Opening line: ”Oh God.” Thump. “Oh God.” Thump, thump. What the….”Oh God, that’s so good!”
Wallbanger, Ha, I freakin loved this book. Just awesome. A g...moreOpening line: ”Oh God.” Thump. “Oh God.” Thump, thump. What the….”Oh God, that’s so good!”
Wallbanger, Ha, I freakin loved this book. Just awesome. A great story (that made me laugh) an addictive romance (are they ever going to make it into bed?) and a very fresh voice in chick lit (reminding me of a updated and naughtier Jennifer Crusie)
I’ll admit this wasn’t as sexy as I was expecting. What I mean is that with a title like “Wallbanger” I was anticipating a story more on the erotic side. Not that I was disappointed here, the sexual tension more than makes up for it, as well as the fact that when they finally do get it on… Damn it’s one of the better love scenes I’ve ever read. Hello kitchen counter. Let’s just say Simon lives up to the expectations and how!
Wallbanger also became one of those rare books that I found myself thinking about throughout the day (like at work)and I also realized that the unique and clever writing style had somehow infiltrated my brain, because for a while my own (boring)internal dialogue morphed into something resembling Caroline’s witty ongoing POV. I saw everything in a whole new way and made tons of snarky comments to myself which was fun while it lasted and a sure sign to me of a great read.
Caroline is a super relatable heroine. Down to her missing O, her neurotic cat, her confused and well-meaning BFF’s, her love affair with her mix master. This is a girl that I could be friends with. Of course I might try to steal her man because Simon, jeez. Simon… Yummy six-pack sporting, photographer, who is way more than he first appears(sounds) and just delicious in every way. A definite new literary boyfriend.
I’ll be honest; this did try too hard at times. The hot tub scene/weekend cabin adventure comes to mind and I also found that it stalled out a bit towards the end. And then ended and ended again. I felt like I read about 5 different closings. Of course then we get Clive’s epilogue and all is forgiven. That was brilliant. Speaking of Clive, yes we have to talk about the cat….
Clive: He stole every scene he was in, in fact I would read an entire book from his POV (should Alice Clayton grant us such a thing) His closing thoughts as he stalks around, clearing the apartment of rouge Q-tips during his “night watch” was just brilliant.
A few other random things I loved…. The entire circle of misfit friends, the text messages and surprising (but hilarious) look into everyone’s heads. The ongoing nicknames; cockblocker, nightie girl, Wallbanger. The banter, the sexual tension, the love scenes!!
The fact that Caroline didn’t run herself down, like we all do. She had realistic confidence and that was refreshing. (Thanks to her Gran) Cheers 356jb5(less)
Opening Line: "The new editor needs you, Julia." …Dolores Stanley leaps over the cubicles and follows me like a panther stalking its prey.”
This was an...moreOpening Line: "The new editor needs you, Julia." …Dolores Stanley leaps over the cubicles and follows me like a panther stalking its prey.”
This was an unexpectedly good read and I say that because I went into Dancing Naked In Dixie never having heard of author Lauren Clark before and with a limited idea about the story. However Dancing turned out to be one of those awesome little surprise find books and fans of the chick-lit genre in particular will enjoy this one.
Travel writer Julia Sullivan gets paid for the glorious task of gathering snippets of culture and piecing them together into quirky stories for ‘Getaways’ magazine. It’s a dream job, glamorous and exciting. Jett setting around the globe; a week in the Riviera, exploring the Great Barrier reef, basking on Bermuda beaches, Rome, Bali, Belize. Oh sure it gets bit lonely and all those flights can be exhausting but really her life is just about perfect (except for her lack of organizational skills and some small issues with deadlines but she’s getting that sorted out as of today.)
Back in her New York office Julia is rushing around (as usual), spilling lattés and knocking over stacks of old magazines while trying to figure out her new iPhone (that will hopefully ensure she never misses another deadline, appointment or flight) when she’s informed that the new editor wants to see her in his office. Now up until this moment she’d been dying to meet the new boss, wondering where she’d be off to next, since she usually gets the choice assignments but the moment she enters his office Julia’s world comes crashing to a halt.
It seems that Getaways and her new boss want to take the magazine in a different direction, focusing on out of the way Americana, more road trips with a route 66 feel and less Paris in the springtime. Julia’s new assignment…Alabama with a take it or leave your job clause.
