Editorial Content for Smash & Grab
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Risk-taking teens jump off skyscrapers and rob banks in a new riveting read by Amy Christine Parker. Wealthy Westwood Prep sophomore Lexi Scott and her “adrenaline junky” friends perform daring stunts --- such as base jumping and motorcycle racing --- for fun. On the other side of town, street-smart senior Christian Ruiz and his close-knit crew commit dangerous crimes --- such as stealing getaway cars and hitting banks --- for survival. Lexi and Christian cross paths when Lexi goes undercover at her father’s bank, LL National, to dig up clues about her dad’s recent arrest. Christian enters the scene as his gang prepares for their biggest heist yet --- at LL National! As the two fearless teenagers work together, trying to keep things “strictly criminal,” they begin to fall for each other. SMASH & GRAB cleverly combines humor, romance, and a cunning caper.
"SMASH & GRAB cleverly combines humor, romance, and a cunning caper....Author Amy Parker thoughtfully exposes the violence and despair that exist in many urban areas."
This entertaining story of a high school heist unfolds in Los Angeles where poverty still pervades many city streets. Young Christian breaks the law to provide income and safety for his struggling family. However, if he can help pull off this last bank job he may finally escape a life controlled by a dangerous gang and accept his full scholarship to UCLA. But the endearing student admits that it is “hard to think about the future when you’re trying to survive today.” Author Amy Parker thoughtfully exposes the violence and despair that exist in many urban areas.
While gangs steal on the streets, white-collar criminals defraud customers in the glass towers that fill the L.A. skyline. In fact, Lexi’s father sits in jail, awaiting trial for an alleged mortgage scam. Convinced that others are involved in the scheme, invincible Lexi infiltrates her dad’s bank, disguised as a college intern. The striking, 5’8 high school student who “fits the Bond girl” profile plays her role in 007-style. As she pieces together the puzzle, she realizes that Christian could “smash and grab” crucial evidence (to help her dad) during the heist. In exchange, she can provide inside information on the bank’s security for Christian’s crew. Bold, beautiful Lexi Scott is the teenage “Bond” girl everyone wants to escape with.
Teenagers robbing billion dollar banks may seem improbable, yet these strong, colorful characters demonstrate ingenuity and a resilience that seems credible. Beneath their daring actions lies a sensitive story of poverty and privilege. Author Christine Parker succeeds in creating an exciting novel that will inspire young readers to rise above misfortune. As Christian and Lexi live in the moment, they also discover that finding love can happen any time --- even when you’re jumping off a building. Add SMASH & GRAB to your summer reading list.
Teaser
Lexi is a rich girl who loves a good rush. Whether it’s motorcycle racing or base jumping off a building in downtown Los Angeles, the only times she feels alive are when she and her friends are executing one of their dares. After her father’s arrest, Lexi doesn’t think twice about going undercover at his bank to steal the evidence that might clear his name. She enlists her hacker brother and her daredevil friends to plan a clever heist.
Promo
Lexi is a rich girl who loves a good rush. Whether it’s motorcycle racing or base jumping off a building in downtown Los Angeles, the only times she feels alive are when she and her friends are executing one of their dares. After her father’s arrest, Lexi doesn’t think twice about going undercover at his bank to steal the evidence that might clear his name. She enlists her hacker brother and her daredevil friends to plan a clever heist.
About the Book
Ocean’s Eleven meets the star-crossed lovers of West Side Story. Grab some popcorn and get ready for an adrenaline-filled heist!
Lexi is a rich girl who loves a good rush. Whether it’s motorcycle racing or base jumping off a building in downtown Los Angeles, the only times she feels alive are when she and her friends are executing one of their dares. After her father’s arrest, Lexi doesn’t think twice about going undercover at his bank to steal the evidence that might clear his name. She enlists her hacker brother and her daredevil friends to plan a clever heist.
Christian is a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. The local gang has blackmailed him and his friends into robbing banks, and he is desperate for a way out. When the boss promises that one really big job will be the last he ever has to do, Christian jumps at the chance for freedom. In fact, he’s just met a girl at the bank who might even prove useful. . . .
Two heists. One score. The only thing standing in their way is each other.
Told in alternating points of view, this caper is full of romance and fast-paced fun. Hand to fans of Perfect Chemistry, THE CONSPIRACY OF US, and Heist Society.
