Backstory:
While introducing her new book Miranda explains that during her early twenties she was working 15 hour days, with no opportunity to go to the gym or do drinks after work… And she doesn’t want her readers to make the same mistakes, especially whilst still in high school.
The main character in Defending Taylor, is so worried about ‘earning her way’ and getting into the right college, that she does every extracurricular she can and takes AP class, after AP class. And when this becomes too much for her she abuses prescribed medications to stay awake – putting herself and her future at risk.
The story opens as Taylor’s world comes crashing down, when she’s caught with drugs on school property and expelled. At the same time Taylor breaks up with her boyfriend Ben, but she can’t tell her friends why. She won’t share that secret. To top it all off, Taylor’s senator father is not happy; he’s up for re-election and now her actions have effected his campaign. To force her to buck up, he sends her to the local state school, Hundred Oaks, where the soccer team sucks and the girls are mean, mean and meaner. The only bright spot in Taylor’s days is Ezra, her brother’s best friend, who for reasons unknown is home from college.
My Thoughts:
This series just works for me. I usually beatle through these books in a day and this book was no exception. I read late into the night in order to finish it. It’s a compulsive read. And of course, our favourite guidance councillor makes a couple fun appearances! As do a few other familiar couples…
The soccer elements weren’t as prominent in this novel as I expected them to be (do not anticipate another Catching Jordan style read) and the terminology/mechanics of the game were definitely dumbed down. I’d be interested to know if this last part was the author’s choice or an editor’s…
The romance was ramped up in Defending Taylor. I would not give this book to a younger teen! It borders on being a New Adult book, rather than YA. #sexytimes
Fortunately Erza was pretty crushable – I’d like a yummy construction worker boyfriend too please Miranda! And he was patient with Taylor, which I appreciated. So often romance authors write bolshy, pushy male characters who dominate the story… But Ezra’s the kind of guy you and I would actually want to get to know. #real #READit!
Sourcebooks Fire will be publishing Defending Taylor on July 5th 2016.
What did you prioritise in high school – fun or grades? And do you regret your choice?
Book Blather 
I have read a lot of positive things about this series, but have never really looked into it because I am not a sports person at all, haha XD I was terrible at it in school and managed to get out of it more often than not.
It’s awesome that you enjoyed this one so much, Annette! I love it when a book is so good that you just devour it completely.
As for your question, I definitely concentrated on grades A LOT more than I concentrated on fun in high school. The uni degree I wanted required the top of the top marks, so I knew I had to work hard. I don’t really regret my decision, because good grades were something I wanted, and made me happy when i achieved them. But I guess a better balance might have been a good thing!
I, like you, worked really hard in school… and although it’s paid off, I kind of do regret it. There’s something to be said for enjoying your youth! Haha. This is a fab series, I think you’d like it.