Review: Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend by Allison Rushby

Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend

(Living Blond # 1)

By: Allison Rushby

Pub. Date: November 1, 2013

Publisher: Self

Pages: 138

Source: Netgalley

Nessa Joanne Mulholland, aka Marilyn Monroe's No. 1 teenage fan, is used to moving house. This time, however, she's relocating in movie-star style—crossing the Atlantic on board the Majestic, headed for Paris from New York City. And it really would be in movie-star style if it wasn't for the fact that she's bringing her cringe-fest professor dad along for the ride (Dad's specialization: human mating rituals—need Nessa say more?). Oh yeah, and sharing a cabin that's five decks below sea level and next to the engine room. Still, at least Holly Isles is on board. Yes, really, that Holly Isles—star of stage and screen. Suddenly, things are looking up. Looking a little Marilyn, in fact, because events are strangely mirroring Nessa's favorite movie of all time, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend is a sweet, cute, middle grade read about a 13 year old girl named Nessa. Nessa is completely obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, and her father even made her go see a therapist because of her obsession! On a cruise to France, Nessa starts to notice certain parallels to her favorite Marilyn movie, Gentleman Prefer Blonds. I loved the Marilyn Monroe references! I still have yet to see one of her movies, but she is definitely an icon and I can see why young girls would become obsessed with her.

Nessa's life is about to change when she meets famous actress Holly Isles. Holly keeps having bad luck with men, so Nessa makes it her life mission to bring out her inner Marilyn and help Holly meet the man of her dreams. While some of the things that Nessa choose to do might not have been the smartest, you have to remember she is only 13, something I kept forgetting throughout the story because she said she was 16 and kept acting like a 16 year old.

Marc, the love interest fell a little flat to me. For one, he was a jerk. One minute he would be sweet and romantic and the next he was angry and acting dramatic. I lost all respect for him after he yelled at his aunt (Holly) for acting silly and having a good time. What 17 year old feels he has the right to yell at the person taking care of him? I also didn't like that he kissed Nessa. He might not have known she was 13 , but I did, and the adult/teacher in me definitely felt sickened at that part.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. At only 138 pages, it a very quick read, and I think young girls would enjoy it very much!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.