Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

SEX KITTENS AND HORN DAWGS FALL IN LOVE is a gossipy love story sure to please the tween and teen chick-lit crowd. Maryrose Wood takes the reader into the world of the New York City teen with her story about a group of students who attend the Manhattan Free Children's School.

Felicia narrates the story about her crush on a boy named Matthew, and her attempt to lure him in her direction. With the school's science fair as a backdrop, the two agree to join forces to discover the mysterious X-factor in what makes love work. Felicia actually confesses her crush to Matthew, hoping his scientific curiosity will force him to help her prove their relationship is meant to be. Can they use experiments and observation to scientifically prove what makes love happen?

Other parallel plots in the book help entertain the reader. There is Felicia's liberal-minded, bookstore-owning mother who is divorced from Felicia's now remarried father. Then there's Kat, a blossoming violinist who has a Russian accompanist who seems to forget her tender young age and develops a disturbing crush on her. If that's not enough, there's Randall, a closet martial arts student, who tries to fight his romantic feelings for Felicia. All these intertwined stories are told in Felicia's unique conversational style.

Although the title might disturb some adults, Wood's novel, written about young love, is humorous and harmless fun for teen readers. ( )

I began reading this book because I had a teacher question the content due to the suggestive title. I finished the book because I became drawn into the story and wanted to find out what happened. This a fun, very innocent, book about young love. I would definitely recommend it for 14 and 15-year-old girls. ( )