Faking Perfect

May 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-Lexi Shaw just wants to be a regular high school senior, with a regular boyfriend and a regular family. She fakes having a perfect family life even though her father chose drugs over her when she was four and her mother is an alcoholic who seems to only attract sleazeball boyfriends. Then she gets tangled up with Oakfield High's notorious bad boy, Tyler. She must keep their tryst a secret if she will ever catch the eye of the wholesome, perfect All-American Ben. She swears Tyler to secrecy, telling him to avoid her at school, keep feelings out of it, and to keep his mouth shut about her unrequited crush on Ben. Suddenly Lexi's fake world is crashing down around her. Her father works his way back into life, Ben makes a move on her, and Tyler develops feelings for her. The protagonist's perfect facade is cracked and she must find a new identity. Fans of Sarah Dessen's novels will enjoy this book. Phillips will soon be a must-read YA writer for those who love romance and drama. VERDICT A title that will be enjoyed by fans of love triangles where the underdog comes out on top and of strong female protagonists who become comfortable in their own skin.-Morgan O'Reilly, Riverdale Country School, NY

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