Diplomatic Immunity

Ashton (the Evernight trilogy) delivers a thoroughly enjoyable romance between Piper Baird, an aspiring reporter who will do anything to get a scoop, and Raf Amador, a well-meaning but somewhat misguided playboy and son of the Spanish ambassador to the United States. The two romantic leads meet cute almost as soon as Piper arrives at prestigious Chiswick Academy, with Piper immediately infuriated by Raf, though also intrigued by and attracted to him. Piper is a new scholarship student at Chiswick, and Ashton plays up the school's social divisions throughout the novel. Piper sees Raf as her ticket to winning the prestigious Bennington Scholarship, which may be the only way she will be able to afford college, and befriends him in hopes of writing a scandalous tell-all about the above-the-rules lives of the privileged children of diplomats. The romance between Pip and Raf and its inevitable speed bumps hit familiar marks, but Ashton's talent for sharp banter and Piper's journalistic drive fuel this fun and fulfilling read. Ages 13%E2%80%93up. Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Sept.)