Review: Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally

Image & Description from goodreads.com

Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor’s always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that’s what is expected of a senator’s daughter. But one impulsive decision—one lie to cover for her boyfriend—and Taylor’s kicked out of private school. Everything she’s worked so hard for is gone, and now she’s starting over at Hundred Oaks High.

Soccer has always been Taylor’s escape from the pressures of school and family, but it’s hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she’s going through is her older brother’s best friend, Ezra. Taylor’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it’s hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?

My Thoughts:
"Oh what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive." - Sir Walter Scott (Marmion, 1808) 

That pretty much sums up Taylor's predicament.  She's put her trust in the wrong person & now all her hard work will seem wasted.  I think Taylor showed some great maturity in most of her decisions.  The pressure she put on herself added with that of her family's demands caused her to make a bad choice.  Taylor does a good job of taking responsibility for her actions and accepting the consequences.  When most kids in her position would have felt entitled, Taylor changes her whole life and adjusts really well.  I loved Ezra.  I liked how he & Taylor supported & encouraged each other.  Both come from families that have high expectations.  That's not necessarily a bad thing but sometimes those expectations can be so high they inhibit instead of help.  
This is a fantastic story about learning from your mistakes and growing from them.  The writing is as awesome as Jesse's Girl, also by Miranda Kenneally.  I love all her books!
Recommended for 15 & up.
Moderate sexual content & adult situations.     

I received this book from the publisher through NegGalley in exchange for my honest review.