Punk Charming by Laura Quinn Published by Eternal Press Publication Date: January 22nd 2016
Pages: 414
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1986 - Shoulder pads are big, hair is bigger, and American college student Kate Spenser is set to embark on the biggest adventure of her life. Having been accepted to a summer study-abroad program in Oxford, England, Kate travels to Europe for the first time. The eighteen-year-old is psyched about a summer of exploring countries on her own, experiencing new cultures, and perhaps meeting a charming young man along the way. Armed with a French-English dictionary and her Walkman loaded with Duran Duran, Kate is ready to start her adventure in France. Little does she know what awaits her when she arrives, and how she must use her wits to escape peril in Paris. Fortune favors Kate when she meets her Punk Charming, and it's love at first sight. Now, if she could only find him again! James Barrington meets his soul mate while on the run from Paris. Mis-cues and sabotage prevent him from reuniting with Kate, but he can never forget her. If only he had told her the truth before it was too late. Or is it? Can true love conquer all?
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from Provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
What can I say about the 80’s? I loved them, I loved the music, the fashion and everything about them! Reading Punk Charming was like taking a step back in time. Not only did Quinn reference much of the beloved music of the 80’s by some of my favorite bands, she alluded to current events as well other pop culture trends I had almost forgotten about. Aside from the 80’s throwbacks, this story of “the one that got away” is one anyone can relate to even if they didn’t grow up during that time period. Kate has the opportunity to study abroad at Oxford during college. She is excited to travel and explore on her own. She is independent, smart and adventurous. While on her travels, she meets a punk guy on the train-spiked hair, beat-up leather jacket, Doc Martens and the attitude to match. James and Kate spend some magical-albeit brief time together. It is love at first sight to the max! However, the universe seems to conspire against them in every attempt to reconnect.
Quinn’s story is written in an entertaining way. Her characters are well-developed—readers will love to hate David!—and likeable (except David). She finds very creative ways to keep James & Kate just out of each other’s reach. Just when you think they will find each other again, catastrophe strikes! This is a cute, fun read. I enjoyed the 80’s references as well as all things British Quinn exposed me to. I recommend this one for a light read—perfect summer reading!
