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+.
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What an absolute diamond of a book, yes it is YA labelled but also in my opinion adults SHOULD READ IT. The themes that are in it are uncomfortable yet need to be read, the author eloquently displayed the theme and for me the meaning beautifully, well presented and flowed so easily. Yes I get it it’s a book and not to be taken to seriously, and the vast majority I don’t I enjoy it for what it is whether it be dark funny sad or romantic. With this one however I disagree with that quite vehemently the tragedy that unfolds in this story and the surrendering feelings it brought with it made me feel dirty and panicky because of my daughter been in high school, as I have no doubt that things like that did go on and are probably still happening. Kudos to the author for writing such a powerful message. You are a product of your past good or bad, but there comes a time when you need to rise up and accept that you will be an adult and can not act in certain ways. What you think is fun is disgraceful harmful and possibly illegal. Peer pressure is a terrible thing especially in our young, I remember my teens in school not a happy ground, juggling school hormones, pimples and yes the bullies the beautiful people, the sports addicts the nerds we all had them at some time but the older you get you tend to forget, The days of our lives apparently but with the influx of bullying now alive and horrifically filmed these days. This book brought a powerful message. While you think someones life is rosy it’s often a front for some extremely painful times. The young are pack animals and will attack. If pushed to much.
Sweet sixteen is not what you think, truly go in blind, the experience will be much more benefited from.
THE GIVING OF A ROSE HAS NEVER HAD SUCH DIRE CONSEQUENCES
The star of the book for me was Gin ( GINGER) not Chase but Gin through horrendous events she stuck to her guns and she would not bow down to peer pressure. I don’t want to go to much into the plot as its a new release. However there are scenes in it that are upsetting.
Ginger is in her last year of high school, she goes against the grain of what society expects, she if you like marches to the beat of her own drum, I loved that. Chase approaches her with a proposition, fully expecting her to be in awe that she is chosen, however that is swiftly kicked in the butt, what follows is a miserable and quite horrifying delve into high school the pitfalls the bullies, the ins and the outs. I loved Gin as a character, I adored her mother. My advice read it go in blind don’t read the spoilers. My only niggle is the ending was quite rushed, some things ending mid air, if it was done with the intention of a book 2 then good, but I wanted more information on Gins friend Lauren. Plus we went from high school to college ending by turning a page, I didn’t like that. Other than that a fantastic read.
There is also a part of me as I am now a lot older questions if things like this do go on, and for you to comment about what I mean, You need to read the book
This book brought out many deep fierce visceral emotions in me. Feelings ranging from disgust to joy, sad pity to happy redemption, and many more in between. I’m still reeling from it.
Gin is a very strong heroine that is willing to go against the grain of a small town that worships everything high school football and the players that are the gods that can do no wrong.
Just when I thought my jaw couldn’t drop any further, I’d get to the next chapter – or even the next page – and be awed & stunned again. I was glued to this story the whole time even though I was so angry.
This is one of, if not THE, best books Brenda Rothert has written.
A MUST READ
WOW! I’ve volunteered to review this book for the author. I love to read Brenda Rothert. This is Gin and Chase’s story. I loved the chemistry between them. This book brings forth so many emotions out. I don’t know what else to say about this book without giving away something. So you HAVE to get it and READ it!! Keep up the great work Brenda! I can’t wait to read your next book.
And a Half ‘s
Lately very few things surprise me, this book Sweet Sixteen did. I was expecting another great Brenda Rothert book and what I got was a complete and total surprise. To be honest with you at first I wasn’t sure what to make of it. The plot twist is so completely out in left field that I wasn’t sure how to handle it. I must have re-read the passage five times and kept thinking “there’s no way I’m reading that correctly”. But in the end the plot twist works and only because of the incredible character development of Chase and Gin.
Chase is very interesting, at first I didn’t like him, at first I was disgusted by him, at first I just wanted to slap some sense into him, but then as the story progresses he redeems himself and does so in a big way.
Then there is Gin, she’s spunky, she’s sassy, she’s full of life and she has hopes and dreams that she will not give up on. The most important thing about Gin is that she has morals and values and she doesn’t back down from them
I highly recommend this book and if at any point you want to put it down, don’t, keep reading it, trust me.
(I read an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review).
Wow, I was not ready for this book. Within the first couple chapters I was blown away with how much sadness I had for the sweet sixteen. I almost did want to finish the book. I was so glad that I did though because there was such a great message within the pages. A message of hope and strength and forgiveness. I was not expecting this book, but am glad I gave it a chance.
