Sparkling Stilettos (Sparkling Book 1) by Jess Wright

by Jess Wright

Chasing dreams can be tough, even when you run as fast as your bespoke stilettos will take you…As Megan Winter’s wedding day approaches, her heart flutters with excitement. Dylan Dunkin-Buckshaw is a great catch. Handsome in a sharp, confident kind of way, he's everything she’s ever wanted in a man and a husband. A match made in heaven—right?With a fledgling shoe design business that’s set to take off, Megan decides to take control of her life and strut her stuff. With the help of loyal friends and a handsome stranger she begins to turn heads and get noticed. She’s hitched her wagon to the stars and she’s planning on enjoying the ride, wearing her best stilettos whilst she does it!But will she reach those glittering stars? Is there something lurking in the shadows to hold her back? Under all the excitement and sparkle of her new found adventures there seems to be an ominous presence trying to take the shine from her happiness.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

Paperback

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

Jessica Wright shot to fame in 2010 when she first appeared in the flagship ITV2 show The Only Way Is Essex. Jessica is one of the most loved and talked about stars in the UK and is now the leading lady in the show. Jessica has proven her popularity with the nation by carving out a fashion career with her own e-commerce site and highly successful range at Lipstick Boutique. 2015 sees Jessica launching a career as a fiction author and releasing her first novel.
Jessica has 1.4 million followers on Twitter.

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

(review copy)

4.5

Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...

Sparkling Stilettos is the debut novel from The Only Way Is Essex star Jess Wright. It’s the first in a three part series and I’ve got to say, I can’t wait to read the next one! Being honest, the concept to this book is nothing particularly different to your typical romance novel. It presents all the things you kind of expect – a woman having doubts about her relationship, insecurities, career aspirations and dreams, a gay best friend, the average problems that get in the way of a budding romance. I could go on. The thing is, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a book like that for me. I just love a novel that hooks me. And I was completely transfixed with Sparkling Stilettos, I loved reading this book far more than I had expected to and it was fun, flirty and had the kind of ending which I adore but also drives me up the wall – the one that makes me need to read more in an instant even though I can’t and it’s so unfair! I really did enjoy this book and will be seeing this series through to the end.

We meet Megan on her wedding day to the horrendously named Dylan Dunkin-Buckshaw. She seems to go from being okay to suffering from some bad wedding day nerves. Let’s just say, shoes are a theme in more than one way in this novel and Megan appears to have her running shoes on… I really warmed to Megan’s character straight away in this book. She seemed so genuinely lovely and much more down-to-earth than I had expected. I also liked how she wasn’t a pushover and would go for what she wanted, even if it meant a bit of uncertainty or having to be pushed out of her comfort zone, she would still give it a try. Megan is a talented shoe designer with aspirations of making it big. Here’s where I realise I was probably being a bit unfair when I said there’s not much different about Jess’ novel because I can’t say I’ve ever read a book about a shoe designer before – or at least, not a very memorable one. This was the aspect to the story that I enjoyed the most. I loved Jess’ descriptive writing of the different styles and how they fit into an outfit. Megan talks about her designs with such infectious passion and confidence. She doesn’t just see shoes as material items and she thinks it’s important that they make you feel extraordinary rather than just thinking the shoes look extraordinary. It was uplifting to see Megan talk about something in her life that she was really happy with.

My only gripe with this book was that I wanted to read more about the shoe design business. But I’m confident that will come later on. I don’t think I can complain about anything else because I adored this book. My favourite aspect was the friendship between Megan, Brendon and Georgie. There’s such warmth that radiates from their friendship and despite the occasional moment of envy, they were always looking out for each other and always finding something amusing in any situation. Megan looks to need Georgie and especially her gay best friend Brendon to stop her from wallowing when things get tough. The dialogue between all three of the characters, right from the start of this book, felt fresh and vivid and realistic. Brendon, though stereotypically excitable and flamboyant, was such a wonderfully entertaining character. I loved him and his nicknames and support and friendship and the way he would give his friends a kick up the backside if it meant they’d take action and stop with the pity. More Brendon, please, Jess.