Now Julia would rather Dance naked then go to Alabama -hence the title, which did have me wondering? But she also wants to keep her job so she sets out for the “Heart of Dixie” Eufaula Alabama to be exact. Home to sweet tea, grits, RC cola, Moon pie (the food descriptions here are fantastic) glorious old mansions, a cult like following of college football and the annual pilgrimage.
With the charming (and handsome) “Shug” Jordan as her guide Julia plans on getting in and out of town as fast as possible. Wrap up a quick tour, do a couple of interviews, snap off some photos and be back in New York by the following night for her book club meeting and still with plenty of time to make her deadline. Of course life never goes as planned and Alabama may just prove to be exactly what Julia needs.
The opening chapters grabbed me right away, Julia’s running internal dialogue is witty and downright hilarious (kind of Brigitte Jonsey.) And I liked how the identity of her boss wasn’t revealed right away; it had me guessing and then left me with more questions than answers. I also really enjoyed the stark contrast from the hustle and bustle and anonymity of New York to the sweet laid back charm and hospitality of Alabama. Where people have time to stop and chat, everybody knows your business and you get called sweetie. Does everyone talk here nonstop?
Personally I could relate to the small town aspect because I’m from one and most of the idiosyncrasies are true. However I’m also Canadian so the southern hospitality, culture and language were all new to me and a hell of a lot of fun. I felt like I’d taken a mini vacation while reading this and as I said the food descriptions had me hungry, craving sweet tea and grits, (which I’m not entirely sure how to eat or what they are?) My only real complaint here is that I would like to have seen a little more action in the romance department but the unique and charming yet flawed townsfolk along with a surprise mystery somewhat made up for it.
With well written, engaging characters this was an unexpectedly good read and I will definitely be seeking out more from Lauren Clarke in the future. Cheers.
Opening Line: “I live in fear of a four-letter word.”
This was a great read, pretty much everything you’d want (and expect) from British chick-lit incl...moreOpening Line: “I live in fear of a four-letter word.”
This was a great read, pretty much everything you’d want (and expect) from British chick-lit including an amusing and very relatable heroine, several hunky suitors and a movie worthy ending. It’s also well written and super entertaining; with many hilarious scenes that had me reading out loud to friends. As a rom-com it is predictable, I mean right from the opening chapters you know exactly who Abby is going to end up with but it’s still so much fun witnessing all the antics she goes through in her struggle to get there, that you just won’t mind. Did I mention this is freakin funny?
“My inner thighs press tightly against Tom’s buttocks, a position that could, to anybody not witnessing it, sound absolutely delightful. Delightful however it is not. As his motorbike darts between cars, whizzes round corners and whooshes through amber lights, I couldn’t feel less relaxed if I were on a blind date with Hannibal Lector.”
Jane Costello was a new author to me and I loved her writing style; with short chapters, snappy dialogue and a cast of well-developed secondary characters who all managed to have me equally invested in their stories. I also appreciated how even the smallest of ideas mentioned throughout the book was brought to fruition by the end, very clever writing. I’ll definitely be seeking out more from her.
I should also mention that a huge chunk of the story deals with Abby’s quest to complete a half marathon, if you’ve ever done any running you will really appreciate this aspect. I found it an original plot angle and because of Abby’s state of lack of fitness when she begins you can’t help but cheer her on throughout. The reason why she finally follows through on her latest heath kick (besides the cute guy known as Doctor Dishy) will surprise you. Ultimately I found this motivating; as even the most unfit and lazy of us will be convinced that if Abby can do it then so can I (or at least meet someone delicious at the local running club)
Abby Rogers hates being late, but since starting her own graphic design business, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Like today for instance she really didn’t mean to run that guy over with her car but he came out of nowhere, right between message number three on her cell and those take-away fries she couldn’t get in her mouth fast enough.
Abby’s love life has also taken a back seat of late and her waistline, well let’s just say muffin top and leave it at that. During dinner one night at her super fit, super skinny best friend’s house, Jess again broaches the subject of Abby joining her running club. And because tonight Abby has had several too many glasses of wine she says yes. I mean how hard can it be? Days later Abby is a literal hot sweaty mess. Doubled over, she’s just finished puking and may never walk again let alone run but as the burning sensation leaves her lungs she happens to notice a certain Doctor Dishy and he might just be worth doing this again for. Cheers 338jb4(less)
Opening Line: “My mother’s funeral was a small affair on a hot Tuesday."
Emma Tupper never imagined herself going to Africa that was always her mother’...moreOpening Line: “My mother’s funeral was a small affair on a hot Tuesday."
Emma Tupper never imagined herself going to Africa that was always her mother’s dream. All she’s ever wanted was to be a lawyer and through eighty hour work weeks to make partner at the firm. So when her mother falls ill and dies, leaving Emma a ticket to the (made up) country of Tswanaland, it might be grief forcing her decisions or an anguished sense of wanting to connect with her mother but Emma suddenly finds herself taking (an unheard of) month off work and boarding a flight to Africa.
Six months later… We join Emma on a dirt road attempting to get home; it seems her 30 day safari hasn’t gone exactly according to plan. Falling ill early on the tour Emma was left in a remote village to recover only to get stranded by a massive earthquake. Completely cut off to the outside world and any form of communication, her ordeal has finally come to an end. Now she can just slip back into her old life, or can she?
These early chapters were my favourite parts of the book as we watch no nonsense Emma naively return home expecting to pick up where she left off. It quickly becomes apparent though that everything has changed. To start with someone forgot to tell her that she was missing –presumed dead.
The fact that no one meets her at the airport should have been her first clue something was wrong, then her bank cards won’t work, her accounts frozen. When she discovers some (cute) guy living in her apartment everything falls apart. She’s also been replaced at work (that bitch!) her boyfriend has found someone else (awfully fast don’t ya think?) And her car and all her possessions have been disposed of. It seems that everyone has just moved on and that Emma has been “forgotten.”
This was a great read I loved the original storyline. I mean when everyone thinks you’re dead, how do you start your life over again? Would it be the same or would you change a few things? Throughout Emma’s story we get intermittent flashes back to Africa and her experiences after the earthquake. Personally I would have liked this section to have played a bigger role as it was the catalyst for the entire story yet sometimes felt like an afterthought.
I should also mention how funny this is, even though there a lot of heavy issues Emma’s determination, new appreciation of Scotch and dry wit is hard not to enjoy. I especially liked her hilarious, flirty interactions with Dominique (the reluctant roommate) who, you guessed it also becomes the love interest. The dialogue here is so clever and well written. He was a lovely character ultimately dealing with his own issues and starting a new life.
Catherine McKenzie has quickly become an auto-buy author me. I just love her style of chick-lit; she manages to avoid all the clichés and gives us an original, smart story with fast paced writing and addictive characters. Definitely check out her first book Spin Cheers 313jb4(less)
“Imagine if Bridget Jones fell into A million little pieces, flew over the cuckoo’s nest and befriended Lindsey Lohan along the way.” Okay I might hav...more“Imagine if Bridget Jones fell into A million little pieces, flew over the cuckoo’s nest and befriended Lindsey Lohan along the way.” Okay I might have stolen that quote from the back of the book but it does describe Spin perfectly, so I couldn’t help myself.
This was a fantastic read and from a new Canadian author no less. Totally relatable, addictive and hilarious, I had trouble putting this one down. It's written along the lines of Sophia Kinsley’s Confessions of a Shopaholic series or as I mentioned Bridget Jones's Diary, I also had flashes of Girl, Interrupted (if the loony bin were rehab) And yet despite all the comparisons Spin still manages to have a unique feel to it.
Peppered with pop culture references from movies, TV and music there's even a chapter by chapter playlist included at the end. I also just love books that are written the way we girls actually think, you know with random disjointed thoughts and crazy insecurities. And how much fun is it to follow a heroine who isn’t perfect? Kate, well she’s a mess so it was an absolute blast stumbling along with her while she finds herself.
Kate,(Katie, whatever) Sanford has just landed the job interview she’s been dreaming about her entire adult life, (other than writing for Rolling Stone that is.) It’s an interview with her favourite music magazine The Line. It’s also Katie’s 30th birthday which is all the more reason to celebrate, right? I mean what harm can meeting her friend Greer and having one little drink do? She’ll still get home early enough to be clear headed and fresh for the big interview tomorrow. Well as most of us know there’s no such thing as one drink (especially with friends like Greer.)
Katie’s botched interview is hilarious, she’s late arriving, still a bit drunk and concludes the meeting by excusing herself to throw up and lie on the restroom floor. Needless to say she doesn’t get the job. She is however just perfect for another assignment they have in mind; entering a 30 day stint in rehab to spy on the new “it” girl of the moment and writing a 5,000 word expose for their subsidiary gossip magazine. (Should she succeed the job she actually wants will also be waiting for her.) It’s a no brainer really, at this point Katie has burned almost every bridge she can and has nothing left to loose, besides its only for 30 days.
Kate’s observations from rehab while somewhat heartbreaking still retain the comedy. Her experiments with jogging had me laughing out loud as did the descriptions of her dog obsessed counsellor. Of course there’s a romance in bloom and hey what do you know she might just have a drinking issue after all. At the very least Katie needs to grow up and stop telling people she’s still in college or at least partying with college kids. The rehab section of the story is predictable but that doesn’t make it any less fun to watch the train wreck and cheer from the sidelines. The ending reads like a Hugh Grant movie and I loved it. Cheers 284jb5(less)
Opening line: "Ok. Don't panic. It's only a Visa bill. It's a piece of paper, a few numbers. I mean, just how scary can a few numbers be?"
It's been ag...moreOpening line: "Ok. Don't panic. It's only a Visa bill. It's a piece of paper, a few numbers. I mean, just how scary can a few numbers be?"
It's been ages since I’ve read any chick-lit but when I found this book amidst a bunch of “free stuff” left at the mail boxes (ironic hey, its about overspending and I find it for free) Anyways I grabbed it (along with some other useless crap) and immediately started chuckling.
Reminding me very much of Bridget Jones's Diary, this was an equally fun read, that had me LOL more than once at the antics, irrational decisions and downward spiral of a shopaholic who, oh yeah also just happens to be a financial journalist. Here Becky Bloomwood counts $$ like Bridget counts calories; binging with shopping sprees, going on cost cutting diets, avoiding the shops, scheming about how to make more money (because she can‘t possibly spend less and just HAS to have that new white coat)
Becky is an irresistible heroine but she generally makes a mess of things and it was super fun watching her make bad decisions as she fumbles through her job at Successful Savings, shopping away her lunch hours while trying to avoid her bank managers calls.
Speaking of which her over stimulated Visa card almost becomes a character of its own here, and her bank manager eventually does with the inclusion of hilarious letters from Endwich Bank and the ever inventive ways Becky finds to not pay her Visa bill or in most cases ever even receive it.
Ah yes, there’s also romance, intrigue, adventures in Indian cooking, unsuccessful part time jobs, a stalker(?) best friends, copious amounts of champagne drinking and a fantastic ending that will leave you smiling. This is an all around feel good book that reminded me why every once in a while some chick lit is a fabulous thing and best of all this was free…
And let’s face it we’ve all been there with the credit card bills which we tend to ignore as soon as that excited feeling hits us upon first entering a store. 268jb5(less)
Opening Line: "David and I became warriors in the zombie plague on the first day, but I don't think that means we were front line soldiers or somethin...moreOpening Line: "David and I became warriors in the zombie plague on the first day, but I don't think that means we were front line soldiers or something."
Touted as “romantic comedy with…brains.” this was a fantastic, super fun read that had me laughing from page 1 and just didn’t stop. Alongside all the gore and zombie mayhem there’s also a well written, action filled, story here which I think anyone who’s been in a long term relationship or seen Sean of the Dead will be able to relate to. Following average Seattle couple, Sarah and David as they try to save not only their crumbling marriage but struggle through the first few days of a zombie apocalypse. With only each other to rely on it becomes as much of a struggle not to kill the other as it does to battle the rising undead.
I loved the way this was written, I loved that Sarah and David live in the real world, they talk like we do, they bicker, they swear at each other, they drive a crappy car, they figure out how to kill zombies from plotlines they’ve seen in movies. And the chapter headings are hilarious too, consisting of *helpful relationship advice quotes*, altered to take into account the whole zombie issue. Married With Zombies takes a light hearted look at marriage while kicking major zombie ass and it was a blast.
Sarah and David are on the verge of divorce so it’s no wonder they don’t notice a few strange sightings on their way to couples counselling. However when they find Dr Kelly eating the previous clients it gets their attention. Suddenly which radio station to listen to, or how much time David spends playing video games is the least of their concerns. Which piece of office equipment best disables a zombie is the new normal. As it turns out a letter opener, high heeled shoe or even a well aimed Dr Phil book will work in a pinch.
Learning as they go Sarah and David return home only to find their undead neighbour in their bathroom, -turns out you can also kill a zombie by crushing his head with a toilet seat, however this does make things a little awkward when his girlfriend shows up. Luckily she’s got a stockpile of guns and ammunition (never can tell about ones neighbours can you) Because Sarah and David are about to leave the city, I mean things have got to better in the suburbs, right?
You’ll be cheering this dysfunctional couple along as they stumble across plagues of the undead, religious cults, a visit to a zombie casino, looting (another new normal) first drives in luxury cars, broken limbs and a visit to the country fair (zombies on ferris wheel anyone) Through all the arguing, when it comes right down to it theres no one else Sarah or David would rather go through a zombie apocalypse with than each other. Cheers
Thankfully this is only the first instalment from the Living With The Dead Series, Flip this Zombie is next.
*Men are from mars zombies are from hell. *Balance the workload in your relationship. No one person should be responsible for killing all the zombies. *Make requests, not demands “please” kill that zombie honey, I’m out of bullets. *Support your partner in their interests. You never know when batting practice, kung fu movies or even poker night might come in handy during a zombie infestation. *Never go to bed angry, terrified is okay. *Give each other compliments every day. Even when the undead attack, its nice to feel pretty or badass. *Address one issue at a time. You can’t load gasoline, pick up food and kill 15 zombies all at once.
"I should have know that having "end of the world" sex wouldn't solve our problems. Though it was pretty great and I highly recommend it. Its one of the big benefits of an apocalypse that no one tells you about. It just makes everything...better, because you know it might be the last time every time."
"Have you ever wanted to smash a car? or break a television? Or maybe burn a big fire in the middle of a city square? If the answer is yes, then you'd have some fun during a zombie infestation. Its the little moments, you know?"(less)
Opening Line: “The last thing Nina Askew needed was Fred.”
Newly divorced Nina Askew has just turned forty and found her freedom. Of course freedom fro...moreOpening Line: “The last thing Nina Askew needed was Fred.”
Newly divorced Nina Askew has just turned forty and found her freedom. Of course freedom from her stuffy husband and suburban home comes at a cost and Nina now finds herself a tad on the lonely side. Rambling around her apartment, watching old movies and drinking Amaretto milkshakes with her BFF just aren’t cutting it anymore. She needs something else. What she needs is a puppy; a perky, rambunctious, adorable puppy. What Nina gets is Fred. (Personally I’ve always believed that your dog finds you) And in return Fred finds Alex for her, the decade younger, hunky E.R doctor from downstairs.
Fred. This really is his book, he absolutely steals the show here and I found that instead of falling for the hero (which is usually the case) I fell for Fred. Those opening chapters where Nina adopts his depressed, smelly, vertically challenged, morose self from the pound while trying to get herself a cheerful puppy are just brilliant.
“Nina turned to the attendant, and said, “I’ll take him.” The attendant raised an eyebrow, “That’s your idea of perky?” Nina gestured to the puppies, “They’ll all be adopted right?” “Probably” Nina took one last glance at the tumbling, chubby puppies. Prozac with four legs and a tail. Then she looked at the other dog, depressed alone. Too old to be cute anymore if he ever had been. “I have a lot in common with this dog” she told the attendant.
Yup, dejected, moaning, bra stealing, Oreo eating, smelly, overweight, great lump of a dog. What’s not to love?
Anyone But You was my first Jennifer Crusie read and it was a pleasure. With a sweet, uncomplicated (older woman/younger man) romance and relaxed writing style; I can see why Crusie is so popular. This just put a smile on my face which honestly I needed because it’s been a rough month.
My only issues would be that their friendship seemed to develop really fast. They met and bam, they were instantly familiar, spending all their time together, watching movies, jogging and hanging out, there was no getting to know period. I also felt that the ending was a bit rushed (word count?) but these are just minor gripes
The secondary characters are engaging and addictive and I can’t help but hope (they got- have to check into that-written in 96) their own stories. I was also pleasantly surprised by the steaminess of the love scenes. Yeah, nice! And how great is it to read about a 40 year old woman grabbing the younger hot guy. Sure she had some body issues (saggy, things not where they used to be ) which just made this all the more realistic. Cheers 357jb3.5(less)
Opening Line: "At the Chrome-And-Glass Camden resturant the skinny hostess ran her purple nail down the book and muttered, "Casey, Casey where've you...moreOpening Line: "At the Chrome-And-Glass Camden resturant the skinny hostess ran her purple nail down the book and muttered, "Casey, Casey where've you got too?"(less)
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