Reviewed by Kelly on
Like previous books in the Ladybirds series, Sunkissed follows the story of Kat, one part of the group of once best friends and now fumbling through adolescence with each other for support. Kat is fashion conscious and can't live without best friends Bea and Betty, even resident mean girl Pearl. So when she's caught hidden in her wardrobe with her sister's former boyfriend, she knows she's pushed her parents too far. She's on her way to Sweden, spending the next few weeks of summer with her eccentric aunt Frida, but little does Kat realise that her aunt has other plans. Kat is staying in a ramshackle hut on the island of Strala, with no phone coverage, no electricity and no cute boy prospects. Then Leo arrives.
As a character, Leo wasn't the summer romance I had assumed he would be. He was lovely enough, but lacked a backbone as readers will discover. New friend Nanna more than made up for Leo's lack of likability, with her loud obnoxious shirts which are at odds with her personality. She's such a breath of fresh air.
Unlike previous series installments, Sunkissed isn't as comical, but more about the power of believing in yourself. There are still moments of laughter thanks to Nanna, but I felt Kat was much more serious than both Bea and Betty and it took me longer to warm to her personality. Regardless, it was wonderfully entertaining and I absolutely adore this series for it's fun and lighthearted take on four teens who are rekindling their childhood friendships.
A brilliant series for fans of fluffy, coming of age romances. Jenny McLachlan is the ultimate crafter of quirky characters, entertaining and feel good storylines that stay with you long after the final page is turned.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 30 July, 2015: Finished reading
- 30 July, 2015: Reviewed