When I realized what Sweet Sixteen actually meant, I shat my pants. Just kidding. But my stream of emotions went like this:
Shock
Horror
Intrigued
Anger
Confusion
Rinse and repeat
Those emotions made this book a one-sit-read.
I instantly fell in love with Gin, and instantly love-hated Chase. She is an outcast in her football driven hick town, and he’s the golden boy. Polar opposites. Which made their budding relationship that much more interesting. But not in the ways you think. Brenda really broke the mold on character development. *DEAR GOD I WISH I COULD SAY MORE BUT I CAN NOT.*
I appreciate how many important issues were gracefully tackled in this book: misogyny, racism, abuse of all kinds… The plot is scandalous, the kind that’ll mind-fuck you for years to come because it is REAL LIFE and showcases how desensitized our society has become.
Nothing was sugar coated here; not everything will be wrapped up in a pretty little bow in the end. And I loved it.
There’s a lesson to be learned through Gin and Chase. Their story is more than romance. so. damn. much. more.
Where do I begin? This book had me from page 1 and kept me in! This book delves into things that happen in high school that no one wants to address. Gin faces them head on and is a true heroine who stayed true to herself and did not falter. Chase is an example of that popular kids in high school that eventually realizes he has some influence and needs to right the wrongs. I am an avid Brenda reader and this ranks among one of her best in my opinion!
Disturbing. It was the first word to come to my mind after I finished reading Sweet Sixteen. After that, others joined: original, well written, realistic…
I love how the blurb said so much but at the same time let you go into the story blind.
It is a story with all the high school clichés, without being cliché. It’s a tale of right, wrong, friendship and love.
A story about believing in what you are told without thinking, and about doing what is right.
For the majority of the book, I hated Chase and couldn’t see things working in the end, but oh how he proved me wrong! He changed so much, grew in the story and grew in my heart. Gin was completely different. She was perfection from beginning to end. I think I never loved a heroine so much in a YA book.
I really can’t say much without giving spoilers, so believe me and go read this book in the dark. Be surprise by the plot and enjoy your reading!
5 stars for Brenda and Sweet Sixteen.
This book was something different than I expected.
When I saw that it for 18+ readers I was sure that’s next very hot Young Adult book….
And I was wrong… of course this book is still for adult readers because story in Sweet Sixteen not always is… sweet.
18 + means that this story takes You to the dark side of High School life… where the bully is the one who rules, where’s others don’t want to stand up against it… In this story You can see how cruel can be teenager life.
You can see how much can take the girls and boys to be popular.
Our girl, who named Gin is much more different than other girls… She’s far, far away from wanting to be popular. She is who she is… She’s doesn’t do what others would expect.
When she see that girl is being bulied by some kids from school, Gin defend this girl. And then she find out that this bullied one is popular quarterback’ s sister – Chase.
Everything changed with this moment.
Chase think that Gin defends his sister because Gin want to be …. popular.
Yeah… she show him how much he’s wrong… and gave him good lesson for sure.
I really love this books. It wasn’t simple but, I read it very fast, the plot and main characters will make You forget about world around.
Sweet Sixteen was not what I expected it really took me by surprise in the best possible way and now I need to try and put words on paper that will do this journey justice.
Roper High School is how I imagine high schools in small towns right across the US to be where the football team are God’s they get away with things no one else would and the whole town turn out to watch their games putting them on the highest pedestal possible. The football team have a tradition that before every game the captain gives a rose to a girl who is willing to become part of a sacrifice because after winnng each game the team have a party where nothing is banned and everything is swept under the table the next day when the clean up crew come in with no questions asked.
Sweet Sixteen is the story of one girl standing up to the football captain not only saying no to the Rose but also making him see the tradition that’s been going on since the 90’s is wrong, this is a journey about two kids who are opposites falling in love, growing strong together and making Roper High School a safer place for everyone. I loved how these characters grew as the story unfolded it was a book that took over I couldn’t put it down, it’s a beautifully written story that in parts is very dark and I think it can only be recommended to 18+ readers. Brenda Rothert shows us just how diverse her writing talents are with Sweet Sixteen it’s like nothing I have read before.
Have to say Brenda Rothert just knows how to grip your attention and doesn’t disappoint at all with going after tough topics. High school can be tough and reading about the kind of girl Gin is well just made me love her more. Brenda Rothert created such a strong, take charge girl that this football team never saw coming. I loved that Chase doesn’t know what to do and for the first time he is seeing his life differently through Gins eyes. If you looking for just romance this is not it but if you want a heroine who changes a little high school and their beliefs Brenda Rothert and Gin are your go to women. Awesome book!!