Another character I loved (x 100) was Hot Guy. Or James as we later discover he is called but I’ll stick with Hot Guy because it fits better. There was a second or two when I doubted him but then I completely fell for his character. Hot Guy caught Megan’s attention a while back, and she caught his, but neither of them approached each other. Now Megan begins to see him as a much better option than Dylan, who was rude and forceful and not really the kind of guy she wants to spend the rest of her life with. I wholeheartedly agreed that Hot Guy was a much, much more attractive proposition. In more ways than one. I liked the direction Sparkling Stilettos took. I liked the cliffhanger ending, which was written so well I think I actually hated it at the same time because I need MORE. Which is a good sign. I’m looking forward to it already.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story line with a few page turners included I was disappointed with the ending though

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Wright has always been one of my favourite TOWIE cast members and I've been excited to read her debut fiction novel ever since it was announced!

Sparkling Stilettos opens and introduces us to shoe designer Megan Winter on the day of her wedding to the controlling Dylan Dunkin-Buckshaw. (I've sat here for ages trying to work out if that surname is an acronym for something bad!) She is experiencing some last minute doubts, and it's incredibly easy to see why as we learn more about their relationship. Part of me wondered why Megan had stuck with Dylan for so long (real life imitating fiction here!) and the other part couldn't wait for her to ditch him and get on with her life. It's all a little bit independent woman in the beginning, with Megan realising a lot about herself and what she wants from life, her feelings only exacerbated when she sees the headstone of an old woman with the line 'devoted wife', Megan wondering whether that was all the woman's life amounted to. Megan has dreams and ambitions and she is determined to achieve them.

Megan is a shoe designer, which added a little bit of a unique twist to the story as it's certainly not a profession I have read about in this genre before. Plus, I love how the shoes were kind of like a metaphor for the whole story. Women love shoes and I think they will end up wanting the ones from this book! Megan says that she wants women who wear them to realise their dreams, to feel special when they are wearing them and to ultimately feel like they can achieve anything. Just like she herself wants to. She has even added her own Louboutin-esque touch to them. Megan is an instantly likeable character, and I think female readers might perhaps be able to relate to her relationship with Dylan and all readers will definitely be able to sympathise with her for having to put up with such a pig for so long!

Sparkling Stilettos moves at a relatively sedate pace in the beginning, but I really enjoyed meeting Megan and her two fabulous friends, Brendon and Georgie (Porgy Pudding and Pie as Brendon calls her!) Brendon is the typically flamboyant and stereotypical gay character you often find within this genre but as always, those characters are a lot of fun to read about. The friendship between these three characters felt natural and believable, both characters bringing a lot to the story and helping Megan to discover a lot about herself, and to make some difficult decisions! Given where book two might end up going I hope we still get to see a lot of Brendon and Georgie.

For a few weeks a guy at the local bar has caught Megan's attention. The aptly-nicknamed Hot Guy. Hot Guy approaches Megan in Frank's Bar one night and things that night become a little bit heated. Following that we see chapters from Hot Guy (real name: James)'s point of view which I loved. Hearing from the man in books like this used to be relatively unheard of, which usually resulted in some pretty one-dimensional characters. James is a great character who I think most readers are going to end up falling for too, and a few will perhaps find themselves shouting at Megan a couple of times. There's a connection between them that is palpable, and they are a pairing that you can really believe in. Megan's life soon becomes a little bit of a whirlwind (and by soon I mean almost instantly as the book takes place over a really short time period) not only with James but also at work where there are some exciting developments. I won't say much more than that except that it sets everything up nicely for book two.

I read Sparkling Stilettos over the course of one afternoon. There's plenty of drama throughout the story with a couple of little unseen twists. The story was over far too soon for my liking, and I could easily have spent many more hours in this world. In terms of books ending on a cliffhanger, Jess has ended this one one of the best (and most frustrating!) that I have read this year and so readers are going to be left desperately wanting the sequel to see how things are going to pan out for our characters. All the way through the book I had an idea of how things were going to end and I ended up being completely wrong. Sparkling Stilettos is a really fun read, and one that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Megan Winter is getting married. Everything is prepared, the dress is gorgeous, her family arrived from Australia, she is walking down the isle… and, there is no happily ever after. In that very last moment before saying „I do“ Megan decides to change her mind. She suddenly realizes that Dylan is not the man she wants to spend the life with. And she runs away leaving him all alone standing in the church.

Megan runs her own company, „Winter Shoes“ and works very hard to achieve her dream and see her shoes on the shelves in every well-known store. She loves glitter and high heels and her shoes are to die for. I was very surprised that she WAS GOING TO MARRY someone like Dylan. Dylan is a control freak, such a mummy’s boy and total opposite of her.

With the support of her family and her two best friends Brendon and Georgie, she goes on with her life. There is a bar near the place she works and she often sees a very cute guy there that she nicknames Hot Guy. In the past, she had eyes for Dylan only, but maybe, just maybe the Hot Guy might be her destiny. As the story continues, the relationship with The Hot Guy progresses and there are some very hot and steamy sexy scenes between them. However, things from the past keep coming back.

As a character, I’ve found Megan somewhat confusing. On one hand, she is an independent and smart woman (I love her shoe designs), on the other, when things get tough she runs away. She doesn’t face the problems but she runs away and then apologizes. And I am not talking about just for the wedding.

However I totally fell for James aka Hot Guy. He is gorgeous, smart, sensitive, total opposite from Megan’s ex-fiance. He really cares for Megan, respects her privacy and loves her for who she is. A man that every woman could wish for.

Megan’s BFFs are truly amazing too. They are not just best friends, they are like a family, a very unique and special family. Each one of them is likeable and made me laugh and cry couple of times.

The book ends with a cliff hanger, which is understandable as it’s the first one in a series. I would really like to know what happens with Megan and James. The writing style is really good making the book quick and easy to read, but I had the feeling that something was missing. There is romance and drama, all the elements I usually like in a contemporary romance, however I missed the sparkle. Still, an enjoyable summer read and I’ll definitely check out the sequel.



My rating: 6/10

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparkling Stilettos is the debut book from TOWIE actress Jess Wright. I found it a fun and frothy read, that does have a more sinister side to it.

Megan is an upcoming shoe designer who dreams of making it into the big time. As we meet her she its her wedding day to Dylan Dunkin-Buckshaw, and you can tell she isn't completely convinced about marrying him, despite on paper him being everything she ever wanted in a man. Ultimately she makes the brave decisions and jilts him last minute.

She decides to focus her energies on the shoe business and thanks to her fab friends is soon feeling more like her old self, and of course there is a new "Hot Guy" on the scene to make things more interesting.

Despite not being the biggest fan of high heeled shoes, I was loving the descriptions of the shoes Megan makes, and think if I ever had the need to wear a pair of incredibly high stilettos then Megan's shoes are the ones I would be wanting to wear. Her career is just starting to take off, and then something happens...

Sparkling Stilettos is book one in a series, but what really annoyed me was the ending. It wasn't even remotely concluding any loose ends, and although it didn't say "to be continued" you are left in no doubt that the next book is bound to be a continuation. I really hate books that you enjoy the whole way through, and then realise to get any sort of closure on the story and characters, you have to buy the next book.

I found Sparkling Stilettos to be a very light read, there is some depth to it with the story of the jilting and what Dylan does next, but Megan and her friends are rather shallow, but nice people, full of pep. If you are wanting to read something very simple, and enjoyable, and don't mind being frustrated by the end of a book, then this is a fabulous book. Don't go into this expecting a work of literary genius, but for some poolside reading in a hot country, where your brain is being fried, this is brilliant.

[Pansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit, when I chose this book I had some doubts. I am not a shoe type person. I am of the firm belief that stilettos were created by someone evil who was out to cripple the poor women who wear them. I know! I speak sacrilege, but I am one who helps keep the designer of flat shoes in business. Now that being said, I am interesting in the fashion world in general, so I took a chance.

This book rather grabbed my attention. I still cannot decide if I like Megan or not. I applaud her for finally coming to her senses and leaving an unhealthy relationship. But then I want to yell at her for going on such a quilt trip about it. She is pretty, intelligent, has her own fledgling business, but seems to let others send her on these quilt trips. I found it frustrating, but it did add to the conflict of the story.

And what a story it turned out to be. There was a bit of mystery. A bit of suspense. Some downright scary stuff. Of course there was the hot romance. *sigh* But really, it was so on again, off again I was getting whiplash. Again, it all added to the conflict of the story.

Then we get to the end of the book. I was not pleased. Although it wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger, neither was it a happy ever after. This will definitely be a series and I hope the next book comes out quickly.

For a first book this was good read. It kept me engaged throughout. I am sure the lovers of contemporary romance will enjoy it. You really need to check it out. It is worth the effort.

I received an ARC copy of this title for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. All conclusions are my own opinions and responsibility.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan Winter was about to get married to Dylan Dunkin-Buckshaw, and before walking down the aisle, she and her friends, Brendon & Georgie, drank champagne to celebrate. Everything was going smoothly in the wedding, until the vicar asked them to speak or forever hold their peace. What happened next was unexpected.

Megan realized her shoe business needed rescuing after some partners pulled off their orders and her shoes weren’t making much of a sale. A night to unwind led to a chance meeting with James Carter and soon, everything was falling into place. But the past had its way of crawling to the present and before Megan knew it, her future was doomed.

This was definitely a fun read! Megan Winter was a strong character, a feisty and naughty one at that. She kinda reminded me Becky Bloomwood of the Shopaholic series, but I think Megan had more depth. Her friends, Brendon and Georgie were likeable, too. I’d say, this story took me on an adventure worth undertaking. I love the ending, it leaves something for the reader to watch out for. Jess Wright was able to write an intricate story that is sure to make the readers’ hearts go a-flutter!

[Ishabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Usually, books from Totally Bound are hot enough to set fire to a book's pages. Sparkling Stilettos is also a sexy book. However, the story is more than just how crazy the sex is between the main characters. The female protagonist was a great character to read and her development throughout the whole book was well-written and played out. From a lovestruck fiance to a hardworking businesswoman and finally to a person who knows she can face her challenges and succeed, Megan Winter is a character that will not bore you.

Jess Wright is a new author, and I'm glad I got to read this book because I now know that I will surely be watching out for her. Sparkling Stilettos is a story not just about romance and love and marriage but also about friends that you can truly depend on, the risks you take when you fall in love, and the journey to one's self that is most important before we try to commit ourselves to other people. This book had a good plot that will surely entertain readers.

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. easy reading

[Cordelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkling. Glittering. Marvelous.

A novel that I can't move on from. Sparkling Stillettos definitely one of the novels that have its own sparkle. I'm totally fall in loved and encouraged by the main character, Megan Rose Winter. Her character shows the power of an independent woman who knew what she wants in her life and chassed her dreams. She won't allow marriage with a man who didn't accept her for who she was to stop her from chasing her dream. She is even brave enough to walk away from her own wedding and leave her fiance that definitely didn't deserve her. Well, of course, there's a moment where she would be scared and run away from but her best friends are always there to help and advise her. That's what makes the character win a small place in my heart.

I totally loved this book and can't wait to read the second book <3

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. I am glad I gave it a shot, I loved all the details especially the shoes. Megan is getting married to Dylan up until she decides that this isn’t what she wants and instead wants to focus on her career more than anything. Things are looking up for her, a job on tv, hiring an assistant to help with her office and meeting a great guy whom she really connects with. Things do take a drastic turn when her ex won’t stop harassing her and finally she’s had enough and jumps on a plane outta there. Hate cliffhangers but I guess I will have to get the next two books in the series.

[Carmelita · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say books keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page....well that is usually true for mysteries/thrillers, but a romance??? This novel kept me on my seat until the last WORD! Since it is a #1 in a series, I knew before I started it was not a standalone, and I was okay with that (not usually me). So now I need to find #2 in the series. THANKS mS. Wright for making me realize a series CAN be a good thing!

[Grace Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like some chick lit, read some chick lit

[Kelly Caruana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the story line but I was a bit disappointed with the ending!

[Katie's Book Haven · Rating 1 out of 5]

This novel was not for me.
I personally, did not like this story's plot, or it's characters.
It was simply too bland for me. DNF at 25%.

[mrs jacqueline d kirby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book wasn’t for me.

A few page turnovers of good story but disappointing ending.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to netgallery and the author Jess for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I did enjoy this book but i was disappointed that nothing really happened in it storyline wise. I appreciate that there are more books to come out in this series but i didn't really feel that it kept me interested. It didn't really grip me.

I did like the main character and i will read the other books. I liked that it was set in London and i loved the detail it went into about the shoes.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparkling Stilettos is the debut book from TOWIE star Jess Wright. I saw her interviewed on television and thought that it sounded like a great read. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher with many thanks.

Megan is a shoe designer hoping for her business to take off. She's preparing for her wedding to Dylan and has designed a stunning pair of shoes with their trademark gold sparkly sole. I'm not a particular shoe lover- but could see the 'love' for her shoes shining through the pages!

I loved the friendships and romantic element to the book and the glimpse into the glitzy world of daytime tv. The wedding preparations were fun- her best friend dressed his dog and you could almost visualise all the guests arriving and the whole atmosphere of a lovely wedding.

The cover of the book is absolutely beautiful- the glittery sole of the shoe is embossed.

I really enjoyed this one and will be keen to read the next two books in the trilogy.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sparkling Stilettos has all of the elements of good chick-lit. There is Megan Winter, the main character who is working on growing her new business while recovering from a bad relationship. There are the zany, interesting best friends and the dark, handsome stranger. However, Sparkling Stilettos offers nothing else. There was never any real intrigue about what might happen or who she might end up with. Also, as this book is a part of a series, none of the lose ends are tied up and the ending of the book. I typically don't like books that can't stand alone, and this book certainly can't.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[JadeShea · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC

Sparkling Stilettos starts out very interesting. Megan is getting married to a man she thought she wanted everything with. But after she changes the game plan at the last minuet her life starts to spiral out of control. And after she gets more opportunities to promote her business, and runs into a sexy man who asks her out, it seems it changes even more than she could have imaged. But something out there is going to try to bring Megan down, and she must do what she can to stop it.

This book just ended up being very boring for me. I started off liking it, but then by the end I just wasn't into it any longer. And I was annoyed with the characters. The plot line for the most part was okay, just not that interesting. So, overall the book was just not for me.

[Cara Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title may have to do with shoes, but the true sparkling of the book comes in the main character, Megan. She has her life planned out for her, a business that's soon to hit the big-time, some fabulous friends, and a fiancé who likes control. When she realizes that she would be better off alone, her life is put in a tailspin. With her shoe business taking off, Megan learns she is more than capable of taking care of herself. This is a contemporary book with a touch of suspense, and full of heart. It's an easy read that left me smiling and anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. Sparkling Stilettos is a promising start for author Jess Wright, I'm excited to see what comes next.

[Doris Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit sceptical when I saw who had written this book but to be honest I was then pleasantly surprised when I had read it. It's the perfect type of book to read on holiday or if you want something easy and predictable to read.
It says on the front the sparkling series so I really hope Megan's story will continue in further books as it did end on a bit of a cliff hanger!!

[Kerry Feeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really easy book to read but was really gripping as well. Just didn't want to put it down - amazingly read the whole thing in 1 day.

I would say this is the perfect book for a holiday as it doesn't take too much thinking and the storyline is easy to follow. Looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Such an easy read and could probably get through it in a 2 hour sitting but loved the story and the character and can't wait for the next one!

[melanie coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Disappointed in ending wanted to know more with such a final chapter build up and not even a follow up book

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it cant wait for the next one

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book loved Megan & her friends cant wait to read the next book

[BA Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

great chick read

I was delighted. It was a good read and I downloaded the next one straight away. Highly recommended. Read it in a few hours as I wanted to see what happened nect.