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Shark Bait (Grab Your Pole #1)

by Jenn Cooksey (Goodreads Author)

4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 · rating details · 449 ratings · 130 reviews

Previously homeschooled Camie Ramsey is being shoved into the shark-infested waters of public high school, where even helium filled, penguin bespeckled arm floaties likely won’t help keep her inexperienced, fifteen-year old head above water in that rip current of hormones and emotions.

Camie’s worldly wisdom might be severely lacking (i.e., the closest she’s come to being k...more

Kindle Edition, First Kindle Edition

Published June 15th 2012

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Apr 23, 2013 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

See more reviews like this at Reading Books Like a Boss

My Rating:

I heard about this book late last year, but I just read it last week. I'm so pissed at myself. I want to go back in time and slap myself in the boob. Why in the world did I not read this until now? Ugh!!! Thank you, Autumn, for helping me see the light and showing me the good stuff.

Yes little guppies, it's that good. I didn't read the blurb for this one. I went in blind, having no idea what this book was about. And from page one...more

8 likes · like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Bayli rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone wanting a fun romance with awesome humor!

Shelves: tbr-that-i-own, must-read-soon, favorites, romance-young-adult

Seriously... Seriously. Seriously. Hold up. Did all of that amazingness just come from this book? Did it? Did it really?

The things Camie says. bahhaha

Well, naturally, I'm screaming in my head. Holy Exalted Naked Chest Batman!!!

I mean, COME ONE> That's hilarious.

I've got to pick my jaw up off the floor. I think while I'm down here, I'll pray and thank God for His glorious creation, because seriously, He does some damned fine work.

I wish I would have marked every time I laughed- but that wo...more

15 likes · like · see review

Apr 18, 2013 J *I did it all for the nookie.The book nookie* rated it 3 of 5 stars

UPDATED!

Re-read 4-15-2013

3 Stars! It pains me to say this but I did not enjoy this one as much the second time as I did the first. Maybe I've read too many books since then?? I don't know.

I had concerns during my initial reading that this would be too YA for me. At the time, I didn't think it was. Perhaps, I have read too many MA books since then because I found this to be VERY YA! The heroine, Cami, is 15 and has been homeschooled her whole life. Needless to say, she is very virginal. She's ne...more UPDATED!

Re-read 4-15-2013

3 Stars! It pains me to say this but I did not enjoy this one as much the second time as I did the first. Maybe I've read too many books since then?? I don't know.

I had concerns during my initial reading that this would be too YA for me. At the time, I didn't think it was. Perhaps, I have read too many MA books since then because I found this to be VERY YA! The heroine, Cami, is 15 and has been homeschooled her whole life. Needless to say, she is very virginal. She's never even kissed a boy. Her family moves to California after her mom is diagnosed with cancer. She enrolls in the local high school because her mom is not well enough to home school them anymore.

Cami meets Tristan her first day at school. Tristan is 17 and a junior and of course HOT. Cami and her BFF Kate (I can't even remember if this was her name) devise a plan to land Tristan.

Here are a few of the things I didn't care for....first, all of the inner monologue. It became really tiresome and seemed to make the story drag on and on. Secondly, I got tired of the back and forth between Cami and Tristan. Does he like me or does he not? Am I going to forgive him or am I not?? I just wanted them to hurry up and decide.

Things I did like.....I liked Cami's sister Jillian. I also thought some of the dialogue was funny (though there were too many 80s references for my tastes). I loved the wall of conversations in Tristan's room and I thought his parents were great characters. And I did really like Tristan.

At this point, after the second read....I am not sure I will continue on with the series. I know the author has plans for this to be a six book series. I don't know....maybe I will. :)

Original Read: September 2012

4.5 Stars!!!

What can I say....I absolutely fell in love with this book. In all honesty, when I read the synopsis I didn't think it was going to be for me. I really thought the book was going to be a bit TOO young adult for me. Afterall, I am a 32 year old married woman with kids. :) But I must say I was SO wrong. It took me a few chapters to get in to the book and to get used to the author's writing style but then it sucked me right in. Every time I would finish a chapter, I just had to read one more...and before I knew it, it was almsot midnight. I had to know what happened between Tristan and Camie! I loved all of the characters, especially Jillian and Tristan's mom and and dad! The wall of conversations in Tristan's room was hysterical! I wasn't expecting to laugh as much as I did! Definitely one of my Top 5 YA books....I am very much looking forward to the next book! I definitely recommend!(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 Jennifer Kyle rated it 3 of 5 stars

I found this book to be extremely frustrating although it was pretty realistic. It was very slow reading, the inner monologue went on forever, the couples back and forth was exhausting. But hey you may like it more than I did.

description

Shark Bait was like being right back in high school for me, where I’m sitting at the lunch table listening to my friends who are hell bent on getting the “it” guy’s attention. Truth be told, these daily conversations of plotting and strategizing at school bored me to tears...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-erotica-faves

Wow, wow, wow, was this an incredible surprise and absolutely a new favorite series for me!! Shark Bait came highly recommended by a very good friend of mine, and I couldn't wait to dive in (har, har). My first impression was "okay, so here's a cute young love story with a naive heroine", and I was thinking it'd probably be one of those stories that I'd enjoy but not necessarily be blown away by. Oh boy, was I ever wrong!! I'm kind of giddy right now, because I absolutely fell in love with these...more Wow, wow, wow, was this an incredible surprise and absolutely a new favorite series for me!! Shark Bait came highly recommended by a very good friend of mine, and I couldn't wait to dive in (har, har). My first impression was "okay, so here's a cute young love story with a naive heroine", and I was thinking it'd probably be one of those stories that I'd enjoy but not necessarily be blown away by. Oh boy, was I ever wrong!! I'm kind of giddy right now, because I absolutely fell in love with these characters and their unforgettable personalities that kept me hooked on their story all day!!

Sweet little home-schooled Cammie is not the innocent little new girl she first appears to be. Coming to public school for the first time at 15 would be hell on any girl, and she definitely flounders at first. She knows about the ins and outs of popularity and fitting in, but catching a glimpse of the drop-dead-gorgeous surfer boy who (gasp!) makes physical contact that fateful first day really threw her for a bit of a loop. Thank goodness Cammie had Kate, longtime friend of said hottie, to take her under her wing just when she needed the help. Thus began the amusing, drama-filled, and completely baffling cat-and-mouse or bait-and-tackle game of landing Tristan, right down to the "make him jealous with a fake love interest" and plotting interactions at social gatherings.

But this is no simple and soft chick lit story teen-style, because Jenn Cooksey has created a cast of characters that you just become completely engrossed in. I swear, I felt like I was a teen all over again, mentally nodding my head excitedly when Kate would teach Cammie how to recognize yet another observation that would help her read Tristan's emotions. You get so sucked in that all of the trials and tribulations become a puzzle to solve for Cammie as she struggles with the closed-off mystery that is Tristan. I ate up all of Kate's little threads of analysis, as tedious as they were (SO typical of a teenage girl!!), and when Tristan finally made a move I was ecstatic!! These two were so adorable together, both with their own challenges to confront as their time together became something more than just innocent moments. And let me say, Tristan was SEXY!! Despite my worries about Cammie being an almost-16 virgin to Tristan's almost-18 "player", without a doubt I want these two to move things along because they are one hot number together even when they haven't passed second base!!

The lengths that Cammie and Kate, and conversely Tristan and Jeff, go through to have "Cammie + Tristan = True love" were priceless!! Living in Cammie's mind as they plotted and schemed, and she played 20 questions about Tristan's motives and meanings, was one of the most entertaining experiences I've come across! When I wasn't held in suspense from the angst-filled drama, I was giggling over the baseball analogies, amusing and creative references to movies and TV shows of the 80's and 90's (which, incidentally, made me even more nostalgic for my own teen years), and clever banter that makes you wish you were that clever back in the day. Even the supporting characters, like Cammie's frighteningly devious little sister Jillian and Tristan's laid-back and quick-witted parents (I swear I was in tears laughing over the "wall of infamy" at Tristan's house), were a perfect fit that made up the total package of this awesome story!

Shark Bait was thoroughly entertaining and I can't recommend this one enough! The Grab Your Pole series is absolutely a must-read and one to look out for!

(less)

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Jun 17, 2012 Gitte - TotallyBookedBlog rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is Jenn Cooksey's first published book and I have to say that I thought Shark Bait was very well written and I LOVE J. Cooksey's style of writing, it's quick witted, sarky, REAL and bang up to date!! "Tristan's Wall of Infamy conversations" had me in stitches!!

Camie and her family move back home after her Mum gets diagnosed with breast cancer. After being home-schooled by her Mum she now has to enter and survive the gauntlets of proper high-school.

It took me a good few chapters to warm up...more

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May 13, 2013 Ali (GingerRead) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, gots-the-funny, book-boss-recommends

Full Review and giveaway on GingerRead

Lets get some of the nitty-gritty out of the way...Camie has been homeschooled, along with her sister, by her mother her entire life. Her mom is now battling breast cancer so they have moved back to So-Cal to be near family, while Camie (16) and Jillian (12) will now be entering that place called Hell. Otherwise known as public school.

Not two minutes into her first day of high school Camie is rescued from becoming fodder for the social Elite by Tristan, who...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Jac (For Love and Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-adored, ya

**Originally read August 25, 2012 - reread April 23, 2013! My new review can be read On my Blog!

A few days before reading Shark Bait, I was tweeting about another book and got into a conversation with Jenn Cooksey (which may have involved Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream!) and from there? She asked if I'd be interested in participating in her blog hop, so of course I said yes!! And immediately downloaded her book, Shark Bait.

From there? There was no turning back. None. I was in love. I have ZERO...more **Originally read August 25, 2012 - reread April 23, 2013! My new review can be read On my Blog!

A few days before reading Shark Bait, I was tweeting about another book and got into a conversation with Jenn Cooksey (which may have involved Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream!) and from there? She asked if I'd be interested in participating in her blog hop, so of course I said yes!! And immediately downloaded her book, Shark Bait.

From there? There was no turning back. None. I was in love. I have ZERO hesitation in saying that this is the best YA book I've read this year and has firmly grasped a spot on my top ten of all time!! And, if I could possibly? I would love to read it again for the first time. From page one, I was sucked in - I had absolutely nothing in common with Camie, the main character and fell on the other end of the spectrum in high school. (Re: I was so NOT innocent and trying to stay that way!) But I loved her, I found her endearing. And I felt so sorry for her starting school in the middle of the term in a new place, especially since her Mom's cancer diagnosis flipped her life upside down.

And the rest of the cast? I could gush on and on for pages, but I'll make it quick! (Because really, you NEED to read this book yourself.) Tristan? The boy-toy? Holy cow, every page he was on transported me back to high school and the bright blue lockers and the 2 years older than me hunk, Eric. (I'm sorry, I know Jenn said Taylor Kitsch, but in my mind? Tristan was totally Eric from my high school days.) And new best friend Kate? I loved how she pulled Camie out of her shell, loved ever scene with her! But my favorite supporting role? Definitely, hands down? Goes to Jillian, the little sister who has me wishing I could trade in my kid sister!!

Now, characters aside? This book is fabulous. Beginning to end. Jenn Cooksey captures the hell that is high school in a way that is so true, yet has you wishing you could go back and do it all again! And she leaves nothing out of the experience - so many YA books skirt around the party life of high schoolers, but not this one! (And from my experience? It was pretty accurate, not that I'm admitting to anything, I mean - my mom reads my blog!)

Jenn's writing is fabulous, but what I possibly loved more? The many MANY references to John Hughes films and other 80's phenomena that made me think maybe the 80s weren't so bad after all! This book had me grinning like a fool and then laughing like a hyena the whole time, I can NOT wait until the next book comes out! (So far? Jenn has mentioned 4 books in the Grab Your Pole series! FOUR GLORIOUS BOOKS!)

I'll quit gushing, and leave you with this. If you can remotely tolerate Contemporary YA? This book will turn you into a fan!! If you love Contemp YA? Then this book will keep you turning pages all night long! So go, pick it up! You NEED to read this book. (less)

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Jul 27, 2012 Kim (Sliced Open Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-i-own, read-in-2012, favorites, books-reviewed, 2012-release, contemporary, good-romance, indie, new-adult, realistic-fiction, romance

My thoughts?

Oh my! I am so, so excited to write this review, for two reasons…

One, our MC Camie Ramsey. There is one thing I can no longer get angry about, insta-love. Why? Well, because I experienced insta-love with our dear Camie before I made it through the first two paragraphs of the first chapter!

Two, Jenn Cooksey is a mother-freaking genius!

Ok, so let’s dig a little deeper (and I should warn you, I’m bound to get long-winded here so please keep up!)

Camie seems like the best place to start...more My thoughts?

Oh my! I am so, so excited to write this review, for two reasons…

One, our MC Camie Ramsey. There is one thing I can no longer get angry about, insta-love. Why? Well, because I experienced insta-love with our dear Camie before I made it through the first two paragraphs of the first chapter!

Two, Jenn Cooksey is a mother-freaking genius!

Ok, so let’s dig a little deeper (and I should warn you, I’m bound to get long-winded here so please keep up!)

Camie seems like the best place to start since I’m pretty sure her and I were separated at birth. I have never started reading a book and felt so connected to the MC. Everything about her actions, thoughts, mannerisms and choices reminds me, dead on, of myself. I was pretty freaked out and ready to have a full on panic attach before I got 10% through the book because I just couldn’t get beyond it. Taking that a step further, Camie is 15 in this book and this usually puts a halt on any true relation to a character. Me at 15 and fictional portrayals of 15-year-olds are on total opposite sides of the Grand Canyon. I guess maybe I was a bit of a delinquent in my younger-days but regardless, it was insta-love for Camie and I, and I have a feeling it will be the same for many more readers.

Sticking with discussing characters let’s move to our wonderful supporting cast; Kate/Jillian/Pete/Jeff just to name a handful. Each character had something to give to the story. Each character was dynamic without being over the top and complicating. There was a great balance in each and I give many kudos to Jenn Cooksey for this!

Quick cap:
Describe each supporting character in 3 words…
Kate – best-friend, intuitive, loyal
Pete – quite, mysterious, confusing
Jeff – hilarious, clown, surprising
Jillian – real, freaking, scary

Last, but oh-so-certainly not least, is the ever so sexy Tristan. If I’ve said it once, I have said it 1000 times. OOOHHH how I love the bad boy and Tristan was the uber-balance of bad-sweet boy. Much like Camie, I was instantly connected to his character, actions, mannerisms, etc. Oh and he provided a lot of the laughter for me while reading (along side Jeff, cause he was so funny).

Moving on, so one thing this book does NOT lack is story and substance. There wasn’t a lot of “fluff” as I call it. Yeah, that in between stuff that fills pages but doesn’t really contribute to the story. To me everything had a place, meaning and purpose. Sounds a bit overbearing right? Well, it’s not. There is so much humor and other emotion built-in to each page and movement that even though my Nook tells me it was 359 pages, I feel like it flew by way too quick. There are three levels of emotion that I grade a book on and I use those to gauge how good the author was a relaying the emotion of the characters and story.

First Grade – Smile – seems simple, but really it’s not. No, I’m not emotionless, but when reading it takes a fairly decent amount of humor or romance to really get me to crack.

Second Grade – LOL (bad texting reference, I know) – Can the book cause actual audible laughter? It takes a great deal of humor or happiness to get this from me. There are really only a handful of books that I have laughed from. I’m talking like real true laughter here, not snarky smirks!

Third Grade – Tears and Rage – One of two things has to happen to do this. Either I have to cry. Real tears, not just a little sniffly and watery eyes shit. OR, evoke enough rage to cause me to do something stupid, like toss my Nook across the room (my poor Nook has taken abuse a couple of times).

Well, Shark Bait did ALL of the above at one point or another during the book – thus, one real successful book if you ask me.

High-school, like real people experience…yes, like parties with drugs and alcohol, cussing and slutty girls. It was great! Scream Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY all you want, but it's real life people, not this fake fictional world we sometimes like to pretend teenagers live in. I really appreciated authors who are not afraid to show the way things are. Shows how ballsy they can be and usually is only done by authors who have true skill.

My last point may be one of my favorite parts of this book. It showed the true level of creativity and witty repartee that Jenn Cooksey is capable of…yes…the Whiteboards. I am not going to give much beyond that in description because I have read and re-read each section of this and I just feel that if I quote any part of it, it will spoil it when you read it. Because you should, like right now. Go read the book and experience the unexplainable excellence that is Jenn Cooksey!

I will now leave you with lyrics from Walk The Moon by Anna Sun because everytime I hear this part of the song I think of Shark Bait!

"Screen falling off the door; door hanging off the hinges
My feet are still sore; my back is on the fringes
We tore up the walls; we slept on couches
We lifted this house, we lifted this house

Fire-crackers in the east; my car parked south
Your hands on my cheeks; your shoulder in my mouth
I was up against the wall on the west mezzanine
We rattle this town, we rattle this scene"

- excerpt from Walk the Moon by Anna Sun

Review by Sliced Open Reviews
Source: Purchased(less)

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Apr 24, 2013 April rated it 5 of 5 stars

When it started out, I was wasn't feeling it much because I felt the Characters might be too young and immature for my liking. My friend Jess adored it so I kept pushing on and before I knew it I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with all the he said she said banter and drama between all these teens. I found myself saying out loud, “ oh no she didn't”, or “holy crap that did not just happen” on a regular basis. It was like rewinding time and living out high school again, the way I would have...more

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May 09, 2013 Shay rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Too freaking adorable! This book hit the nail on the head of what it's like to have a high school crush. I got comedy & heart for the price of one. To top it off, this is a 3 book series. I get more Camie & Tristan! Yay! *happy dance*

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Apr 25, 2013 Jodie rated it 5 of 5 stars

“WHOA, Insert choice expletive here _____>”

Yes I heard everyone talking about this book for months and I was all I will get to it, promise sparkly hearts. Well, Can I kick my own ass because I should have read this the minute it hit Amazon!! WHAT THE HELL anyway Thank you to everyone who was all this series is AWESOME and AMAZING and whatever other adjective works for you. Ok enough about how stupid I am and more of how much in LOVE I am!!

“I think I’m hooked. I feel like a drug addict. The p...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Jexa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was quite possibly the cutest book I have EVER read.

I admit that it's been a spell since I ventured into the land of YA but, I couldn't be happier that this was the book I chose to break that particular spell.

I honestly can't put into words how much I loved this book. I'm gonna go all out and say every single thing about it was perfect. The characters, from the main all the way down to the peripheral, were all completely fantastic. The story was fun and totally addicting, the writing was su...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Stacy Borel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Holy amazing book batman. This book far exceeded my expectations. I will shamefully admit I held off on my desire to read this book solely based on the cover and I haven't been interested in reading books that involve characters that are still in high school.
I was however completely mistaken and once again forced to shove my priverbial foot in my mouth about judging a book by the cover (and description). I was gifted this book and of course I'm not going to NOT read it after I was seeing all of...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Tobi rated it 5 of 5 stars

First thoughts after…
Flippin’ hilarious book! I want more and unfortunately have to wait until Spring 2013 for the next book in the series….However I’m sure it will be worth the wait!!! <3
My summary
Camie just moved back to California. Her mother has cancer and they moved home to be near family who can help out when need be. She’s been home schooled her entire life and is now having to face attending high school her sophomore year. She wants to fit in but will she meet the right people. The on...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Amanda (Hootie) Clark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shark Bait made me instantly think of that scene in Finding Nemo "Shark Bait OOH HAHA!"
The title and book cover are extremely catchy but it's the story that hooks you. (no pun intended) Being told through the eyes of Cameron (Camie) Ramsey going to high school for the first time in her home schooled life was brilliant. It was kind of like the movie Mean Girls minus Lindsay Hohan. To say I enjoyed reading this book would be a massive understatement and here is one reason why:

Me: k thx. ttfn. (Ye...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Jessica Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, 2012

Shark Bait by Jenn Cooksey

Goodreads Description:

Previously homeschooled Camie Ramsey is being shoved into the shark-infested waters of public high school, where even helium filled, penguin bespeckled arm floaties likely won’t help keep her inexperienced, fifteen-year old head above water in that rip current of hormones and emotions.
Camie’s worldly wisdom might be severely lacking (i.e., the closest she’s come to being kissed was sitting too close to the TV whilst Jake Ryan leaned in to give Sama...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Niki rated it 3 of 5 stars

**3.5 STARS**

Ok, so now that I've finished this (which took me way longer than it really should have), I am in desperate need of an adult book. I completely knew that this was a YA book before I started it, but it's REALLY YA. Characters being 15, 16...and even 12 years old. I found it really hard to relate. I mean, I enjoy a good book that 'takes me back' to my younger years, but I just couldn't get there with this one. If you enjoy YA, then you will likely love this one.

Usually I am drawn to...more **3.5 STARS**

Ok, so now that I've finished this (which took me way longer than it really should have), I am in desperate need of an adult book. I completely knew that this was a YA book before I started it, but it's REALLY YA. Characters being 15, 16...and even 12 years old. I found it really hard to relate. I mean, I enjoy a good book that 'takes me back' to my younger years, but I just couldn't get there with this one. If you enjoy YA, then you will likely love this one.

Usually I am drawn to 5-star reviews like the plague, so I am actually surprised that I didn't enjoy this one more. It wasn't terrible, and parts of it were very "cute", but I really don't get all the 5-star reviews...unless they're being written by High Schoolers. If the second book takes place post-high school, I think I'll really enjoy it. I'd love to meet Camie and Tristan more mature, and I did like the authors wit.

A big issue for me was it being so "wordy". Camie, being only 15, speaks as such. Sometimes it takes her 2.5 pages to return to an original train of thought, because she got distracted. For the reader, this means that we get to listen to senseless details about things that have nothing to do with what she originally started to stay. A few pages later, she'll get back on track with that thought. I did a lot of skimming. Though her best-friendship with her BFF was very HS appropriate, I have a hard believing that they spent almost EVERY waking moment talking about Tristan and Camie. Seriously, every moment. Camie was constantly asking Kate what she thought it meant when Tristan "ran his fingers through his hair", "tapped his right foot", "when his eyes changed color"...it was a bit irritating. Kate had some of her own issues, but Camie only cared about her deciphering Tristans every act to her. A little repetitive & annoying. The epilogue leads us to believe that the 'drama' in the next book might be about Tristan's best friends Dad possibly cheating on his girlfriend. Um, okay. ;) (less)

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Apr 22, 2013 Silvia rated it 5 of 5 stars

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME, ABSOLUTELY HILLARIOUS !!!!!

OMG!!! i really do love love love itttt......

i laugh from the beginning until the end of book...this is the most fresh, hillarious, sizzling and funny book so far..

what a cute couple...but they're still teenager.... i love all the character..their unique and funny from their pov...

camie is so adorable, honest, cute and sexy no wonder tristan feelin love at first sight for her..shes very straight forward and wise at her own age even shes struggling t...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Mary Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 had me laughing my ass off stars!

My favorite guilty pleasures of all time are YA romances, and cheesy 80's movies and music. This book manages to take all of these things, and roll them all into one. Camie is Awesome...in that totally, bodacious, 16 candles way. You find yourself laughing and cheering her on all at the same time.
And Jake Ryan.....I mean Tristan, swoon!!
To top it all off her sister is an evil genius, with devious tendencies. I love her, and want to see a story about her.
The...more

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Sep 14, 2012 DeAnna (Mommy's Reading Break) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was the best book I have read in a very long time. It is going up there with Twilight, Harry Potter, and the Hunger Games as one of my favorites!

Shark Bait follows Camie (Cameron) as she moves to San Diego and starts at public high school after being homeschooled all her life. On the first day, she sees Tristan and immediately falls in like. From there, she goes about trying to fit into high school and to land Tristan.

This book is realistic in its portrayal of teenagers, but more importantl...more

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May 07, 2013 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-favourites, read-in-2013

I'm going to write my review of Shark Bait in list form, because it feels appropriate for this book.

Things I loved about this book:

1. The characters. Camie was fantastic as the protagonist, Tristan was a great love interest, and all the various friends, family members and acquaintances made this a fab read.
2. The title of the series is 'Grab Your Pole'. Nice innuendo there.
3. THE BUFFY REFERENCES. Jenn Cooksey, how I love your brain. Tristan asks Camie out using a Buffy quote. And not just an...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Tabby - IMReviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-books-i-own, reviewed-for-imr-2012

I have heard really good things about this book, but I just had not had the chance to read it. (I know, BAD BLOGGER !) Then Ashley over at The Bookish Brunette asked me to be in on this blog tour (: Needless to say - I am really glad that I said yes. Not only did I get the chance to chat with the author, (who is epically awesome) - but a chance to read this freaking amazing book. Serious; I absolutely loved it.

Cami just got the culture shock of a Lifetime. After moving, due to some family issues...more I have heard really good things about this book, but I just had not had the chance to read it. (I know, BAD BLOGGER !) Then Ashley over at The Bookish Brunette asked me to be in on this blog tour (: Needless to say - I am really glad that I said yes. Not only did I get the chance to chat with the author, (who is epically awesome) - but a chance to read this freaking amazing book. Serious; I absolutely loved it.

Cami just got the culture shock of a Lifetime. After moving, due to some family issues going on, she goes from being home schooled to being tossed into the chaos that we like to call public high school. (Bless.Her.Heart.) The good news is - she handles it like a champ! It is there that she meets Tristan. & yes, I know what you are thinking.

Oh.Em.Gee - not another instantly falling in love novel.

You went to high school right? People were in love with new people every week. It was like changing socks back then lol. So yes, it might be instant love - but seriously, it's high school - it fits. Read it. Like it. Embrace it..

Back to Tristan. He is the kind of person that you wouldn't think went very deep. To me, he came across as complex and compelling. I wanted to "label" him when the story first started.. You know, popular - a jerk, that kind of thing. Then I kept reading & saw that there really is so much more to him. He isn't one to let loose easily - or let people get too close to him. With Cami he is different. It made watching the two of them come together that much more priceless. It was like watching a magnet attract metal - unavoidable and completely destined to be .

Cooksey rocked my face off with Shark Bait. Her portrayal of secondary characters kept me just as entertained and enthralled as her main characters. Unlike some other books I have read, no character felt out of place or just thrown in there to take up pages. Everyone had a purpose and the end resulted equaled an epic book.

I am so extra excited that this is a series! WhY? Because I can't wait to see where she takes this!

(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Christina Boulard rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been sitting here for an hour now, trying to come up with a word to describe this book.
It FINALLY came to me; adorable!

Shark Bait is an adorable, fun, HILARIOUS book. I mean laugh-out-loud, hold-your-sides hilarious.

Our main character, Camie (short for Cameron), is wonderful. She's snarky and funny and flawed and sweet. I seriously loved her.

And her sister, Jillian? Oh, I MUST read more about Jillian! She quickly became my favourite character! You'll see why when you read the book. Spoilers...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 03, 2013 Janice (the_red1) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bad-boy, book-in-a-series, contemporary, feel-the-feels, favorites, i-wanna-be-her-when-i-grow-up, kickass-heroine, romance, sexual-tension, ya

Things you should expect when reading Jenn Cooksey's "Shark Bait":

Prepare for this:

A whole lot of this:

A bit of this:

And PLENTY of this ;)

In short, my friends, this book is FANTASTIC. It will make you swoon, sigh, and laugh your ass off. I don't know how anyone could read it and NOT love it. It's so fucking good!!!!

Add it to your TBR list NOW! :)

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Coda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK....omg. I was somewhat skeptical about getting this book because the Heroine was only 15 years old but I tried the sample offered by Amazon. Within two paragraphs i bought the book. Camie's voice was so unique and spunky...she literally had me cracking up while i was reading (my boyfriend thought I was loosing it).

I loved Kate's play by play and dissection of everything Tristian Daniels (will get to him later) and loved her relationship with "Dear Jeff" (yess, he's dear to me)...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Kelly Mazzonne rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone interested in YA

Recommended to Kelly by: Jenn Cooksey

Shelves: ya, love-story

Here's my review, also posted on Amazon

So, this review is only a mere 10 months late...and this isn't the first time I've read Shark Bait, or the second...in all honesty, there are probably few people in the world (maybe only one, actually) that knows this story better than I do. (And if you're wondering why it is only a 4 (4.5 really) star review, well, I'll tell you - I typically don't rate anything a full 5 stars, it seems fake to me. Like it was absolutely perfect, from page 1 to the very la...more

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May 21, 2013 Kristina rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is ridiculously cute and fun to read! If you're one of those readers that judge a book by it's cover (or even the title), you might think twice about reading this book, but don't! It's totally worth reading! I genuinely like all of the characters, especially the little spitfire, Jillian!

Camie has lived a pretty sheltered life due to being home schooled. Both Camie and her little sister, Jillian, are forced into public school due to their mother's illness. On Camie's first day of school...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Liz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, own

Deserves a MILLION Stars not a measly 5 Stars !!!

