Category Archives: Chick Lit

November 28, 2011 · 3:55 am

Unscripted by Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz

Title: Unscripted by Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit
Length: 97,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

As a producer on a reality dating show, Abby Edwards knows that true love is a myth. Her career and her friends are all she needs. Right?

When her screenwriter ex makes a hit movie based on their relationship, Abby’s faults are projected on screens across the country. Suddenly the fact that her job depends on orchestrating hot tub hook-ups doesn’t seem so impressive.

Her friends rally to help. Zoë thinks she needs to meet a guy. Stephanie suggests an attitude adjustment. Nancy wants her to get in touch with her inner Goddess. Abby knows they mean well, but she prefers to focus on her work. Unfortunately, she’s already embarrassed herself in front of her new boss, Will Harper, who she would find totally crush-worthy if he weren’t so irritating.

Abby’s about to be reminded that life doesn’t follow a script—and good things happen when you least expect it…

97,000 words

The Review:

Unscripted by Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz is an entertaining novel that reveals the production side of reality TV. With her ex-boyfriend’s career now on the rise thanks to his hit movie based on their former relationship, Abby Edwards realizes her own professional is not exactly where she wants it to be. With her eclectic and supportive circle of friends by her side, Abby finds herself reluctantly agreeing to new experiences as she begins working on one new production project another.

Abby is pretty down to earth and low maintenance considering she works in the television industry. Her insecurities and vulnerabilities make her easy to relate to. Her inner dialogue is laugh out loud funny as are many of the situations she finds herself in. Loyal to her friends and considerate of her co-workers, Abby is a likeable and engaging protagonist.

Abby’s diverse and interesting friendships are definitely one of Unscripted’s most enjoyable aspects. The conflicts that arise between Abby and her friends are realistic and believable.

Ms. Aaron and Ms. Schwartz provide their readers with a detailed look at what goes on behind the scenes of filming reality TV. Although it is very interesting and informative, it does tend to overshadow the novel on occasion.

Are you a fan of reality TV? Are you looking for a novel that is light on romance? Do you like novels with quirky characters, humorous dialogue and enjoyable friendships? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will love Unscripted by Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz!

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Filed under Carina Press, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Marla Schwartz, Natalie Aaron, Rated B, Romance, Unscripted

November 25, 2011 · 3:59 am

Liar’s Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen

Title: Liar’s Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit
Length: 83,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Wedding planner Cassandra Hanley is in the business of making other people’s dreams come true. But for some reason, whenever she meets a potential mate of her own, she finds herself telling little (and not so little) white lies. She’s not trying to sabotage her relationships on purpose: as a people pleaser, she just naturally tells men what she thinks they want to hear.

When Cassandra meets Nick, she’s determined to be herself this time—until she learns he abhors weddings. So she recasts herself as an advertising exec, and now she’s scrambling to cover up the lie…with more lies.

Into the tangled web wanders Cassandra’s college sweetheart, Kevin. Kevin, the one man who knows the real Cassandra, and loves her anyway. Could he have been The One all along?

Torn between the past and the present, Cassandra is about to learn that you can’t plan the perfect life the way you can plan the perfect wedding.

83,000 words

The Review:

Wendy Chen’s debut novel Liar’s Guide to True Love is an engaging novel about Cassandra Hanley’s relationships with her family, friends and the men in her life. Cassandra’s current relationship with Nick is complicated by the reappearance of her college sweetheart, Kevin. Along with juggling two men, Cassandra’s not so little white lie to Nick about her career is spinning out of control.

Liar’s Guide to True Love has a richly drawn cast of characters. Cassandra is a successful career woman with a supportive circle of friends and a relatively healthy family relationship. Although she does not have any trouble meeting men, Cassandra cannot seem to find Mr. Right. Her relationship with her ex Kevin is unresolved and ongoing as they continue to indulge in casual hook-ups. Unsure where her new romance with Nick is headed and with her relationship with Kevin more serious than it has been in years, she decides to date both men.

Nick is absolutely adorable. Kind hearted, honest and sincere, he is completely charmed by Cassandra. Although he has been burned a couple of times in the past by ex-girlfriends, he does not let that interfere with his new relationship with Cassandra. But how understanding will he be once he is confronted with her lies?

Ex-boyfriend Kevin is back in town, and he appears to be a changed man. For the first time since they split up years ago, Kevin is treating Cassandra as more than a booty call. But is it a case of too little too late as Cassandra begins to see Kevin and their relationship with some much-needed objectivity?

Rounding out the superb cast of characters is Cassandra’s close circle of friends. Kate is a carefree serial dater who does not understand why Cassandra would want to settle for just one man when New York is full of single men. Suzanne is a divorced doctor who is actively searching for a man to settle down with. Mia is in a committed relationship that is becoming more serious. Each woman provides Cassandra support and advice throughout Liar’s Guide to True Love. Their friendship made me think of Sex and the City minus the graphic sex talk and language ;).

Equally enjoyable is Cassandra’s relationship with her mom and sister Emma. Cassandra’s mom is very much invested in her daughter’s lives, but in a (mostly) good way. She knows when to back off and she can be surprisingly intuitive. Emma is a suburban wife whose life is not exactly picture perfect. Her visit to Cassandra takes both their lives in an unexpected direction.

Adding to Liar’s Guide to True Love’s appeal is the setting of New York City and Cassandra’s career as a wedding planner. Ms. Chen brings the Big Apple vibrantly to life with her finely detailed descriptions of restaurants, stores and famous landmarks. The romantic in me loved the weddings that Cassandra planned and her descriptions of her bridal couples had me laughing out loud.

Liar’s Guide to True Love is so much more than a romance. It is a journey of self discovery for Cassandra. It is a celebration of friends and family. And yes, it is a love story with a delightful ending.

If you are a fan of books about relationships, then you will thoroughly enjoy Liar’s Guide to True Love. I am very much looking forward to more works by Wendy Chen.

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Filed under Carina Press, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Liar's Guide to True Love, Rated B, Romance, Wendy Chen

November 17, 2011 · 4:00 am

Cowboys Never Cry by Tina Welling

Title: Cowboys Never Cry by Tina Welling
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Summary:
Cowboys are NOT her weakness-until she meets the right one-in this funny, wise, romantic novel about women and cowboys, both real and imagined.

Cassie Danner doesn’t swoon over cowboys. A young widow with a still- mending heart, she seeks solace in her new summer job as cook on a Wyoming dude ranch. How ironic that she ends up tussling with Robbin McKeag, the ranch owner’s son and a superstar celebrity for having played iconic cowboys on the big screen.

Disillusioned with fame, Robbin has retreated to his dad’s ranch to reconnect with the land. But there’s something about Cassie that gets his goat. And Cassie can’t help but be drawn to Robbin as he struggles to become a better man. Are they about to play out a classic romance, or will the cowboy mystique and charm wear off?

The Review:

Tina Welling’s Cowboys Never Cry is a mesmerizing story that is set against the splendor of the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, WY. Cassie Danner’s emergence from the grief of her husband’s death coincides with Robbin McKeag’s sabbatical from his acting career. Despite their rocky beginning and many verbal spats, an undeniable attraction draws this mismatched couple together. Will love be enough to overcome their differences?

Cowboys Never Cry is a wonderful novel with an eclectic and vibrant cast of characters that are flawed yet incredibly realistic and likable. Heroine Cassie Danner is a female lead that is strong, independent and incredibly complex. She has a deep affinity for nature that helps heal her wounded soul following her husband’s death and later provides common ground between her and Robbin McKeag. Cassie is contemplative and reflective with an uncanny ability to read people. Despite her growing feelings for Robbin, her strong self respect keeps her from settling for a quick fling with the handsome actor.

Robbin McKeag is definitely a troubled soul. Although he has a healthy relationship with his father and several close friends, he is a playboy who has never been in a committed relationship. He is also an alcoholic whose life has spun out of control. Taking a year off from his acting career, Robbin is redefining his life and his role in the family ranch. He is someone who works hard to achieve his goals, but once he realizes his goals, he does not know what to do with them. Will his feelings for Cassie change this self-destructive pattern?

Interwoven with both Cassie and Robbin’s self discovery and romance is an interesting subplot about environmental issues that are sometimes at odds with the traditional rancher. Ms. Welling raises awareness of the various ways ranchers can preserve land and wildlife. It is informative without being preachy and provides added conflict to the novel.

Tina Welling’s prose is flawless as she brings the Wyoming countryside and Robbin and Cassie’s romance vividly to life. Unexpected snippets of humor relieve the more serious moments of this deeply moving and emotional novel. Cowboys Never Cry is heartwarming love story that I highly recommend.

2 Comments

Filed under Chick Lit, Contemporary, Cowboys Never Cry, NAL Trade, Rated B+, Romance, Tina Welling

September 18, 2011 · 12:15 am

Craving Perfect by Liz Fichera

Title: Craving Perfect by Liz Fichera
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit
Length: 76,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A Life Less…Hers

Grace Mills craves being perfect almost as much as she craves raspberry scones. In fact, her life would be perfect if only she could lose ten more pounds, if only the pastry café she co-owns with her sister would turn a profit, if only the hottest guy at the gym would look her way…

And then “if only” comes true. Grace is suddenly straddling two lives: an alternate reality where she’s a size two, weathergirl celebrity and being chased by the hot guy. Only Mr. Gorgeous isn’t very nice, and she doesn’t get to eat…anything, much less bake!

In her other life, she’s starting to realize her sister is less than happy running the family café, and hunky Carlos, the gym’s janitor, seems to have a secret crush on her. Maybe there’s more to him than meets the eye…

Grace is living two lives and it’s beginning to cost her. Is there a way to pick one…that’s perfect?

The Review:

In Craving Perfect, Liz Fichera has penned a delightfully whimsical tale about a slightly overweight and dissatisfied young woman who is magically transported into the perfect life she has been wishing for. But it does not take long for Grace Mills to discover that perfection is an illusion that is impossible to achieve. And that maybe what she has been searching for has been right in front of her all along…

Craving Perfect is a charming novel with many complex layers. The characters are flawed and imperfect but that is what makes them so easy to like and relate to. Ms. Fichera’s narrative is witty and engaging and above all, insightful and thought provoking.

Craving Perfect is a highly entertaining novel with a unique storyline and outstanding characters. Liz Fichera flawlessly illustrates the old adage “be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.” A fun and fanciful read that gives a different perspective on what comprises a perfect life.

Originally posted at The Readers Roundtable

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Filed under Carina Press, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Craving Perfect, Liz Fichera, Rated B, Romance