It’s been twelve years since Lottie Luce ran away to Indiana, three weeks before her classes were to begin at IU, to avoid a confrontation with her best friend, and secret love, Nick Greyson. On the night she’d believed he was going to tell her he wanted her for more than a friend, Lottie caught Nick in a compromising position with her long-time nemesis, Ashley Marshall. The hurt and humiliation were more than she could bear.
Now a product of personal reinvention, Charlotte Luce is the youngest, and first female market president of Olde Florida Bank, and her life is nearly perfect. That is until Nick comes home to Anna Maria Island, hoping to save his father from financial ruin, and Charlotte’s carefully created world stands still.
Lottie Loser vacillates between the present, and the memories of the young girl who thought she had found love, lost it, and is now forced to examine the decisions she made, as well as the chemistry she and Nick still share.
Insecure Lottie believes that Nick, her childhood friend and love of her life, is about to declare his passion for her. Instead, she catches him in a compromising act with her worst enemy that shatters her heart and makes her run. Years later, reinvented as Charlotte, and despite forging a major career, her heart has never recovered. When he suddenly reappears in her life, she has to decide whether he's her dream, the bringer of more heartache, or both.
Contemporary romance is not my comfort zone, but I found this one amusing, entertaining and engaging. The sexual scenes were hot, without veering into explicit, and had a welcome element of humour that made me smile as I read. You can't help but root for Nick and Lottie as they fumble their way to love and the plot device of short flashbacks worked. Whilst not a great deal happened, it was still an easy and fun read, with a final plot twist to lead neatly into book 2.
Lottie Loser is a contemporary romance novel written by author Dana L. Brown. The story follows Charlotte, otherwise known as “Lottie”, who works as a bank manager in Florida. In the beginning of the story, an old love interest from Lottie’s youth-Nick- breezes into her office in need of assistance. The sudden entrance of Nick in her life causes a lot of emotional upheaval- and inadvertently thrusts Lottie on a mental journey into past events that led her to where she is, and the woman she is, today. As the story alternates between past events (Lottie’s childhood, High School, College, and the early stages of her current career) and today, Lottie and Nick begin the plunge beyond friendship and into something more. As moments of the past begin to unfold before them, Lottie and Nick find themselves working through old heartaches, misconceptions, and insecurities. With a relationship, in its infancy and built on a fragile and stitched together foundation, the mere hint of deception or turmoil could send it crashing to the ground- and, unfortunately, a metaphorical bomb dropped in the story may have done just that.
I have only read a few stories where the current day events of the protagonist’s life and the past events alternate so frequently. Surprisingly, these frequent glimpses into the past helped me to understand the importance of Nick’s sudden appearance into Lottie’s life, as well as helped me better understand the protagonist herself. What I particularly enjoyed about Lottie Loser was how relatable Lottie’s character was. She isn’t perfect- her childhood wasn’t unbearable, but it wasn’t ideal either. Lottie was awkward as a girl and struggled daily with her self-appearance. These insecurities follow her into adulthood, though are better managed. Even Lottie’s burgeoning relationship with Nick is far from “fairytale perfect”. Both characters are learning how to communicate (as it was a lack of communication in the past that caused a great deal of avoidable heartache), and both are trying to navigate the fragility of a new relationship. Lottie questions her decisions a lot and does a lot of reflecting. I loved that these characters were real and flawed.
Whenever I read a story with a romantic storyline, I look for chemistry. Not everyone can make me feel the tension and interest pouring off the pages. But I felt it with Lottie and Nick- while their passion didn’t leap from the pages, it did slide beautifully off at a nice languid pace- sort of like their love.
And finally…plot twist!! Those get me EVERY time. Naturally, I need to see how this fall-out plays out in the next novel…
Oh! And let me tell you- if I learned anything from this novel, it’s that a cold beer can be used for more than just drinking *wink*
Dana Brown takes you back to a time when you were young and insecure. Something every woman has experienced. Even if you've grown into a confident, powerful woman, it doesn't take much to make that insecure teenager appear again. Lottie (Charlotte) experiences just that. Dana pulls you into the beginning of many firsts: First crush, first love, first time... and first heartbreak. I'm rooting for Lottie...er Charlotte to be that confident, powerful woman, and get her man back. Great read. Get a copy, settle in a comfy chair, and enjoy the read. Thanks Dana.
