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Strings Attached
'Dazzling! A stunning, sexy, surprising, super-modern romance that dares to delve where no romcom has gone before. I loved it.' - Emma Jane Unsworth, author of
Animals
Straight-laced Jean has always done what's expected of her - by her traditional parents, by her demonic boss, and by her overgrown baby of an ex-boyfriend.
Until now.
Taking her life into her own hands, she decides to do something that takes her out of her comfort zone; a woman heels-over-head, and not head-over-heels, in love. When Jean meets married-but-open pianist Gabriel, she explores all that modern romance has to offer... but can relationships last without entangled hearts being broken?
Jean is about to find out.
For fans of Dolly Alderton, Holly Bourne and Fleabag, this is fun, fresh, feminist fiction that will have you laughing in recognition and yelling in solidarity.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 3, 2019
Now this is a tricky book to review, don't get me wrong for the most part I really enjoyed it, and there were elements of the story that I absolutely loved.
Equally though there were some sections that I just didn't really understand at all, and some of the concepts were beyond my comprehension. I didn't really let them get to me, just skimmed and moved onto the parts I was following. Some of the feminist concepts, and theory behind some of the practices just wasn't for me.
What was for me, was thoroughly loving Jean's story, having broken up with her drunk of a boyfriend, she goes on a journey of sexual liberation.
One of the first things that really made me smile, was just a small mention of a nearby to Jean's club which to the unitiated could be seen as seedy - but it is one that I am familiar with, so was nice to see a real place name mention, that I never imagined I'd see in a book.
In fact at times there were all manner of things that Jean was getting up to that I am rather intimately acquainted with, but I'm not going into any specifics!
It was wonderful though for a book with a romantic relationship to deal with what could be seen as more progressive things - such as polyamory, pansexuals, multiple partner,s open relationships, an orgasmic retreat (I really do need to look up to see if these exist), and even a sex party.
All the while that Jean is getting to know herself free from the confines of social norms, she is also working as a political PR, covering up for assorted sex scandals from MPs - some of which I was eye rolling at, and others I really would have loved more details on!
This is certainly a book with a difference, it does have friendships, it does have some sex, there is Jean's sister who is a breath of fresh air to any book that I've ever read, and then there are her parents, who although we don't see much of, are an utter nightmare, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jean.
I'd suggest go into this book with an open mind and you will almost certainly enjoy this rather refreshing story, as much as I did!
Thank you to Netgalley and Trapeze for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Equally though there were some sections that I just didn't really understand at all, and some of the concepts were beyond my comprehension. I didn't really let them get to me, just skimmed and moved onto the parts I was following. Some of the feminist concepts, and theory behind some of the practices just wasn't for me.
What was for me, was thoroughly loving Jean's story, having broken up with her drunk of a boyfriend, she goes on a journey of sexual liberation.
One of the first things that really made me smile, was just a small mention of a nearby to Jean's club which to the unitiated could be seen as seedy - but it is one that I am familiar with, so was nice to see a real place name mention, that I never imagined I'd see in a book.
In fact at times there were all manner of things that Jean was getting up to that I am rather intimately acquainted with, but I'm not going into any specifics!
It was wonderful though for a book with a romantic relationship to deal with what could be seen as more progressive things - such as polyamory, pansexuals, multiple partner,s open relationships, an orgasmic retreat (I really do need to look up to see if these exist), and even a sex party.
All the while that Jean is getting to know herself free from the confines of social norms, she is also working as a political PR, covering up for assorted sex scandals from MPs - some of which I was eye rolling at, and others I really would have loved more details on!
This is certainly a book with a difference, it does have friendships, it does have some sex, there is Jean's sister who is a breath of fresh air to any book that I've ever read, and then there are her parents, who although we don't see much of, are an utter nightmare, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jean.
I'd suggest go into this book with an open mind and you will almost certainly enjoy this rather refreshing story, as much as I did!
Thank you to Netgalley and Trapeze for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 10, 2019
This is a fun read…..a modern look at the more free thinking approach to life, sex and relationships.
Jean has a boyfriend, Charlie, a charming, but thoroughly useless POS….when he pees in Jean’s velvet stilettos, she’s had enough…when he drunkenly sets fire to a wedding marquee she finally dumps him….
“On her bad days, which were becoming more frequent, she worried that her only life skill was clearing up clusterfucks left by grown men.”
She decides she’s not a doormat anymore and plans to live life how she wants it to be…… “‘What would you do if you stopped living by other people’s rules?’”
This covers everything from a polyamorous marriage to sex parties and most things in between, marvellously funny, full of sarcastic wit, embarrassing moments, sex and life. A present day tale of female liberation, honest, frank and fun.
Thank you to The publishers, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Jean has a boyfriend, Charlie, a charming, but thoroughly useless POS….when he pees in Jean’s velvet stilettos, she’s had enough…when he drunkenly sets fire to a wedding marquee she finally dumps him….
“On her bad days, which were becoming more frequent, she worried that her only life skill was clearing up clusterfucks left by grown men.”
She decides she’s not a doormat anymore and plans to live life how she wants it to be…… “‘What would you do if you stopped living by other people’s rules?’”
This covers everything from a polyamorous marriage to sex parties and most things in between, marvellously funny, full of sarcastic wit, embarrassing moments, sex and life. A present day tale of female liberation, honest, frank and fun.
Thank you to The publishers, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
May 18, 2021
This is not my usual genre AT ALL, but I actually really enjoyed this. Very easy to read, with some chuckles along the way.
July 26, 2019
The fast fashion of the book world, Strings Attached will not age well. Full to the brim with current pop culture references and trying desperately to be funny, I can’t see this book standing the test of time. Unfortunately this was nothing more than an average read, but it was mildly amusing in parts.
August 23, 2019
This is a fantastic read. You get sucked into the story and just have to know what happens. Before bed, I loved tucking into the story, which was so well drawn and relevant. This book is very relatable but also presents unusual moral dilemmas and concepts, which is fascinating to be be privy to. Many times I laughed out loud in public reading this book. An enjoyable, easy and fun read that transports you to Jean's life.
My only criticism would be, that sometimes her closest friends were too consistently catty and hiding behind quick wit, I wanted some more truthful heart-to-hearts and kindness, in moments. Despite that, it's truly great.
My only criticism would be, that sometimes her closest friends were too consistently catty and hiding behind quick wit, I wanted some more truthful heart-to-hearts and kindness, in moments. Despite that, it's truly great.
May 9, 2019
Erin Reinhelt is definitely funny. This book had some vivid characters, perhaps at times almost caricatures, with enjoyable dialogue. I was excited about the central premise: a woman trying to rediscover herself after years of dating problematic men. But in practice, the book glossed over the difficulties of changing a habit of a lifetime and instead made a mockery of Jean's road to recovery. She just dives in head first with no real hesitation and it makes it hard to buy into her journey. Her romantic interest has no personality really, so their 'will they won't they' drama is quite boring.
December 19, 2020
This book was so frustrating, I am actually proud of myself for finishing it. Boring story, unlikeable characters, unrealistic dialogue. Worse, the author writes like she has swallowed a thesaurus, which has an effect exactly the opposite of making her sound smart. Avoid.
August 16, 2019
Incredibly funny, sexy and very clever. Behind the sometimes car crash relationships are lots of ideas and observations on how it feels to be young, smart and questioning in 2019
May 2, 2021
A bit confusing sometimes and too many abbreviations that I didn't get because not a native English speaker. But the story is very entertaining and I enjoyed reading it.
May 27, 2021
DNF. Found the characters unbearable and the storyline bored me so much.
July 14, 2019
I have no idea where to start with all the things that I loved about this novel.
This is fresh, feminist at it's most honest and openly discusses aspects of relationships that are not usually explored in mainstream rom-coms.
From the very beginning of this novel I was overjoyed that our heroine, Jean, is a woman of a certain age. This is not a novel about a young woman is the prime of youth. It's a novel about a woman who's had it up to her eyes with her current partner who is hilarious and frustrating at the same time. She's sick of hiding herself in the shadows so decides on a sexual revolution, marking the beginning of an hilarious but uplifting journey for Jean. Never once did I pity her!
