you to put it down. I spent the first half of the book laughing. Some of the things said are just hilarious. Then I spent the end of the book in tears just because the feels were too much. Let's just say you might not want to read this book in public, because people might think you are insane.
I really liked the main character, Piper. She had some bad things happen to her, but she wasn't annoying about it like sometimes characters with similar problems are in other books. I also could connect to her because I used to be a reporter for my schools paper and was really into journalism. Like she is in the novel. I also really liked that she seemed real. Like someone you would want to hang out with.
As for the other main character Rafael there are so many things I could say to describe him. I am afraid if I go into much detail I will spoil you. Now we don't want that, do we? So, I am just going to say I am in love.
Overall great book. I think it was paced very well. I love books that have political themes, and are set in the D.C. area. I am from that area so I love reading books set there. This book was great. I know this review is a lot of be saying that, but when you read it you will see why my words aren't forming and thats all I can get out.
This is definitely a must read so put it on your TBR's and don't forget to pick up a copy when it is released on September 16, 2016!
Before I get into this review I want to say that I have had the privilege to receive an ARC of this book. I got it at a book convention that I recently went to. That being said this review is NOT sponsored in anyway. All thoughts and comments on this book are completely my own.
Now that we have that out of the way lets get to the fun stuff. . .
This book is amazing. It was one of those books that sucks you in and doesn't want you to put it down. I spent the first half of the book laughing. Some of the things said are just hilarious. Then I spent the end of the book in tears just because the feels were too much. Let's just say you might not want to read this book in public, because people might think you are insane.
I really liked the main character, Piper. She had some bad things happen to her, but she wasn't annoying about it like sometimes characters with similar problems are in other books. I also could connect to her because I used to be a reporter for my schools paper and was really into journalism. Like she is in the novel. I also really liked that she seemed real. Like someone you would want to hang out with.
As for the other main character Rafael there are so many things I could say to describe him. I am afraid if I go into much detail I will spoil you. Now we don't want that, do we? So, I am just going to say I am in love.
Overall great book. I think it was paced very well. I love books that have political themes, and are set in the D.C. area. I am from that area so I love reading books set there. This book was great. I know this review is a lot of be saying that, but when you read it you will see why my words aren't forming and thats all I can get out.
This is definitely a must read so put it on your TBR's and don't forget to pick up a copy when it is released on September 16, 2016!
September 19, 2016
I've been watching a lot of TV lately, much to the detriment of my reading. I can't seem to stop watching shows like Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, and House of Cards. This book reminded me a little of those shows, but not in a good way. You see, I feel like I have already read or seen this book before.
Diplomatic Immunity is the story of Piper Baird, a high school student who gets a once in a lifetime chance to attend a prestigious Washington, D.C. school. There, she meets Rafael Amador, the handsome son of the Spanish ambassador to the US.
Diplomatic Immunity has the potential to be an entertaining book except for one thing - I just couldn't stand the main character Piper Baird. She is presented with an amazing opportunity - a scholarship to a prestigious school, along with the possibilities of making contacts with the children of very powerful people. Instead, she uses these students to write an expose of their lives, and in doing so, ruffles many feathers.
I understood that Piper was driven and goal oriented. That's a good thing. I understand the need to excel in order to obtain financial assistance for higher learning, especially considering Piper's family's financial situation. College is prohibitively expensive in the US. Unfortunately, Piper didn't understand the big picture and how her actions affected those around her. It was just reprehensible.
And while I won't spoil the ending, it was entirely unbelievable.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for a review copy of this book.
Diplomatic Immunity is the story of Piper Baird, a high school student who gets a once in a lifetime chance to attend a prestigious Washington, D.C. school. There, she meets Rafael Amador, the handsome son of the Spanish ambassador to the US.
Diplomatic Immunity has the potential to be an entertaining book except for one thing - I just couldn't stand the main character Piper Baird. She is presented with an amazing opportunity - a scholarship to a prestigious school, along with the possibilities of making contacts with the children of very powerful people. Instead, she uses these students to write an expose of their lives, and in doing so, ruffles many feathers.
