Review Detail

Okay first the bad news. The author, at this time, has no plans to write a sequel to this book. Sigh. But maybe I can talk her into it, 'cause I'm dying to know what happens to the characters next.

Seattle has an unconventional family. Her father had dated Layla for a while, and then he'd cut out on them, leaving the young girl behind. Layla, a truly wonderful woman, took in Seattle as her own and raised her alongside her two sons: Critter (yeah, he's probably got a 'real' name, but heck if I can remember what it is and Critter fits him anyway) and Jesse. Critter is not only like Seattle's brother, he's also her best friend.

It's summer vacation and it's beyond hot. It's too hot to study (which is what Layla would like Seattle and Critter to do), too hot not to mention bo-ring! to get a job like Jesse, too hot to even skate. So Seattle gets the bright idea to try and sneak into a local swimming pool by having Critter chat up the girl lifeguard.

It works out a little too well and soon the plot twists with some romance: Critter's got a think for the preppie lifeguard and Sea's met a genius skater boy on the rebound from his girlfriend. But mix that in with them also suddenly coming aware of each other in a non-brotherly-sisterly way, and you've got some tension. Then toss in the reappearance of Frank, Sea's dad&

I really enjoyed this one and all the characters. They've got bite and sass, not to mention some interesting fashion sense. Told in alternating view points (Critter and Sea), you get a glimpse into both sides of the story. I recommend this one for readers aged 14 and up.