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How far will she go to make him notice her?
Lindsey is gorgeous, but inside she feels alone. It seems no one truly understands her, not even her friends or family--until she meets Noah. Noah possesses a calm self-confidence that Lindsey craves. But what price will she pay to escape to the comfort of Noah's soft words and strong arms? Will Lindsey discover what truly matters before it's too late?
Lindsey is gorgeous, but inside she feels alone. It seems no one truly understands her, not even her friends or family--until she meets Noah. Noah possesses a calm self-confidence that Lindsey craves. But what price will she pay to escape to the comfort of Noah's soft words and strong arms? Will Lindsey discover what truly matters before it's too late?
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2010
10 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Laura L. Smith
14 books93 followersLaura L. Smith lis a best-selling author and speaker. She loves Jesus, her husband, her four kiddos, music,books, coffee, France, and chocolate. Smith lives in the college town of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 27, 2010
While this book is fairly short and the ending is abrupt, it has so much useful information in it. I think that not only high school students, but also anyone that’s single could greatly benefit from this book. I even recommend it for parents, because it’s always nice to have a refresher course on what it’s like to be a teenager.
This book covers the difficultly of staying pure in a relationship. It’s hard for everyone, even Christians. Even if you’ve lost your virginity, you can still rededicate yourself. God forgives and loves you no matter what. It addresses the emotional aspects of before and after losing one’s virginity.
This book shows the importance of keeping God in your life, and the importance of family and having your parents around.
It shows staying pure is a firm decision that needs to be made before dating is even thought about. If that decision is not made, there’s no way a person will stay pure. It will be entirely too easy. With that decision made, a couple can make sure they are not in a situation that would even allow anything to happen.
This book also addresses the issue of dancing. Here is an excerpt from the book about this issue:
“Linds, you look so sexy, and you go dancing like that, and you expect me to keep me hands off you?” He ruffles his hair. “This isn’t easy.”
I think this is a great book for a family to read and discuss! There’s so many underlying messages that can be taken away from reading it.
This book covers the difficultly of staying pure in a relationship. It’s hard for everyone, even Christians. Even if you’ve lost your virginity, you can still rededicate yourself. God forgives and loves you no matter what. It addresses the emotional aspects of before and after losing one’s virginity.
This book shows the importance of keeping God in your life, and the importance of family and having your parents around.
It shows staying pure is a firm decision that needs to be made before dating is even thought about. If that decision is not made, there’s no way a person will stay pure. It will be entirely too easy. With that decision made, a couple can make sure they are not in a situation that would even allow anything to happen.
This book also addresses the issue of dancing. Here is an excerpt from the book about this issue:
“Linds, you look so sexy, and you go dancing like that, and you expect me to keep me hands off you?” He ruffles his hair. “This isn’t easy.”
I think this is a great book for a family to read and discuss! There’s so many underlying messages that can be taken away from reading it.
November 11, 2012
I believe this is the second book in a series from Laura L. Smith. The series concentrates on a group of friends. Emma, Lindsey, Gracie, Melissa and Raven. This particular story focuses on Lindsey who is the best friend of Emma.
Lindsey has struggled with how she looks since forever. She is feeling kind of invisible around her house these days; her older sister Kristine has been causing problems with her sleeping around and her drug use. Lindsey feels bad for her parents, but doesn't like the way the problems going on at home are making her feel.
Lindsey has also become interested in one of the school's hockey players. Noah also seems to be interested in her and shortly them begin dating. Lindsey is trying to honor God in their relationship, but it isn't easy, especially when she finds out that Emma is sleeping with one of Noah's friends.
I found the topic of premarital sex was handled very well in this story. Being a teenager and trying to find your way is hard enough, but the pressure of being intimate can be a intense struggle.
Lindsey has struggled with how she looks since forever. She is feeling kind of invisible around her house these days; her older sister Kristine has been causing problems with her sleeping around and her drug use. Lindsey feels bad for her parents, but doesn't like the way the problems going on at home are making her feel.
Lindsey has also become interested in one of the school's hockey players. Noah also seems to be interested in her and shortly them begin dating. Lindsey is trying to honor God in their relationship, but it isn't easy, especially when she finds out that Emma is sleeping with one of Noah's friends.
