Riding the Universe: A Coming-of-Age YA Romance About First Love, Loss, and a Harley-Davidson

by Gaby Triana

Chloé Rodriguez values three things above all else—her family; her best friend, Rock; and Lolita, her Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster. With a black body, blue airbrushed flames, and perfect sloping ape hangers, Lolita is Chloé's last connection to her beloved uncle, Seth, who left her the bike when he died last summer. So when a failing chemistry grade threatens to separate Chloé from her motorcycle, she vows not to let that happen . . . no matter what.

Enter Gordon. Ridiculously organized, übersmart, and hot in a casual, doesn't-know-it kind of way, Chloé's peer tutor may have a thing or two to teach her besides chemistry. But she has to stop falling for Gordon . . . and get Rock to act mature whenever he's around . . . and pass chemistry so she doesn't lose Lolita forever. Just when Chloé thinks she's got it all figured out, a bump in the road comes out of nowhere and sends her skidding.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Teen

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

GABY TRIANA is the Cuban-American author of 25 books for adults and teens, including Moon Child, Island of Bones, River of Ghosts, City of Spells, Wake the Hollow, Cubanita, and Summer of Yesterday. Her short stories have appeared in Classic Monsters Unleashed, A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, A Conjuring for All Seasons, Novus Monstrum, and Weird Tales Magazine. She has co-authored ghosthunters Sam & Colby’s horror novel, Paradise Island, and edited the ghost anthology series, Literally Dead (Tales of Halloween Hauntings; Tales of Holiday Hauntings).
As a ghostwriter, Gaby has penned 50+ novels for bestselling authors in every genre. Her own books have won the IRA Teen Choice Award, ALA Best Paperback, and Hispanic Magazine's Good Reads Awards, and she writes under several pen names, including Gabrielle Keyes for her paranormal women’s fiction. She lives in Miami with her family and the four-legged creatures they serve.

FB: @GabyTriana.author
IG: @GabyTriana
YT: The Witch Haunt

Reviews

[sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dios, estoy... bueno, no puedo decir que estoy sin palabra porque es al contrario. Tengo tantas cosas que decir que no sé ni como plasmarlas para no herir la sensibilidad de nadie.

Madre mía. Qué desperdicio de tiempo. Contando con que esta mañana he empezado como cuatro libros y ninguno me parecía bueno, se veía venir que el quinto, o sea, este, iba a acabar mal.

Puedo empezar diciendo que estoy enfadada. Es decir, en la sinopsis nos dicen que Chloe tiene un mejor amigo y que luego conoce a Gordon. Hasta ahí todo bien. Bueno, pues no sé cómo se las arregla nuestra protagonista que en una página dice "no me importa lo que haga Rock con todas esas chicas" a "Dios, odio lo que hace", y de eso a "No quiero tener nada con él porque no quiero que nuestra amistad se rompa" a "Si dejara a todas esas chicas..." , y después a "Amo a Gordon" y de buenas a primeras "oh mierda, de verdad que amo a Rock".



Después, veamos, la relación entre Chloe y Gordon es demasiado rápido para ser real. Vamos, él es su tutor y a la segunda clase o a la tercera ya le está diciendo Chloe "larguémonos de aquí a pasar un buen rato" (o algo así) y ya se están besando. Ugh. Luego está la cosa esta que hace Chloe, que es dejar de lado a su mejor amigo. Pienso fervientemente que jamás se tiene que dejar de lado a un amigo por un novio o novia. De verdad. Pero es que la muchacha pasaba de él en toda su fais. Su excusa era que estaba harta de sus melodramas con las chicas y con su supuesto enamoramiento con ella. Pero tío, aún así, ¡es tu mejor amigo!

Ohhhh, y lo que me ha hecho más gracia. El desgraciado de Gordon. Esto me ha molestado de una manera que uff.



No entiendo por qué la autora lo introduce a él, porque bueno, es un gilipollas. No encuentro una mejor palabra para describirlo. Al principio todo es genial con él, es dulce, atento, majo... Pero joder. Sabe desde el minuto 1 que en cuanto acabara el curso se mudaba a Boston. ¿No podía decirselo al principio, en la primera cita o lo que fuera eso, a Chloe, para prevenirla por lo menos? Pero no. Lo peor es que cuando se acerca la fecha, descubrimos que la madre no tiene bien visto que tenga novia porque lo primero son los estudios y bueno, le pide espacio. Unos días. Los días se convierten en un mes. Y Chloe esperándolo, a ver cuando al muchacho se le aclaraba la mente de los estudios para volver a estar con ella. Admito que Chloe me caía bien a ratos, pero una explicación no le hubiese venido nada mal. Y bueno, ¿qué otra cosa le dice él? Que no estaba enamorado de ella en realidad, después de todos los te quiero que se dicen. Ughhh. Me ha dado la impresión de que él jugaba con ella.

