Crazy For Love

Jul 05, 2010 Auntee rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans who don't mind a hero with a few problems

Shelves: contemporary-romance, 2010_reads, tortured-hero

Hmmm...not my favorite by this author (and I love her other stuff!) but something about this one didn't fully work for me. In some respects it was similar to her previous contemporaries (Talk Me Down, Start Me Up, Lead Me On)--there were traces of humor ("Holy ass cheeks, Batman" had to be my favorite line), some hot sex (but not a whole lot), and quirky characters. But I had some problems with the plot and the hero was just too messed up for my tastes.

As far as the plot? Let's see, in a nutshel...more Hmmm...not my favorite by this author (and I love her other stuff!) but something about this one didn't fully work for me. In some respects it was similar to her previous contemporaries (Talk Me Down, Start Me Up, Lead Me On)--there were traces of humor ("Holy ass cheeks, Batman" had to be my favorite line), some hot sex (but not a whole lot), and quirky characters. But I had some problems with the plot and the hero was just too messed up for my tastes.

As far as the plot? Let's see, in a nutshell...Chloe Turner is an accountant whose fiancee faked his own death in a plane crash in order to get out of marrying her. Then he told the press he did it because she had become a "Bridezilla" (not true). Now she's in hiding (along with her nervous best girlfriend who's keeping a big secret from Chloe) from the paparazzi on a remote Virginia island until everything dies down and she can get her life back. On the island she meets up with a hunkalicious treasure hunter who has some secrets of his own. They hit it off and have a hot affair until Chloe's notorious past comes between them.

My main problem with the plot? I just didn't buy that the paparazzi would be all that interested in Chloe, at least not to the extent that they are in this book. I'm imagining the author got the idea from some real-life runaway bride story, and replaced it with a runaway groom, but c'mon, in this book Chloe is treated like she's Britney Spears or something! As for the fiancee? As far as I could tell, he wasn't famous either. Of course he was famous for faking his death, but I just couldn't see the national press following this story for more than a few days. Anyway, that made it kind of unbelievable for me, and took away from my reading enjoyment.

The other problem that I had with the book, and I can't believe I'm saying this, is the hero. I love Victoria Dahl's heroes (Ben from Talk Me Down, Quinn from Start Me Up, and my favorite--Chase from Lead Me On)--these guys were great! But Max Sullivan? Whoa, he was a bit messed up. He was attracted to messed up women that needed 'help'. He would give them his 'help' and then he would move on from the relationship. He needed to be needed. He wasn't true to himself. He wasn't honest with what he wanted. He was a giant worrywart. He also had these "issues" about control and feeling responsible for everyone's safety, even at work, where he was a dive supervisor on a treasure hunting ship. At first it comes off as kind of cute, about how much he worries over everything. But as the story goes on you can see he has a real problem, and I kept thinking "he needs professional help". For some readers this may not be a problem, especially if you're tired of the strong, alpha types. Kudos to the author for coming up with something different and a bit quirky for her hero, but I like my heroes with a little less problems, thank you.:)

There is a side romance in this book between Max's nerdy (but hot), recently divorced, scientist brother Elliot and Chloe's shy best friend Jenn that I found sort of sweet, and wished it could have been developed even more, but Chloe and Max are the main story here. They have a couple of hot sex scenes but all the while leading up to them I kept wondering if Max's worries would affect his abilities in the bedroom, you know? But other than a worry about getting Chloe pregnant? Not to worry, because Max was fully functional there.

There is a HFN in this book (more believable than an HEA in this case). I would have liked to have read that Max was getting some professional help for his compulsions though, because no matter how loving and patient Chloe is, and no matter how sexy and adorable Max is...I think sooner or later he would drive any woman crazy! 3 1/2 stars(less)

19 likes · like · see review

Mar 08, 2011 Mojca rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, contemporary-romance, hqn, own, couch-potato-challenge, monthly-challenge-read-march, hb, once-and-never-again

I’ll be blunt. I’ve never read a more idiotic excuse for a premise and plot in my life.

1. Why would paparazzi follow a nobody? Besides, aren’t Bridezillas in fashion? Isn’t there a reality show on the theme?
2. Why would a guy fake his own death just to not get married? Sorry, but the explanation in the end didn’t gel with me.
3. How can someone be so freaking weird as the hero? Hasn’t he heard of therapy? Sorry, but te explanation for his “quirkiness” (which was anything but quirky for me) also d...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jul 07, 2010 Anja rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I absolutely loved the first half of this book. It was very funny and charming.

