Diplomatic Immunity

Brodi Ashton — 2016

Anna and the French Kiss meets The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks in a romantic and hilarious new novel from Brodi Ashton, the author of the Everneath trilogy. Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity . . . it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row. Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—which would ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country. Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school—and realizes that access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington. The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish Ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s big chance to get the full scoop. Except Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it will destroy the boy she just might love?

Reviews

jess@brekker

Aug 18, 2022

I really wanted this to be good. The premise sounded incredible. I love reading about uncovering corruption and rich kids being awful. Plus, that cover is absolutely gorgeous. What I got was a typical YA love story - instalove, easy forgiveness, six-pack abs and rather shallow characterization. Piper claimed to focus on her journalism, but everything was Raf, Raf, Raf. One of the major plot conflicts - the Bennington Scholarship - was resolved in one quick line near the end.

Sheila@duchess

Feb 7, 2022

This was one of my more-anticipated releases for 2016 because I am so thirsty for more YA books in the vein of The Fixer and The Conspiracy of Us. Instead, I got this hot mess that was nothing like them. :< The only positive thing I can say about this is that I read it in one sitting, so the pain didn't have to be drawn out. I genuinely don't recommend this book.

Lynn Braden@ftbooklover

Oct 8, 2021

Despite the fact that the story was pretty predictable and the cover was misleading, I still enjoyed reading Diplomatic Immunity. Piper Baird's family has fallen on hard times, and Piper sees no way that she can have her dream of going to Columbia University, until she wins a journalism scholarship to prestigious Chiswick Academy. Now the Bennington Scholarship is within her grasp, but only if she can come up with an amazing story that will help her win it. She finds the perfect topic in the DIs or students at Chiswick with diplomatic immunity who seem to never be held accountable for their actions. Complications occur when Piper begins to fall for her main subject, the Spanish Ambassador's son, Rafael Amador. Will she betray him by publishing a story containing all of his secrets, or will she explore her relationship with him. The answer to that question is foreshadowed so much in the book that there really isn't a question left by the time the climax is revealed in the story. Overall, however, I liked the story. I liked Piper and her ability to make her lack of filter into an asset. As the story unfolds, and we learn more and more about Raphael's family and his background, some of his actions start to make sense. Strictly romance, but a good quick read with interesting characters.

isabella@bellawoodhouse

Jan 8, 2024

isabella t mejias@icelandbella

Aug 14, 2022

Arden Kowalski@jonimitchell

Jan 13, 2022

Kimberly Siles Butron @kimsiles

Nov 24, 2021

Sara Alfaro@salfaro

Sep 26, 2021