Pamela Burford comes from a funny family. You may take that any way you want. She was raised in a household that valued laughter above all, so of course the first thing she looked for in a husband was a sense of humor. Is it any wonder their grown kids are into stand-up comedy and improv? Oh, and here's another fun family fact: Pamela's identical twin sister, Patricia Ryan, aka P.B. Ryan, is also a published novelist. Patricia is the Good Twin, and yeah, Pamela knows what that makes her. But hey, Evil Twins have more fun.
It should come as no surprise that everything Pamela writes is infused with her own quirky brand of humor, from her feel-good contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her popular Jane Delaney mystery series, featuring snarky “Death Diva” Jane, her canine sidekick Sexy Beast, and a fun love triangle. Pamela's own beloved poodle, Murray, wants you to know that any similarities between himself and neurotic, high-strung Sexy Beast are purely coincidental.
Pamela is the proud founder and past president of Long Island Romance Writers. Her books have won awards and sold millions of copies, but what excites her most is hearing from readers. So swing by her website and say hi. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Not only will you learn about new releases and other fun stuff, but you'll receive a free ebook as her special thank-you.
SPOILER: This is a reconciliation story. He cheats, and she takes him back 15 years later.
During High school, he ends up taking another girl, someone in his wealthy circle to an event at their posh Country Club behind the heroine's back. He did not take the heroine, whom he was best of friends with and whom he thought was his true-love because she was just the janitor's daughter and he was ashamed of that. It was an important event, where he wanted to make a good impression, therefor, he ended up taking a girl his parents have been pushing him to date. That night he ends up cheating on the heroine with this girl, on the golf course.
To make matters worse, and to add further humiliation for the heroine, everyone in their High school finds out about it. What was especially heartbreaking was that, the hero and the heroine were both virgins and they had planned to be each others first on their Prom night, but he ended up going to this event instead.
And his big explanation: He was arrogant, immature , spoiled and he was over confident. He thought he had everything under control. He drank too much and the girl was sexually aggressive. Translation: typical hormonal teenage boy behavior - Rich and spoiled boy got drunk and got horny. No big ah-Ha moment in this book.
What disappointed me the most about this book was that it was the heroine who was shoving her tongue down the hero's throat first, and all this before hearing his explanation or even an apology. For awhile there, I thought she would be a different sort of a heroine, a strong woman with a spine firmer than a over-cooked noodle..but no, as is the case with most of these cheating romance, she just went to mush without much ado.
She isn't all bad. I was quite happy to come across a heroine who went on with her life. She's made a successful career out of something she loved and she almost got married (although he also turned out to be another cheating pig - poor girl).
This was a Happily-for-Now kind of book for me personally. I understood his actions when he was just a boy, I did not understand hers as a grown up woman. He was suppose to her great first love, she still had feelings left over from their past, so what was she doing exchanging spit with some douchebag who betrayed her so thoroughly without even an apology?
If he ever cheats or betrays her again, she would most likely lay down to take it like any proper doormat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Good read,Gabe-Dena were very much in love when they were in school,both had decided to wait but Gabe cheated on Dena with Andrea,hurt-humiliated Dena broke it up with Gabe,went ahead to start life afresh fast forward 15 years now Gabe is at reunion only for one reason "his love Dena",he did not get a chance to explain and apologize to Dena now he is here to take this another chance.Dena comes but now she is a new Dena not the sh, easily embarrassed,reduce to tears girl but a strong confident woman.Adored Dena,a very strong character,she overcomes the pain,humiliation she faced and gives in everything to fulfill her dream,now she is financially independent and confident woman.
Gabe-Dena both suffered cause of that stupid mistake of Gabe,both spent time together get to know this grown up Gabe-Dena and finally talk out what happened 15 years ago and clear few misunderstandings as well.Gabe realizes his love for Dena is still as strong as it was but Dena is scared to trust him completely.
Gabe is patient with her cause he understands it will take time,both Gabe-Dena are deeply connected they can still read each others mind.Dena even wins Gabe's parents who always saw Dena beneath them and not fit for their precious son.
Liked the way story progressed and Gabe-Dena's character grew in this 15 years,both now understand each other's emotions better and even talk out that sensitive subject.All the issues were handled.The only thing disappointing was when Gabe knew why Andrea did those things then how come he still had this friendship going on for 15 years.Other than that i enjoyed the book.
I was a little hesitant when I started this, I'm not a big fan of "class reunion" type stories and there really weren't a lot of reviews.. However I decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did!
The basic plot is that the H/h dated for a year their senior year of high school. They were very much in love, but the h was a poor, shy, insecure girl who hero worshipped the H. The H was a cocky, know it all rich boy who thought he had it all planned out and was definitely on the selfish side( typical teenager). He gets drunk and cheats on the h, and she breaks it off, never speaking to him again for 15 years.
What made this story really fun for me was the h. She blossoms after her break up with the H(no not a ugly duck to swan type thing). She gains confidence in her appearance, grows and matures, forms her own style, becoming a smart strong very rich woman all on her own. From the moment she enters the scene, I knew I was going to enjoy reading her.
