Review: Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

Title: Geek Girl
Author: Cindy C. Bennett
Source: ARC given in exchange for an honest review
Buy (pre-order): Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Caution: May contain spoilers

"Think I can turn that boy bad?"

Jen's life of partying and sneaking out has grown stale. So on a whim, Jen makes a bet to turn Trevor, a goody-two-shoes geek, into a "bad boy." As she hangs out with Trevor, however, she finds it's actually kinda fun being a geek. But when Trevor finds out about the bet, Jen must fight for the things she's discovered matter most: friendship, family, and, above all, love.

~synopsis from Goodreads

My Thoughts:

It all starts with the bet. Jennifer trying to turn Trevor bad. For a piercing.

I found myself relating to Jen since she was such a rebel. The difference is that she shows her rebellion in the way she presents herself to the world--the whole goth look. The extent of her bad nature (a partying and piercing wanting side), not so much like me. But personality wise--yes. Trevor was definitely a crush-worthy guy in my opinion. I’m often attracted to geeky guys (or guys with a lot of geeky type qualities, not just guys who “like Star Wars”, because, let’s face it, 95% of guys like Star Wars). His sweetness is the cherry on the ice cream sundae of his crush-worthiness.

Even though Jen’s intentions were to turn HIM into someone more like her, he gradually causes changes in her instead. She fights it a little bit, taking him to a parties and dressing even darker, but caves in again. The gradual changes in Jen are definitely ones to root for. You struggle alongside her trying to make the decision. Wanting both worlds but knowing that sometimes you can’t have it all… sometimes you don’t want it all either.

Jen is a foster child, and she is in a constant state of uncertainty. It’s extremely common for foster children to be bounced from house to house, and unfortunately they don’t always get put in the best homes. Often they get placed in houses that are not homes, ones that only want state money to put a roof over your head. She expects every stay to end abruptly (sometimes even causes it to end herself) so she never settles in. Her past haunts her and she doesn’t open up easily, especially about her real parents. But with her Foster parents, the Clarks, and with Trevor, everything’s different.

Yet it’s hard to let go, and even harder to admit what got them where they are without worrying about hurting him. She wants to tell him about the bet, but before she can get the courage to tell him, he finds out from someone else. His reaction is exactly what she feared the most. Can she show him how she really feels? Will he let her explain herself? Can he forgive her?

Want to know the answers? Read the book and find out for yourself! I’m not telling. ;)

Cindy C. Bennett has done it again. I did love Heart On A Chain a lot, but this one I found myself connecting with Jen more than Kate (from HOAC). And geeks are hot. Not that that should play a huge factor in reading the book. It’s just worth mentioning. I loved the geek talk, the emotions, the development of Jen and Trevor’s relationship, it was all great. You must get your hands on a copy ASAP. I can’t wait to see what else is in store from Cindy.

My Rating:

Exceptional: Stay up until at least 1 AM

~Jessica