They say roses are the most beautiful… lights shine bright on Chase Matthews. Roper’s golden boy, Chase can do no wrong, enjoying the small-town celebrity being the star quarterback brings. When Gin defends his little sister against a bully, he decides to lend her his star power and change her senior year in ways she never imagined.
But maybe the thorns are part of their beauty.
When Gin declines Chase’s invitation to be part of the elite Sweet Sixteen, the repercussions turn both their lives upside down. But amidst the chaos, Gin and Chase find solace in one another. Together, they confront the ugly truth— that sometimes glory has a dark side.
***Warning—Sweet Sixteen is an upper YA book with mature themes and is intended for readers 18+.
more
I have read all of Brenda Rothert’s books and this is one of her best works yet! I tend to feel lukewarm at best when the synopsis features high school students. I didn’t know what to expect until the author surprised me with a story that takes you on an emotional ride that you will never forget. Roper High is located in a small town where football players are put on a pedestal. They can do no wrong as long as they bring home the championship. The football captain, Chase, has followed the tradition of selecting a girl by giving her a rose after each winning game. She acts as a “sacrifice” to the winning football team and as a result, she gains popularity. Without giving too much away, this book is recommended for readers 18+.
Gin cannot wait to leave Roper High. She lives by her own rules and hopes to graduate unnoticed from the other students. Hiding behind her black hair and baggy clothes, she hopes to escape to NYU. Coincidentally she stops another girl from being beaten (who happens to be Chase’s sister). Gin and Chase’s story begins there.
Sweet Sixteen has so much depth and deals with subjects matters that we may have all encountered as teenagers whether it’s racism, objectification, emotional and/or physical harassment, bullying, etc. I truly loved how Brenda built the characters Gin and Chase, it wasn’t high school instalove but a deep love built first on friendship. I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could and that is a first for me! Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.