No Love Allowed

February 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-Didi has just lost her much-needed waitressing job at the country club. The electricity is turned off at her house, and she oversleeps, can't take a hot shower, and is forced to wear yesterday's uniform. The day completely falls apart when she trips over her shoelaces and spills water on a couple in the midst of a bad breakup. The angry patron, Amber, takes out her grief and frustration on Didi, but Caleb, the trust fund brat, attempts to smooth things over between Didi and the country club management. Unemployed, with mounting bills and few prospects, Didi resigns herself to a summer of focusing on her aspiring painting career. Meanwhile, Amber's family are important clients of Caleb's father, and his gap year in Europe is suddenly in jeopardy. To make amends, he must work in his father's law firm for the summer and attend all of the related social events. However, he will need a fake girlfriend on his arm to keep the social sharks at bay. Didi eagerly accepts Caleb's proposal, which includes one rule: no falling in love. What ensues are a charmed summer of elite social events and Pretty Woman-style transformations as Didi enters Caleb's world of wealth and status while also fending off what is quickly becoming more than just a fake relationship for appearance's sake. VERDICT Despite the cliched characters and predictable plot, fans of the genre will enjoy the rags-to-riches fairy tale.-Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

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