I understood that Piper was driven and goal oriented. That's a good thing. I understand the need to excel in order to obtain financial assistance for higher learning, especially considering Piper's family's financial situation. College is prohibitively expensive in the US. Unfortunately, Piper didn't understand the big picture and how her actions affected those around her. It was just reprehensible.
And while I won't spoil the ending, it was entirely unbelievable.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for a review copy of this book.
December 25, 2017
Budding journalist Piper Baird has just been given a scholarship to an elite private school, where she finds herself not as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, but doing scut stories that in her mind, are beneath her. For someone who rails at the wealthy students in her school, she’s even more judgmental about them than they are about her. Piper sets out to expose the secrets of her wealthy classmates.
Under different circumstance, Piper could have been a thoroughly intriguing character, but as a high school senior she’s immature and annoying. Her thoughts patterns and attitude would be plucky on an eighth grader. Brodi Ashton’s writing is engaging and often comical. With a little tweaking Piper could have been more easy to root for and more age appropriate.
Younger teens might enjoy DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY more than older ones.
Under different circumstance, Piper could have been a thoroughly intriguing character, but as a high school senior she’s immature and annoying. Her thoughts patterns and attitude would be plucky on an eighth grader. Brodi Ashton’s writing is engaging and often comical. With a little tweaking Piper could have been more easy to root for and more age appropriate.
Younger teens might enjoy DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY more than older ones.
September 29, 2016
Wasn't there a quest in Skyrim called Diplomatic Immunity where you had to infiltrate the High Elves' base or something?
October 14, 2016
This review (and others) can be seen in all its properly formatted glory on my blog Beauty and the Bookshelf
Let's go with 3.5 stars!
I picked up Diplomatic Immunity looking for a thriller that wasn't exactly a thriller. But a novel about a girl who goes undercover at her own school to create an exposé on the rich and privileged kids and ends up falling for one of them? That sounded interesting and right up my alley. (And okay, so it isn't a thriller at all. But it seemed like a lighter, fluffier version of the thriller/mystery/suspense-esque The Fixer.) What I got what was just that: a lighter novel with a bit of something else to it...plus some messiness.
You know, I liked Diplomatic Immunity, and I enjoyed reading it, but I can't help critiquing some of its issues, mainly that the focus was muddled. If you're going to give me a book about a girl going undercover, give me a book about a girl going undercover, but don't hold back; go big or go home. And I guess that did happen; Piper has, like, no regrets, and she'll do things in order to get her story that give me--the reader--secondhand embarrassment. She makes you want to scream because why would you do that why? I mean, I get that reporting takes guts, but, girl, you are in high school, you're at the bottom of the food chain (she's the new girl on a scholarship at a fancy dancy school), and also, where are your morals? Where do you draw the line? Piper can be super outgoing and no nonsense, which is great, but dang. It's like watching a train before it hits the gap in the tracks: you just know a train wreck is going to happen.
But the underlying issue within it all is, I think, the romance. Now, I'm a sucker for romance, but I'm not a fan of romance that isn't fully fleshed out and developed and then becomes the main point of the story and is the main resolution at the end (without everything else getting resolved). I want to feel the romance, feel the burn and the tension and ship the ever loving hell out of it. I did ship it--because, hey, romance--and I really liked Rafael and I think he and Piper could be great together, but I need all that to be really seriously shown and played out and for it to feel real and believable. Everything combined prevented Diplomatic Immunity from hitting the level that makes a book good. It's okay and it's likable, but when plot points are glossed over and things aren't detailed, the book can suffer.
All that said, Diplomatic Immunity had a lot of potential--it was just missed. Utilizing that potential would've brought this book from a nice, quick, enjoyable read to something really, really good. As Piper's feelings for Rafael progressed the rest of the story digressed, and that was disappointing because I was really looking forward to the sort of "investigating" aspect I thought would be present, that thrillerish feeling that I just adore. But it was still likable, thanks to Piper, who has no problem embarrassing herself in the name of reporting, and Rafael, who's like the perfect guy wrapped in a shiny, expensive bow. (He looks good on the outside and the inside.) They're opposites in the sense that he's rich and she's lower class, but there's something about them that just clicks. And the fact that he's the subject of her diplomatic immunity exposé--people using their diplomacy to get what they want and get away with murder--is the perfect excuse for her to spend time with him. (It also makes for a nice element to the romance, weeeee.)
How do I say this nicely and in a way that I don't mean to be offensive? Diplomatic Immunity is the sort of easy breezy book you pick up when you're looking for something enjoyable but essentially meaningless. It's a bit of a page turner with a compelling plot line, characters that are so totally meant to be (Piper and Rafael are actually perfect together, and there's the added bonus of banter), and that contemporary voice that just about hits the spot. You'll probably want more from the book and wish for it to go a bit further, but it's still a quick, sweet, and fun read. (And I swear I liked it more than this nit picky review suggests.)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Let's go with 3.5 stars!
I picked up Diplomatic Immunity looking for a thriller that wasn't exactly a thriller. But a novel about a girl who goes undercover at her own school to create an exposé on the rich and privileged kids and ends up falling for one of them? That sounded interesting and right up my alley. (And okay, so it isn't a thriller at all. But it seemed like a lighter, fluffier version of the thriller/mystery/suspense-esque The Fixer.) What I got what was just that: a lighter novel with a bit of something else to it...plus some messiness.
You know, I liked Diplomatic Immunity, and I enjoyed reading it, but I can't help critiquing some of its issues, mainly that the focus was muddled. If you're going to give me a book about a girl going undercover, give me a book about a girl going undercover, but don't hold back; go big or go home. And I guess that did happen; Piper has, like, no regrets, and she'll do things in order to get her story that give me--the reader--secondhand embarrassment. She makes you want to scream because why would you do that why? I mean, I get that reporting takes guts, but, girl, you are in high school, you're at the bottom of the food chain (she's the new girl on a scholarship at a fancy dancy school), and also, where are your morals? Where do you draw the line? Piper can be super outgoing and no nonsense, which is great, but dang. It's like watching a train before it hits the gap in the tracks: you just know a train wreck is going to happen.
But the underlying issue within it all is, I think, the romance. Now, I'm a sucker for romance, but I'm not a fan of romance that isn't fully fleshed out and developed and then becomes the main point of the story and is the main resolution at the end (without everything else getting resolved). I want to feel the romance, feel the burn and the tension and ship the ever loving hell out of it. I did ship it--because, hey, romance--and I really liked Rafael and I think he and Piper could be great together, but I need all that to be really seriously shown and played out and for it to feel real and believable. Everything combined prevented Diplomatic Immunity from hitting the level that makes a book good. It's okay and it's likable, but when plot points are glossed over and things aren't detailed, the book can suffer.
All that said, Diplomatic Immunity had a lot of potential--it was just missed. Utilizing that potential would've brought this book from a nice, quick, enjoyable read to something really, really good. As Piper's feelings for Rafael progressed the rest of the story digressed, and that was disappointing because I was really looking forward to the sort of "investigating" aspect I thought would be present, that thrillerish feeling that I just adore. But it was still likable, thanks to Piper, who has no problem embarrassing herself in the name of reporting, and Rafael, who's like the perfect guy wrapped in a shiny, expensive bow. (He looks good on the outside and the inside.) They're opposites in the sense that he's rich and she's lower class, but there's something about them that just clicks. And the fact that he's the subject of her diplomatic immunity exposé--people using their diplomacy to get what they want and get away with murder--is the perfect excuse for her to spend time with him. (It also makes for a nice element to the romance, weeeee.)
How do I say this nicely and in a way that I don't mean to be offensive? Diplomatic Immunity is the sort of easy breezy book you pick up when you're looking for something enjoyable but essentially meaningless. It's a bit of a page turner with a compelling plot line, characters that are so totally meant to be (Piper and Rafael are actually perfect together, and there's the added bonus of banter), and that contemporary voice that just about hits the spot. You'll probably want more from the book and wish for it to go a bit further, but it's still a quick, sweet, and fun read. (And I swear I liked it more than this nit picky review suggests.)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2017
So here I am trying to write a review for this novel half a year after reading it, and I'm kicking myself for having put it off for so long. Unfortunately, Diplomatic Immunity is quite unmemorable, and looking at my original rating of two Goodreads stars, it doesn't look like it's a book worth rereading to regain those threads of the plot. There are only a couple of things that stand out in my memory of the novel, so that's what I'll mention here. I probably can't really discuss anything in the plot that isn't spoilery, but we'll see how this review goes.
