Diplomatic Immunity - Hardcover

Ashton, Brodi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062368567 ISBN 13: 9780062368560

Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 2016

Synopsis

Anna and the French Kiss meets The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks in a romantic and hilarious new novel from Brodi Ashton, the author of the Everneath trilogy. 

Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity . . . it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row.

Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—which would ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.

Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school—and realizes that access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington.

The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish Ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s big chance to get the full scoop. Except Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it will destroy the boy she just might love?

About this title

About the Author

BRODI ASHTON is also the author of Everneath, a VOYA Perfect 10 for 2011; Everbound; and Evertrue; and the coauthor, with Cynthia Hand and Jodi Meadows, of My Lady Jane. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in international relations from the London School of Economics. Brodi lives in Utah with her family. You can visit her online at www.brodiashton.blogspot.com

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up—Piper Baird is a journalist. At least, she wants to be. Her family's finances are in rough shape, and the only shot she has at a Columbia University scholarship is getting into Chiswick Academy. Against all odds, Piper is accepted. She hasn't even attended her first class before she bumps into Rafael Amador. The good-looking boy manages to land her in detention in their first encounter. It isn't long before she finds out that Raf is the bad boy son of the Spanish ambassador to the United States. Realizing that she doesn't have much time to prove her writing chops at the Chiswick paper, Piper sets her sights on an exposé of the privileged elite. She is disgusted by a select few who use their international status to seemingly do whatever it is they want: high-speed chases, drinking, and even elaborate flamenco dances in the middle of lunch. As Piper investigates Raf, she begins to uncover a much softer side of his personality. She becomes even more attracted to him when she learns that they both have younger brothers with autism. Then, all at once, he cuts her off. This fish-out-of-water love story between gorgeous Raf and gruff, opinionated Piper will appeal to many readers. Piper is initially an off-putting, cranky protagonist, but she is greatly softened as she deals with the smooth, too-good-to-be-true Rafael. The book's portrayal of the younger siblings with autism is handled with appropriate grace and thoughtfulness. The narrative does take a while to get to the core of its mystery, but it's hardly noticeable once Piper and Rafael start to grow close. VERDICT This novel will satisfy teens looking for a good romance with a dash of thriller.—Ryan P. Donovan, Southborough Public Library, MA

About this edition

• Publisher: Balzer + Bray
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0062368567
• ISBN 13: 9780062368560
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 368