По-добре ми е без брак

Better #2

by Dee Ernst, Дий Ърнст, Цветелина Тенекеджиева (Translator)

Любимите герои от романа „По-добре ми е без теб“ се завръщат, за да заредят читателите с нова доза хумор, абсурдни ситуации и сухо мартини!

Изминали са четири години, а през последните осемнайсет месеца Мона поддържа връзка от разстояние с мъжа на мечтите си, Бен Кътлър. Докато тя работи по сценарий в Ел Ей, той я очаква да се върне у дома, в Ню Джърси, за да я изненада с предложението си за брак. Само че вместо да му се нахвърли и да го разцелува, Мона потъва в размисли и колебания. Има ли желание въобще да се омъжи отново? Но преди да успее да обмисли собствените си сватбени дилеми, Мона ще трябва да се справи с две други: тези на леля Лили и на дъщеря си, Миранда.

Бен е непоправим романтик и вярва в любовта от пръв поглед, докато Мона харесва живота си на неомъжена жена прекалено много – това непреодолимо различие се намества в идеалната им връзка и я разяжда отвъртре. Дали Мона ще получи своя щастлив край, или Кармела Чивалиа, апетитната италианка и сватбен агент, която се навърта около Бен, ще й го измъкне под носа?

„По-добре ми е без брак“ ни събира отново със забавните персонажи от „По-добре ми е без теб“, за да ги изправи пред сложни житейски избори и нелепи случки, които ще накарат читателя да тръпне в очакване и да се смее с глас. Запазвайки очарованието на първата книга, „По-добре ми е без брак“ е продължение, което ще ви покори!

Дизайн на корицата: Ромина Михайлова

Genres: Romance

296 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2014

About the author

Dee Ernst was born and raised in New Jersey, which explains a great deal about her attitude towards life. She loved reading at a very early age, and by the time she was ten she had decided to become a writer. It took a bit longer than she expected.

She went off to college, moved around a bit, had a job or two, a husband or two, and a daughter or two. It was the birth of her second daughter at the age of forty that got her thinking about what to do with the rest of her life. That was when she decided to give writing a real shot.

Dee loved chick-lit and romantic comedy, but hated the twenty-something heroines who couldn’t figure out how to go and get what they wanted. She began to write about women like herself — older, confident, and with a wealth of life experience to draw upon. She got an agent but no sales, and took the plunge into self-publishing in 2010.

In 2012, Better Off Without Him became an Amazon bestseller. She signed with Montlake Publishing, which went on to re-release Better Off Without Him and launch A Slight Change of Plan in 2013.

Since then she has written across several genres (cozy mystery, YA/fantasy, women's fiction) gone from full-length novels to short stories, and has written for Lake Union Publishing. She self-publishes under the 235 Alexander Street logo.

She is still in New Jersey, where she writes full-time. She lives with husband #2, daughter #2, a few cats and a needy cocker spaniel. She loves sunsets, long walks on the beach, and a really cold martini.

Reviews

[Sandra Nachlinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

FYI: Better Than Your Dreams is scheduled for release on August 6, 2014, but can be pre-ordered at a reduced cost. I read an advance copy.

I’ve read Better Off Without Him, A Different Kind of Forever, and all Dee Ernst’s other books, which is why I knew I’d enjoy Better Than Your Dreams. And I was right!

This book begins four years after Better Off Without Him ends and features many of the same characters (but it is a stand-alone story). Divorcee Mona Quincy copes with: (1) the impending marriage of her almost-80-year-old aunt to a shady character; (2) her eldest daughter’s engagement to Mona’s boyfriend’s son after a too-short courtship; (3) a curvaceous predator who’s trying to steal her man; (4) preparing her back-listed books for ebook publication; and (5) a whole bunch of other stuff, including a marriage proposal herself! She relies on her friends and her wry sense of humor to get through it all.

I wish Mona Quincy lived down the street from me because I’d like to have her for a friend. She’s funny, vivacious, complicated, wise, and never dull. One of my favorite quotes from Mona is: “I’m allowed to feel more than one thing at once, you know.” The complexity of her feelings, which we all share, make Mona easy to relate to, and Dee Ernst’s conversational style makes the book a delightful and fast-moving read. More than once while reading this book I laughed out loud! I highly recommend Better Than Your Dreams and gladly give it five stars.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel, but it didn't seem to have the same spark as the first book.