Max was adorably cautious and protective. I disagree with the reviewer that said she couldn't reconcile Max's addiction to the thrill of SCUBA diving with his need to take care of people. Max states his reason for being in this dangerous career is because when he is underwater it is the only time he feels calm regardless of the stress of worrying about the safety aspect. He isn't attracted to helpless damsels, but he...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 19, 2012 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I don't know if this is me or not, but I feel like I'm missing something here. I felt like it just ended. First off, in the overview of characters Max is a treasure hunting millionaire...um hello??? Why isn't this mentioned at all???? There is a point in the end of the book that says there was one thing Chloe didn't know about him, but there wasn't a follow through. Unless ... it made me think that the house and him leaving his job was the one thing. BUT that makes no sense, that was a complete...more I don't know if this is me or not, but I feel like I'm missing something here. I felt like it just ended. First off, in the overview of characters Max is a treasure hunting millionaire...um hello??? Why isn't this mentioned at all???? There is a point in the end of the book that says there was one thing Chloe didn't know about him, but there wasn't a follow through. Unless ... it made me think that the house and him leaving his job was the one thing. BUT that makes no sense, that was a complete given between the two of them. I don't think I'm giving away too much, but this boggled my mind. The hints at things and then leaving details out was a bit of a let down with this story. Great plot, I just wished it followed through.

Another issue. WHY did Chloe not question why Max a seemingly normal guy was with a heiress??? UM get a clue Chloe something is amiss!!! Yeah a reason was given, (kinda lame too relates to Max's problems) but come on, I still think it was lame and wasn't the complete honest truth either. WHY mention he's a millionaire, but never ever bring it up in the end? How many times did they discuss normal in this book? MANY. It made me want to scream! Ugh can't stand the emphasis on normal. Why not ordinary?

I really wished Jenn & Elliott had there own book that would drag Max and Chloe in as secondary characters and tidy up the details that were so obviously missing in this book. It was so unnecessary to have Thomas (the ex) call her in the end. What would have been necessary and this is what should take place if there was a book with Jenn & Elliott: Anna. It just left off with no confrontation whatsoever between Chloe and her or even Jenn (again...those will know what I mean with the key incident).

The description caught me, but at times, since I read it, I just couldn't grab on. I think I connected more with Jenn & Elliott and Max to some degree. Chloe I felt fell kind of flat for me until the end. Another thing: she's a smart girl when it comes to numbers and it just seemed like she was clueless and couldn't get a backbone until Max came along? I don't know it just didn't work for me. Max was on my iffy Hero scale. He did evolve and change through the book, but I got confused with how Chloe called Max on his OCD and not being into her. That's why I'm torn between clueless, huh, and what the heck when it comes to these two. Their chemistry seemed forced at times, but it did get better later. Were they perfectly matched? Yeah I'd say so, but I still think they didn't know everything about each other and I wondered if him being rich was one of them? I swear Jenn & Elliott had incredible chemistry regardless of their incident on the beach. Total misunderstanding that they seemed to have overlooked because they still stay in touch after leaving getaway.

Like I said, love the potential of this story, but it was missing details for me. Characterization of Max and Chloe could have been a tad better, but still, not a bad story. Definitely wish Jenn & Elliott had a story.(less)

like · see review

Sep 19, 2012 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Book #58 of 2012

I... really didn't like this book. The last 1/4 was OK, which is pretty much the only reason it got two starts instead of 1. Chloe, I actually liked. Max... I hated. Very very much. I don't know if his need to control E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. is an actual real problem that people have or not, and I get that Dahl was trying to make him "nuanced" or whatever, but I would have punched him after five minutes. I HATE it when people treat me like a child, and Max spends the entire book tre...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

One thing Dahl excels at is creating sympathetic characters, which Crazy For Love has in spades. It's easy not only to believe in these people, but to like them. If only I were lucky enough to be caught on a beach vacation with these folks (but knowing my luck, I'd wind up next to the curmudgeonly old couple instead).

While I could easily believe Max to be the type of person who could disguise his excessive worrying with charm, it stretched my imagination that Chloe was the first person ever to h...more

like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Maggie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance-novels, best-romance-novels

Can Victoria Dahl write a bad book? So far, I don't think so. Laugh out loud funny, relatable but not cookie-cutter characters, and an intriguing plot line? What more could I ask for? I love her. I love her for writing these fabulous books and these fantastic characters.