I found the topic of premarital sex was handled very well in this story. Being a teenager and trying to find your way is hard enough, but the pressure of being intimate can be a intense struggle.
August 11, 2010
Hot is the story of Lindsey Kraus, a high school sophomore who struggles like so many other girls her age, with self-esteem issues. Insecure about everything from her home life to her physical appearance, Lindsey faces the temptation of going too far when she falls in love for the very first time. Although Lindsey has a good heart and loves God, she also loves Noah and finds herself on the fence about her convictions and personal beliefs. Planning to wait until she’s married to have sex may prove to be too lofty of a goal, as Lindsey and Noah grow more attracted to each other. Overall, Hot shares an important message and I think that this book could be a good tool for parents to use as a means of opening up dialogue with their teens about this sensitive topic - however parental discretion should be used first. I would suggest that any parent who is thinking of having their teen read this, read it first themselves to make sure the content is appropriate for their own personal tastes.
January 31, 2013
Hot by Laura L. Smith is definitely an apt title for this contemporary young adult Christian novel, as this book is all about the HOT topic of teens getting HOT and bothered about S-E-X.
High school sophomore Lindsey was raised as a Christian who always believed you shouldn't have sex until you're married. Teenager hormones, popular friends, and junior hottie hockey player Noah all cause Lindsey to reevaluate the why and why not of waiting until she says, "I do" to do it.
The author does a fantastic job (especially in such a short book!) of portraying teen characters realistically through and through, especially with the "little details" such as teen girls' obsession with clothing by having Lindsey describe almost every outfit she wears. The dialogue is also spot on, compared to other YA books written by adult authors who use too many "like you knows" and other verbiage to try to mimic "teen speak."
I also love the descriptions in Hot. They are very unique depictions I've never seen used before, and author Smith uses "appropriate" items a teen would think about comparing things. Some examples are: "My cheeks are hotter than my 370-degree flatiron" and "I need Noah right now like a magazine needs a cover girl."
It's been over 20 years since I was a teenager, but I certainly remember having several of the same feelings and questions that Lindsey has on the subject of boys, insecurities, friend's opinions, family problems, and "good girl" behavior. I think both parents and their teen children can relate to having experienced at one point in their lives several of the situations in this book.
Quotes from Scripture are sprinkled throughout the whole novel, and there are also a couple of footnotes that refer to actual sermons. It's great too you can find a free discussion guide on the publisher's website, which includes passages from Scripture that are related to the questions. (http://www.navpress.com/product/9781600066221/Hot-Laura-L-Smith)
This is the first contemporary YA Christian novel I've read, and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. It was also a sweet deal because I got the book for free on my Kindle. I discovered Hot through a website I came across because it's co-founded by Christian author Karen Baney, whose book Nickels I also liked. (http://www.christianebookstoday.com)
I certainly will check out other novels by author Laura L. Smith, and I'll recommend Hot to readers who enjoy the YA genre.
High school sophomore Lindsey was raised as a Christian who always believed you shouldn't have sex until you're married. Teenager hormones, popular friends, and junior hottie hockey player Noah all cause Lindsey to reevaluate the why and why not of waiting until she says, "I do" to do it.
The author does a fantastic job (especially in such a short book!) of portraying teen characters realistically through and through, especially with the "little details" such as teen girls' obsession with clothing by having Lindsey describe almost every outfit she wears. The dialogue is also spot on, compared to other YA books written by adult authors who use too many "like you knows" and other verbiage to try to mimic "teen speak."
I also love the descriptions in Hot. They are very unique depictions I've never seen used before, and author Smith uses "appropriate" items a teen would think about comparing things. Some examples are: "My cheeks are hotter than my 370-degree flatiron" and "I need Noah right now like a magazine needs a cover girl."
It's been over 20 years since I was a teenager, but I certainly remember having several of the same feelings and questions that Lindsey has on the subject of boys, insecurities, friend's opinions, family problems, and "good girl" behavior. I think both parents and their teen children can relate to having experienced at one point in their lives several of the situations in this book.
