Author: Claire LaZebnik
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Source: Bought
Overall: 5 Stars
Summary:
Franny's supposed to be working this summer, not flirting. But you can't blame her when guys like Alex and Harry are around. . . .
Franny Pearson never dreamed she'd be attending the prestigious Mansfield Summer Theater Program. And she's not, exactly. She's working for her aunt, the resident costume designer. But sewing her fingers to the bone does give her an opportunity to spend time with her crush, Alex Braverman. If only he were as taken with the girl hemming his trousers as he is with his new leading lady.
When Harry Cartwright, a notorious flirt, shows more than a friendly interest in Franny, she figures it can't hurt to have a little fun. But as their breezy romance grows more complicated, can Franny keep pretending that Harry is just a carefree fling? And why is Alex suddenly giving her those deep, meaningful looks? In this charming tale of mixed messages and romantic near-misses, one thing is clear: Flirting might be more trouble than Franny ever expected.
My Thoughts:
After reading Claire LaZebnik's debut YA novel Epic Fail last year and absolutely enjoying the cute spin on Pride and Prejudice, I couldn't wait to see which Jane Austen novel LaZebnik would breathe new life into next. You don't have to be familiar with Mansfield Park to fall completely in love with The Trouble With Flirting! Once I began the novel, there was no way I could stop until Franny found her happily ever after.
Sarcastic and sensible, Franny has grown up attending a school in a wealthy neighbourhood where money and the right connections aren't a problem for other kids. To earn some cash for college, her parents get Franny a job sewing costumes for the summer with her aunt at the prestigious Mansfield Summer Theater Program. What she least expected was to see her middle school friend Julia and her handsome brother Alex, a boy she once had a major crush on.
Franny's old feelings awaken for Alex at first sight, but gorgeous Isabella has already captured his attention. When easygoing and flirty Harry shows an interest in her, and Alex starts giving her mixed signals, Franny can't help feeling confused. When did flirting become so complicated? Alex is a sweet and friendly guy, but the witty banter between Franny and Harry was a definite highlight for me. Franny may have been unsure of Harry's sincerity, but there was no denying their awesome chemistry together.
Delightfully fun from beginning to end, Claire LaZebnik's The Trouble With Flirting is a perfect summer read. It's an entertaining romantic comedy filled with laughter, drama, and swoon-worthy kisses. The Trouble With Flirting is one of those hidden gems I'd eagerly recommend to everyone, and I easily consider the book among my contemporary favourites of 2013!