[Obsidian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved "Better Off Without Him" and honestly laughed so hard while reading that novel that I was crying. "Better Than Your Dreams" was a letdown to me since there was really no humorous moments and I got really tired of the main plot less than halfway through this novel.

The main character, Mona Quincy, is happy that her relationship with Ben Cutler is still going strong four years later. She has been traveling back and forth completing a screenplay and is happy to be back in New Jersey once again with him and her family. However, after arriving home Mona is surprised but not one, but two members of her family announcing their engagement. Mona, is not a fan of marriage in general anymore. To make things even worse we have Mona and Ben coming to an impasse after he proposes since she doesn't see why things have to change when she is perfectly happy now.

Overall the novel had too much going on, repetitiveness of conversations with many characters, and a disappointing ending.

I really think there was just too much going on in this novel. We have two weddings being planned which took up a lot of the novel with discussions about clothing, shoes, locations. We then had Mona deciding she would change her career direction which was nice and all but could have been cut out of this novel since it does not actually add anything to this book to keep it in. We then have the introduction of new characters and also the appearance of characters from the previous books with shallow descriptions, characterizations, etc.

Having Mona struggle with her decision regarding her relationship with Ben was interesting at first and then it just got repetitive. We had constant talking about Mona's struggle with practically everyone over this course of this book. Frankly I understood her hesitation and I started to dislike the character of Ben for acting like all people needed were love to have a happy marriage. Yes love is great, but Mona's bigger points about two people taking time to get to know each other, get to know themselves was largely dismissed and criticized by him and other characters. And Mona's bigger point about her being happy to be dating him but living largely by herself I think was important. The character of Ben may not have had a bad marriage but Mona did. As the saying goes, 'once bitten, twice shy."

I wish that we had seen a different ending than what we got since that would have made the novel more interesting to me and very true. Not all novels have to have a cookie cutter happy ending. There was an alternative I think that Dee Ernst contemplated but she ultimately just dropped it and pushed for everything to be wrapped up in a tidy bow.

[Nina Draganova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Въпреки ,че не беше толкова забавна както първата книга, ми хареса.Може би защото поставя теми ,които ме вълнуват и мен, и разбира се стила на авторката , който ми допада много.Тази част е малко по-тъжна на моменти.Но това е неминуемо.Остаряването не е забавно, за съжаление.Но аз бих казала- всекиму такова остаряване,като на главната героиня Мона.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better Than Your Dreams

This is Mona and Ben's courtship. This could of been called two marriages and a possible funeral. Her thoughts on marriage was not good. After the way her ex treated her for over twenty years and numerous affairs. When Ben asked her she balked. While there were two weddings coming up the wedding planner was eyeing Ben as her next project. He stepped back from Mona. She has some serious thinking to do. Ben was walking away. This was a different type of story. An over the forty woman who thinks that marriage was not going to happen for her. Enjoyed the two books.

[Joanne Leupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I was an author I doubt I would invite reviews. Each reader comes from a totally different place but tends to compare her/his life with characters in the book and guess what happens...the comments below. :) I for one have been married forever...59 years and enjoyed this book though I have had little or no experiences similar to the characters in it. And I thought it contained tons of humor...and oh yes I do share one thing, I enjoy wine as much as Mona does...
This was the first book written by Dee Ernst that I have read, but I'll be looking for more.
Thank you.

[Brian Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

So glad Dee decided to write a sequel. I'm one who loves sappy, happy ending love stories and this definitely fit the bill. As a woman who had her first marriage end pretty much like Mona's, I know how wonderful it feels to have God send you someone even Better Than Your Dreams the second time around.

[Jean Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

This book had me laughing, in tears, and taking a good, long, hard look at my expectations of marriage. And even though it’s caused a tiff because I stayed up to finish it, and not going to bed with him, I am happy to say I got lucky the first time! Best wishes for Mona.

[Mary Diane Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

More, I Need More

Dee Ernst, please don't stop now. I need books about the rest of Mona's life. This was an excellent sequel to Dee' s first book, Better Off Without Him. Both are worth 5 stars each. Great writing - keeps a person up all night till finishing the book.

[Linda Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you!

I read the first Mona book yesterday, couldn’t put it down, and was sad when it ended because I really wanted more. Then I found and read this book today, happily again ensconced in Mona’s crazy life with the most enjoyable characters ever. Thanks for the sequel!