Quotes from Scripture are sprinkled throughout the whole novel, and there are also a couple of footnotes that refer to actual sermons. It's great too you can find a free discussion guide on the publisher's website, which includes passages from Scripture that are related to the questions. (http://www.navpress.com/product/9781600066221/Hot-Laura-L-Smith)
This is the first contemporary YA Christian novel I've read, and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. It was also a sweet deal because I got the book for free on my Kindle. I discovered Hot through a website I came across because it's co-founded by Christian author Karen Baney, whose book Nickels I also liked. (http://www.christianebookstoday.com)
I certainly will check out other novels by author Laura L. Smith, and I'll recommend Hot to readers who enjoy the YA genre.
June 6, 2010
The story Hot captures perfectly the struggles and temptations teens face in battling purity.
Teens will easily identify with Lindsey Kraus. She has just started high school and has alot going on in her life. She is pretty and popular but on the inside she feels like she is alone. Her parents are so wrapped up in her older sister Kristine's problems that Lindsey sometimes feels like she is invisible at home. Her dad works out of town and Lindsey really misses him. The boys that have been asking her out are only interested in something physical. She just wishes someone would be interested in her. When she bumps into Noah Hornung a very hot guy, and he actually knew her name well she was hooked. She couldn't get him out of her mind. She knows that he goes to youth meetings so she thinks he might be different. When they start dating and she finds out the Noah isn't a virgin she begins to wonder if there relationship will lead to sex. She has always believed that she would wait till marriage, but will she be able to with all the feelings that she is having for Noah, and if she does wait will Noah still want to be her boyfriend? I think this book is a great for parents and teens alike. This book delivers a great message in a way that teens will accept and understand. I was furnished a copy of this book by NavPress but in no way does it alter my opinion of this book.
Teens will easily identify with Lindsey Kraus. She has just started high school and has alot going on in her life. She is pretty and popular but on the inside she feels like she is alone. Her parents are so wrapped up in her older sister Kristine's problems that Lindsey sometimes feels like she is invisible at home. Her dad works out of town and Lindsey really misses him. The boys that have been asking her out are only interested in something physical. She just wishes someone would be interested in her. When she bumps into Noah Hornung a very hot guy, and he actually knew her name well she was hooked. She couldn't get him out of her mind. She knows that he goes to youth meetings so she thinks he might be different. When they start dating and she finds out the Noah isn't a virgin she begins to wonder if there relationship will lead to sex. She has always believed that she would wait till marriage, but will she be able to with all the feelings that she is having for Noah, and if she does wait will Noah still want to be her boyfriend? I think this book is a great for parents and teens alike. This book delivers a great message in a way that teens will accept and understand. I was furnished a copy of this book by NavPress but in no way does it alter my opinion of this book.
May 29, 2013
Lindsay would really like a boyfriend, but she is sick of boys who only want one thing. Then Lindsay meets Noah, a hockey player, who is handsome and kind and really seems to like her. But when she’s around Noah, she can hardly think, he's so cute. He’s unlike any other boy she’s ever known. And he’s a Christian too. While Lindsay had always planned to wait until she was married to have sex, she and Noah are so attracted to each other, that things are so much more complicated than she ever thought they’d be.
I enjoyed this book. It was very realistic. Many girls don’t have trouble staying away from boys who are so obviously interested in sex and sex alone. It’s the boys who are more patient and persistent, who invest time in a girl that are the ones who are the most tempting. And that’s where Lindsay got lost. Girls tend to think that Christian boys will be safe, but that’s not always the case. I wish that Lindsay’s mom would have thought to teach her daughter some boundaries for dating. It might have made things a little less confusing for her. And I would have liked a little more of an ending. We were sort of left hanging as to what Noah said. Still, this book was well written, entertaining, and gives girls lots to think about.
I enjoyed this book. It was very realistic. Many girls don’t have trouble staying away from boys who are so obviously interested in sex and sex alone. It’s the boys who are more patient and persistent, who invest time in a girl that are the ones who are the most tempting. And that’s where Lindsay got lost. Girls tend to think that Christian boys will be safe, but that’s not always the case. I wish that Lindsay’s mom would have thought to teach her daughter some boundaries for dating. It might have made things a little less confusing for her. And I would have liked a little more of an ending. We were sort of left hanging as to what Noah said. Still, this book was well written, entertaining, and gives girls lots to think about.