As for the H, he also grows up a lot in the 15 years since the break up. I loved that we were able to have his POV, because it really showed how he'd matured and that he truly took responsibility for his actions. Losing the h altered his life, made him realize he was becoming someone he didn't want to be and taught him a lesson in humility he has never forgotten.
All in all, a wonderfully fun reunion story. I'd definitely recommend :)
It was okay for the free ebook. I started off okay, but the main plot device was miscommunication. I find miscommunication in romance novels to just be lazy writing and it's frustrating that it happens so often. I thought Dena was an interesting, but what's-his-name was a snooze fest. He mentioned he was "alone" for 15 years. If he was hot as he's supposed to be, I'm sure he didn't live like a monk, pining for his high school sweetheart this whole time. Quick, light read. No regret since it was free. Although her Wedding Ring club series was advertising at the back of this book, which sounded interesting. But I don't know if I want to risk it just yet.
1 star. Boring and predictable - didn't feel the angst. And the author holds back the hero's explanation for the cheating until the end for absolutely no justifiable reason ("the heroine needed to be ready to hear it"...give me a break...it's been 15 years...). Also I can't stand when heroines are intimate and lusting after cheating heroes before the cheating has even been processed and worked through. By the time the reason for the cheating was revealed, the heroine was was so far past it that she was making a joke of it...
Where I found this book: Another Bookbub find and a great one at that. The title made me laugh immediately before I even read what it was about.
How it's written: The third person view clues the reader in to Dena and Gabe's thoughts. Like One S'more Summer, Burford does a great job weaving the present and past of these two love birds.
What I like about the book: I definitely laughed out loud a few times and had a silly grin on my face for most of it. The build-up and timing of everything is perfect. The secret between Dena and Gabe's first breakup is hinted from the very beginning but only when I felt as if I couldn't take anymore anticipation, the final explanation came.
Dena's transformation into a strong, quick-witted woman is phenomenal. It's funny to contrast the people that have grown up since high school with those that have not. There were a few characters that seemed to change in appearance but still had the same childish humor and then there were others that have used the 15 years after high school to really learn and develop.
Final Thoughts: I'd like to add that Scott is probably my favorite character. I mean, Dena is a lot of fun and it's great that her and Gabe still have something after all this time but Reverend Scott is the perfect wingman. He is handsome enough to stir up some trouble but aware enough to help Dena and Gabe find some alone time.
3.5 stars. At their 15 year high school reunion, Gabe Moreau is actually actively looking around for Dena Devlin, his former girlfriend whom he was in love with but broke her heart. Dena has come a long way from being the janitor's daughter. She's now a self-made millionaire and has the confidence to back it up. Gabe became a high powered attorney at his father's law firm. Maybe Dena didn't meet the approval of his parents back then, but she's not looking to impress anyone now. Gabe, however, does want to make amends and perhaps even more if there's a possibility that Dena and he still share a spark. I liked the story in general. Gabe wasn't that bad of a guy despite his colossal mistake that lead to losing Dena and the subsequent misery afterwards with not having her by his side. As for Dena, she was living her best life and didn't come to the reunion to reconcile with Gabe. Mostly this was an entertaining read with some angst and humor. Dena didn’t let Gabe off the hook easily and he attempted to make it up to her. I liked the first half at the reunion more than the second half after the reunion. The betrayal was addressed and both characters have definitely grown since their teen years.
Dena Devlin has come back to her high school reunion to show that the girl from the wrong side of the tracks has made a success of her life. The only reason Gabe Moreau decided to show up at the reunion was for the chance to see Dena again. He made a hash of things when he betrayed her and didn’t stand up for their love back at the end of high school and wants to see if anything of their old feelings still exists.
When they see each other again, their chemistry is even stronger than before. Dena thinks they can have a short fling and walk away at the end of the reunion week, but those pesky feelings keep getting in the way. Gabe quickly realizes that Dena is the only one for him and the reason no relationship has worked out since high school. He has a week to change her mind and make her believe in happily ever after.
This stand-alone book is a quick, fun read about forgiveness, second chances and realizing that first loves may just turn into soul mate love. The author writes with humor and provides crisp, witty dialogue. Well done!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Gabe Moreau and Dena Devlin were an item in high school their senior year until he made a big mistake with another girl out on the golf course. Now fifteen year later the girl from the wrong side of the tack has built a business worth over five million dollars, not that Gabe cares about how much she is worth. She has changed in other ways too; she is no longer the shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks known as the janitor's daughter. She has moved from Rags to Bitches with her ability to handle all the attitude directed at her by former classmates and Gabe's father.
I love Dena's style and colorful clothes. I loved the witty way she handled the snide remarks sent her way and bested the bullies out to make her feel bad. I loved that Dena took her love of animals and turned it into a successful business. I love how Gabe admitted his mistakes and took responsibility for what he had done and said he was sorry showing he really was a clueless good guy. The dialogue was fun, witty and full of putting bullies in their place; it was also a sweet second chance romance.
