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The Squad: Perfect Cover

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THE SQUAD: PERFECT COVER
JENNIFER LYNN BARNES


Rating: 5 Enchantments

Toby Klein is your typical unpopular high school sophomore, with a talent for computer hacking. When she suddenly finds herself invited to a meeting of the varsity cheerleading squad, she's sure it's some sort of practical joke, but her younger brother Noah couldn't pull something like this off. And when she gets a note written in invisible ink, Toby can't help thinking there's something more going on - after all, she's not exactly the cheerleader type, right?

THE SQUAD: PERFECT COVER pulled me into the story from the first page. From the coded first few notes to the one written in invisible ink, it's obvious there's more to the cheerleaders than meets the eye. Beneath the school is a high-tech area called The Quad which belongs solely to The Squad. There, the ten members receive their instructions via audio file - an event makes Toby want to say `good morning, Charlie' more than once.

After a somewhat frightening stage-six makeover that includes a trek to Victoria's Secret as part of her first mission, Toby is almost unrecognizable to herself not to mention half the school. But when her new makeover is more of a hit than expected, she's given the task of using one of the hottest guys in school in order to plant a bug in his father's office.

I loved the unique world Ms. Barnes created for THE SQUAD. From a secret lair beneath the school to bulletproof push-up bras and a holographic cheerleading squad, this group of underage government operatives has everything imaginable and then some. Toby's a very likable character, who goes from being an unpopular hacker to an undercover member of THE SQUAD. Faced with the fact she's now not only an undercover agent, but a gasp, an actual cheerleader as well, Toby has to learn to deal with her newfound popularity, the attention of hottie Jack and the fact that certain members of the team aren't exactly her number one fans.

I read through this book in one night and am very excited I have book two on my desk waiting for me to read. THE SQUAD promises to be a great series! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Barnes.

Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
April 2008

Toby hates cheerleaders. She could care less about the God Squad, the most popular girls in school.

Then she finds two coded messages in her locker inviting her to try out for the squad. At first she thinks these messages are a joke, but then curiosity gets the better of her.

The first meeting is just an introduction to the squad, without practicing. At 5:30 the next morning, she attends her first practice. Toby is not a morning person -- her snark and wit come out full force at the thought of actually joining the squad.

There's more to this bunch of cheerleaders than meets the eye and Toby is about to find out the uniqueness of the squad.

PERFECT COVER, the first in THE SQUAD series, takes everything you think you know about cheerleaders and turns it upside down. Jennifer Lynn Barnes creates a new series full of surprises, wit, and a heroine who fights her destiny.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

I LOVED the book, Perfect Cover! It was sooo good! I just wanted people to know, that despite the pink cover and cheerleaders, its not a girly-girl book. Its filled with spies, bombs, guns, and most importantly, glitter! Please read the book, and then the author might write more in the series! I certainly hope so. I loved Toby's sense of humor. Keep up the good work!

Bayport High operates like any other high school - jocks at the top, outsiders at the bottom, and everyone else in between. Enter Toby Klein, a sophomore computer hacker who doesn't play well with others. She has zero school spirit, a black belt in karate, and what her guidance counselor calls an "attitude problem." She's the last person you'd expect to be invited to join the varsity cheerleading squad.

But things are different at Bayport.

Bayport's varsity cheer squad is made up of the hottest of the hot. But this A-list is dangerous in more ways than one. The Squad is actually a cover for the most highly trained group of underage government operatives the United States has ever assembled. Athletically, they're unmatchable, though they make it all look easy on the field. Mentally, they're exceptional - but with one flash of their gorgeous smiles, you'll completely forget that. Socially, they're gifted, so they can command and manipulate any situation. And above all, they have the perfect cover, because, beyond herkies and highlights, no one expects anything from a cheerleader.

Toby Klein might not seem like the most likely recruit, but she's never been one to turn down a challenge. If she can hand the makeover, Bayport High may just have found its newest cheerleader.

Pretty, popular, armed, and extremely dangerous - meet THE SQUAD.

Perfect Cover (The Squad) was a fast, fun read with a twist: Spy cheerleaders. The story really pulls you in from the first few paragraphs. Jennifer Lynn Barnes' writing is really good. I loved the cheerleader-spy twist added. I haven't read any books in which cheerleader's are spies. There was some action and suspense in this book, and some romance.I just loved this book. Toby was a sarcastic, funny character, who even though her outward appearance was changed, her inner self stayed the same. Many character's-- when thrust into new situations-- change, and not for the better. Toby was just a great character and her voice just leapt of the page. The different character's really made this book much more fun. If you liked Gallagher Girl's series by Ally Carter then you'll love this series.
-Carol
www.bookluver-carol.blogspot.com

I have read many books, and as a teen age girl I must say this is one of the best spy books yet. I was intrigued at every moment and the book made me yearn for the sequel! The protagonist provides wonderful insight and huge laughs! A really great read!

Toby Klein is a sixteen year old girl attending Bayport High. She's a rebel, fierce, brave and a social outcast. She starts to receive some encrypted messages from the popular Varsity Cheerleading Squad about upcoming try-outs. What do the cheerleaders want with her? She just wants to melt into the background and protect her little brother, Noah, from school bullies. Well, after some curiosity that Toby has surrounding the mysterious notes, she decides to go to the try-outs just because it will get her out of detention. What she ends up finding out brings her down further into the rabbit hole.

You follow Toby into Wonderland has she finds out that the Varsity Cheerleading Squad is actually a cover for a group of teenage girl spies. And as she gets recruited, her life turns upside down. Now she has to juggle cheerleading, popularity and spy work all at the same time. And don't forget that she can't fall for her mark, Jack Peyton, Bayport High's Most Eligible Bachelor.

I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was ridiculously funny. I laughed out loud a couple of times because reading Toby's thoughts and her sarcasm was hilarious. I think Jennifer Lynn Barnes has a great sense of humor.

I liked the mission and the different operations that were executed as well as the teamwork involved with all the other characters aside from Toby. You learn to love all the characters in the Squad as well as Toby's younger brother, Noah, who is hilarious.

I checked on the author's site and read that she only has one other story for this series. I'm so bummed that she's not continuing with it as it's such a great storyline. Who would ever suspect spies as being cheerleaders? And yet, they are masters at what they do. Throw that in with all the high school drama and you have a great, fun, light read!

This was an amazing book. I have to admit that after i read the squad i really wanted to be a cheerleader. I know its dorky but its that great a book.

I love this book and the series. its so disappointing that shes not writing a third book yet. this is my favorite series of all time and i desperately hope jennifer lynn barnes writes another book in the series. or maybe do somethimg about girl spies... those books are amazing.

An excellent light read that moves with the precision of a well crafted cheer. The plot slowed a little with the introduction and backstory of the characters, but tension and hilarious internal dialogue distracted you. One or two flat characters, but there's plenty of room to expand as the series (I assume one is coming) continues. I very much enjoyed Noah, the side-kick brother. Realistic teen dialogue. Realistic teen attitude. Shaky on the realistic government and actual school interaction stuff, but I DON'T CARE! Go...BAYPORT! I'll definately pick up another of Miss Barnes titles. She's off to a great start.

Great service,great book that is so hard to find in stores but I found it great at Amazon and this company very great service.