| Title | : | Love and Cola Wars |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 9780991957 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published February 13, 2014 |
Sixteen year old Coco Caro is a good girl from a good Coca Cola home. Just as summer is closing, she meets Vincente Moreno, an up-and-coming Olympic fencer who attends her rival high school, Pepsi Co. At first, Coco has no idea who Vincente is or where he comes from. But when she discovers his identity, Coco must choose her loyalties: avoid Vincente at all costs or see him in secret.
Enter into the picture Cody Warwick, handsome Microsoft college junior and fencing aficionado. Cody has the world eating out of his hands, but Coco knows there is more to him than meets the eye. When her father wants her to entertain Cody at his annual Coke barbeque, Coco must play the dutiful daughter against her better judgment. And when a group of student activists challenge the status-quo at Coke High, Coco questions her own core values.
Meanwhile, Vincente has troubles of his own. Coco’s cousin, fencing star Silvino Rodrigues, challenges Vincente to a fencing bout, for which Vincente forgoes because of his personal set of principles. Eventually, Vincente must use his training skills and daring to defend Coco’s honour in an ultimate fencing blow-out.
Filled with swoon-worthy romance and kick-ass sword fighting, LOVE AND COLA WARS is a satirical love story set in a parallel world of cola and corporations.
Love and Cola Wars Reviews
-
*I received this book free to beta read. Thanks to Heidi Loney.*
The love story in Love and Cola Wars was a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I enjoyed that it portrayed Vincente feeling the same way a girl would feel in that situation, because personally I feel that guys are portrayed with emotions but none where the boy feels shy or like he won't be good enough, so I like how Vincente was more "real". I did like that even once they had started dating, that their relationship was "fresh", they were shy and new around each other with their actions and their words. The story is a cute, light read with a touch of humor that you could probably finish within a few days. I, personally, had trouble putting this book down because I was just captivated by the story-line. The concept of the story itself is really quite interesting because I could, honestly, see it happening, since there's already a battle between which is better: Coke or Pepsi products. The characters were really likable, especially Gabby (Coco's little sister). Although, the secondary characters didn't really have any distinguishable characteristics that set them apart from each other, but I didn't mind that much since they were not involved in the story-line that much. I liked how Vincente . The ending was pretty sweet, because it was . The ending was also great because it didn't leave me with any lingering questions or confusion, which was fantastic!
UPDATE
I don't know how it's possible, but I just got wrapped up in this book as I was re-reading it, and think I enjoyed it a lot more the second time around. -
Firstly, and as usual, I received this book free from the author directly for the purposes of review. Despite that kindness I give my usual candid and sometimes acerbic opinions below.
To begin, this is a young adult novel so my criteria for judgement are different than I would tend to apply to an adult novel. The first question to be answered is whether this book contains anything inappropriate for the target audience. On this account, the book is acceptable. There is some mild reference to sex but the characters respond in a realistic and appropriate manner when the topic arises. There's little of a violent nature and no use of drugs though there is reference to alcohol and attempts to gain such before legal age. There is also a fair amount of sneaking about and lying to adults but this is far from unusual in any book featuring children.
The second question is whether or not there's anything positive in this book that I would want my kids to read. On the surface this is a modernized Romeo and Juliet with all the usual trappings of young love and obsession. Taken completely at face value the whole thing is rather inane and vapid but there's a strong undercurrent that's worth paying attention to. Avoiding spoilers, in this fictional world everything is sponsored from Coke and Pepsi High School to Microsoft University and these affiliations divide the world in a very strict manner. These rigid commercial castes, if you will, are a potent illustration of our own society's stratified structure. I have no idea if any of this was intentional on the part of the author but I was struck by the way this sociological lesson was presented in a vivid and relateable manner.
The last question I ask is whether the young reader will be entertained. I would have to say that's a strong possibility among teenage girls. This is an upbeat view of the life of a teenager in love from the inside that's just modern enough that the readers might see themselves in the main character. I do have my concerns about whether the theme of corporate sponsorship will make these readers turn away since it does at times come across as almost silly, but it's worth a shot.
