Riding the Universe by Gaby Triana

May 27, 2009
Chloe Rodriquez 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 Chloe's last connection to her beloved uncle, Seth, who left her the bike when he died last summer. So when a failing grade threatens to seperate Chloe from her motorcylce, she vows not to let that happen... no matter.

Once confronted with the option of losing her bike Chloe signs up for after school tutoring. Embarrassing yes, but worth it. Gordon, her new tutor is cute, brainy and pretty uptight. After a few sessions with Chloe he seems to be loosening up and Chloe is developing a hardcore crush. When the pressures mount, Chloe even gets Gordon to skip school and they find themselves in some serious make-out sessions.

Chloe is falling hard for Gordon, but is it worth risking her heart? She vowed to never get hurt again after Seth died but maybe Gordon is worth it. On top of everything else Rock has been coming on strong telling Chloe he would change his womanizing ways if only she would be his girl. Is he serious? Probably not and Chloe won't risk their friendship for a roll in the hay. Speaking of that...is either boy worth losing the big "V" to anyway?

Compound all of this with grades, a pair of three month old twin brothers, questions about her adoptive parents and it's no wonder Chloe has been spending so much time at her private sanctuary down on the Murphy's dock.

I really enjoyed this book. I zipped through it in a matter of hours. I just couldn't put it down! As I was reading I kept thinking how cool it would have been to have a friend like Chloe when I was in high school...actually she probably would have scared me, a 5'10" biker chick! In reality she is a sweet girl devoted to her family and friends. The love triangle between Chloe, Rock and Gordan plays out until the very end as Chloe finds out who will be there for her no matter what.

An enjoyable read about life, love and loss that will make your heart all a'flutter with memories of first love. There are a few expletives and limited sexual scenes but I think this book would be great for 7th graders and beyond. Read it!

Score: 4 points