Review: Finley And The Foster Brother by Anna Catherine Field

Summary - When a social worker and a truancy officer show up at Finley Rhodes' cottage in Ocean Grove she knows her life is about to change forever. She just didn't realize how much. At sixteen, she'd grown up fast, having the responsibility of taking care of her mentally ill mother, holding down a job to pay the bills and dropping out of school to do both. When her case manager tells her she's being placed in foster care, Finley never expected her new  home to be in the exclusive gated community and she certainly never thought she'd attend The Academy, a school for the privileged and elite. But the biggest surprise comes from down the hall. Her new foster brother, Chase. Chase Powell grew up in the shadow of his famous model mother, living a life of fame and excess. After a dangerous accident Chase is sent to live with his grandmother in Ocean Grove, where he settles into a life of normalcy and routine. Until Finley moves in. Late night talks, a game of truth, and revelations about their fears bring these two closer together, but it’s not like they can ever be more than friends and even if they could, Finely worries that her whole life can be taken from her once again. What’s the point of falling in love?

What I Liked About This Book - Just the right amount of drama. Enough issues to help the characters find a connection but not so much that the issues overshadow the relationship. I never felt like "oh my gosh, can we stop whining about our problems" or "nobody at this age is dealing with this kind of crap". Chase is sweet, Finley is likable. The parental figure is in the picture a lot and is firm but reasonable and loving. The other thing I liked is that the mean girl isn't really all that mean. Sure she had her snotty, jealous moments, but they weren't over the top. And I kept waiting for this girl to do something horrible to Finley, like out her big secret to the whole public. But it never happened which I found refreshing. There was enough conflict without having to throw the cliche mean girl into the mix. Also, I've read some step-sibling romances. And I totally get it. Your mom gets remarried, the guy has a hot son who's your age and living in the room next door. I don't question the attraction part but I always have a hard time buying that the couple is going to act on anything. Their parents would kill them. In a foster situation, it's easier to buy. The situation is temporary. Other than a few typos, I really enjoyed this read.

Appropriate For - This is sweet YA so it's good for anyone!

About The Author - Anna Catherine Field is a little camera shy... so no picture. But you can follow her Facebook Page. She's a fan of first love, toe-curling kisses and swoony romance. She lives with two dogs, two kids and a man-sized adult with a comic book collection big enough to require its own room.