In summary, an intriguing little story that at first aroused my strong suspicions but turned out to be more than I expected. Or, at the least, I saw more in it than I expected to. Light, fun and entertaining with a thread of a lesson if you seek it out. -
***I received a free copy of this read from the author in exchange for an honest review***
After a day in the park, Coco Caro and Vincente Moreno meet and take the ferry together, chatting all the way. Outwardly Coco is the personification of what Coca-Cola High School represents. She's smart, driven, and active in school; and Coco comes from a good, moneyed family.
Coco's father, Frank, sees Coco and Vincente together and rushes them apart. Vincente misses Frank's snub and exceptionally rude behavior with his mind full of Coco. Parting so quickly didn't give Coco and Vincente a chance to exchange phone numbers and they don't believe they'll meet again.
Though Vincente realizes he's a Pepsi in a Coke world, sometimes it's just about meeting somebody special which he did, and sometimes it's just about being good at something, which he is.Without a doubt my inner teen-aged girl is still squee-ing obsessively over Vincente. His insecurities made Vincente extremely accessible and I liked the turnabout of seeing a vulnerable teen guy suffering from self esteem issues for a change. Vincente's shyness came off as honorable and the romance was just sweet.
Coco was also very likeable and strong in her independence and focus. Coco thought and planned for herself using her own reasons to make changes in her life. I'm crediting both leads for making this read less angsty than the average YA romance read. Coca-Cola High School and Pepsi-Cola High School are an excellent analogy for class and racial differences and perfectly outline the normal of this world.
Privatizing and branding Canada was a bit amusing in the abstract and gave the backdrop of the read a whimsical flavor while an updated spin on the often used Romeo & Juliet trope is served to provide a multi-functional read.
The teens do lie and manipulate to get their way and they talk about sex... though actual sex and drugs are nowhere to be found. As I'm not the target audience, I wouldn't venture higher than the 3.75 star rating provided. However, I believe a teen would rate this book a bit higher, and I need to mention that an adult reading along could easily find teachable moments to go over with their teen or pre-teen read.
A couple of things that didn't work for me were mostly a matter of taste. I didn't particularly like the writing style; it was too formal for my liking and repetitive in places. Also, I didn't enjoy the amount of minutiae nearly as much as the author thought I would - but I am not the target audience. Finally I didn't care for the ending, all the threads were wrapped but it felt rushed and clumsily pulled together. Some things absolutely worked for me as they resonated throughout the read.
This review and others can be found at:
http://www.ireadthatbook.com
Originally Read: May 31, 2014
Rating: 3.75 stars actually -
They met by chance, always leads to a great story. Coco and Vincente are a lovely couple and it was such a nice refreshing read. These two had just met and you can see them slowly get to know each other and get comfortable around each other. I love the start how they just casually mention the beach and watching each other. It truly starts off really well.
The nice time doesn't last long, Coco's dad comes to get her and starts asking about the guy she was talking to. So already he must know who the guy is and isn't wanting Coco to ever see or talk to him again. Maybe its because of this enemy thing with the companies or he just doesnt like the look of him at all? Well wait until you find out for yourself, too bad they dont exchange numbers fast enough in the start.
Let me jump to one of my favorite parts.....
So what happens when Coco a lovely girl deals with something that Vincente has done? Vincente got drunk and ended up being with some slutty version of Coco. Nothing to worry about here, they get through it and it is worked out better than I would have thought. The way these lovers act is much more mature than in most YA and thats one thing that I really loved! Its not crazy drama and stupid fights, its a real romance that you follow and love. You might think its odd that I liked that part, but I like reading where there is something that tests a connection. Its a make it or break it situation and I can't help but want to know, after all some romances can seem too good or sound ify.
So overall I really enjoyed this book. I loved that you can really get into the personalities of Coco and Vincente. Its much better than some other books out there. What I also enoyed was how mature they were, I mean there wasn't any crazy drama that was constantly happening and I loved that. I'd rather read one or two scenes than a bookful of drama and this book was amazing on that aspect!
I really loved the whole book and can't wait to see if the story continues or if Heidi will create another amazing love story like this one!
