Jera's Jamboree

n Irresistible we spend time with Mia throughout the summer, which is a time of transition. She has finished her GCSE’s and the plan is for her to return to 6th form … although her dreams would have her follow a different course. It is narrated in the first person.

The story opens with Mia’s interview with owner Julia Elliot-Fox. The reader is introduced to her son Jamie while Mia is sitting there. Straight away the scene we witness outside the window portrays his character. Knocking on the window, Julia only witnesses what Jamie wants her to see. This is Mia’s first moral dilemma, does she tell Julia what she knows?

While she is waiting to hear whether she has the waitressing job at Radleigh’s Great Hall, she spends time with best friend Gabi. We learn about their friendship and Gabi’s boyfriend Max. We also find out that Mia’s relationship with ex Kieran ended in humiliation for her but we don’t know what happened that has made her so unsure of herself.

At induction, a bond is formed with Dan (I loved the humour between them …) but on her shifts, Jamie is always there in the background. Befriended by Chloe, Mia is part of their group although still at times on the outside. She witnesses another scene where Jamie is instrumental in causing pain but despite this, is still drawn and intrigued by him. Their intimacy grows during Chloe’s two week holiday which leads to humiliation for Mia.

Bankes’ writing style is engaging and humorous. I loved Mia’s character! It was interesting watching her journey from a teen whose self-worth was low to beginning to find herself and doing things because she wanted to and not what she thought others wanted. I enjoyed spending time with all the characters. Although Jamie is the ‘bad boy’, underneath his boredom there are reasons why he causes pain to others so although that doesn’t excuse his behaviour, it didn’t mean I disliked him. There’s also a redemption of sorts at the end … which surprised me. I loved that!

The language is perfect for the targeted audience as is the use of social media.

I think whether you are a teen yourself or an adult you will identify easily with the strong emotions in Irresistible … and the uncertainty they bring with them. I remember this time in my life well – a taste of freedom all wrapped up with raging hormones! when life seems to test you and you may make choices that bring pain but you ultimately learn from them and gain experience. In this, Irresistible is true to life.

I have no hesitation in recommending you add Irresistible to your basket. Liz Bankes is a debut author worth watching.

I would like to thank the publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.