Fortunately, Glitter and Sparkle, while not perfect, is actually quite West-like.
Lauren's senior year is going exactly as planned. Her craft blog is getting more visitors every day, and she knows exactly what she's going to do with her life after graduation: get her associate's degree, marry someone fabulous, and live happily ever after.
Sure, she doesn't know what she's going to get that degree in...and there's no Prince Charming on the horizon yet. But, still, that's the plan.
At least, it is until Harrison Neeley shows up at her kitchen table one evening and derails everything...
Glitter and Sparkle is a fun, romantic, clean YA romance. High school senior Lauren is much more interested in maintaining her craft blog and hanging out with her best friend than she is in finding a boyfriend. Well, until her brother's annoying friend Harrison moves into their guest house ... then, she's suddenly (and infuriatingly) attracted to him.
I enjoyed Lauren and Harrison's romance—although it was kind of "instalove," they did have the background of having known each other when they were young.
I do have a few problems with the story, though. For as much as we're told that Lauren's parents are wildly overprotective, they're also completely clueless. Lauren is 18. Harrison is 20. Her parents see absolutely no problem with leaving the two alone together overnight (don't worry; nothing happens. But her parents are practically begging Harrison to make a move). For whatever reason, they trust Harrison implicitly, even though it's obvious to everyone (except them, apparently) that Harrison is crazy about Lauren.
I did appreciate that once Harrison decided he couldn't be with Lauren because she was in high school, he kept his distance (mostly). But as soon as she graduated, all bets were off ... even though their age difference was still the same, and the only difference was that she wasn't technically in high school anymore. It seemed so arbitrary to me. And also dumb, as there was only a two-year age difference to begin with.
Lauren does date another guy ... only because she can't be with Harrison. This guy knows Lauren isn't really into him, and it's obvious to everyone that it's not a great relationship, even though he's a nice guy. But Lauren stubbornly keeps dating him, which I hated, but I also thought it seemed like something an 18-year-old would do.
Aside from those things, Glitter and Sparkle really is a lot of fun! If I knew a teen who read this book, I'd definitely want to talk to her about it—it's ripe for conversations about good and bad decisions and how our actions impact others, and all that is wrapped in a really enjoyable story. 4 stars.
Buy the book.
Shari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I borrowed this book through Prime and chose to review it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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