April 23, 2012
Ahhh, first love. Remember the joy, the struggles, the excitement, the pressures, the fun? Laura Smith pulls you into to this teen novel with vivid descriptions of the high school scene. Popularity, fashion, dating, peer pressure, insecurities--real life in high school--are told from Lindsey's point of view in true teenage style. I enjoyed this book. It helped me remember what it was like to be in high school. Wish I had had a book like this to read when I was 15. A good read for both moms and daughters:)
November 13, 2012
This is a MUST read for any teen whether they are a Christian or not but especially by those who claim a relationship with Christ. I wish I had read this when I was younger. My daughter is reading it now and has already said thank you.
September 3, 2024
I’m not sure whether to give this book 4 stars or 3.75 stars. It’s kinda funny how the book I didn’t like in high school I really enjoyed when I reread it as an adult and the book I loved in high school I wanted to lower my rating when rereading it as an adult. I realize in my review of skinny I said I really enjoyed it but I didn’t say what made it good. That is because all I’m really asking for from my books is that they make me want to keep reading and to get a higher rating they have to make me want to reread certain parts. But if a book makes me want to keep reading and I notice problems than an otherwise high rating will make me lower the rating.
So I’ll start by explaining some things I liked. I thought there was good foreshadowing. This was something I didn’t notice the first time reading because I didn’t know what was going to happen.
I also kinda like how Lindsey’s obsession with fashion and stuff bleeds over into the way her inner monologue is written.
Boys and I put together have always been a “Fashion Don’t.”
It sounds like someone just yanked the cord on my hair dryer — unexpectedly and painfully silent.
We also get descriptions of her outfits on certain occasions. Some people might not like this writing style but I personally like it. Actually, I personally like Laura L. Smith’s writing better than Melody Carlson’s. Maybe that’s just because I read too many Melody Carlson books and got sick of them. But I also think Melody Carlson just keeps going back to the same themes and issues while Laura L. Smith’s books (I’ve only read the false reflections trilogy and I plan on reading the status update trilogy soon so maybe my opinion of her writing will change after reading those books) are each individual and are tailor made to the character’s personality.
Now I’ll share more of my negative thoughts about this book, though now that I think of it, I don’t think all of these are problems with the book but more just things I have thoughts on.
I don’t know where to start because a huge chunk of these thoughts contain spoilers, I’ll start with one that I don’t think is a spoiler. This is something that Noah says to Lindsey:
“I mean, I love being with you, because you’re you and the gorgeous part is just a bonus.”
When I first read that in high school I thought “That’s kinda nice” but now reading it as an adult: I don’t believe him. Which is strange for me because I usually take people at their word but I think I have good reason to not believe him. First of all, notice how he doesn’t say any positive qualities she has, he just says “you’re you” second of all throughout the rest of the book whenever he’s complementing her he just says how hot she is. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Now the next chunk of my thoughts contain spoilers but if you’re a parent thinking of letting your teenage daughter read this book you should read this spoiler section:
I’ll take this moment between these two spoiler chunks to say some songs I associate this book with. There are songs mentioned in the book but these are songs which have lyrics that remind me things that happen in this book. Those songs are skin deep by Zoegirl and Bad Feeling by Nick Betzing. Skin deep because in the first chapter Lindsey is talking about how she wants to be liked for who she is instead of being liked only for her looks. I can’t really explain why the song Bad Feeling is a song that’s associated with this book without giving spoilers, but it is such an underrated song and you guys should check it out.
So perhaps you can see why I’m debating about the rating.
So I’ll start by explaining some things I liked. I thought there was good foreshadowing. This was something I didn’t notice the first time reading because I didn’t know what was going to happen.
I also kinda like how Lindsey’s obsession with fashion and stuff bleeds over into the way her inner monologue is written.
Boys and I put together have always been a “Fashion Don’t.”
It sounds like someone just yanked the cord on my hair dryer — unexpectedly and painfully silent.