Wow! Talk about a cliffhanger! I was expecting this to be a funny (haha type) of story but it is anything but funny. However it was quite refreshing to read something lighter than the doom and gloom type of books I have recently read. I will certainly be watching for the sequel 'Call Me Charlotte'.
I rarely read romance novels. The title and fun cover of Lottie Loser caught my eye. Add an island beach setting and a banker protagonist, and I dove right in. The storyline involves Lottie Luce (who now, as an adult, calls herself Charlotte) and Nick, her first crush. The chapters alternate between older/younger narrator, a style that provides background on Lottie and Nick’s high school relationship, one that goes wildly off track. Twelve years later, when Nick reappears, Lottie (Charlotte) is rocking it as the youngest (and best dressed) bank president of Olde Florida Bank. I gotta say, even though contemporary romance isn’t my genre of choice, after reading several dark and rather disturbing books at the end of May, Lottie Loser proved to be a sweet June escape. Filled with sun and sand, Beach House wine, and sex to keep things hot, Lottie kicked off my summer in an enjoyable way. There’s a plot twist I wasn’t expecting. The book ends with a “stay tuned” sort of cliffhanger, which means you’ll need to buy book two in the series—Call Me Charlotte—to find out what happens. For fans of romance, this one is an easy, sultry summer read.
This book made me: want to go to Anna Maria Island. And by the way, I learned a new use for a cold can of Budweiser. 🍺 My Favorite Line: Do you ever just do what you’re asked, Charlotte?
Lottie Loser by Dana Brown is a sweet romance that will have you wanting to read her next book, Call me Charlotte.
Synopsis: Lottie (Charlotte) Luce's life is all about her career. She works at a bank and dates a nice man. She seems to have it all together, until her first love Nick comes back into her life.
Dana’s style of writing sucks you into the story and has you seeing the island and all the characters as though you are there. The book is told in alternating chapters between the present and the past. I admit that going back and forth in time can sometimes be confusing, but it totally works for this story and the past and present stories are flawlessly brought together throughout the novel. I've seldom seen time changes in a story so beautifully woven together to paint the story's picture for the reader. The characters are also brought to life in such a well-crafted way that you feel like you personally know them. You’ll be routing for Lottie by the end and wondering what will happen in the second book.
I've been wanting to read this story for awhile now and I was very excited when it became available for Kindle.
The story alternates between the past and present as it explores the relationship between Charlotte "Lottie" and her childhood best friend, Nick. I found myself turning page after page, well after I should have been getting back to real life (always the mark of a good book).
I loved how realistic the characters were. Charlotte was very relatable and Nick was so sweet that my heart fluttered on more than one occasion. While the relationship between these two is the star of the show, the world of Anna Maria Island and the people who live there was equally compelling. I felt like I was reading a love letter to the island and found myself nostalgic for a place I've never been! Kudos to Dana Brown for that feat.
Overall a fun sweet read. The book does end with a cliffhanger, but I guess that just means I'll have to read the second one.
When I started this book, I was not feeling well and couldn’t finish it. A couple of weeks later I decided to start over and am I ever glad I did. Once I read the first page, it was full speed ahead. Brown’s writing is explosive in an understated way, if that makes any sense. I love her ability to weave the past with the present in her “then” and “now” chapters. Her characters are relatable and people I would like to know, and Anna Marie Island is now on my bucket list as a place to visit. I fell in love with the Greyson hunks, and would love to learn more of Maggie’s back story. But most of all, Lottie is someone women will relate to – she’s smart, she’s beautiful, but her self-confidence has been defined by her past. I read Lottie Loser in a matter of hours, then upon finishing at 2 AM, I immediately purchased the second in Brown’s AMI series, Call Me Charlotte. Lottie Loser is a definite winner and I’ll be recommending the AMI series to all my bookworm friends.
Lottie is a hoot! A tough-but-tender business woman who still kicks ass in the office despite the turmoil brewing from life's stresses. In a dysfunctional relationship with Mr. Definitely Wrong, she re-unites with her childhood friend/first love, Nick. I rooted for them to get together from the get-go. (No spoilers here though!) The side characters were well developed and contributed to the depth of the story, adding layers of life that made the story feel real. I shared Lottie's pain when the ultimate (unavoidable/necessary) conflict occurred and can't wait to read book two. In fact that's my only gripe, the ending left me hanging which is not typical in a romance and had me screaming "Noooooo!" But book two here I come!