In this one, you've got two great romances for the price of one! Four excellent characters with flaws that make you want to squeeze them and hug them like puppies.

Max Sullivan: Today Max Sullivan had discovered that he only had t...more Can Victoria Dahl write a bad book? So far, I don't think so. Laugh out loud funny, relatable but not cookie-cutter characters, and an intriguing plot line? What more could I ask for? I love her. I love her for writing these fabulous books and these fantastic characters.

In this one, you've got two great romances for the price of one! Four excellent characters with flaws that make you want to squeeze them and hug them like puppies.

Max Sullivan: Today Max Sullivan had discovered that he only had two speeds: fake and charming or freakishly awkward. Jesus. He’d spent so many years pretending to like women he didn’t care for that he couldn’t manage the most basic interaction with a girl he really did.

Except that it wasn’t that simple. Max was nothing like anyone she’d ever known. Charming and grumpy at the same time. Laid-back and constantly worried. He was complicated, and the layers fascinated her.

Max takes responsibility for anyone and everyone. He's got a bit of a control issue, and though it doesn't sound adorable, I couldn't stop giggling and saying, "He's... so... cute!" Chloe's the only one to see through this, so, of course, she's perfect for him.

Chloe Turner: She’d told Max she’d been a good girl in high school. The truth was that she’d always been good. Always. And look where that had gotten her. Screwed over, knocked around and left on the side of life like road kill. She was a laughingstock and an infamous bitch, and she didn’t even know what she’d done to deserve it.

And this is what she has to learn: I am peaceful. I am beautiful. I’m calm and confident and definitely not a Bridezilla hated by the whole world. And I am having a vacation fling with an adorable treasure hunter with control issues.

Max finds out about who Chloe is at the middle of the book, which I appreciate. There's nothing more trite than a big bust-up over fake identities at the end to give the couple just one more obstacle to get over.

Then we've got the best friend of Chloe, Jenn, and Max's brother, Elliot, who also have issues and are also perfect for each other. This book is written excellently, and I love how the multiple plots blend together seamlessly.

Read this one. Now.(less)

like · see review

Nov 18, 2010 Sarah Eiseman rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book when I was at RomCon in Denver recently and was psyched to find out that Dahl had written another book. I’m not sure if this is a stand alone book or if it’s part of a series. After reading the book, it really could go either way. In any event, I was so happy to find this and now, after finishing the book, I’m even happier now that I’ve read the book.

I’m not sure what it is about Dahl’s style that makes her one of my absolute favs. She just seems to have a way of making cha...more

like · see review

Oct 20, 2010 Kaetrin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook

Why I read it: I nabbed a copy of the bound galley from NetGalley and I've read (and enjoyed) Ms. Dahl's other books both historical and contemporary (I prefer her contemps BTW).

What it's about: (here's the blurb from the author's website) Chloe Turner thought she was going to marry the perfect man-until her fiancé's plane crashed. And then she got the really bad news: he'd tried to fake his own death to avoid marrying her. Now America's most famousbridezilla (a tag she most definitely does not...more Why I read it: I nabbed a copy of the bound galley from NetGalley and I've read (and enjoyed) Ms. Dahl's other books both historical and contemporary (I prefer her contemps BTW).

What it's about: (here's the blurb from the author's website) Chloe Turner thought she was going to marry the perfect man-until her fiancé's plane crashed. And then she got the really bad news: he'd tried to fake his own death to avoid marrying her. Now America's most famousbridezilla (a tag she most definitely does not deserve), Chloe escapes to a remote island to avoid the paparazzi. And right next door is a man who just might be the curefor Chloe's heartache....
A magnet for wild, complicated women, Max Sullivan is relieved to have finally found someone "normal." Chloe is his girl-next-door fantasy come to life, and best of all, she gets him. With her, he can be himself, a treasure-hunting millionaire who desperately wants out of his sexy but reckless job. But when Chloe's notoriety catches up with them, will their torrid romance make it to the mainland?

What worked for me:The hero. Max was adorable! He was a totally beta guy hiding in alpha clothing. His quirks and neuroses were funny and sweet and, not annoying - although they easily could have been. I have seen a few reviews around the place for this book and of course, there's the blurb above and I figure that to say more might be giving away a spoiler so I won't. But srsly? Max is the bomb!
I liked also how Chloe saw through him, to the heart of him, fairly quickly and I liked how she didn't get offended, how she appreciated him. I also liked how she didn't just blow off their respective issues - and Max agreed - they took some time near the end of the book to sort themselves out - it definitely made the HEA believable.
I also liked how Chloe didn't agonise about her body image - she had a positive but realistic view of herself which was refreshing - here's she's putting on a wetsuit:

Her figure was fine, but it wouldn't stand up to close scrutiny when being squeezed into a Neoprene sausage casing. All sorts of rolls and gatherings were bound to appear.

What didn't (work for me): For much of the book, we knew that Chloe's best friend Jenn, was hiding something from her, but we didn't know what. I think it was intended to add to the tension but I just found it kind of annoying. A little annoyance though - nothing serious. I don't like it IRL where someone hints and hints and doesn't spill and I don't like it in books either - a little teasing and tantalising is fine but I find myself reaching the "oh, just tell me already!" point fairly quickly. YMMV.
There was a sweet secondary romance between Jenn and Max's brother Elliott. Elliott had the makings of a pretty cute beta hero himself and I could have used a little more of him.

What else:Overall, this was a fun, enjoyable read - it's not meaty or angsty and it doesn't pretend to be. It is what it is - light and humorous and funny. And Max? Too cute!

Grade: B(less)

like · see review

Oct 02, 2010 Paige Prince rated it 4 of 5 stars

Chloe was quirky and funny, even while going through one of the worst times of her life. The fact that she was able to show as much strength as she did after having her whole life blow up in her face made me really like her. Watching her grow into her own person and find her way through the muck made me cheer - and I haven't cheered for a book in a while.

Max kind of made me want to slap him repeatedly even while I laughed at his attempts to control everything while still trying to maintain the i...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 16, 2010 Jo (My House of Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I thought I would really, really enjoy Crazy for Love. The Tumble Creek series (Talk Me Down, Start Me Up, Lead Me On) only got better as the series continued, but while they excelled at chemistry and the hero and heroine oozing sexual tension, Crazy for Love left me feeling meh. And again, it's a shame because I so wanted to like this book.

The premise itself never solidified for me. Chloe, having been dumped in the most spectacular way -- her fiance crashes his plan and instead of being presum...more I thought I would really, really enjoy Crazy for Love. The Tumble Creek series (Talk Me Down, Start Me Up, Lead Me On) only got better as the series continued, but while they excelled at chemistry and the hero and heroine oozing sexual tension, Crazy for Love left me feeling meh. And again, it's a shame because I so wanted to like this book.

The premise itself never solidified for me. Chloe, having been dumped in the most spectacular way -- her fiance crashes his plan and instead of being presumed dead, he's alive! and doesn't want to marry her -- escapes the media crush with her BFF Jenn for a vacation. My question throughout was: why should we the reader care?

I didn't buy a hoarde of paparazzi stalking Chloe's every move, branding her a bridezilla, making her life a living nightmare. If this were set in Hollywood? Sure. But Chloe is an accountant from Richmond, Virginia. How this is (she) worthy of such national attention? Was Ms. Dahl writing a Runaway Bride nod? (Julia Roberts' character is written about in USA Today; her runaway antics were well-known within the confines of her small town.) Maybe if there had only been one wiley reporter and a cameraman involved, one person who dogged Chloe wherever she went and interviewed her "close relatives" or other sources, sussing out the truth, writing from his/her point-of-view.

I remember a runaway bride making national headlines a few years ago. I can't remember the specifics, but she was from Georgia, perhaps she faked her death because she got cold feet (again, I don't remember). It was reported on by various news outlets, though I don't think she got a month's worth of attention, like Chloe. So I'm left asking -- how is this worthy of such attention?

Certainly the criminal aspects related to Chloe's fiance are important. Those are federal charges and he seemed like he was from a well-to-do Richmond family. *That* is newsworthy...at least for 15 minutes (his initial federal court appearance, the trial, the sentencing).

Max, on the other hand, has a hero/savior complex, yet he cannot save himself from said complex in order to make himself happy. What a vicious cycle. The two of them certainly had some steamy moments, but I didn't believe their attraction once they stopped making out (or having sex). I didn't connect with them; I didn't believe in their love.

I really wanted to see more of Jenn and Elliott.

Regardless, I won't give up on Ms. Dahl just yet. She's a great writer with a lot of snap in her dialogue and steam in her sex scenes. Crazy for Love unfortunately didn't work for me.(less)

like · see review

Aug 19, 2010 Ryann Murphy rated it 4 of 5 stars

As I started to read my first Victoria Dahl book, Crazy for Love, I didn't really know what to expect. I imagined humor, I imagined steamy love scenes, but I certainly didn't expect to find a hero with anxiety issues. But, find him I did - and I loved Max for being strong, true, and admirably struggling to live with his control issues.

Max and his brother Elliott have decided to take a much-needed vacation. Elliott is a divorced workaholic from the CDC and Max is a sea-faring treasure hunter who...more

like · see review

Jul 21, 2010 Lesley rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read Victoria Dahl's Tumble Creek series and really liked it, and did not think that this one quite measured up. I couldn't quite buy into the premise- a heroine who was just an average Jane until her fiance faked his own death to avoid marrying her and she was thrust into a media frenzy and cast as Bridezilla, with the paparazzi stalking her at every turn. Unless one of the two of them already had some measure of celebrity, I just don't see the national tabloid media jumping on something like...more

like · see review

Jun 30, 2010 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

Crazy for Love is a light, funny, read for the summer. Victoria Dahl brings to life the joy of finding romance in a crazy, quirky, fun way.

I had a hard time placing my feelings for this book. While I enjoyed it a lot, I was not in love with it. Sure it had some of my favorite elements: humor, hot steamy love scenes and a cute quick side romance. However there were some things that just did not gel together well enough for me.

Chloe Turner has had a rough past. She found out her fiancé did not di...more Crazy for Love is a light, funny, read for the summer. Victoria Dahl brings to life the joy of finding romance in a crazy, quirky, fun way.

I had a hard time placing my feelings for this book. While I enjoyed it a lot, I was not in love with it. Sure it had some of my favorite elements: humor, hot steamy love scenes and a cute quick side romance. However there were some things that just did not gel together well enough for me.

Chloe Turner has had a rough past. She found out her fiancé did not die in a plane crash but instead faked his death, claiming her “bridezilla” attitude was the reason for his outlandish behavior. Since then she has been hounded by the media and resorted to an island with her best friend, Jenn to escape and gather her wits. What Chloe found was Max Sullivan, a hot treasure hunter, looking to untangle himself from his complicated life.

Max had a hero complex. He felt the need to help and save the people in his life. He had this real annoying way of making sure people around him never got hurt physically, emotionally or any other way. At one point, I had to wonder if this was a serious illness and why didn’t the author go further into his problems. Sure, Chloe was the only one to spot his issues but once they were acknowledge, there was no resolution or outcome to it. Even when their romance continued on the mainland, Max’s OCD was brushed aside as something he will eventually work out.

I enjoyed the premise of the story. I have never read a contemporary about a woman escaping the paparazzi because her fiancé claimed she was a lunatic bridezilla. The whole scenario was quite amusing. It was a great way to get the main characters to meet. The characters had an immediate chemistry but their own personal issues sometimes clouded the romance in the story. After a while, I was tired of hearing about Chloe complaining over the issues with the media and Max complaining how tired he was of taking on other people’s burdens and responsibilities. I wanted to learn more about the characters and I was slightly disappointed.

Some of the more interesting story parts were between Elliot, Max’s brother who went on the vacation with him, and Jenn. The nerd and the shy blonde bombshell seemed to be a perfect match. I actually wanted more time to develop their romance. Since Jenn was so shy, it took some time to see any action between them. Elliot had experience a painful divorce that had left him a little unconfident. It just felt like it was something the author added onto the bigger storyline and left hanging a bit.

Overall the story was interesting. It gave me a new take on Victoria Dahl. I would recommend Crazy for Love to contemporary fans. I plan to read more from this author in the future.
(less)

8 likes · like · see review

Jun 30, 2010 Laurel rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a funny, romantic book. Victoria Dahl wrote a gem with Crazy For Love. It's the story of Chloe Turner who was just an average person living an average life, she an accountant for crying out loud, how average can you get? She thought she was marrying the perfect man when he died. Until it came out that he didn't actually die in the plane crash, he made it look as though he did so he could get out of marrying her. Overnight the paparazzi had descended on Chloe and made her life a nightmare...more

like · see review

Jun 26, 2010 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

I should state up front I am a Victoria Dahl fangirl. I loved Lead Me On and Start Me Up. When I saw she had a new book, Crazy for Love, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed!

Chloe Turner is was a typical bride-to-be... until her fiancee faked his death to avoid marrying her. When the story opens, it's getting close to his court date to face charges involved in his crashing a plane to fake his death. Chloe's best friend Jess has taken her to White Rock Island to get away from the papar...more

like · see review

Oct 15, 2011 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, nook, 3-contemporary

Chloe's life has turned upside down in the last month. She has become the infamous Bridezilla and the paparazzi won't stop following her in hopes of getting new juicy gossip to add to the already incredible amount of gossip surrounding the scandal that began when her fianceé faked his death so he could be rid of her. Her life has turned into a circus and because of it her best friend Jenn decides to take her to a one week vacation. They're isolated, no one knows them and they have 2 hot neighbor...more

like · see review

Sep 30, 2011 Kerry sullivan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This book was reviewed for musings of a bookworm

The synopsis
Chloe Turner thought she was going to marry the perfect man—until her fiancé's plane crashed. And then she got the really bad news: he'd tried to fake his own death to avoid marrying her. Now America's most famous bridezilla (a tag she most definitely does not deserve), Chloe escapes to a remote island to avoid the paparazzi. And right next door is a man who just might be the cure for Chloe's heartache….

A magnet for wild, complicated w...more

like · see review

Aug 03, 2010 Cherise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-review-copy, romance

Chloe was just a normal, average, everyday kind of girl. She was planning a wedding and everything was going relatively smoothly until her fiance's plan crashed and it was discovered later that he had planned the stunt trying to escape his Bridezilla.

Now the press wont leave Chloe alone. Everyone wants a piece of the woman who was so horrible, that her fiance would rather fake his death then spend another moment with her. Chloe doesn't deserve the criticisms, and her friend Jenn takes her to an...more

like · see review

Aug 06, 2010 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, 3-stars, fiction

Having enjoyed Lead Me On, I looked forward to reading Crazy for Love, and I wasn't disappointed: the characters were unique and their struggles were sincere and moving. Plus, no one writes hot and funny quite like Dahl. Protagonists Chloe and Max connect (and spark!) when she sees through his carefully cultivated persona, and the lure of truly seeing someone and loving them thoroughly (craziness and all!) is what drives Chloe and Max's connection. It's a lot of fun to read and watch unfold. The...more

like · see review

May 02, 2010 Emma rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 09, 2010 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I think Ms. Dahl has a real gift for contemporary romance. I usually don’t like contemporary romance that much but for some reason when I read Ms. Dahl’s novels I find myself comforted, relaxed, and I feel like I can drop into the story head first and be completely ok.

The characters, as with most stories, make this book amazing. The characters are flawed, human, and in this story vulnerable and out in the open (well mostly). The chemistry between Chloe and Max is almost tangible to the reader th...more

like · see review

Jun 29, 2010 Aemelia rated it 5 of 5 stars

I could NOT put this book down once I started, I stayed up until 2am finishing CRAZY FOR LOVE. Victoria Dahl did a phenomenal job, creating intelligent, entertaining, passionate characters that I absolutely fell in love with. I laughed, I cried and I ended the book with a sigh of happiness.

Chloe was handed such a crappy hand by her ex-fiance and the media, but she was determined to ride it out. I loved the strength she showed to overcome her problems. Though her little break down, while not much...more

like · see review

May 19, 2010 Karen rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was dying to read this book since Victoria Dahl’s Tumble Creek series is one of my favorites but this book fell a little short of that.
Chloe meets Max while they are both vacationing on a secluded island. Both have issues of course. Chloe’s fiancé faked his own death to avoid the marriage and the media has been hounding her ever since the discovery that he is really alive. She’s reeling from the realization that her life wasn’t what she thought it was and doesn’t know if she can trust her inst...more I was dying to read this book since Victoria Dahl’s Tumble Creek series is one of my favorites but this book fell a little short of that.
Chloe meets Max while they are both vacationing on a secluded island. Both have issues of course. Chloe’s fiancé faked his own death to avoid the marriage and the media has been hounding her ever since the discovery that he is really alive. She’s reeling from the realization that her life wasn’t what she thought it was and doesn’t know if she can trust her instincts anymore.
Max has a savior complex. He’s always picking the girl who needs rescuing and is constantly trying to avoid accidents and save those around him. His last girlfriend was full of drama and he wants to avoid it that at all costs and takes a vow of abstinence even though he has a reputation as a sexy globetrotting treasure hunter.
Hmmmm. I just never connected to this couple. They are both nice and they have some very steamy sex scenes and were believable as a couple but the circumstances around them seemed contrived. Every conceivable obstacle that would push their buttons seemed to pop up to keep them apart.
There was another romance developing between Max’s brother Elliot and Chloe’s best friend Jenn that I found much more interesting. No one does sexy geeks better than Dahl! I wish there was more of them or that they had their own story. Again it seemed like a contrived plotline to fit the bigger story.
Once the vacation is over, Max has to decide if he will stand by Chloe under the media scrutiny when they get back home. Her former fiancé and all those associated with him are under investigation for faking the accident and possibly for bigger crimes.
It was an interesting angle and believable that she would become the main focus of the media circus. “Jilted lover – man fakes death to avoid marrying crazy bridezilla!” We live in weird times that we are obsessed with other people’s lives. I just got sick of hearing how hard her life was and Max whining about how hard it was to worry about everyone.
It was a fast read – not too deep and because of the steamy side of things I think it would make a great book to take to the beach.
Loved: This is strange but I loved the scenes of Chloe and Max fighting - they really said what they were feeling and I just liked the raw emotion. Very steamy love scenes. Elliot and Jenn made a cute couple.
Nitpick: I wasn’t crazy about the media circus plotline and I would have liked to have known Max more.

Not bad but the story just didn’t grab me.

(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 26, 2012 Jenn rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I rather wanted to enjoy this just a bit more. However, I found myself not really believing or caring about the characters.

I couldn't figure out why Chloe was worth so much media attention. So her fiance faked his death. Big deal. Why was everyone so eager to put her as the villain? That was one of the many problems I had with the story. Max's sense of responsibility was just as ridiculous. Really? He feels responsible for everyone he meets. Everyone? Then there was Chloe's BFF. Even with Jenn I...more

like · see review

Jun 22, 2010 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, review

Publisher – HQN
Release Date – 7/1/10
How I got this book – NetGalley

Victoria Dahl does it again with another witty and hilarious romantic comedy featuring a somewhat neurotic hero, a wronged heroine, and flocks of crazy paparazzi. I feel in love with Dahl’s contemporary romances within the first few pages of Talk Me Down, the first book in the Tumble Creek series.

In Crazy for Love, we meet Chloe and her BFF Jenn as they are heading to a remote island to get away from life. Chloe has recently fou...more Publisher – HQN
Release Date – 7/1/10
How I got this book – NetGalley

Victoria Dahl does it again with another witty and hilarious romantic comedy featuring a somewhat neurotic hero, a wronged heroine, and flocks of crazy paparazzi. I feel in love with Dahl’s contemporary romances within the first few pages of Talk Me Down, the first book in the Tumble Creek series.

In Crazy for Love, we meet Chloe and her BFF Jenn as they are heading to a remote island to get away from life. Chloe has recently found out her fiancé, who she thought perished in a plane crash, really jumped out at the last minute and is telling the world it is her fault. Labeled as “The Bridezilla”, she is now hounded all day by the paparazzi, waiting to see her lose it.

As she and Jenn are relaxing on the beach, the handsome Sullivan brothers walk up to the cabin next door, and hit it off with the girls. Max has this somewhat annoying and somewhat adorable need to take care of everyone and everything around him, and is constantly going out of his way to ensure the safety of others.

As news gets out of Chloe’s real life waiting for her back home her steamy but new relationship with Max takes a hit, and they are left trying to decide if they want to fight for each other, or not deal with the hassle.

I love that Dahl gave us this great leading lady character. Although Chloe is living in hell, she is taking it in stride, maintaining her pride and well being as best she can, and doing her best to wait out all the craziness. I can honestly say that if I found out my fiancé faked his death then blamed it on me; I would hole up and want to die. Instead, Chloe does her best to make the most of a crappy situation. Bravo!

Although Max is super sexy and has an incredible sounding job and seems like a total playboy; his OCD over protectiveness kinda started to drive me nuts. I like my leading men to be total Alphas bordering on the side of cavemen. Max was so real, he wasn’t this super put together, “all is well in life” guy. He had issues, and he was doing his best to kinda deal with them. As impressed as I was with his depth, he didn’t drive me wild.

The side romance between BFF Jenn and other brother Elliott was sweet. While Jenn is plagued by the guilt of carrying a dirty little secret, and Elliott is trying to get over a nasty divorce, the two of them have a few awkward sweet moments.

This was not my favorite Dahl book (really, can she top Talk Me Down? IMO, prolly not. <3ed it!!) However, it was different and I really enjoyed that.