[Regina Mastrogiacomo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book of Dee Ernst that I couldn't put down. I really like how easy her words flow and how engaging the story is, but the one thing that bother me was that the woman again had to compromise in order to stay with her man. What is that all about? If Ben truly loved Mona what does a piece of paper have anything to do with it. It would have been nice is Ben would have said, "You know Mona if this is really something you can't do then we can stay the way it is because I love you and that what matter."
The story ends as one expects and it wasn't as satisfying as it could have been.

[Dawn Trlak-Donahue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chick lit

[Richard G. Doggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this book

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it

Fun read, new characters and happy ending. Wouldn’t mind more on the sister but all in all enjoyed the book.

[KDinSC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good

I enjoyed Mona And Ben's follow on story, including learning more about them and their families. It made me think.

[Savina Angelova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хареса ми много повече от първата част, но завърши така все едно ще има и трета.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mona and Ben are back in Better Than Your Dreams. This is a nice follow-up to Dee Ernst’s previous book, Better Off Without Him. It’s sweet, funny, filled with quick witty banter and with even more adorable characters than the first.

Don’t hate me but I did enjoy the previous book just a wee bit more. Probably because as funny as this book was I found Better Off Without Him just a bit funnier. Don’t get me wrong they are both funny, I just enjoyed Mona’s antics in the other book. Now, what does this book have going for it? The kooky cast of characters and the situations they find themselves in. It’s been four years and Ben is ready to tie the knot. Mona’s mantra thorough the book is if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Oh, Mona I want to shake you! You got a hot guy that loves you, GO FOR IT!

But of course, love does not flow so smoothly and we follow along while Mona comes to grips with what she wants. And it certainly does not help that not only does her daughter, Miranda, succumb to love at first sight but so does her Aunt Lily. Did I mention Miranda wants to marry, of all people, Ben’s son David(!) and Aunt Lily is marrying the uncle of a slightly notorious crime boss…and both weddings are after they’ve only know each other three months. Mona struggles, the inevitable weddings and all these characters definitely kept me tied to this book. Lots of smiles and warm fuzzy feelings make this book a wonderful read. Does everybody get a HEA? Most certainly yes BUT the journey each take is get there is what makes this book so special. One more thing, the meaning behind the title Better Than Your Dreams. What a SWOON worthy moment!

So now I have read several books by Ms. Ernst I have yet to be disappointed. The characters she creates and the adventures she puts them through are probably some of the funniest I have read in a long time. I have already told all my friends they need to read Better Off Without so this is a no brainer to recommend Better Than Your Dreams. So grab yourself a copy of this book, nice cold, dry martini keep back and enjoy the ride.


I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.

Stars– 4.5, Flames – 1

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mona has spent a year and a half in LA working on a script. When she's finally back home she looks forward to spending more time with Ben, who is the man of her dreams. They've been together for four years and Ben would love to take the next step, so he's asking Mona to marry him. Mona's ex husband broke her heart and she isn't looking forward to another marriage. Then Mona's aunt Lily announces that she's getting married to Vinnie, who's a member of a notorious crime family. It's something Mona has to get used to, but she's happy for her. After that Mona's oldest daughter Miranda tells her mother that she's engaged to Ben's son David. Mona doesn't really agree with it and she tries to convince her daughter to think about her decision. Ben can't be happier with the situation. For the first time in four years they have a disagreement and one that is so big that Ben decides they need a break from each other. Unfortunately someone else would love to get her perfectly manicured claws into Ben as well. Vinnie's daughter, who is the wedding planner for both weddings, is serious competition. Will Mona change her mind about the meaning of marriage so she can win back the love of her life? And is there still hope for her and Ben?

Mona is a writer, she's in her forties and she writes romance novels. I liked the irony of that, an author who doesn't believe in her own happy ever afters. It was great to read a love story about a woman whose kids have all moved out already. The overall feelings of this book are hope and sadness and Dee Ernst has written her story so brilliantly that I could feel what Mona was feeling. I needed a lot of tissues. I love it when an author can write about something that well. I immediately liked Mona and her big family. Every member was interesting and had a wonderful role in the book. I also liked the eccentricity of most of the characters, it made all of them strong individuals. I understood Mona's hurt and the process she needed to go through to come to terms with her past. It was a great journey to read about. I think Better Than Your Dreams is a great novel and am so happy that I had a chance to read it.

[DCT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the prequel, Better off without Him, so of course I had to see how the future would treat Mona and Ben, and the menagerie of wonderful characters that made the first story so much fun. We pick up four years from where we left off, and Mona and Ben are blissfully happy and both doing well with their professions, so naturally, Ben is feeling that they are ready to take the next step in the progression of their relationship. Mona is totally opposed to getting married and feels that they are doing just fine with the current status of their coupledom. However, love and marriage abounds as Aunt Lily and Mona's eldest daughter Miranda are engaged to be married after dating both their intendeds for 3 months; and by the way, Miranda's fiancé is David, Ben's oldest son. Conflict rears its ugly head, when the basic ideals of marriage are debated between Mona and Ben; Ben feels that the divide is threatening to destroy the foundation of their union and suggest a break to think things through and to focus on the couples that do want to tie the knot. This is where all the angst and fun ensures, and the emotional rollercoaster takes Mona on quite the ride.

This really was an enjoyable read, Mona had to do a lot of reflection on her feelings regarding marriage, and comes to terms with the demise of her first one. Of course, all her friends surround her, offering advise, a shoulder to cry on, and of course the Grey Goose Vodka martini with olive to help along the way. Don't know what Dee is thinking, but I would actually love to see more from this cast of characters, and hope that she would consider giving us more. If you read Better off without Him, you need to continue on with the journey of Mona and Ben with this read. Thanks Dee.

[NA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I would normally not enjoying it, but I did. Whenever I read adult books they are either erotic or thriller and this book is neither so I was surprised when I did like it.

Mona is forty something divorced after her husband cheated on her. She believed that marriage destroy love and she wanted to stay away from it as far as possible, but with her daughter and aunt getting married it became hard for her to hate marriage.

This book is about believing in marriage and love can survive. It is about something I haven't tried yet (I am eighteen and still believes in finding my prince and getting married) so divorce and second marriages was a wired concept to me. But the author did a great job making me believe in those stuff, making me live the story she made the characters live. I felt Mona's fear and jealousy. I felt her concern about her daughter.

This book is a real experience in life and I really did enjoy it. I hope you like it and enjoy it, as much as I did.

[Christine Mize · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe something with all of your soul, are you able to change that belief? Mona Quincy is a roman author who does not believe in personal happy-every-afters. She has been in a relationship with Ben Cutler for the last 4 years, and while he is ready to take things to the next level, she is not. Can he change her mind or is their love affair over?

I loved this book – from the first words written to the very end (although I do wish it had an epilogue). Reading Better Than Your Dreams was like visiting with old friends and catching up with their lives. Aunt Lily, her quirks and new relationship was hilarious. Watching Mona learn about love through her daughter’s eyes and experiences was heartwarming. The peek into the life of an author was fascinating. The book is very well written and the story just flows perfectly.

This is the follow up to Better Off Without Him, but can very easily be read as a stand along. I wish that I could rate this book higher than a 5 because it truly is in a league of its own.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ernst has an accessible, appealing heroine in Mona Quincy, a plainspoken, forthright woman who's knocked down by love and gets back on her feet--only to panic when she finds the man of her dreams. Packed with heart and humor, this book is a terrific follow-up to BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM--a fast-paced, fun, sweet ride of a book that finally offers Mona her happy ending.

[Julie Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed 3/4 of the story.

The closer I got to the end, the less I liked Ben! Mona had valid reasons for her reluctance yet Ben forced the issue by walking away and entertaining Carmella's advances. That is not how someone who truly loves you treats you. I think what bugged me was Mona's groveling and Ben not being accountable for his role in the breakup.

[Michelle Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

She did it again...

I really love these books by Dee Ernst. Time goes by pretty quickly when I'm reading one of her books. I love the humor, the real emotions that we've all felt at one time or another, and the fact that while families aren't perfect, they are so important. I'm going to read everything I can find by this author!

[Bree Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!! I don't know how else to describe it lol!!! worth the read and inexpensive!

If I remember correctly I got my copy for free through Amazon and I was like "why not!" it was a funny, witty, slap that man in the face!!! it made me have a love for a new author!!!

[Denise Bills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story

Again, I was drawn to the storyline, the emotions and was talking to Mona - marry Ben but I finally understood why she hesitant on the last page but I was disappointed that there was no mention their wedding.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually enjoy her books - this was a fast read with interesting characters, lots of detail, but fairly flat of feeling. Not much happens - it's a follow up to a previous book - likable characters but I was frustrated with Mona. So-so.

[Andrea Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written book... loved the storyline..I would like to read more from this author.

[Olivia Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book... loved the storyline..I can just imagine this happening to many divorced women.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Mona and Ben the first time around. Dee Ernst's writing just keeps getting better and better. I hope there is a 3rd installment in the Better Off... series. Keep it up Dee.