Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton

Title: Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton

Release Date: September 6, 2016

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Pages: 368

Received: Publisher

Star Rating: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Aspiring reporter Piper Baird decides to write a scathing exposé on the overprivileged students at an elite Washington, DC, school, only for her life to change when she begins to fall for the story's main subject, in this new realistic contemporary romance 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 country’s most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—and winning will ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.

Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the intense competition in the journalism program—and the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school. And Piper knows 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 chance to get the full scoop. But as they spend time together, 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 could destroy the boy she just might love? [goodreads]

My Thoughts

I was really impressed and looking forward to this one. I've actually read a few books about daughters and sons of senators and presidents and quite enjoyed reading about an idea of that life. I just thought these characters were dry as in I couldn't find a reason to like them. Rafael, the son of the Spanish ambassador, held up to a stereotype. 

I've also read a few "sketchy" adjectives describing POC, which I'm not too fond about. There was just no pizazz in the characters, story, or the world. I couldn't help but cringe at each chapter. It might be small things, but all these small things add up to my interpretation of the writing and the writer. 

Piper was a very driven student and was a journalism star. She seemed blind that there were other people who want what she wants, the scholarship. Her world seems very one-sided.  couldn't help also feeling bored and dreaded when a subplot carried on.

The romance in the story came a little late, but it didn't improve my interest in the characters. I believe it was a predictable ending and the events all ended happily. 

2/5 STARS