Dana's writing was clear and concise and flowed well. It was an easy, fast-paced read and I will definitely keep it going to read the rest of the series. If you're looking for that perfect vacation on the beach read, this is it! I highly recommend!
I’m so glad I picked up Lottie Loser. It’s right up my alley. Lottie Loser is a story of friendship, love, forgiveness with lots of drama thrown in (think FBI, arrests, unexpected truths…). I loved Lottie (Charlotte) the main character with her insecurities and doubts which make her very relatable. Emphasis on friendship which I enjoyed with Lottie’s friends Becca and Carol and how Lottie stands by their side when needed. I found some of the characters very real and enjoyed getting to know them as the story goes… Pop, Noah, Nick.. even annoying Peter! Present and past chapters nicely tie up the story and give you the explanations you need to understand what’s happening in the present. And when you least expect it, bombs are dropped and you find yourself wondering what’s coming next. I’m off to buy the second book as I’m finishing this review!
I'm not one to read romance novels, but I was charmed by Dana Brown's debut novel, Lottie Loser. The characters are wonderful and you can't help but root for the heroine as she struggles with romance and establishing a career. Brown skillfully has Charlotte (Lottie) switch from the present, to her memories of the past and the decisions she made that have had a lasting impact. If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will love this book.
I love how easy it was to connect with Lottie and it was great seeing the evolution of her character as she realized what she really wanted in her life. It was refreshing to see someone who is real and relatable. But be warned, you will want to immediately start book two as soon as you finish this one!
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
For the most part, Lottie Loser was a story about two people forgetting their troubled past and starting anew. This book was charming, like Nick Greyson, until it wasn’t. I don’t mean that negatively. An out of the blue banking mystery unfolded and everything changed. Charlotte’s life was affected the most. Twelve years ago, Charlotte was hurt by Nick’s actions. Present-day, she’s smack dab in the middle of those same feelings.
When Lottie’s life could be more complicated, someone makes a confession that shocks the hell out of her. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, wait until you read the cliffhanging ender. The entire story was fabulous, BUT chapter 73 was off the charts good. (Being sort of vague to avoid spoilers)
I did knock a point off for the frequency in which she time jumped from Then to Now. At times, it messed up the flow of the story. Other than that, there weren’t any major storyline issues. I think romance readers will enjoy this story. I sure did.
Story continues in Call Me Charlotte (already available for purchase)!
Lottie - Charlotte - is a heroine to champion. She has a big, but bruised heart and this exploration into her past and how it affects her present is a terrific read. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Looking forward to book #2.
I picked this up because I saw the author went to the same college I did. I liked the story until the end. I don't like cliffhangers. I wish the story was completed at the end of the book.
Lottie Loser is a second chance romance between Charlotte "Lottie" Luce and Nick Greyson. The story is told in a past/present format alternating chapters. The past chapters let us see how the friendship formed between our leads and the events that lead up to them not seeing each other for years.
It's a sweet story with a little bit of intrigue in trying to figure out the banking mystery surrounding the account of Nick's father. This is a two part story, so it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Upside, part two, Call Me Charlotte is already out so no waiting to see how the story ends.
I originally read and reviewed this book on April 4, 2018. I wrote a dishonest review and have since decided to share my real thoughts about the author's work:
The book was very confusing flashing back from now to then. The books characters were very one-dimensional, and the sex scenes read like they were written by a 12 year old virgin. They were awkward and prudish. The book had a poor plot with no real conflict.
I originally read and reviewed this book on April 4, 2018. I wrote a dishonest review and have since decided to share my real thoughts about the author's work:
The book was very confusing flashing back from now to then. The books characters were very one-dimensional, and the sex scenes read like they were written by a 12 year old virgin. They were awkward and prudish. The book had a poor plot with no real conflict.
Lottie is my kind of girl. She's not Barbie and her self-image is is right there with every normal teenagers/modern woman who isn't a size 6. She's relatable, while being empowering. I absolutely loved this book. I loved Lottie and the people she holds dear. I wish I could borrow stars for this review. This book is a true treasure in my opinion. *Insert extra stars here.*
This is an engaging read and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Charlotte is believable, fun, and endearing despite all the problems that crop up for her. I’m off to read the second book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lottie is so relatable, and the story was compelling, making want to keep reading! I can't wait to read the next one the series!