Para rematar las cosas, justo en medio de todo este tiempo para pensar que le pide Gordon a Chloe, ella se da cuenta que ama a Rock. Pero mandaba señales contradictorias con todo eso de "estudio para impresionar a Gordon, porque de verdad lo amo" y "Rock seguía con su rutina de salir con chicas, cosa que no me importaba" y yo estaba como "PERO QUÉ DICES, NO ACABAS DE ADMITIR QUE LO AMAS Y QUE EL OTRO PASA DE TI???????" Así que sí, desesperante.

Puede ser que no me haya gustado porque, bueno, iba con unas ideas preconcebidas. Como que Chloe y Gordon acaban juntos. Tampoco es que Rock me haya encantado. Chloe, como he dicho, a veces me hacía reír pero ¿¿¿otras??? sólo quería darle una torta para que se aclarase de una vez. Ya me había montado la película en mi cabeza, pero nada ha salido como me esperaba. A lo mejor es por eso por lo que no me ha gustado, porque no ha terminado como yo pensaba. (Tenía mis motivos para pensar que Chloe y Gordon iban a acabar juntos! El libro va prácticamente de su relación, apenas sale Rock y pasa esto... pues no sé)

Puede que me haya excedido un poco, pero bueno, es mi humilde opinión.

[Mariolga (Locklin) Starkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about a high school girl fighting to get her grades up so she doesn't lose her Harley is not just a story of teen angst and self discovery. Ok, it is, but the way Gaby Triana has written her characters and the relationships they weave and tangle between themselves is definitely a reason to pick up this book. There's a best friend who wants to be a boy friend but, while he waits, he'll just chase skirts like Bret Michaels. Then there's the tutor who wants to stay focused on his lifeplan, but he can't get Motor Girl out of his head. And then there's Chloe. Her angst is real, her sadness goes deep, and her passions run wild.

I loved the love triangles and the family issues and the realistic motorcycle runs. I loved the precarious love encounters and how they made my palms sweat and my heart flutter with the romance. I loved the surprises that I had guessed and those that jumped out of nowhere. Riding the Universe is a fun book with just enough love scenes to tease eager teenaged readers, but not too much to shock their moms. I highly recommend this book!

[Nicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning. Spoilers

I really like this book and enjoyed reading it, but I thought it was B.S. when, after being totally in love and caught up in each other, Gordon pretty much, though Chloe disagreed, dumped her motorcycle-riding butt. And I also cannot believe she was resisting her sexy-as-hell, bad-boy best friend, Rock (anyone else think that's a sorta strange name, but matches him @ the same time?). But, I absolutely recommend reading this book.

[Ally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry guys. It has been awhile since I reviewed a book. Part of that reason is because I'm a bit tired and I have other things to do. Another part is this: I haven't read a book, because I was so busy. I know! Gasp! I haven't read a book in awhile. So unlike me! Well, that is what summer does to me and everyone. Got to take a break someday, right?

First of all, I will tell you that Riding the Universe is not my piece of cake. I don't really like it. It is kind of boring, with an aimless journey to somewhere. Chloe, for one thing, has a bunch of issue. Sure, she is failing Chemistry, but really? Does it matter? (I, for one, will be far from failing, which might affect my judgement in this area). Two, she is distracted by guys. Three, she wants to save Lolita, her motorcycle, but really? From her attitude, I would say that she doesn't really care about Lolita. After all, when she chooses between Lolita and Gordon (her boyfriend), she sadly chooses Gordon. (I would totally pick the boy. Motorcycles scare me to death, especially if they are louder than my screams).

Is there a lesson to be learned? Really, it is this: Never be distracted by boys and sometimes bad boys are the best boys. Lesson #2: Nice boys can be jerks to girls sometimes. Anyway, it is all about boys and motorcycles. I should add family, but Chloe ditches her family so much that I can't really put that down.

Despite all of this weird things, there are a few good points. The storyline is good (although a bit dry). The writing (well who cares about it) is clear enough to read and understand. The ending of Riding the Universe is very happy (unless you are a Gordon fan, then you will be crossed with the author and Chloe). It is a bit surprising, but I think the author did terrible foreshadowing. I had my eyes out for clues of Chloe's father or mother, but didn't see any. I really believed Seth was Chloe's uncle.

Plus, Chloe is annoying. Every time she opens her mouth, I just want to dump oil into her throat and let her choke on it. (Oh, my goodness, violent thoughts!)

(Whoops! So many spoilers revealed!)

