Author: Kody Keplinger
Publisher: Poppy (Little, Brown)
Pages: 273
Goodreads
Summary: Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it’s a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy’s car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend’s attention.
Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: she and the other players’ girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won’t get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don’t count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming.
Inspired by Aristophanes’ play Lysistrata, critically acclaimed author of The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) Kody Keplinger adds her own trademark humor in this fresh take on modern teenage romance, rivalry and sexuality.
I was such a huge fan of Kody’s debut novel, The DUFF that I literally could not wait to get my hands on this book. The day it arrived, I dropped everything to read. As usual, it didn’t last long.
And I liked it. I liked it a lot. But I didn’t love it. Not like I wanted to. Part of the problem (for me) is that I cracked this open expecting to find another Wesley Rush, and while Cash Sterling was great…he’s no Wesley. I know it’s probably wrong of me to compare the two, but how can I not?
That being said, I did like that Keplinger took a story that’s pretty well known and put her own spin on it to make it work in the here and now. She once again explored a topic that, while some parents might not want to accept it, is definitely at the forefront of teenager’s minds:
Sex.
Just like with The DUFF, Keplinger does an excellent job of portraying a high school girl. She brings to the forefront for readers what it’s like to feel that girlish insecurity we’ve all felt. And how we sometimes feel pressured because of that insecurity into doing things we might not be ready for.
The way the girls (and the guys) come together in the book, how they bond and grow and learn is something every teenager should read. But this thirty-something wanted some more time on the pool table, not even gonna lie.
I knew a boy just like Cash Sterling when I was in high school. Unfortunately, I also knew one just like Randy, too. That’s one of the things that’s so great about Shut Out–it’s authentic. I felt like I knew these characters, like I could be right there plotting to win the war along with them.
Did I love this book as much as I loved the DUFF? No. There really is no comparison to Wesley Rush for me, but I liked Lissa as a character more than I liked Bianca. I know that the purpose of this isn’t really to compare the two, but I had to tell you that, just in case. I also wavered on my rating and really wish I could give half stars, because if I could, I would give it 3-1/2 stars. I didn’t want people to flip out and see only 3 stars though, because I slightly more than like it, but I don’t love it.
There is, in my opinion, a huge hole in the plot that I cannot discuss because it would be giving away way too much. But, it definitely left me scratching my head and making me wonder if I had misread something. I didn’t, but I suppose it could have been misinterpretation on my part. Whatever, I know that you’ll stop reading my reviews after seeing this rambling chickenscratch.
Other than that, though, I thought everything else was right on: growing up and being out of control, where you sit in the cafeteria after a breakup, support and friendship where you least expect it. It was good.
From the friendships to the rivalries to the “uhmahgawd does he like me” feeling, Keplinger definitely gets this genre and this group of people, and I really enjoy her style. Her characters have depth and realistic dialogue. Plus, it’s hot and has a little throwback to The DUFF in the form of Harrison Carlyle. Add in a little NSYNC and Cosmo representing their Bible, and it’s win in my book. I think you should read it 
Shut Out comes out in the US on Tuesday, September 5! Want to be one of the first Fictionees to read it? Guess what? We have TWO, that’s right, TWO copies to give away! To enter, just leave a comment on this post!
Giveaway ends on Thursday, September 1 at Midnight EST! We will announce winners on Friday, September 2!
and 
am I the first one? hmmm…it looks like a good read!
I have The Duff and I’m so excited to read this book!! I’m kinda sad you guys didn’t love it but either way I’m excited to read it because it looks like a great read
Thank you so much for the giveaway!
audrisj15@gmail.com
I hadn’t heard of this story but the summary sounds really good. WOULD DEFINITELY buy a copy!
ME ME MEEEEEEEE!!!!! me
I have the DUFF and it’s on my TBR list but I am GREEDY and want this one too. Because that’s how I roll. Did I just seriously type that? Yes, I did. It’s been a long day. How is it only 2? Anyway, you know how much I adore the topic of sexuality in YA so bring it on. I think this Kody chick might be on to something.
Sounds like a good book! I’m heading over to Amazon to check out “The DUFF”, too!
I haven’t heard of this author, but the premise of the book sounds great. I’d love to give it a read! Even if I don’t win one of these copies, I’ll probably try to find it from my local library when it comes out!
The Duff is on my TBR list and by the sounds of this book I should read both and soon!
You should DEFINITELY read Duff!
Started The Duff last night. 15 chapters in, and I had to force myself to put it down to get some sleep. Diving back in until I have to leave for work. Thanks for the rec!
WESLEYYYYY. <3333
Read The Duff because of The Fictionators recommendation and I LOVED it. I would be so psyched to receive Kody Keplinger’s next book.
I loved Duff and am excited about this book. Soccer is my favorite sport =D
Hey, i was just wondering if this giveaway was international? If it isn’t, oh wells
Sadly, not this time
Yay! I’ve been wanting to read this! Thanks!
Poisnivyred AT gmail.com
I would love a copy! I read The DUFF and absolutely loved it! Now I’m soo looking forward to reading Shut Out
Loved The Duff (and found it because of you guys *smooches*) so would love to give this one a try as well… Thanks for the rec!
I just finished reading The Duff for the first time last night. I really enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind reading her newest one. Sounds pretty interesting.
I personally really enjoyed The Duff and look forward to reading her next novel.
oooh might have to check this one out if I’m not lucky enough to win it
Oh adding Duff to my reading list for sure!
Even though you say its no DUFF (and c’mon there will never be another Wesley =P) I’m totally pumped to read this. I can’t wait. I love her writing style!
There, I entered. Will you stop harrassing the rest of Twitter now?
LOL… I’m totally kidding. I was thinking of entering when y’all first mentioned it, but then I hadn’t read the first book by this author and I thought some fans of hers might appreciate it more. Still… maybe from your comments it would be better to read this first, then the other. who knows… Sheesh, that white wine spritzer made me chatty!
See you girls online!! -Ginnie
I haven’t read The Duff yet either, but after hearing about it from you guys I will definitely put it on my TBR list (which happens to me pretty much every time this site reviews a book).
This one looks really interesting too! Thanks for the rec and the awesome give away.