Rags to Bitches is a second chance romance. Dena is a competent, successful woman who is a bit bohemian. I really liked her. Gabe is successful but he lets his parents dictate so much of his life. It's easier than arguing with them. He is no more capable of standing up to them and defending Dena at 33 than he was at 18. Dena, on the other hand, was awesome in handling Gabe's father. I loved the way she got her 'point' across to him.
Ham is quite a character. He deserves a book of his own. So does Scott. He is a terrific guy and deserves happiness after all he has been through.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it without reservation. It is well-written with an engaging story-line.
A fifteen year high school reunion reunites Dena Devlin and Gabe Moreau. They, along with some other classmates end up staying for a week at the home of a former teacher. Dena and Gabe were high school sweethearts until a youthful indiscretion came between them 2 months before graduation. They have not seen each other since graduation and are currently unattached. The sparks are still there but can they find their way back to each other? And are the things that came between them important anymore? A sweet and sometimes funny romance. A quick read that is hard to put down. * I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Class Act was a decent book, but it felt boring to read. There was barely any conflict in this story. The betrayal by the hero was decades in the past so even the heroine got over it quickly. The class differences were solved because the heroine returned as a rich, self-made millionaire. The "other woman" did try to create some troubles but it was easily resolved by the hero when they spoke to each other. You know all those books you read and you think "none of this was necessary and could have been solved if the hero and heroine had just spoken to each other"? That was this book - except they spoke to each other and that made the story unbelievably boring.
This was a great read. I found myself reading way after bedtime. You will find that young love sometimes last through time. Dena and Gabe meet up at their high school reunion. After a horrible teen misunderstanding they both seem to want to get this over with. what they find is they have grown up and maybe can forgive the past. They still have some bumps that get in the way but love once again is in the air. I think we learn that even when you come from two different backgrounds you can come out on top. this was a fast read and enjoyable.
First book I've read by Pamela Buford, I received the book in exchange for a honest review. It's worth 5+ stars Easy read, funny I was laughing. I loved the storyline of Gabe et Dena high school sweethearts. They haven't seen each other in fifteen years. They reconnect at high school reunion week. It's filled with old drama, suspense et fun. The cast of characters are great. I loved the pugs, being part of the story et pet hotel. It has the tail we all know wealth et a partner from the wrong side of the tracks, but the ending was perfect. My favorite a HEA. A definite recommend.
I decided to give Rags to Bitches a try + found it entertaining. The simple plot is about 2 teenagers that fall in love their senior year of HS. Gabe comes from $$ + Dena, who is a janitors daughter. Unfortunately, the young romance ends when Gabe cheats on her. A lot can happen in 15 yrs, Dena is now a self made millionaire + Gabe works as a lawyer with his dad. Can 2nd chances made thinks right ? They meet again at their 15 year, week long class reunion. It gas a predictable ending, but the quirky characters keep it interesting.
This is a great book written by Pamela Burford. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This book starts out slowly and a little confusing as there are quite a few characters gathered together for a Class Reunion, and the author gives background from high school on the characters. Just when the story line starts to pick-up, and I am really beginning to real enjoy the book, it's over. Some of the best scenes involve Dena's lovable dogs, especially since Gabe has never been a dog person. Rating 3.5
This was a pleasant enough second chance romance set at a 15th high school reunion. The couple in question come wanting to see each other, but afraid of the consequences of a betrayal back in their senior year. They got over that pretty quickly, and then it was a pretty standard romance with rich guy and girl (who has since made good) from the other side of the tracks. If you don't like graphic sex you might want to stay away from this one, but I didn't find it offensive.
I loved this book! Rags to Bitches had me laughing out loud, literally! Ms. Buford's style of writing is exactly what I have been looking to read. The way she paints the scenes in the book with witty humor and superior writing style had me hooked in Chapter One. You will not be disappointed when you pick up this little gem!
I was gifted a copy from the author for an honest review.
The cover caught my attention because I am a dog lover. So, I thought, I’d give it a read. Glad I did! We’ve all had, ‘one that got away’ from our past, and wonder, what would’ve happened if...well, living vicariously through Dena, when you are forced to face your fears, and feelings, it opens you up to a world of possibilities! I truly enjoyed this read!
I enjoyed this book very much, I couldn't get enough of the characters and their quirks . I got to say it had me laughing a couple times and had me wanting more. I liked that Dena had made something out of herself while still being herself.Great standalone ,FIVE STAR READ
I loved the story but hated the graphic content. I thought this book was about female dogs since it had a dog in a pink dress on the cover. It wasn’t and the dogs in the story were pugs not from ground dogs in pink dresses. It was well written and well proofed.
Very good short read. The choice of content is something that all can relate to. Very enjoyable read. I recommend it for 18+ years old. A little dicey for younger folks!
This is a story of a high school first loves They meet again 15 years later at a high school reunion. They had never forgot their first loves so meeting again it gets hot between them. Reading this story is fun.
This was a cute story about childhood sweethearts who reunite at, where else, a high school reunion. Drama, tension, and working through the past follow as the two determine whether or not they'll have a future together.