Overall, I think Riding the Universe is only a good book to read if you are a) bored, b) drunk, or c) desperately need a book to read and can't find anything else. The good benefits of b) drunk is that you probably won't remember what happened in the book the morning after. That is a good side effect, eh?

Rating: Two out of Five

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be completely honest, when I read the back of the ARC, after getting this in the mail, and saw that motorcycles would be part it, I was worried. I thought, "Oh no, that is so not going to be my cup of tea. Will it be boring?" Though, it was anything but that.

Riding The Universe was a fantastic novel filled with suspense, humor, love, and loss. The plot was interesting and fast paced. Two things that make a young adult novel great. Though, the plot was basic, it involved Chloe figuring out what guy was right for her and who her birth parents were, it got you completely involved in the story and kept you flipping the pages wondering what was going to happen next.

One of my favorite parts of this book were the characters. Chloe and Rock were hilarious and well developed which made them extremely fun to read about. Also, Gabby Triana's writing was top notch in this. It seemed most of the time, because of the situations and dialogue between the characters , that a true teenager was writing this.

The only problem I had with this book was the prologue. It just didn't grab my attention or do anything at all that got me interested in the novel. Luckily, the first chapter was way better or I probably would have put the book down .

Overall, Riding The Universe was a spunky read that I suggest you pick up from your local bookstore in May. I promise, you won't regret it. :)

Grade: A-

Riding The Universe will be released on May 5, 2009.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed Riding the Universe. My first book by Gaby Triana and I'm liking her work so far.

However, the only thing I have against Riding the Universe was the characters. I have so many mixed feelings of Chloe, Rock and Gordon. One minute, I'll love them. Even admire them. The next minute, I'm so confused by their actions. Chloe kept changing her focus and ultimately, it made me pretty confused. Same with Rock and Gordon. I thought I had them predicted but they kept surprising me as I kept turning the pages. I felt like I was going on this roller coaster with bumps and twists everywhere imaginable. Despite their ability to change every few minutes, it was a joy to read about Chloe and Rock. They were absolutely hilarious and their friendship runs deep.

The plot though were amazing. Even though it was pretty simplistic, I loved how the plot developed and I found it quite engaging. I loved seeing how Chloe finally managed to find out who the one she really loved was and who her birth parents were. That totally surprised me. I didn't see it coming. I was expecting someone else or something but...in a way, I'm not that surprised but in another way, I am.


Gaby's writing style is quite unique. It didn't grab the readers at first glance but when you get deeper, you find yourself absorbed into her world.

Overall, Riding the Universe is a fun and quick read.

[Kurisutaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started to read this book mainly 'cause description caught my attention, it was interesting — a teen girl riding a Harley. I have 'a thing' for bikes)) And I like books with 'not so ordinary' girls in them.
I liked Chloe, she is interesting character, very determinated to keep 'Lolita' — bike, her beloved uncle Seth left her, when he died of leukemia. Also, there was Rock — Chloe's best friend. I have a very mixed feelings for this character. I didn't like his 'man-whore' behaviour. He's obviously love Chloe, but his actions set me to stupor. Well, I think it's just that I'm a girl, so I'd never understand guy's brain. There also was Gordon — Chloe's chemistry peer tutor. I need to confess — I don't like this character, even a tiny bit. Not that I hate him, he's just not impressed me and his actions were kinda annoying. His surname — Spudinka — made me laugh a little, 'cause I'm a russian myself, so I can say that this surname are more ukrainian or maybe belarussian, but definetely not russian)) Also I'd really like to read more about Chloe's 'uncle' Seth, about their time together, but well, we have what we have, and that's not to bad either. Oh, and I was definetly suprised, about 'who' were Chloe's biological parents, and was very satisfied with how the book ended))

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lauren Ashley for TeensReadToo.com

RIDING THE UNIVERSE is definitely one of those great, summer reads. It's intense like a hot summer's day, but with enough breezy lightness so as not to overwhelm the reader.

Chloe is a fun, relateable teen who is trying to figure out her own existence. She loves her parents but she is finding herself more and more curious about her biological parents (which definitely becomes a bombshell in her life when she does learn the truth).

Beyond that, she has even more problems going on that most teens could understand. Chemistry is mind-boggling hard and she needs to get a tutor or lose her late Uncle Seth's motorcycle. She can't let that happen, as it's the only freedom she has, so she agrees and finds herself immersed in goody-two-shoe Gordon's life.

She likes Gordon, but her best friend, Rock, doesn't think he's right for her...but is this founded in truth or pure jealousy?

RIDING THE UNIVERSE rides the line between the two until the end, when reality comes crashing down on a love-struck Chloe.

Overall, free and fast, lots of fun.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riding the Universe was fast and fun read. There are some serious elements presented, so I wouldn’t describe it as fluff, but it was just an easy read. If that makes any sense at all. The plot was engaging, but at the same time it was pretty simplistic.

