Book Review: Wrapped Up in You by Carole Matthews
Article first published as Book Review: Wrapped Up in You by Carole Matthews on Blogcritics.
Wrapped Up in You is the first of Carole Matthews' novels that I've read. Based on how much I enjoyed it, it definitely won't be the last. I read it in a couple of sittings, and had life not gotten in the way, I could have easily have done it in one. It's that easygoing, not to mention a page turner!
This heartwarming romantic comedy is about Janie Johnson, a thirty-something hairdresser who's pretty much given up on love. She doesn't think she's ever been in love, and isn't hopeful that she ever will be. She's just plodding along in life, aware that she's missing out on something, but has no idea what to do about it. That is, until several things conspire at once to make her change her mind: too many nights in alone, a terrible blind date and the news that her ex is getting married. Before you know it, Janie has booked a ludicrously expensive holiday to Africa and is looking forward to getting away from it all. All her friends think she's barmy, and by the time the holiday rolls around, Janie's beginning to agree with them.
However, a flight and a very bumpy drive later and Janie's being introduced to Dominic, her tour guide for the week. She very quickly forgets her misgivings, and by the time her holiday of a lifetime is over, she's also convinced she's found the love of her lifetime. Maasai warrior Dominic is a charming sex god who speaks very good English, and Janie is completely besotted. It appears Dominic feels the same way. Therefore when it's time for Janie to go home, she really doesn't want to. But she must.
Arriving home, all Janie can think about is the fact that the love of her life is thousands of miles away. Once again, her friends think she's crazy and are convinced that Dominic is just trying to snare himself a rich British woman so he can come and live in England. Janie knows that isn't the case, and continues to think of a way she can be with Dominic. But it certainly won't be easy…
Wrapped Up in You really is a fab book. It's an easy read, and had me speed reading to find out what happened next. Janie is a fab – if somewhat ditzy heroine – and Dominic is just… well. He's not your typical romance novel hero; he's big, he's adorable, he's hilarious and a total sweetheart. There were lots of twists and turns in the book and I wasn't sure where it was going to end up, which is always a good thing. It's all wrapped up in a satisfying ending which left me with a great big silly grin on my face. Call it a rom com, call it chick lit. Call it what you like – I'm calling it a damn good book.
Available from:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Book Depository
Waterstones
