Lethally Blonde by Patrice Lyle
Publisher: Leap Books, 2012
Format: Paper
A fairly accurate transcript of a conversation that took place between Judith and I:
J: you like “Legally Blonde, right?”
Me: huh?
J: “Legally Blonde”, you’re a fan, correct?
Me: Well yes but are you talking about the movie or the musical? Because I used to absolutely love the movie but then I was forced to go to the musical and loved it and ever since then I’m much more of a fan of the musical. But that could be because Laura Bell Bundy is amazing. I even saw her very last performance on Broadway! And now whenever I see “Legally Blonde” is on tv when I’m flipping channels I get beyond excited until that sad moment when I realize they are airing the movie and not the musical or even the fairly sub-par reality show which was intended to find LBB’s replacement. Anyway. In the end, yes, I like “Legally Blonde”. Why?
J: Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, we got a book from an author that kinda sounds like it could be similar and I was thinking you could review it.
Me: Oh. Huh. Sure. I can do that. But you really should listen to the “Legally Blonde: The Musical” soundtrack, LBB is crazy talented.
J: Just read the book, please.
And that is the tale of how I got to read this book.
Plot: Morgan is a teenage demon but she’s not your typical demon – she loves the color pink, bubble baths, shopping, and making sure her naturally blonde hair is perfect so she can hopefully catch the eye of hottie hot hot Derek Caldwell. Unfortunately she’s just received a new job: as a super special spy for the Devil (another total hottie, who knew?) trying to find out who at her posh Prep school is acting as a spy for the werewolves and needs to be taken down. Will Morgan be able to figure out the identity of the spy? Will Derek realize she’s alive and finally ask her to the Brimstone Ball? What’s the deal with this prophesy that is constantly vaguely alluded to? And will the Devil really come through with that promised ½ price sale at Morgan’s favorite store Dante’s?
Review: As has already been revealed I have a deep-seeded affection for all things “Legally Blonde” and this book is no exception. I have to admit that when it came to her super spy detail I really expect that Morgan either would prove completely inept or be used as a distraction/decoy by the Devil. But no! She actually is a super spy, in fact the ancient prophesy that’s mentioned is that a blonde demon will go to work for the Devil at age 16 and solve all sorts of missions. On the romance side I was a bit torn between rooting for Morgan to get with the Devil (through his younger alter-ego) or “normal” guy Derek, mostly because the Devil seemed crazy sexy (typing that sentence is very odd, btw) but Derek was so sweet, although a complete idiot at times.
The best parts of the book were definitely when Morgan is learning her new spy skills and bonding with her best friends “the Demon Divas” who were more than willing to support her in every way needed, whether it be about boys, shoe purchases or breaking into a teacher’s office. At the end of the day this is just a fluffy little book (I think I read it in about an hour and a half) that I absolutely adored. And while I’m assuming it will be the first of a series I’m not even mad because it didn’t leave anything hanging and is a perfectly wonderful stand-alone book.
I’m giving this book a 9/10 because it was cute, fun, lighthearted (despite the demon/devil/etc. stuff) and I ended with a smile on my face.
Based on the following criteria:
How much did I like the heroine: 10. Morgan is totally kick-ass but somehow in a completely girly way. She’s not whiny, is up for new challenges, and is intelligent enough to think on her toes. She has amazing best friends which is always a positive sign and when things don’t seem to be working out with Derek she’s strong enough to deal with it without getting completely distracted from her spy mission. I’m not in any way, shape, or form a girly-girl but I could still completely relate with Morgan. Oh man, and that scene where she is zinging with Derek in class – cringe! (Get your mind out of the gutter people! It’s like texting except you just touch your mobile screen and your thoughts are automatically sent to the person you’re communicating with, but without the ability to edit your statements. Danger Will Robinson!)
How much did I like the love interest: 8. Derek seems like a really nice guy, and I love the whole “I’ve loved you from afar but didn’t know how to approach you” thing but I’m marking him down a few points because a) he’s not a very fleshed out character, and b) he won’t fight for his relationship with Morgan. I know he’s a teenage boy and so asking him to defy his entire family is a lot but that’s why I read fiction! Stand up to your mom Derek! Oh, and realize that Morgan would NEVER shoplift. If you truly did love her that much and spend tons of time observing her you’d realize this. Teenage boys, errr demons, can be so stupid.
How believable is the plot: 5. Well it’s a book about a blonde demon who loves pink and is hired by the Devil (who is a hottie with the perfect tan) to find a werewolf spy. So not exactly believable. But did I care? Heavens no. (Side note: I loved that whenever Morgan says “Good Heavens” her mother or the Devil chastised her and told her not to use “swear words”. Awesome continuity.)
How much did I like the writing style/editing/etc: 9. There were some errors but nothing awful.
How much did I want to keep reading: 9. I really did enjoy this! Like I said, it’s everything I expect from something “Legally Blonde”-esque: light, fluffy, fun, and it put a smile on my face.
Glasses of wine I drank while reading: 1. But it was a weekend and I love to day drink on the weekends so it’s not really representative of the book. Plus Morgan took a bath at one point and I love baths but I REALLY love a glass of wine while taking a bath so it just seemed appropriate.
Final Score: 9/10. Quite enjoyable. I’ll even buy a second book if one is ever published, which is high praise from me.
****Disclaimer: I got this book for free from the author. I swear I didn’t bribe her in any way, or get paid for my review. And we might not be legit enough to need this disclaimer but after working at a law firm for many years it’s better safe than sorry!****
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