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
A fantastic YA read! I love how it opens the door for discussion on current themes in today’s society, especially in a high school situation. Love the character development, and chemistry between Gin and Chase. I loved how strong and steadfast Gin is. I also loved the transformation Chase made. I highly recommend this read.
This is one of those books that leaves you thinking in the end. Although it’s romance, it’s only as Brenda Rothert can dive into a subject that others fear to tread and bring out the rawness in such a way that it leaves you thinking for days.
First and foremost is it romance story. However it’s the strength of the heroine and the growth of the hero that make for a compelling read.
First of all the cover is just gorgeous! Second of all the story is not like anything I’ve read before. Love the words in this story. From beginning to end I could. It out this book down. Great story, I would recommend you read it. If you have a daughter in high school I recommend she read it also, to know how a teen boy should treat girls.
This book is a YA book but it does have some dark tones in it and it makes it that much better. I love Gin and Chase because everything in this book is so relatable and still goes on today. Everyone needs to read this book!
I started this book not knowing anything about it. Figured it was a sweet story about a girl turning sixteen. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This story was so different from what the author has written in the past. And while I love all her books, I think Sweet Sixteen is my new favorite. Gin and Chase attend Roper high school in a small town where football is everything to everyone. Gin is an outcast who takes up for a up for an underclass an getting bullied. Chase is the star quarterback that everyone loves. After Gin takes up for his little sister he decides to make Gin’s year a little bit better. He honestly thinks he’s doing a good thing for her, so he doesn’t understand it when she declines his help.
I LOVED Gin. She was so strong willed and knew who she was. She didn’t try to fit in with all the “football” people. It took me a little longer to like Chase, but he eventually got me to come around. This story touched on some difficult subjects, but I honestly think these things go on in the world. I enjoyed every word of this book and the messages it portrayed. I’d give Sweet Sixteen more than five stars if I could. I definitely recommend that everyone reads this book.
Wowww this was so unexpected and nothing like any of the YA books I’ve read before. I was blown away by this story and how it brought interesting, sensitive issues to surface.
Gin by far was one of my favorite heroine from a YA book. She was strong and was no one’s doormat. She stood firmly by her beliefs and didn’t get pulled into peer pressure.
Chase I had mixed feelings about him at the beginning. He seemed legit when he helped Gin after she defended his sister but then obviously he didn’t really “know” Gin and thought she was like every other girl in the school. How wrong was he. He was intrigued after she turned him down literally in front of the entire school on some bs tradition that him and his football teammates had. It was degrading and very sensitive. But Gin didn’t care about their tradition and stood up to them. As time passed Chase realized how much more Gin was and he was falling her. Gin didn’t make it easy for him which I applauded.
Gin helped Chase out with lots of things including family matters. They were perfect for each other. And who knew that Gin would’ve been the one to change Chase for the better. He was so in love with her that it melted my heart. And that epilogue?!?! Priceless, .
Gin cannot wait to be done with her senior year of high school. Chase on the other hand doesn’t know what he wants except to get away from his home life. Gin didn’t know that stepping in to help someone was going to lead to a lot of attention that she didn’t want. Chase thought differently on the matter but soon he saw how wrong he was and spending more time with Gin he will soon see the error of his ways.
I couldn’t put this book down. It drew me in from the very beginning. This book touched on a very big topic and it showed that it only takes one person to speak up and stand up that others will also follow suit. I loved Gin’s character and how strong and confident she was and hoe she was there for Chase during their budding friendship. I can’t wait to read more!!!!
Emotional, thought provoking, one of the best Young Adult novels I have read. Gin is trying to slide through her senior year under the radar. She has her sights on NYU and escaping the confines of small town Roper. Chase is Roper High School’s Golden Boy, captain of the football team and poised to receive a full football scholarship to the college of his choice. One small school, two very separate lives that are about to collide. As I am 53 years old, I am past this stage of my life and my daughters are also grown but do not let the Young Adult classification sway you. It is relevant for any stage of life. I could not put this one down. Thank you for the look into the past Brenda Rothert. I will treasure this story for years to come.
Emotional, thought provoking, one of the best Young Adult novels I have read. Gin is trying to slide through her senior year under the radar. She has her sights on NYU and escaping the confines of small town Roper. Chase is Roper High School’s Golden Boy, captain of the football team and poised to receive a full football scholarship to the college of his choice. One small school, two very separate lives that are about to collide. As I am 53 years old, I am past this stage of my life and my daughters are also grown but do not let the Young Adult classification sway you. It is relevant for any stage of life. I could not put this one down. Thank you for the look into the past Brenda Rothert. I will treasure this story for years to come.