This was my first experience with Triana’s writing and I’m a fan. Her characterization is fabulous. Chloe was definitely a well developed character, and I enjoyed watching her focus throughout the story change. It was refreshing to read about a character that seemed so real.

It may have been a little predictable, I had the story figured out fairly soon, but it didn’t take away the enjoyment of reading the story. Basically it was just a really fun book to read, and Chloe made it all the more worthwhile.

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riding the Universe was definitely a different kind of read for me.
One: I've never read a teen book in which the main character rides a Harley. That's pretty kick ass right there.
And Two: Starting a relationship with the geeky tutor was kinda refreshing from the endless books on the 'smart-girls' who've never kissed a kid in their life.
I enjoyed this book to no end. Once I started it, I had a hard time stopping. I was interested in how Chloé would make her choices: Would she bring her grade up? Stay with Gordon? Or will she and Rock have something more than friendship? The book never made me bored or wish to have picked up another book in its place. It was nicely written and heartwarming. I recommend it for fans of Sarah Dessen or Deb Caletti.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual protagonist makes this more than a typical teen romance-- the main character drives a Harley and starts every day racing her best friend and his '68 Mustang to school. There may be stargazing, flirting, and a love triangle, but Chloe also does her share of putting people in their place. A fun read.

[Aileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, though sadly, I knew it was going to end the way it did, it was a bit predictable, but then again, some of the details I did not see coming which was really nice. I learned that things you might have once thought may not always be how they seem.

[Natcheli · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books i have ever READ!!♥ there's so much this character goes though uhh i love it!!!!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story. :)

[Anna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's one hell of a ride. i love.. :]

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book about finding love where you don't expect it-right in front of you! Chloe learns that being adopted can bring some of the greatest surprises and love to her life.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the motorcycle's role in the story and the ending.

[Estefany · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful love the ending.1 of my fav books

[Mercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great:) if you want a cute romance story with Harley's this is the one !!!!:)

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe has had a rough year. Her uncle died and it is taking her a while to recover. Chemistry is not going well at all. And she is beginning to think that she should find out who her birth parents are, even though her adoptive parents are great.

The only thing that helps is to ride Lolita at night and lie on the Murphy's dock and look at the night sky. Lolita is the Harley her uncle Seth left her and she's going to lose it if she can't do something about her Chemistry grade. Gordon, a peer tutor, is supposed to help her out in Chemistry, but it doesn't seem to be working out that way.

This book is a great little book about a fairly normal teen living in Florida and how she handles her stresses. She has a supportive family, some good friends and the usual high school crowd. A good quick read.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chloé Rodriguez is failing chemistry, and in order to prevent her parents from taking away her motorcycle, which was her recently-deceased uncle's gift to her, she goes to peer tutoring sessions and quickly finds herself falling for her tutor, slightly geeky Gordon. Gordon is super-focused on school, but Chloé seems to be able to get him to lighten up a little. However, her chemistry scores aren't getting any better and her best friend Rock, who she's always viewed as being a player, tells her she's the one for him, and she has to figure out how to keep her friendship with him and date Gordon.

Tough girl Chloé , who has a softer side than most people expect, is a the type of character many readers will relate to--still dealing with her beloved uncle's death, she's adopted and started to wonder about her birth parents, and she's experiencing her first love.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe loves the Harley she inherited from her uncle when he died. She is struggling with boyfriend problems, school problems and whether she would Triana has written a story that will appeal to teen readers who may find themselves with the same "trials and tribulations."

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really drawn into this story. The story was intriguing and kept me reading. Not the fluff so typical of YA romance. You kinda know where this story is going but its so much fun to join Chloe along for the ride!

[––––•(-•The Insomniac Book Hoarder•- · Rating 2 out of 5]

it took me a while to finish this as my circadian rhythms has been thoroughly unhealthy for the past week. Im a zombie with a wisdom tooth and insomnia problem, anyways back to the book...

I liked it, I like the protagonist Chloe-she was easily relatable and I love her sarcasm and wit...

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one struck me as being rather pointless. It is about a girl who discovers her uncle actually was her father, who gave her up to his brother so that she would have a stable life. It had kind of annoying characters and not a lot of plot.

[Amee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this off the shelf at the library with no expectations. It was so good. I really enjoyed the story and the characters so much.

[Deedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was bawling my eyes out towards the end of the book! A very entertaining YA read :)

[Jade Inks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinda Boring
kinda Sad
But pretty good overall.
Kinda stupid too...

[Kat Sainsbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had many twists and turns, and I love the ending.

[Purple_koco · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 is what it's worth.