Love Struck - Rachael Wing

So I've had my eye out for any other Rachael Wing books after I re-read Star-Crossed for like the 10th time. It's a short but sweet book and I love it - especially the way it's written.
Anyway, I was mooching about my library when I saw The Legacy by Gemma Malley *grab*, then this *grab*.
Rachael Wing was only 16 when Star-Crossed was published, 14 when she wrote it and although, it isn't as well rounded as some books are these days, it's not all that bad compared to the fact she was 14. I was 14 when I got into writing...and it's not all that brillant still.


Synopsis: This is the supposed to be the summer of her life, for fifteen year-old Holly. She has tickets for the local, famous music festivial, The Midsummer Rave, with her best friend, Wes and now, her crush, Jonah is taking an interest in her. What else could possible ruin this summer? It seems like it is going to be the best summer, until Emily a.ka. Barbie, the American blonde bimbo (Sidenote: What Holly calls her - not me!) who all the boys, including Wes, fall for. But she isn't all she seems behind the tan and the glossy blonde hair.


Review: This book is based loosely on the story of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Like Star-Crossed is based on Romeo and Juliet. This time....it's not as obvious and to be honest, it took me a while to understand how it was. I went and saw a school production of the Shakespeare play which has 3 of my close friends in (one played Helena, one a fairy and one was one of the actors at the wedding) which was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed it so I know the story pretty well. And apart from the fact that Holly, Wes, Jonah and Emily are the main characters in the play and the name of the festival links in with the play title, I couldn't see the reference. And the band, The Faeries, that Wes and Holly love are of course...the Faeries in the play.

Also for me, it seemed like nothing happened as I read it. It's only afterwards that you realise a lot of stuff did happen, much like Matched by Ally Condie. There is no shocking twists and turns like in some books but in some ways, that made it more enjoyable and nicer to read. I relaxed more while reading it.
I liked how the lyrics mentioned fitted in with the plot too.

Looking at the book, like Star-Crossed, it look like such a young teenager type book that a little bit cheesy and over rated. But it's not. There are some brillant moments and Rachael Wing has included some great, original characters that are all different. I personally loved Remi and Arno (friends of Holly's) and Wes. Ah Wes. There's something about that name I love like in The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. And the name Jonah is starting to appeal to me. Although, in this book, Jonah is a complete idiot and I can't believe Holly fell for him. Anyway, moving on.

The ending of the story is inevitable and you can probably guess what happens at the end of the book.
Although, the cover lets it down, this book is an nice short read at only 170 pages.
This isn't as good and well-written as Star-Crossed was but this is still worth a read if you want a book where you don't have to think too much and you can just relax and enjoy. It's a definite possible summer read.

I give it 3.5 out of 5

Author's Wesbite: http://www5.scholastic.co.uk/zone/authors_r-wing_biog.htm

Click here for my Star-Crossed Review!

Star-crossed - Rachael Wing

Before you judge a book from the cover, read this review and it might (I said might though) change your view. JUST wait there, right there.

I have read this book countless of times. I'm serious. And guess what. This was written by when she was 14, published when she was 16. She would now be...19 but still. A 14-year-old. That's pretty cool and we're talking some good stuff - despite the cover. This was first found a couple of years ago under some books. I thought it sounded good so I read it. And again...and again...and now AGAIN!

When Jen lands the main role of Juliet in her school production of Romeo and Juliet, she is thrilled. Especially as beating one of the most popular people and her best gay friend, Reuben playing Mercutio, another main part. Until you find out who Romeo is.
The boy you and your family hate with a passion because of feud going on since their fathers were 18. Jen will do anything to get embarrasse him and beat him, there's no way you're going to be like Juliet and fall for him....is there?

This book has such a simply storyline and well written that I just love it. It's also written very differently using 'You' or the Second Tense (I think) which makes it so interesting and just different.
It could be classed as a short story but I think although it is short, it is a book. The scenes and characters are great and so well written. I loved Reuben, her best friend. You just kind of have to love him, he is so funny and lovely.
Even though I have amazing friends and I love them to pieces, I would love a kind of 'gay' or 'boy' best friend. I mean, a guy that you can just kind of talk about anything with and don't have to keep checking if you look okay or are going red. I've told a couple of people my little 'wish' and those that I asked did agree.
This book, even though the cover isn't particularly amazing, is such a sweet, innocent (kind of), interesting story with a modern day Romeo and Juliet tale. And it shows that not every love story means sex and snogging their faces off straight away. I mean I don't mind it in books but still, some authors do get a little over the top on the descriptions of whats happening :S
This story is also so relatable to people my age, teens, because Jen faces so many teen issues.
I would suggest anyone that loves to write or loves Shakespeare and a bit of romance to read this one. It is truly a sweet story and with the 'You', I was able to imagine it happening to myself, probably why I love it so much.
I give it a 4.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www5.scholastic.co.uk/zone/authors_r-wing_biog.htm

Rachael Wing has also released a book called Love Struck which looks at A Midsummer's Night Dream. I am SO looking out for that one :)