Defending Taylor

It’s a great experience to jump back into the world of Hundred Oaks. This series has been one of my favorites. How awesome it is to have seven novels all revolving around one town? Pretty cool, right?

Since Miranda Kenneally is one of my favorite authors, I jumped into this book with only two things in mind, Taylor and soccer. It’s the featured sport for this novel. I don’t know much about soccer (or football for most people) but I’ve always wanted to try it. I was able to finish this book in one day which isn’t really surprising for a Hundred Oaks novel because I love the series.

Taylor Lukens is a straight-A student, and the incoming captain of the soccer team at St. Andrews, until one incident happened which caused her to cover and lie for her boyfriend, leading to her transfer to Hundred Oaks High. It wasn’t really hard to relate to her character and I think, among all the other characters in the series, I could relate to Taylor best, especially when it comes to being in constant pressure. I like her dedication and her whole personality. She’s snarky, sassy and sweet at the same time.

And of course, the love interest, Landscaping Lion guy, who’s Hispanic, has a buzzed hair, lean muscular body, and cute. I’m calling him Sebastian. Oh, wait.

The male lead is actually Ezra Carmichael, the bestfriend of Taylor’s older brother, Oliver.

Here’s the thing, I really thought Landscaping Lion guy was going to be the male lead. I was waiting for his name to drop, until I actually realized it’s going to be Ezra. Hahaha! I even asked Miranda if the Landscaping Lion guy had a name until she asked me what I wanted to call him so I said Sebastian. Hahaha!

Anyway, Ezra seems this pretty cool guy, like I said, he’s best friends with Oliver, which means he’s practically best friends with Taylor as well. It’s quite nice to see how their friendship blossomed into something more, because there’s definitely a tension and chemistry between them. I love Ezra’s personality as well.

This book is such a complete package. It dealt with sports, politics, friendship, family, and even disabilities and it delivers really great. I love the family relationship between Taylor and her dad, also with her twin siblings, Oliver and Jenna.

As for the cameos, Jack and Savannah are here. Apparently, Jack’s family are good friends with Taylor’s so we see Jack here for several times. I’m so glad that one of those times is a very vital one for the story.

The way the book handles all the issues is realistic, which is really great. I’m so glad this book didn’t disappoint.

(Review originally posted at The Bibliophile Confessions)