This book gets 5 stars! -
3.5 Stars
This young adult novel takes place in an alternate Toronto, Canada. Basically, everything has been sold, bought, and stamped by a big name corporation. Set in a contemporary, big company owned city, Coco and Vincente are on opposing corporation sides. Meeting on a beach, their attraction is fairly instant and totally forbidden. Parallel with Romeo and Juliet, thankfully this novel lacks a deadly ending, but it full of the same familial conflict.
Vincente is Pepsi and Coco is… Coca Cola! She’s popular, rich, and a nice chick. Vincente is a handsome, from the wrong side, and has a thing for fencing. After a variety of close encounters and fist fighting, fencing duals, and generally hatred between Pepsi and Cola, Vincente finds Coco at her father’s huge yearly bash. Her father is trying to pair Coco with a sleazy guy, which Vincente mistakes for a real suitor. Vincente and buddy are tossed out of the party and drunk; Vincente drunk calls/texts Coco and ends up hooking up with a sleazy version of Coco’s suitor. Just when the reader thinks they might drown in teen angst and misunderstanding, the two love birds find a way through fencing duals, bloody fist fights, lies, and teenage hormones and jealously to be together.
This was a satirical (as the book blurb will tell readers) young adult romance. Easy to read and pick up later, it’s an ideal beach read for the younger set who need a tamer romance which a nod toward the possibly franchised future.
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review from the author. -
Disclaimer: This ebook was a gift from the author for an honest review.
If I were a teen this would probably be getting a much higher rating. Even so, I would say this rates a 3.5 star rating. So I rounded it up.
What was good? The book didn't get mired down in the angst that a lot of YA romance novels do. What worries presented were not hormonal but rather more about life lessons and growth of characters. I liked that we got to see the romance from several points of view. Parents and their own problems were included. There was even a little sister who was given worth beyond being cute. Bravo! The main characters were both strong in their own right yet flawed making them realistic. The story was good. There were a few plot threads so as to keep it all interesting. And I felt I learned something. The terms and play of fencing as a sport was explained while not getting bogged down in detail.
What was bad? Not much, actually. As I'm thinking about this I feel it is my own age that prevented me from immersing in the story as a reader should. Oh, and assumption that Coke is number one. I prefer Diet Pepsi!
Conclusion? If you like Young Adult Romance, this is a book for you. -
Ok, where to start - First off, I am a sucker for Romeo and Juliet spin offs. What I loved about this book is the incorporation of the corporations that basically run our world, so there is an undertone here that could be hard to catch because of the love story, but it is there. Bravo on making your personal opinions about how corporations run the world. I fully agree. That is not a spoiler.. It is a part of the story that people need to recognize. Love it.
Sticking with the Italian names were tough for me, but I know why it had to be done. The Canadian accent came through and I wish that since it was set there, I could have learned a little more about the names you use.
Fencing / swords - awesome...
I won't talk about the ending because I don't want to spoil it but good solid ending that left me feeling satisfied.
Hands down, Heidi Loney is a writer. I look forward to her next work. -
For lovers of young romance stories, this will be a cute fit. It has been stated I other reviews but I'll reiterate here, it DOES resemble Romeo and Juliet, and I almost gave it to my husband to read because he likes R&J spinoffs! I, for one, really liked that the corporations were Coke and Pepsi. And I read maybe way too much into it and imagined that the author was doing a political play here in regards to big corporations and how they get into all facets of life. And kids are especially susceptible to their advertising. Again! Maybe I was reading too much into that but I really liked that part.
The love story was sweet and the parents irritated me, all in all a fun, light read. -
LOVE AND COLA WARS now available at Amazon:
my link text and Kobo. -
I received this eBook from the author for review.
This is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in a city in which corporations have taken control of schools and malls and parks. The star-crossed lovers come from rival high schools (Coke vs Pepsi) and have fathers who have a history.
It's a nice little story, definitely the kind I would have been all about as a teenager. Now though, I wish the focus had been more on the effect of privatization, but that doesn't take away from what the story is really about: two teenagers who have a connection and overcome obstacles to be together.