We also get descriptions of her outfits on certain occasions. Some people might not like this writing style but I personally like it. Actually, I personally like Laura L. Smith’s writing better than Melody Carlson’s. Maybe that’s just because I read too many Melody Carlson books and got sick of them. But I also think Melody Carlson just keeps going back to the same themes and issues while Laura L. Smith’s books (I’ve only read the false reflections trilogy and I plan on reading the status update trilogy soon so maybe my opinion of her writing will change after reading those books) are each individual and are tailor made to the character’s personality.
Now I’ll share more of my negative thoughts about this book, though now that I think of it, I don’t think all of these are problems with the book but more just things I have thoughts on.
I don’t know where to start because a huge chunk of these thoughts contain spoilers, I’ll start with one that I don’t think is a spoiler. This is something that Noah says to Lindsey:
“I mean, I love being with you, because you’re you and the gorgeous part is just a bonus.”
When I first read that in high school I thought “That’s kinda nice” but now reading it as an adult: I don’t believe him. Which is strange for me because I usually take people at their word but I think I have good reason to not believe him. First of all, notice how he doesn’t say any positive qualities she has, he just says “you’re you” second of all throughout the rest of the book whenever he’s complementing her he just says how hot she is. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Now the next chunk of my thoughts contain spoilers but if you’re a parent thinking of letting your teenage daughter read this book you should read this spoiler section:
I’ll take this moment between these two spoiler chunks to say some songs I associate this book with. There are songs mentioned in the book but these are songs which have lyrics that remind me things that happen in this book. Those songs are skin deep by Zoegirl and Bad Feeling by Nick Betzing. Skin deep because in the first chapter Lindsey is talking about how she wants to be liked for who she is instead of being liked only for her looks. I can’t really explain why the song Bad Feeling is a song that’s associated with this book without giving spoilers, but it is such an underrated song and you guys should check it out.
So perhaps you can see why I’m debating about the rating.
January 22, 2021
This book is small and an easy read with average writing, I finished it in little over an hour. The characters are under developed and the few characteristics that are semi fleshed out contradict each other, like the main character stating she’s frustrated with boys only wants her for her body yet she’s in the only activity at school that requires her to actively show off her body, and this is not a ‘oh she deserves it because look at what she’s wearing’, but she fails to take into account that she’s dealing with teen boys in the height of their puberty, basically hormone monsters and in current culture, sex is expected. The personal beliefs are completely different than my own, having been raised Catholic and now adamantly anti-religion and I truly believe that no one should commit to marriage without experiencing all aspects of it prior to making it official and harder to get away from, from sex to how to they react when they mad or sick, or how are they around family, dogs or cats, and everything in between.
April 2, 2018
It is an amazing book, but I don't really like the end that much. The end cuts off and doesn't finish the story.
Read
August 26, 2019dnf @ idk??? THIS BOOK IS PUSHING ME IN A READING DEPRESSION AND I CANNOT TAKE IT
February 24, 2025
A bit short, but, a Good Read!
February 20, 2013
Stereotyped characters and less than stellar writing make this a 'just okay' book. Although the main character, Lindsey, says she wants a guy to like her for more than just her looks, she and her friends are primarily interested in fashion, make-up, and boys. Similes, metaphors, and analogies invariably involve clothes, cosmetics, and hair.
15-year-old Lindsey and slightly older (16?) Noah, students who attend the same school and Christian youth group, fall for one another and are faced with sexual temptation. What will they decide to do? Is it okay to have sex if they love one another and plan to get married, or should they wait until after the wedding?
Personally, the idea of a 15-year-old girl actually thinking that a guy is going to marry her "someday" is pretty unlikely, even though teen girls (and adult women!) do entertain foolish ideas at times.
The book is best for the younger set (14-15) and is most useful for prompting discussion between parents and teens, though I do recommend that a parent read it first to make sure s/he is comfortable with his/her teen reading it.
I also found the ending abrupt, and was expecting more of a response from Noah.
15-year-old Lindsey and slightly older (16?) Noah, students who attend the same school and Christian youth group, fall for one another and are faced with sexual temptation. What will they decide to do? Is it okay to have sex if they love one another and plan to get married, or should they wait until after the wedding?
Personally, the idea of a 15-year-old girl actually thinking that a guy is going to marry her "someday" is pretty unlikely, even though teen girls (and adult women!) do entertain foolish ideas at times.
