Review: Shark Bait by Jenn Cooksey

Title: Shark Bait
Author: Jenn Cooksey
Series: Grab Your Pole #1
Published: June 15, 2012
Source: Purchased

Previously homeschooled Camie Ramsey is being shoved into the shark-infested waters of public high school, where even helium filled, penguin bespeckled arm floaties likely won’t help keep her inexperienced, fifteen-year old head above water in that rip current of hormones and emotions.

Camie’s worldly wisdom might be severely lacking (i.e., the closest she’s come to being kissed was sitting too close to the TV whilst Jake Ryan leaned in to give Samantha that fateful 16th birthday kiss), but she does understand her only hope for survival is if she’s thrown some kind of “social” life preserver before she sinks like a freaking rock. However, what will her fate be when she endeavors to flag down the only lifeguard on duty, the enormously popular and ridiculously beautiful Tristan Daniels? The most sought after and virtually most unattainable guy in school who not only makes Camie’s heart flatline on a recurring basis, he’s also the one guy who seemingly doesn’t know she exists.

Feeling like an inept piece of chum that could ultimately be swallowed by Jaws, can Camie get Tristan to rescue her from floundering in the treacherous deep, or is she destined to be Shark Bait?

Ooph, I'm having such a difficult time pulling my thoughts together to review this book.  At times I loved it.  Then other times I wanted to put it to the side and read something else.  I read this one with my sister-in-law, Becca, so the fact that she was enjoying it so much really kept me focused on it, giving it my fullest attention.  But honestly, if I wasn't reading it with her, I probably would have put it aside and come back to it at a later point. I don't know if I would have liked it better at a different time, that maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it?  Who knows.  I did like it.  I just didn't love it like I thought I would. (You can read Becca's awesome 5-star review HERE.)

First the good.  Cooksey has an amazing sense of humor!  I loved her writing style and how she was able to add the humor so effortlessly throughout the story.  And most of the time it was when I would least expect it.  I was literally laughing out loud at several different parts.  I really respect an author who has that level of talent.  I also really loved the secondary characters.  The friends and their silly behaviors really made this story for me.

Another thing I really enjoyed were all of the 80's references!  Though I found it a bit odd that 15-year-old Camie got the references, I really enjoyed them myself.  And all of the music referenced was entertaining as well.  It was like I had a soundtrack playing throughout the story. :)

The not-so-good aspects... it dragged... a lot... for long periods of time.  The beginning, several times in the middle, and even the ending.  It just seemed to go on, and on, where I found myself almost skimming sections just to find out what would happen finally.  I felt that the book was much too long and several parts could have been cut out.

So, now I'm sure you can "feel my pain" and see my frustration and difficulty in rating this book.  Though I read several 5-star reviews for this story, I just can't give it that myself.  I am wavering between 3 stars and 4 stars.  Some parts I really loved, others were extremely difficult.  I think I'll have to meet in the middle and go with 3.5 stars on this one.  Again, these are just my thoughts.  MANY other people have absolutely fallen in love with this series.  And honestly, I can see why.  It just wasn't a favorite of mine.

Other Books in this Series:

Jenn Cooksey is a Southern California girl born and bred, however she's no longer a resident of heaven on earth, but instead she currently resides in the 7th Ring of Hell with her husband, their three daughters, and a goodly number of pets. Aside from her husband, one cat, and three out of five fish, everyone living under the Cooksey's roof is female. She's sure her husband will not only be awarded sainthood when he kicks the bucket, but that Jesus will welcome him into heaven with a beer and a congratulatory high-five. Jenn is also of the belief that Bacon should be capitalized and that just being yourself is the best way to go. That is, unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

You can learn more about Jenn and her books at the following locations:

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