I have to say, I'm not the biggest fan of Brodi Ashton's Everneath but I really loved My Lady Jane and so I thought I'd give another of her books a go. Maybe it was actually the combination of Ashton plus the other two authors in My Lady Jane that made that book so incredible, because unfortunately, Ashton solo was not great.
The portrayal of Rafael, who is the son of the Spanish ambassador, seemed rather stereotypical, and I'm not sure that I gleaned terribly much about his personality from the novel apart from the classic rich "bad boy" aspect. The romance wasn't the best either, mostly because I didn't care for the characters, and wasn't particularly invested in seeing the romance through. The whole book was quite drama filled, which is what I expected on some level, but instead of being a drama that was compelling, it was heading more towards melodrama.
Overall, probably wouldn't particularly be recommending this book to others, even if solely based on the fact that the only things that I remember about it are negative.
Ratings
Overall: 4/10
Plot: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
Writing: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Cover: 2/5
I have to say, I'm not the biggest fan of Brodi Ashton's Everneath but I really loved My Lady Jane and so I thought I'd give another of her books a go. Maybe it was actually the combination of Ashton plus the other two authors in My Lady Jane that made that book so incredible, because unfortunately, Ashton solo was not great.
The portrayal of Rafael, who is the son of the Spanish ambassador, seemed rather stereotypical, and I'm not sure that I gleaned terribly much about his personality from the novel apart from the classic rich "bad boy" aspect. The romance wasn't the best either, mostly because I didn't care for the characters, and wasn't particularly invested in seeing the romance through. The whole book was quite drama filled, which is what I expected on some level, but instead of being a drama that was compelling, it was heading more towards melodrama.
Overall, probably wouldn't particularly be recommending this book to others, even if solely based on the fact that the only things that I remember about it are negative.
Ratings
Overall: 4/10
Plot: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
Writing: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Cover: 2/5
May 15, 2016
An exact three stars for this book. It was not what I had in mind, nor what I wanted, but it's still worth a read.
One of the things I loved about this book: It made me want to be a diplomat. Even though the diplomats here and their were portrayed in a... less pleasant light. Anyways, it's still a nice job. But I guess I'm going to break the law if I'm going to be a diplomat. Because I'm supposed to be a scientist.
Back to the book, full review to come closer to the release date! Thank you to HarperCollins for granting me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. =)
One of the things I loved about this book: It made me want to be a diplomat. Even though the diplomats here and their were portrayed in a... less pleasant light. Anyways, it's still a nice job. But I guess I'm going to break the law if I'm going to be a diplomat. Because I'm supposed to be a scientist.
Back to the book, full review to come closer to the release date! Thank you to HarperCollins for granting me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. =)
June 20, 2017
I really wanted this to be good.
The premise sounded incredible. I love reading about uncovering corruption and rich kids being awful. Plus, that cover is absolutely gorgeous.
What I got was a typical YA love story - instalove, easy forgiveness, six-pack abs and rather shallow characterization. Piper claimed to focus on her journalism, but everything was Raf, Raf, Raf. One of the major plot conflicts - the Bennington Scholarship - was resolved in one quick line near the end.
The premise sounded incredible. I love reading about uncovering corruption and rich kids being awful. Plus, that cover is absolutely gorgeous.
What I got was a typical YA love story - instalove, easy forgiveness, six-pack abs and rather shallow characterization. Piper claimed to focus on her journalism, but everything was Raf, Raf, Raf. One of the major plot conflicts - the Bennington Scholarship - was resolved in one quick line near the end.
October 7, 2017
This book is poorly written, vaguely racist, completely inconsistent, has unlikeable and shallow characters, is riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes, and straight up is inaccurate on not only basic DC geography but also diplomatic immunity itself. one would think you'd take some time to research the topic that is literally the title of your book.
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