The book is best for the younger set (14-15) and is most useful for prompting discussion between parents and teens, though I do recommend that a parent read it first to make sure s/he is comfortable with his/her teen reading it.
I also found the ending abrupt, and was expecting more of a response from Noah.
March 16, 2015
Once again, another amazingly thought provoking novella about the struggles of many these days.( This book deals with sexual purity.)
Lindsey’s family is far from perfect or even amazing. Most her parents time is spent on her older sister who is on a path of self destruction. That takes up so much of her parents time that Lindsey feels very alone, really only having her friends in replacement of her family. Seeing this relationship with her friends and seeing the damaged relationship with her family made me feel for Lindsey. Not having a family who cares is just so saddening indeed. I really felt for this character as she struggled to make many decisions that may or may not have taken her down a road she never originally wanted.
My rating of this novella is 4.5 stars. Why? Just because it wasn’t my favorite…BUT it was still fantastic and I did really like it! (I feel terrible for rating a book I liked 4.5 when comparing it to the other book! *gasp* )
Lindsey’s family is far from perfect or even amazing. Most her parents time is spent on her older sister who is on a path of self destruction. That takes up so much of her parents time that Lindsey feels very alone, really only having her friends in replacement of her family. Seeing this relationship with her friends and seeing the damaged relationship with her family made me feel for Lindsey. Not having a family who cares is just so saddening indeed. I really felt for this character as she struggled to make many decisions that may or may not have taken her down a road she never originally wanted.
My rating of this novella is 4.5 stars. Why? Just because it wasn’t my favorite…BUT it was still fantastic and I did really like it! (I feel terrible for rating a book I liked 4.5 when comparing it to the other book! *gasp* )
December 31, 2010
The writing was great and the story line was well written as well. However, I gave it one star for the sole purpose of regretting allowing my 14 year old to read this book. Though this book may be good for a teenager who has experienced sex and the issues in this book, it is NOT a book for one who hasn't. My daughter doesn't need to read the steamy details to get a better understanding of things.
The moral was not in your face but more as a side note, in my opinion. I'm sure many loved this book but after reading it myself I was left in shock. Maybe we are just way too in love with Jesus and holiness than most "Christians" are. There are other ways to address these issues with our children than through this book.
The moral was not in your face but more as a side note, in my opinion. I'm sure many loved this book but after reading it myself I was left in shock. Maybe we are just way too in love with Jesus and holiness than most "Christians" are. There are other ways to address these issues with our children than through this book.
January 4, 2013
I read this book with the mind-set of a 14-16yr old and thought the book was well done. I agree with others that this is a great discussion starter for teens & parents. It was realistic to issues teens face in everyday life, thus readers can relate. I too, wished the ending was a little different between Lindsay & Noah. I think some closure & discussion between the two is what I was seeking. I love that the story shows that christians struggle with their choices and aren't perfect. I also would of liked to have seen more regarding Lindsay and her parents relationship regarding her decisions. Otherwise, great book, I would definitely recommend!
March 21, 2011
Lindsey is a good girl who follows her parents rules but when she gets involved with Noah she begins to question what she has always believed. The book illustrates the struggle a teen girl experiences between her wants and desires and her religious upbringing. The book presents both sides of the argument but definitely takes the stand of the religious belief being correct.
To be honest, I only read this book because it was in the new book display. While there is a specific audience who would enjoy this book I don't feel it is a great book for the average reader.
To be honest, I only read this book because it was in the new book display. While there is a specific audience who would enjoy this book I don't feel it is a great book for the average reader.
November 30, 2015
A YA Christian novella about the power of sex and why God created it for marriage. The idea is good, the intended message is good, the execution is really lacking. The characters are stereotypes and superficial, the message is conflicting. Is it a lesson in heeding God's word and how to be strong in your faith? Is it a lesson about redemption and how God's forgiveness erases sin? It's a little bit of both but not really enough of either. There's not enough credit given to the teens this book is aimed at. I'd encourage parents thinking of giving this to their teen to read it first.
January 4, 2013
I read this to preview for my daughter. I think in another year this will be a good book to bring up the topic of sex outside of marriage. The book was relevant, the characters relatable to teen girls, and the effects real.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews