Title: Serial Hottie
Author: Kelly Oram
First published June 1, 2012
374 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780985627713 (ISBN10: 0985627719)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
Gamer girl and self-proclaimed comic book nerd, Lily Davis has never been one to catch the eye of guys. So, when the new boy next door, the serial hottie, starts treating her like she’s the most important person in his life, she’s understandably skeptical.
But when girls who look just like Lily start turning up dead, she can’t help but suspect that the new boy is the killer. The more she gets to know him, the more Lily is convinced that he’s a psychopathic murderer.
However, there’s something about him that she can’t resist. Despite everything, she’s falling for him hard.
Will Lily find true love, or will her summer of romance turn into a summer of horror? One thing is for sure, she’ll never be the same again.
About the Author
At the young age of fifteen, Kelly Oram penned her initial book: a fan fiction featuring her adored music group The Backstreet Boys. Despite being poked fun at by loved ones, Oram’s passion for reading and love of indulging in frosting straight from the spoon are unwavering.
Presently, the author resides with her spouse and four children in the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona.
Editoral Review
In her 2012 novel “Serial Hottie,” Kelly Oram delivers an entertaining and witty contemporary young adult romance that explores themes of love, honesty, and self-discovery. Oram is an American author known for her popular young adult novels, including the “Cinder & Ella” series and “The Avery Shaw Experiment,” both of which have garnered high critical praise for their engaging storytelling and relatable characters.
“Serial Hottie” takes place in the fictional small town of Peachwood, Idaho, and follows the story of 17-year-old Jocelyn, a shy and introverted bookworm who finds herself falling for the new guy in school, Tyler, a charming and popular football player who also happens to be the prime suspect in a string of serial arson cases that have plagued the town. As Jocelyn and Tyler grow closer, she becomes increasingly conflicted about his potential involvement in the crimes, and must confront her own moral values and sense of justice.
Oram’s portrayal of the small town setting and the dynamics of high school life is vivid and authentic, capturing the nuances of adolescence with humor and empathy. The characters are well-developed and likable, particularly Jocelyn who is a relatable and strong-willed protagonist that readers will root for.
The chemistry between Jocelyn and Tyler is electric and their relationship is handled with sensitivity and nuance. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, blending suspense and romance to great effect.
Oram keeps the tension high throughout, skillfully making readers question Tyler’s guilt or innocence until the very end. The writing is clean and polished, with a conversational tone that is accessible and entertaining.
While “Serial Hottie” may not break any new ground in terms of plot or themes, it is a solid and enjoyable read that will resonate with fans of the young adult romance genre. The novel’s only real weakness lies in its tendency to rely on some clichéd character archetypes and narrative tropes, but Oram’s strong writing and excellent pacing mitigate this flaw.
Overall, “Serial Hottie” is a fun and engaging read that will appeal to fans of young adult romance and suspense. It provides a welcome escape from reality, transporting readers to a world full of passion, suspense, and self-discovery.
It is recommended for readers ages 12 and up who enjoy contemporary romance with a touch of mystery. Rating: 4/5
