Susan Coventry's Blog, page 28
July 6, 2017
Dating You Hating You by Christina Lauren
Dating You Hating You - Humorous office romance.
Dating You Hating You is a humorous office romance between two people competing for the same job. Evie and Carter meet at a friend's party and immediately hit it off. They're both Hollywood agents but they work for competing firms. Just as their relationship takes off, the two companies merge and suddenly Evie and Carter are working together. The problem is that several people will have to be laid off, so the competition is fierce. Even though their attraction is undeniable, the two are pitted against each other and they began to subtly sabotage each other's careers. In the midst of it all they have a few steamy encounters, but their future is uncertain until the end when they realize that their love for each other is greater than their love for their jobs. I have read several books by Christina Lauren, and I have to say that this is not one of my favorites. My primary complaint is that this novel was heavy on the corporate aspects and lacking in the romance department. I enjoyed the interaction between Evie and Carter when there was some, but to me, there wasn't enough. The one ingredient that these authors always deliver is humor and there is plenty of that. If you haven't read anything by this author, I would recommend the Beautiful series as a good place to start.
Dating You Hating You is a humorous office romance between two people competing for the same job. Evie and Carter meet at a friend's party and immediately hit it off. They're both Hollywood agents but they work for competing firms. Just as their relationship takes off, the two companies merge and suddenly Evie and Carter are working together. The problem is that several people will have to be laid off, so the competition is fierce. Even though their attraction is undeniable, the two are pitted against each other and they began to subtly sabotage each other's careers. In the midst of it all they have a few steamy encounters, but their future is uncertain until the end when they realize that their love for each other is greater than their love for their jobs. I have read several books by Christina Lauren, and I have to say that this is not one of my favorites. My primary complaint is that this novel was heavy on the corporate aspects and lacking in the romance department. I enjoyed the interaction between Evie and Carter when there was some, but to me, there wasn't enough. The one ingredient that these authors always deliver is humor and there is plenty of that. If you haven't read anything by this author, I would recommend the Beautiful series as a good place to start.
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July 3, 2017
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
The Alice Network - Tale of women spies during the World Wars.
The Alice Network is a gripping historical fiction novel about women spies during both World Wars. Eve Gardiner joined the spy network during World War I. After completing an intense training program, she takes a job as a waitress in an upscale French restaurant during the German occupation. Here she's able to eavesdrop on German officers and share their secrets with her British superiors. To cement her cover, Eve also begins sleeping with the enemy--in this case, her boss, Rene, who is a greedy Frenchman that collaborates with the Germans. This novel also tells the story of Charlie St. Clair, a young American girl who travels to Europe in search of her long lost cousin, Rose. Rose worked for Rene during World War II, but she disappeared, and now with Eve's help, Charlie unravels the mystery of what happened to her. During their search, Charlie also finds love with Eve's Scottish driver, Finn. The Alice Network is very engaging, however, there is also a great deal of violence and rough language. The character of Eve is particularly tough and at times downright intolerable, although the reader can empathize with what she goes through. In contrast, the sections about Charlie and Finn were a pleasure to read and their characters much more likable. The Alice Network was in fact, one of the most successful women's spy organizations in Europe which made the story that much more fascinating. If you like war tales that are centered around women, you may like this book. I would also recommend The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
The Alice Network is a gripping historical fiction novel about women spies during both World Wars. Eve Gardiner joined the spy network during World War I. After completing an intense training program, she takes a job as a waitress in an upscale French restaurant during the German occupation. Here she's able to eavesdrop on German officers and share their secrets with her British superiors. To cement her cover, Eve also begins sleeping with the enemy--in this case, her boss, Rene, who is a greedy Frenchman that collaborates with the Germans. This novel also tells the story of Charlie St. Clair, a young American girl who travels to Europe in search of her long lost cousin, Rose. Rose worked for Rene during World War II, but she disappeared, and now with Eve's help, Charlie unravels the mystery of what happened to her. During their search, Charlie also finds love with Eve's Scottish driver, Finn. The Alice Network is very engaging, however, there is also a great deal of violence and rough language. The character of Eve is particularly tough and at times downright intolerable, although the reader can empathize with what she goes through. In contrast, the sections about Charlie and Finn were a pleasure to read and their characters much more likable. The Alice Network was in fact, one of the most successful women's spy organizations in Europe which made the story that much more fascinating. If you like war tales that are centered around women, you may like this book. I would also recommend The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
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June 30, 2017
Sizzling Summer Reads
Sizzling Summer Reads
Check out this summer romance event that is brought to you by a great group of Indie romance authors! Looking for some sizzling beach reads? Look no further! Interested in discovering new authors? Here's your chance. Select from a variety of romance novels that are offered for FREE or for $0.99. Don't miss out. This event is for two days only--July 1 & 2. Take advantage of the sales and happy reading!!
Check out this summer romance event that is brought to you by a great group of Indie romance authors! Looking for some sizzling beach reads? Look no further! Interested in discovering new authors? Here's your chance. Select from a variety of romance novels that are offered for FREE or for $0.99. Don't miss out. This event is for two days only--July 1 & 2. Take advantage of the sales and happy reading!!
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June 26, 2017
Better Than Fiction is on Sale!
Better Than Fiction - On Sale!
Better Than Fiction (Kindle edition) is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time only! Grab it now and spread the word!
Better Than Fiction (Kindle edition) is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time only! Grab it now and spread the word!
The post Better Than Fiction is on Sale! appeared first on Susan Coventry.
June 23, 2017
Custom Built for Me is now available!
Custom Built for Me - Now Available!
Custom Built for Me is now available in Kindle format. In my sixth contemporary romance novel, Shane, a sexy home builder, and Jess, a new homes sales consultant are co-workers and opposites. Jess is a rule-follower who believes in true love while Shane is a notorious player who has no intention of "settling down." A chance late night encounter leads them down a path that neither of them would have expected in this sweet and sexy romance! Find out what happens next in Custom Built for Me.
(Paperback format available soon.)
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June 19, 2017
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Confessions of a Shopaholic - Laugh-out-loud women's fiction!
Confessions of a Shopaholic is a humorous story of a young British woman's antics at work and at play. Becky Bloomwood loves to shop--her job, not so much. She's a financial journalist for a magazine but the job bores her to tears. Her love life is also lacking, so she fills the void by shopping. When Becky's debts get out-of-control, she tries various means of paying them off, such as taking on extra jobs and "cutting back." During this time she also meets two wealthy men, one of which she has no interest in whatsoever, and another, Luke Brandon, who is already taken. Finally, Becky stumbles into an idea for an article that she gets excited about which leads her into making more money. Too bad Luke becomes an enemy in the process, especially when she's so attracted to him. Confessions of a Shopaholic is laugh-out-loud funny, with likable, relatable characters and situations. This book was written many years ago, but I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. There are other books in this series that I may also read. If you like women's fiction with humor and a touch of romance, you may enjoy this novel. I would also recommend author, Jenny Colgan, whose books have similar qualities.
Confessions of a Shopaholic is a humorous story of a young British woman's antics at work and at play. Becky Bloomwood loves to shop--her job, not so much. She's a financial journalist for a magazine but the job bores her to tears. Her love life is also lacking, so she fills the void by shopping. When Becky's debts get out-of-control, she tries various means of paying them off, such as taking on extra jobs and "cutting back." During this time she also meets two wealthy men, one of which she has no interest in whatsoever, and another, Luke Brandon, who is already taken. Finally, Becky stumbles into an idea for an article that she gets excited about which leads her into making more money. Too bad Luke becomes an enemy in the process, especially when she's so attracted to him. Confessions of a Shopaholic is laugh-out-loud funny, with likable, relatable characters and situations. This book was written many years ago, but I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. There are other books in this series that I may also read. If you like women's fiction with humor and a touch of romance, you may enjoy this novel. I would also recommend author, Jenny Colgan, whose books have similar qualities.
The post Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella appeared first on Susan Coventry.
June 13, 2017
The Vacationers by Emma Straub
The Vacationers - Realistic family fiction.
The Vacationers is the story of one family's vacation in the midst of each family member's private turmoil. Jim Post has just lost his job due to an indiscretion with a much younger woman. He and his wife, Franny, take their planned vacation to Spain anyway along with their two adult children. Their daughter, Sylvia, has just graduated from high school and is anxious to get away after a rough senior year. Her brother, Bobby, has joined them from Miami with his girlfriend, Carmen. Bobby is experiencing financial difficulties after his real estate career fizzled. The Posts are also joined by Franny's best friend, Charles, and his husband, Lawrence. Charles and Lawrence are anxiously awaiting news about adopting a baby as they are thrust into the middle of the Posts' family problems. The Vacationers takes the reader to Spain with the Posts where you experience love, laughter, pain, sadness, grief and renewal. Beware that this is not a light and fluffy summer read, but if you enjoy realistic family fiction you may like this book. I would also recommend Elin Hilderbrand, who writes engaging family fiction set on Nantucket.
The Vacationers is the story of one family's vacation in the midst of each family member's private turmoil. Jim Post has just lost his job due to an indiscretion with a much younger woman. He and his wife, Franny, take their planned vacation to Spain anyway along with their two adult children. Their daughter, Sylvia, has just graduated from high school and is anxious to get away after a rough senior year. Her brother, Bobby, has joined them from Miami with his girlfriend, Carmen. Bobby is experiencing financial difficulties after his real estate career fizzled. The Posts are also joined by Franny's best friend, Charles, and his husband, Lawrence. Charles and Lawrence are anxiously awaiting news about adopting a baby as they are thrust into the middle of the Posts' family problems. The Vacationers takes the reader to Spain with the Posts where you experience love, laughter, pain, sadness, grief and renewal. Beware that this is not a light and fluffy summer read, but if you enjoy realistic family fiction you may like this book. I would also recommend Elin Hilderbrand, who writes engaging family fiction set on Nantucket.
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June 9, 2017
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
The Women in the Castle - WWII fiction about three war widows.
The Women in the Castle follows the lives of three women at the start of WWII and after. Marianne von Lingenfels is the wife of a German resistance leader. When her husband is executed after the war, she is forced to forge a new life without him. She makes it her mission to find the other wives of men who worked with her husband and were killed. The first woman she finds is Benita, the widowed wife of Marianne's childhood friend, Connie (male), and their son, Martin. Marianne welcomes them into the castle that she's inherited through her husband's family. The castle is large and drafty, and food is scarce, but together they make due. The last woman to join their group is Ania, and her two sons. Three women who have endured much hardship and pain, combine their efforts to make a new life together. Having read many books about WWII, I found The Women in the Castle to be very unique. Told through the eyes of these women, the story focuses on the emotional toil of the war rather than on the actual battles. Complex characters, vivid details, and an intriguing plot make this book a good read. Another excellent book about WWII from a woman's perspective is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
The Women in the Castle follows the lives of three women at the start of WWII and after. Marianne von Lingenfels is the wife of a German resistance leader. When her husband is executed after the war, she is forced to forge a new life without him. She makes it her mission to find the other wives of men who worked with her husband and were killed. The first woman she finds is Benita, the widowed wife of Marianne's childhood friend, Connie (male), and their son, Martin. Marianne welcomes them into the castle that she's inherited through her husband's family. The castle is large and drafty, and food is scarce, but together they make due. The last woman to join their group is Ania, and her two sons. Three women who have endured much hardship and pain, combine their efforts to make a new life together. Having read many books about WWII, I found The Women in the Castle to be very unique. Told through the eyes of these women, the story focuses on the emotional toil of the war rather than on the actual battles. Complex characters, vivid details, and an intriguing plot make this book a good read. Another excellent book about WWII from a woman's perspective is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
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June 6, 2017
Custom Built for Me Coming Soon!
Custom Built for Me is coming soon!
Custom Built for Me is my sixth contemporary romance novel which will be released later this month. Here's a synopsis:
Reeling from a recent break-up, Jessica McClean decided it was time to try something new. Aside from making changes to her appearance, she needed a new lease on life and on men. Enter sexy builder, Shane DeMarco, of DeMarco & Sons Building Company where Jess works as a new homes sales consultant.
Besides working together, there are plenty of other reasons why Jess shouldn’t get involved with him. Her best friend, Hannah, who happens to be Shane’s sister, warns Jess that her brother is a confirmed “player.” But Jess isn’t looking for a serious relationship anyway.
Beginning with a chance late-night encounter, Jess and Shane agree on a no-strings arrangement or at least it starts out that way. Who knew that the player would turn out to be the one who was…Custom Built for Me.
Available late June, 2017.
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June 2, 2017
Bossman by Vi Keeland
Bossman - Contemporary romance with humor, steam and heart.
Bossman is a contemporary romance novel that combines humor, steam and heart. Reese first meets Chase at a restaurant when she's on a miserable date. He swoops in to rescue her by making up a story about how they've known each other since middle school, even though she'd never seen him before in her life. Through a series of events Reese and Chase meet again and she ends up taking a job in the marketing department of his company. Their attraction is undeniable but Reese is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional. When Chase crashes her business trip, all bets are off and their relationship becomes personal. Before Reese and Chase can truly commit to each other they have some obstacles to overcome but eventually they get their happy ending. Bossman is told from both the female and male perspective which gives the reader a glimpse into both of the characters' pasts. This story is described as a "dirty office romance" however, I thought there was more humor and heart than dirt. It took a long time for the characters to get together and yes, they had some steamy encounters but I didn't think that was the focus of the book. This was the first book I've read by Keeland and I plan on reading more. I would also recommend Christina Lauren and Lauren Blakely who do a good job combining humor with romance.
Bossman is a contemporary romance novel that combines humor, steam and heart. Reese first meets Chase at a restaurant when she's on a miserable date. He swoops in to rescue her by making up a story about how they've known each other since middle school, even though she'd never seen him before in her life. Through a series of events Reese and Chase meet again and she ends up taking a job in the marketing department of his company. Their attraction is undeniable but Reese is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional. When Chase crashes her business trip, all bets are off and their relationship becomes personal. Before Reese and Chase can truly commit to each other they have some obstacles to overcome but eventually they get their happy ending. Bossman is told from both the female and male perspective which gives the reader a glimpse into both of the characters' pasts. This story is described as a "dirty office romance" however, I thought there was more humor and heart than dirt. It took a long time for the characters to get together and yes, they had some steamy encounters but I didn't think that was the focus of the book. This was the first book I've read by Keeland and I plan on reading more. I would also recommend Christina Lauren and Lauren Blakely who do a good job combining humor with romance.
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