I don't think my review will do this book any justice (as I'm illiterate in expressing my thoughts into words)

Fabulous, Fantastic, Incredible, and Amazing!! Yes!! A Diamond in the Rough! Ms. Jenn Cooksey's writing is so indescribable! Every single word on the page, pulled you in. Even though the MC Cammie is 16 yrs old, I absolutely related to her!!! Don't let this boggle your mind about the ages of these incredibly unique characters. EVERYONE no...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 25, 2013 The Book Bar rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jennifer, desiree

Rating: Well/House; Funny and fast

Des
shark bait (ooh ha ha)
I feel like i just time traveled back to my Junior High School years.
The conversations that Camie has with her friends are ‘Sorkin’-ist in regards to speed.
Although, events like this never, never ever, ever happened to me or, I don’t think, to the friends that I hung out with, I still enjoyed the story. The citations and knee slapping one-liners are excellent.

Jen
What are you talking about shit like this happened to me all the time! *Wink...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Book Haven: Heads Up!	1	12	Oct 03, 2012 06:13pm
♥Teen Romance♥: Heads Up!	1	6	Oct 03, 2012 03:49pm
The Indie Bookshelf: Shark Bait	6	31	Oct 03, 2012 03:42pm
We ♥ YA Books! : Heads Up!	1	10	Oct 03, 2012 03:38pm

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About Jenn Cooksey

Jenn Cooksey is a Southern California girl born and bred, and proudly boasts being a member of Grossmont High School's alumni.
She currently resides in the 7th Ring of Hell (aka; Arizona) with her husband (whom she married on a dare while in Las Vegas), their three daughters, and more pets than she has the patience to count.
Aside from her husband and one cat, everyone living under the Cooksey's roo...more

More about Jenn Cooksey...

Books by Jenn Cooksey

The Other Fish in the Sea (Grab Your Pole, #2)

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Trivia About Shark Bait

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Quotes from Shark Bait

“Just so you understand; he's using a scene from Buffy to ask me out!!!!” — 2 people liked it

“On the wall next to the door we’d entered through was a huge floor-to-ceiling bulletin/whiteboard combo and hanging from a thumbtack on the bulletin board amongst pictures and other various sorts of memorabilia was my bra. It’d been washed but it still had
a good many blotches of pink on it. If that wasn’t shocking enough, the dialogue written over the last two weeks on the whiteboard pertaining to said bra certainly was. I’ll include the copy just so you can truly appreciate what I’m dealing with here.
Tristan’s Mom: What’s this?
Tristan: A size 34B lace covered slingshot.
Jeff: Nice!
Tristan’s Mom: Do I want to know?
Tristan: I don’t know, do you?
Tristan’s Mom: Not really. Are you planning on returning it or did you win some kind of prize?
Tristan: I plead the fifth.
Tristan’s Dad: Well done son.
Jeff: Ditto!
Tristan’s Mom: Don’t encourage him.
Tristan: Gee, thanks Mom.
Tristan’s Dad: Can’t a father be proud of his only child?
Tristan’s Mom: He doesn’t need your help…obviously.
Tristan’s Dad: That’s because he takes after me.
Tristan: Was there anything else I can do for you two?
Tristan’s Mom: Tell her I tried to get the stains out, but I’m afraid they set in before I got to it.
Tristan: I’m sure she’ll appreciate your effort, but if I’m any judge (and I’d like to think I am) its
size has caused it to become obsolete and she needs to trade up.
Jeff: I’m so proud.
Tristan: Thanks man.
Tristan’s Mom: A name would be nice you know.
Tristan: Camie.
Tristan’s Mom: Do we get to meet her?
Tristan: Sure. I’ll have my people call your people and set it up.
Tristan’s Mom: I don’t know why I bother. Do you want anything from the store?
Tristan: Yeah, Camie’s sleeping over tonight and I promised her bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Jeff’s got the eggs covered but could you pick up some bacon for us and maybe a box of Twinkies
for the bus? Thanks, you’re the best.
Jeff: I have the eggs covered?
Tristan’s Dad: He gets his sense of humor from you.
Tristan’s Mom: Flattery will get you everywhere. How would you like your eggs prepared dear?” — 1 person liked it

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