Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com

Mina Mooney is back in this second novel of the DEL RIO BAY CLIQUE series, following SO NOT THE DRAMA.

It's all about the Frenzy, a bumpin' party filled with athletes and held in the most prestigious neighborhood in The Woods. Mina's crush, Craig, has finally come around her way and now she has the invitation she needs. All that stands between her and the party of the century is: her parents. What's up with all these strict dating rules? Can't they see she's not a baby anymore?

But, as usual, Mina's clique has got her back, and they agree to help her find a way to the party. Now, if only there weren't so many other distractions, like the fact that she has to audition to write for the school newspaper, even though she brought her own column idea to the table. And that new kid, Brian, who has already climbed farther up the popularity ladder than she has, even though he just started at Del Rio Bay High. Is he flirting with her? Why does this have to start up now that she's finally got a shot with Craig? High school is hard!

Del Rio Bay is a great setting, brought to life by Paula Chase's wide variety of teenage characters. Every stereotype has its representative, and every representative defies his/her stereotype. These kids are normal. They face normal problems and react realistically to the obstacles in their paths. There is no easy solution, only each character deciding what's right for him or her.

This is the type of book that talks straight and doesn't patronize teen readers. Another novel in the series comes out in June, 2008, so get reading! ( )