Triple Shot Bettys in Love

December 1, 2008
The Triple Shot Bettys —Geena, Amber and Hero —are back, serving up frothy lattes and falling in love, but this time their relationships are heating up and about to boil over (Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, 2008). This time the focus is on Geena, a skater-girl who isn 't comfortable being a "girlfriend " especially as she and her boyfriend, Ben, wade into new territory that leaves Geena wondering if he is interested in her body or her brains. To further complicate matters, Geena finds herself drooling over Mr. Sands, the intellectual doctoral candidate who takes over her English class. However, Amber provides the real twist when her infatuation with Mr. Sands quickly puts her in over her 16-year-old head. Hero plays a minor role this time, sending her sage advice from boarding school. Geena 's spunky voice will draw both returning and new readers into the girls ' tight circle, which, despite some relationship woes, manages to stay entertaining and upbeat. (Fiction. YA)

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January 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-Featuring the same Sonoma setting and many of the same characters as in "Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty" (Dial, 2008), this book comes infused with smart skater-chick-barista attitude, a plot nod to "Cyrano de Bergerac", and, of course, a jolt of caffeine. Readers join Geena, her boyfriend Ben, and her pal Amber several months after the events of the first novel. While Geena isn't sure where she's ready to go physically in her relationship with Ben, she's pretty sure that model-perfect Sophie De Luca would be happy to take her place by his side. To complicate matters further, a hot, brainy new English teacher attracts Amber's attention; to woo him, she pretends to be an Ivy League college girl by using Geena's intellectual and writing abilities. At times, Geena thinks she might want Mr. Sands's attention herself instead of helping Amber reel him in, and Ben's not sure what is preoccupying his girlfriend. Typical plot complications propel readers toward a satisfying ending by way of strong characterization and realistic dialogue. Just like a cappuccino from the drive-through coffee joint where the Bettys work, this one is frothy fun. Readers don't need to have read the prior book to enjoy it, though acquaintance with the characters' history enhances the brew."Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA"

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