Review: V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram

Book Description via Gooreads:

Ebook, 360 pages

December 11, 2012, Bluefields

When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation.

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy.

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?

Source: Kelly Oram (Thank you!!)

My Thoughts:

Post-breakup with Zach, Valerie stood up for what she believed in, took all the bashing and all the insults, stood her ground and survived the chaos that was her life. She dealt with weakening relationships, sharp words of other people that cut her like knife and the overall pressure and expectation from her. I liked her very much as a character. She was strong, determined and filled with hope and energy. She was a force of nature – unstoppable. She took what other people labeled her – Virgin Val – and turned it into something positive. Under the principle, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them,’ Val gave Huntington High a virgin who remained a virgin all throughout the year. More importantly, she started the V is for Virgin campaign which encouraged virgins to wait until they are ready before having sex and allowed couples to join the Abstinence Challenge.

The sexual tension between Val and Kyle was palpable. It reminded me of the tension that Echo and Noah from Pushing the Limits experienced. I really enjoyed reading about their banter, fights and flirting. Kyle was determined to make Virgin Val fall in love with him, more sexually less emotionally, however, our heroine was also determined to not fall into his trap. Kyle’s natural charm and tempting ways were making it difficult for her to resist. The author did an amazing job developing their relationship. From the first meeting, there was an instant zing in the air, a live wire connecting them. There was undeniable chemistry – one that was so natural that it thrived even in their fights.

Kyle Hamilton was gorgeous and tempting in so many ways and he knew it. He had a tough, seductive side and a soft, charming one although I barely saw the latter. I liked reading about him, especially when his soft side comes to the surface. Kyle Hamilton was more than just hit songs and innuendo – he was a good guy underneath it all.

The pacing was good. I was never bored with it. Every page was a treat and I welcomed every twist with open arms. I admit that I’ve never read a YA like this before. V is for Virgin went beyond the value of virginity as it highlighted the weight of being able to make your own choices for yourself. I’ve never had this much fun reading a YA contemporary since The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

The ending broke my heart and glued it back together again. Oram knew how to make me ache and how to make me smile. I must admit that I’ve become attached to Val (and to the boys in her life.) I was hoping Kyle would finally be able to let go of the idea that ‘waiting sucks’ and just be with his girl. When they’re together, they scream chemistry.

V is for Virgin is a refreshing treat of contemporary goodness with a balance of humor, sarcasm, tension, romance and fierceness that will satisfy readers. As delicious as The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, this lovely standalone will take you on a journey that you won’t get tired of. I highly recommend this to YA contemporary and romance readers!

Rating:

 5 Cupids = Eternal book love. 

I will never, ever, ever forget this book. I highly recommend this!