Details
Title: The Ex-Games
Author: Jennifer Echols
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Year: 2009
Language: English
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Chick Lit
Rating: 9/10
Continuation: No continuation yet.
Pages: 303
Review
Hayden and Nick used to be a huge item, but things soon ended with a highly publicized breakup. Four years later, Hayden's two best friends end up dating Nick's and it seems like they're meant to be.
Hayden wins in the girls division of a local snowboarding competition. Nick is unimpressed and claims that she couldn't compare to a boy. Hayden challenges him to compete against her and prove that he's not all talk. It soon turns into a battle of sexes, with mutual friends taking sides. The friendly competitions soon becomes heated and the couple ends up re-igniting their flame.
This novel is a whole bunch of FUN! It is just the thing for all the girls out there. It is a perfect combination of flirtation, competition and a whole lot of drama. This novel achieves the optimum portrayal of a typical high schools, using the art of description. I find that Echols has done a remarkable job with her characters. She is able to use her wonderful writing skill to manipulate the reader's perception of her characters as she pleases. She makes the two protagonists likable and relatable. I find that it is Hayden's spunk and Nick's charm, which makes the novel a page-turner.
The chemistry between Hayden and Nick is quite clear and Echols manages to make their romance an interesting adventure, with strategically placed flirtation and physical gestures. Their romance is a major sub-plot in the novel and spices things up. Suspense builds up, as the reader wonders what the next twist or turn in their relationship will be.
I also find it commendable that Echols manages to balance the book very well. She does not focus purely the romance and high school drama, but introduces an element unheard of in chick lit - sports. Her introduction to snowboarding is quite interesting and she is well-informed. The book uses a lot of snowboarding lingo, which makes the fact that Hayden is a pro more believable. I also found the fact that a snowboarding term is compared to Hayden's current state of affairs quite innovative.
Hayden's character s witty and her actions are sure to make the reader laugh out loud. I have found that Echols has a way with words where humor is concerned. Her artful use of language and a well-developed sense of humor helps drive the book and give the readers a simple and sweet story to enjoy.
The only thing that bars me from giving it a perfect 10 is the repitition. Hayden likes Nick. Nick likes Hayden. They make out. One accuses the other of ulterior motives. They stare each other down. One walks off in a huff. This same scene is changed around a little and used again and again, taking away from the book's otherwise creative structure.
This book is most certainly a light and breezy read, perfect to get you out of your reading slump. I would recommend it as a read, whenever you feel like you need something funny and funky to cheer you up and help you jump into reading!
I also find it commendable that Echols manages to balance the book very well. She does not focus purely the romance and high school drama, but introduces an element unheard of in chick lit - sports. Her introduction to snowboarding is quite interesting and she is well-informed. The book uses a lot of snowboarding lingo, which makes the fact that Hayden is a pro more believable. I also found the fact that a snowboarding term is compared to Hayden's current state of affairs quite innovative.
Hayden's character s witty and her actions are sure to make the reader laugh out loud. I have found that Echols has a way with words where humor is concerned. Her artful use of language and a well-developed sense of humor helps drive the book and give the readers a simple and sweet story to enjoy.
The only thing that bars me from giving it a perfect 10 is the repitition. Hayden likes Nick. Nick likes Hayden. They make out. One accuses the other of ulterior motives. They stare each other down. One walks off in a huff. This same scene is changed around a little and used again and again, taking away from the book's otherwise creative structure.
This book is most certainly a light and breezy read, perfect to get you out of your reading slump. I would recommend it as a read, whenever you feel like you need something funny and funky to cheer you up and help you jump into reading!
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