Bridget isn't beautiful. At least she doesn't think so. Besides, her ex always told her she wasn't. And she believes him. So when an online romance leads to a blind date, she heads to the salon for a makeover stat.
She's dismayed to discover that her usual stylist isn't available, and she has no choice but to let a man do her hair. Nervousness turns into sexual awareness as the sexy Javier buries his fingers in her tresses.
Javier has been aware of the timid but kind woman for some time and vows to make her see that she's beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Will he succeed in keeping his own feelings at bay and style her sexy?
Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, aviation mechanic, and dog mom. She loves vintage clothes and period dramas and wishes she could time travel. You’ll never see her without her Kindle or a book within reach. As a child, she would often take a flashlight under the covers to finish the recent Nancy Drew novel when she was supposed to be sleeping.
She no longer writes books, but you can still read her thoughts and opinions on books and movies and articles on women's issues on her blog.
Style Me Sexy Review Bridget isn't beautiful. At least she doesn't think so. Besides, her ex always told her she wasn't. And she believes him. So when an online romance leads to a blind date, she heads to the salon for a makeover stat.She's dismayed to discover that her usual stylist isn't available, and she has no choice but to let a man do her hair. Nervousness turns into sexual awareness as the sexy Javier buries his fingers in her tresses.Javier has been aware of the timid but kind woman for some time and vows to make her see that she's beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Will he succeed in keeping his own feelings at bay and style her sexy?
Review
I don't really mind formulaic reads when they are done well. I don't even mind clichés. However, when I can see the plot turn coming from page two of a short story and I don't get any real depth of character or plot elements, the too common troupes and events don't work well.
The writing is promising. This book is meh. I could have handled the very obvious plot turn if we got at least chapters of actual relationship after. I am in it for the relationship and not just the first moments.
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it.
Dicen que no debes juzgar a un libro por su portada. Yo me dejé llevar por las apariencias y decidí embarcarme en la lectura de una novela ultracorta que más bien parece como si fuera el primer capítulo de un libro o un epílogo largo.
Bridget, la protagonista, es una mujer muy insegura, que se hace de todo para verse bonita y atraer a los chicos. Cuando su cibercita y ella acuerdan conocerse, ella va a su salón de belleza para que le echen una manita de gato, pero su estilista de siempre no puede atenderla y queda en manos del chico que siempre le gustó pero que creyó que era gay. Para no hacerles el cuento largo, él le pide que se ponga en sus manos, l transforma y ella sale sintiéndose super-mega-ultra-segura.
Va al bar, descubre quién es su cita, se da cuenta que se gustan y blablblablabla, colorín colorado este cuento se ha terminado...
Un libro que prometía pero que en definitiva, no era para poner tanto en tan poquísimas páginas. Se siente irreal y uno no logra conectar nunca con los únicos dos personajes del cuento. Léanlo sólo si no hay nada más que leer.
*Este libro fue enviado para una reseña honesta via NetGalley. Nuestros comentarios se basan en la lectura del material, no percibimos ninguna remuneración por ellas.
I don't really mind formulaic reads when they are done well. I don't even mind cliches. However, when I can see the plot turn coming from page two of a short story and I don't get any real depth of character or plot elements, these too common troupes and events don't work well.
The writing is promising. This book is meh. I could have handled the very obvious plot turn if we got at least chapters of actual relationship after. I am in it for the relationship and not just the first moments.
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it.
Bridget is super excited. Going to her regular salon to get a special hairdo in preparation for a hot blind date, she’s walking on clouds, until she discovers her regular hair stylist has been called away on a family emergency. The sexy as sin, spunky male stylist offers to give her some highlights and a smoking hot new look, and Bridget finds she can’t say no to Javier. Javier knows Bridget has been mistreated by a previous boyfriend and is desperate to show her how beautiful she really is. Offering her a massive discount if he can have his way with her, Bridget blushes and accepts. Both know nothing can come from this, but the chemistry sizzles between them anyway, the tension rising as the simple hair-style becomes something far bigger than either could imagine.
I loved the growing sexual tension in this story! Never have I thought a hair appointment could be so sexy or be filled with so much arousal. Javier clearly wants more from Bridget, but is unwilling to cheat when he’s been slowly exploring the beginnings of a relationship with his mystery woman, and Bridget is reluctant to trust her heart again, insisting to herself continuously that Javier has to be gay.
Although the ending wasn’t surprising it left me with a wonderful warmth and a giant smile. The buildup was excellently paced, fast enough it didn’t drag but also slow enough for there be to a really electric sensation humming between Javier and Bridget. I believed whole heartedly that they were both into each other and wildly attracted, and that made their resolution all the more satisfying. A quick read, this is perfect for when you’ve got some time to pass but still feel like a great pick-me-up story.
Une petite nouvelle romantique de temps à autre pour se vider l’esprit, ça fait vraiment du bien. Style me Sexy remplit toutes les conditions pour que cela soit le cas : une romance contemporaine douce et mignonne, des personnages amusants, le point de vue des deux membres du couple, des scènes farfelues qui nous font rire et une intrigue simple mais rafraichissante.
Les deux personnages que sont Bridget et Javier sont suffisamment décrit et mis en avant pour qu’on les apprécie et qu’on s’attache à eux. Il y a une certaine part de mystère qui subsiste jusqu’à la fin et ce n’est pas plus mal. Bridget est une jeune femme épanouie dans son emploi mais totalement complexe dans sa vie sentimentale et sur son physique à cause de son ex. Javier est un jeune homme magnifique, artiste dans l’âme qui a eu de mauvaises relations avec des femmes par le passé mais qui se décide à tourner la page.
L’histoire tourne autour d’une histoire d’amour toute simple, teintée de regrets et de doutes au début, puis la confiance, la douceur, l’humour et le glamour remplacent tout ça. L’espoir et l’idée d’une seconde chance est ce qui réunit le couple et sert de fil rouge pendant toute la nouvelle. Tous les deux sont attirés l’un part l’autre mais ont une "autre" personne dans leur vie et ne peuvent pas se donner une chance. Ils souhaitent reprendre leur vie en main, donner une chance à l’autre afin d’être heureux.
Court, simple, précis et direct, cela nous fait sourire, rire, ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard, mais l’anglais n’est franchement pas compliqué pour deux sous. On apprécie cette lecture qui se fait en 20 petites minutes, en sirotant un chocolat chaud et on est repartit avec le sourire pour une nouvelle lecture… et tout cela sur une note positive !!
Ed Note: Spoilers ahead. It’s hard not to give things away when the story is only 21 pages long.
First of all, when you sell something as a novella – make sure it’s a novella. When I hear “novella” I expect around 100 pages. Not 20. But perhaps that’s a personal failing of mine in misunderstanding what a novella consists of.
Second, when you write something don’t fill it so full of cliches that the reader gets whiplash from watching them fly by.
The premise of this “novella” had so much promise! A woman has been made to feel ugly and not worthy of love from a past relationship, so a makeover is in order to make to turn her from the (not) ugly duckling into a beautiful swan before a big blind date. It’s the stuff of fairy tales.
But Bridget spends the entire time she’s in the salon chair worrying about the man touching her hair but then deciding it’s okay because “he must be gay” (because all male stylists are gay amirite?).
I think that’s what really tanked the story for me. I couldn’t get past the “it’s okay because he’s gay” commentary in her head every few seconds.
Oh my, I’m attracted to him. I’m FEELING THINGS WHILE HE’S TOUCHING ME. But… surely he’s gay. So it’s okay.
Seriously.
And then there’s the BIG PLOT TWIST (that you see from a mile away). Her big blind date? OH MY GOODNESS IT’S WITH THE (SURPRISENOTGAY) STYLIST.
And they live happily ever after.
After 21 pages of angsty he’s-touching-me-but-he’s-gay-so-it’s-okay commentary and then a brief interlude of oh-he’s-not-gay-but-he’s-sexy-and-into-me-too.
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site Reviewed by Rinou Review Copy from the Publisher
When I chose this title, I knew it was a novella, but I thought it would be longer (just twenty pages or so, it’s almost enough for the novellas' contest on the website Les Romantiques). Nevertheless I don’t regret my choice because this little story is cute and fresh, sparkling like a little bubble of champagne .
The heroine, Bridget, wants to look her best for her very first blind date with a man she met online, so she runs to the salon. Tough luck (or perhaps not so much) her usual stylist isn’t there and the handsome Javier takes care of enhancing her. And no she will not fall into his arms to thank him.
So yes the length prevents us to really know the characters, but what we learn about them makes them likeable. Inevitably, if it had been a longer story, or a full length book, I’d have grumbled because Bridget overcomes too quickly her poor opinion about herself. But for a story that takes place in only one day, the author couldn’t linger to long. I also saw the final twist coming quite quickly, but I liked it all the same, partly thanks to the heroine’s reaction. And I loved how she repeats to herself “he is gay” (because everybody knows a male hairdresser can only be gay isn’t it?) to stop herself from falling for her stylist.
I know most times I’m much more tolerant for a novella than for a full length book. But the goal is reached all the same: making me want to discover the author on a long story, while hoping she'll keep her promises.
"STYLE ME SEXY" is a short novella written by Tara Chevrestt. This is 21 pages that could easily substitute as a self-affirmation guide for all women who are feeling poorly for whatever reason, as it makes you want to dash off to the hairdresser & just let them have their way with you. (Trust me - the gal that does my hair asks every single time, "Are you SURE you don't want to do something different?" Hmmm.... maybe next time....) The basic gist is that Bridget has been geeking it out online, chatting up some fellow, and they plan to have a date - but when she arrives at the salon, her stylist has been called away for a family emergency, so she ends up with "Hot Guy", Javier - who convinces her to let him go for it. The story is cute, if not familiar (Pygmalion, anyone?) but the one thing that caused me some hiccups was the sudden/abrupt switch to first person in parts of the story. Might not bother anyone else, but it's just a pet peeve of mine unless it is delicately transitioned. Anyway, this is a cute couple minute read that if you're feeling like you have too much "Mom" in your life, and not enough "Snarky" - it reminds you that it's just a Pamper Day away! Now to find the TIME to do the Pamper Day...
No sex, so no worries about kids reading over your shoulder. I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for a review, so neener neener boo boo!
Bridget, the shy girl that has been in an awful abusive relationship and now does not see how beautiful she really is.
Javier, the handsome hairstylist that wants nothing more than to show Bridget how wonderful she really is.
This book was short and sweet. You learn that Bridget is somewhat a shy woman that goes to work and home, has a cat that is her companion, and is involved with guys online. After making plans to meet up with her Diego, the guy she feels is ""the one"", she heads in to get a make over.
We meet Javier who is taking it upon himself to style her after Bridget's normal stylist is not available. His mission, to make her feel beautiful. He instantly feels more for her and wants nothing more that for her to see what he sees.
Yes, this was a short read but well worth it. It was sweet and makes you smile the whole time you are reading through it. Tara Chevresst knows how to write and keep you interested. I highly recommend this book for everyone.
Looking for something romantic on the shorter side with a light, fun feel? Then this is the book.
Bridget goes to her salon to have her hair styled for her blind date that evening and discovers her regular stylist unavailable. Cute, attractive Javier dares her to let him have his way with her and deep down she finds herself up for more than a styling. But he's not interested in a plain boring woman like her, right? Javier is determined to make this woman realize just how beautiful she really is after learning of her sad past from his co-worker. Too bad he's already started something with someone else because he likes what he sees.
The plot and characters are developed well considering the shorter length of the story. It was predictable, but so adorable that I didn't care.
I'm recommending this for those Contemporary Romance lovers who just need something quick during their busy day to give them a warm fuzzy and put a smile on their face.
My thanks to Harlequin Australia and Net Galley for letting me read the book for review purposes.
Harlequin Enterprises Australia through Netgalley provided me with a copy of this novella for my honest review.
3 1/2 stars
Bridgets ex spent their entire time together making her feel less than worthy, while that is over her insecurities remain. She has an online romance that is ready to go real life and she wants to look beautiful so she goes to the salon for a makeover. Enter Javier, he has watched her for awhile and always thought she was beautiful. Now he has the chance to do a makeover on her, will he let his feelings get in the way of bringing out her inner beauty? This was a cute fun read, it's one of those novellas that you can read on your lunch break and it will give you a good pick me up. It's short and sweet without a complicated storyline or any sex scenes, it just gives you the warm and fuzzies.
I received a copy of Style Me Sexy in exchange for a honest and unbiased review. This was my first book with the author and I can tell you that I will definitely be checking out her other books. This was a fantastic short story which was not short on great story telling. As a woman we all go through sometimes the feeling of unworthiness and a lack of self worth. Sometimes it takes someone on the outside of our life to show us the true beauty within. I highly recommend this book to remind you that beauty is seen through someones eyes before it is felt within. Thank you so much for this very interesting story with a hidden message to all.
Style Me Sexy is about Bridget. Like many of us, at some point, we’ve been made to feel unattractive. So instead of initially focusing on looks she has begun an online romance so that they can get to know one another without looks being a factor. When she sets up a date with him she decides to head to her usual salon for a slightly different do. The heroine was relateable and the hero was a sweetie. I dug this little novella but wanted more. (Note: I received a galley of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I normally don’t like novellas but since I have so many on my Kindle I figured this past weekend I would finally just read a bunch of them. I really wanted to like this but I just couldn’t, I just couldn’t believe the connection between the two characters. I liked the whole idea of the online romance meeting thing, but I just felt they were making Bridget into this ugly duckling person which I didn’t buy into. Without giving it away I just felt this novella was quite predictable, no real surprises. It had the making of something great; but just fell kind of flat in my eyes.
This is a cute and engaging quick read. Characters that readers will swiftly relate to and become involved with on a personal level. A story line ripe with possibilities for the author to continue the adventure these characters have only just begun.
For most women it is hard to trust just anyone with the care your hair. When your trusted stylist has an emergency and you really need to look good for a first date what would you do? Take what is there or make due?
Short and sweet. This means, dear reader, sweet. There is no ill-advised awkward sex in this book. No. This book is simply the story of two people and a hair appointment. Anymore said would ruin the story.
Certainly, when one reads books like these, an astute reader can tell where it's going. But that's not the point is it...the point is having a pleasant journey along the way and this author delivers in well-appointed prose.
I really liked how the author capture the hair designers view point. We as stylists try our best to make any person that sits in our chair beautiful bringing out their best features. I loved that Diego was true to his feelings he didn't act on impulses to get another girl. Bridget is a women who is guarded and needs to bring out that inner beauty she can't see for herself. It takes someone special to get her to open up.
I really, really wanted to fall in love with Style Me Sexy because I love the cover and the synopsis of this book. For one reason or another, it fell a little short of my expectations. Bridget is a woman whom we may all have been able to relate to at one point in our lives. Don’t get me wrong, Style Me Sexy is a fun, short read but it was tad too predictable for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Style Me Sexy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this story with a smile on my face the entire way through. The author gives us such a close view into the minds of both the main characters that I found myself urging either one of them "ask him/her out, don't be afraid!!" :) It was a short read and well worth the time spent. This is a lovely "feel-good" story that was so much fun to read.
4/5 Une petite histoire toute mignonne que j'aurais aimée un peu plus longue (comme les fameux biscuits). Et j'ai envie de découvrir l'auteur sur un format plus long (en espérant ne pas être déçue). Avis complet
If you need a quick distraction, something to give you that happy feeling, Style Me Sexy is guaranteed to be a fast pick me up that will put a smile on your face. Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress...