Sixteen Scandals, written by Sophie Jordan, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This is the first YA historical romance that I have read by Sophie Jordan and it is really good! The story starts with Primrose Ainsworth waking up on her 16th birthday with high hopes of celebrating a major birthday and coming out in society. Unfortunately, her family barely acknowledges her birthday and they are just focused on her older sister’s wedding. Prim decides to go across the street to her best friend, Olympia’s, house. The receives a warm reception there and is treated to Gunter’s for shaved ice. While she is sitting there, she sees a super cute boy. That boy, Jacob, stops by their table because he knows Olympia’s famous mother. He wishes her a happy birthday and she is smitten. But she know that was just a one time sighting and she really doesn’t have any expectations. That night Primrose and Olympia hatch a plan to sneak out to Vauxhall Gardens. They have heard stories of fun and scandal about Vauxhall Gardens. The night unfolds in unexpected ways and Primrose and Olympia get separated, pickpockets abound and trysts are happening in the bushes. Primrose runs into Jacob as she finds herself alone and looking for Olympia. Jacob joins Primrose on her Vauxhall adventures. They get to know each other over the course of the night, but then as chaos once again ensues, they get separated and Primrose heads home. Things do not get better for Primrose as she is facing an unimaginable fate. Will a mysterious invitation to Primrose and her family turn things around for her and give her and readers the Happily Ever After? 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This was such a fast and fun read. I am a huge fan of historical romance and of the author, but never realized she wrote YA historical romances. I think this is a perfect entry point for YA readers who are looking for romance and are open to historical fiction. The role of women, the city of London, the clothes and descriptions of family life are authentic to the time. Readers will be introduced to the ton, the Vauxhall Gardens, to carriages, Almacks and to the privilege that Duke’s bring to the table. This book will get future fans into the genre of historical romance. There are some historical connections that can be made for those students interested. However, I see this book as more of a fun, free choice book in the school library. The title is catchy, the cover is beautifully designed and there is just enough mystery and intrigue to keep a reader hooked. I also really enjoyed the quotes from an etiquette guide being crossed out at the beginning of each chapter and the beautiful lace incorporated on the pages. It adds a lot to the reading aesthetic. There is nothing inappropriate to be concerned about for a school library. If you don’t already have this in your high school library, you should get it!