All in all, I give Crazy for Love 3.5 out of 5 hoards of paparazzi.(less)

like · see review

Jul 14, 2010 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: comedy, contemporary, read-2010, romance, ocd, excellent

This was a very refreshing change of pace for me. I'm not a big contemporary reader, but when I heard a new contemporary Victoria Dahl was released I just had to have it.

Max was so adorable. I just wanted to grab him and cuddle him. I loved the scene where he was busted by Chloe! He was such a faker. Everyone thought he was such a bad boy because he always hooked up with "bad" girls and had an adventurous life. No one ever saw how he joked and laughed and flirted his way into getting people to d...more This was a very refreshing change of pace for me. I'm not a big contemporary reader, but when I heard a new contemporary Victoria Dahl was released I just had to have it.

Max was so adorable. I just wanted to grab him and cuddle him. I loved the scene where he was busted by Chloe! He was such a faker. Everyone thought he was such a bad boy because he always hooked up with "bad" girls and had an adventurous life. No one ever saw how he joked and laughed and flirted his way into getting people to do what he wanted. And what did he want? Safety for everyone! He couldn't stop involving himself in dangerous situations because he felt responsible for everyone's safety. The facts about danger that he knew were hilarious. Especially the one about sand tunnels. I thought it was cute, but sad that he was so afraid to be a father because he knew he'd be the worst type of freak with his kid.

I'm so glad that Chloe was so accepting of Max. Yeah, she kept calling him a freak, but she thought it was cute too. When we first meet Chloe, we learn about the recent scandal, but she seems really together about it. I'm glad that we got to see her vulnerability about the situation later in the book. Being stalked like that would give anyone issues. I don't blame her for wanting to pretend she was normal. What a horrible situation to find yourself in, especially when none of it was your fault. I felt so bad for her when she started to analyze her previous actions because of her reputation.

Even though I could see Chloe's side, I could also see Max's side. I know that was a nightmare to him when he finally thought he had escaped his bad habits. I really appreciated getting a hard look at his feelings on the issue. Even though some of them were hard to take I'm glad we got to see them. I could really appreciate what a vicious cycle he was part of. The best part was Chloe realizing exactly what role she started playing in his life the minute he found out about her. I loved the conflict she had about wanting to be that girl he helped and hating it too. I was so glad the situation turned out how it did.

I am not usually a fan of books that take place in a short amount of time. I don't enjoy watching them fall into bed quickly. Having said that, I have to admit that I was totally sold on it with this book. I felt that the time line was perfect and the feelings following that time line didn't outpace it.

I liked the little side relationship we got to see. I was really nervous about the hints we were getting about Jenn. I wasn't disappointed with how it turned out, but I've got to admit Jenn was a piece of work. The scene where Jenn bursts into tears - It was so horrifying, but so hilarious! It was like watching a train wreck!

If you're looking for something fun, but still complicated, I recommend picking up this book.

*One last thing: I really preferred the covers on this author's other contemporaries. I always recognized her work, the covers were distinctive. This cover was a bit of a shock to me, and I'm still not sure it I like it.*(less)

7 likes · like · see review

Feb 10, 2012 Patti rated it 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars. The sex scenes in this one were still great, but the plot was just ok. I couldn't root for Max and Chloe the way I did for some of her other couples. That's ok, though; as far as I can tell, this isn't a series. I'd be less inclined to check out any more about this story and by adding a 3rd perspective with the voice of Jenn (usually she's got his/hers in the couple, but no one else), it seems like this one has been fully resolved and can be put to bed, pun intended. If this one is yo...more

like · see review

Jul 12, 2010 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 08, 2010 Cid Tyer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-books, book-club-books

I wasn’t too crazy about reading this book. It was a book club book and I don’t really like contemporary romances, but Suzan said it was really worth a read – so I read it. In one sitting. It’s so freaking adorable you just want it to go on and on and on!

The Setting -- varies between a secluded beach resort where there are moonlit liaisons and sea tossed passion to Richmond, Virginia hiding out in a make-do apartment. It’s not a setting you haven’t seen before, but the author makes you feel part...more

like · see review

title link	preview: Crazy For Love
avg rating	preview: Crazy For Love Goodreads rating: 3.52 (1071 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7633208-crazy-for-love?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348223119l/7633208.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7633208-crazy-for-love?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Crazy For Love by Victoria Dahl[/url]

Crazy For Love

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (5)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Victoria Dahl

Books by Victoria Dahl

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Crazy For Love