I adore the fact that this is not a novel of men-bashing and even the ex boyfriend is written about in almost an endearing manner. The main focus of this is about Jean finding and discovering a side to herself that she never knew. It's also about a woman who has a little adventure which helps her to realise what she wants. And yes! You can be a feminist and want marriage, romance etc.. (despite reading a comment recently that how can a character be a feminist when she wanted these things).
This biggest and most pleasant surprise for me in this novel is that it delves a little into the world of women being empowered by sex. Not in a seedy way but in a way that shows they can take control over this aspect of their lives and that it's actually ok. That it's okay to try new things and enjoy them. To me this is empowerment. I also loved the exploration of an open relationship - many see it as betrayal etc but I think it's about trust and understanding each other - something never explored in romance novels (that I have read).
I think Ms Reinelt has really found a fresh way to write a rom-com which is sexually empowering without moving into the adult book market. I really recommend this novel if you are looking for something refreshing.
This is fresh, feminist at it's most honest and openly discusses aspects of relationships that are not usually explored in mainstream rom-coms.
From the very beginning of this novel I was overjoyed that our heroine, Jean, is a woman of a certain age. This is not a novel about a young woman is the prime of youth. It's a novel about a woman who's had it up to her eyes with her current partner who is hilarious and frustrating at the same time. She's sick of hiding herself in the shadows so decides on a sexual revolution, marking the beginning of an hilarious but uplifting journey for Jean. Never once did I pity her!
I adore the fact that this is not a novel of men-bashing and even the ex boyfriend is written about in almost an endearing manner. The main focus of this is about Jean finding and discovering a side to herself that she never knew. It's also about a woman who has a little adventure which helps her to realise what she wants. And yes! You can be a feminist and want marriage, romance etc.. (despite reading a comment recently that how can a character be a feminist when she wanted these things).
This biggest and most pleasant surprise for me in this novel is that it delves a little into the world of women being empowered by sex. Not in a seedy way but in a way that shows they can take control over this aspect of their lives and that it's actually ok. That it's okay to try new things and enjoy them. To me this is empowerment. I also loved the exploration of an open relationship - many see it as betrayal etc but I think it's about trust and understanding each other - something never explored in romance novels (that I have read).
I think Ms Reinelt has really found a fresh way to write a rom-com which is sexually empowering without moving into the adult book market. I really recommend this novel if you are looking for something refreshing.
August 15, 2019
It was described as “fun, fresh, feminist fiction that will have you laughing in recognition and yelling in solidarity” and I found myself completely captivated by the story.
Jean has been enduring her drunk boyfriend Charlie’s shenanigans for three long years, but now she has had enough. After breaking up with him, Jean decides it’s time to be more open about her love life and, following the advice of her sister Danielle, she signs up on Thrindel (to meet couples) and travels to Mallorca for an orgasmic retreat with her best friend Tess. And as if her life wasn’t complicated enough, she also falls in love with Gabriel. Handsome, charming, and caring, he is too good to be true, right? In fact, he is married, but his wife lives in New York and they have an open marriage. Will Jean find what she is looking for?
STRINGS ATTACHED is an honest, original, and hilarious novel. Jean gets herself in awkward and laugh-out-loud situations, like going undercover at a sex party, Eyes-Wide-Shut style, or having intestinal problems while attempting to have a threesome. She has a conflicting relationship with her family – not with her sister Danielle, but her parents are a nightmare, I am surprised she still talked to them – and she doesn’t have much luck in love, but her friends are always there for her. I enjoyed reading her group messages with her best friends Tess and Richard. They were so entertaining, sarcastic and sincere.
If you are looking for something refreshing that will make you laugh, then this is a novel I highly recommend!
Jean has been enduring her drunk boyfriend Charlie’s shenanigans for three long years, but now she has had enough. After breaking up with him, Jean decides it’s time to be more open about her love life and, following the advice of her sister Danielle, she signs up on Thrindel (to meet couples) and travels to Mallorca for an orgasmic retreat with her best friend Tess. And as if her life wasn’t complicated enough, she also falls in love with Gabriel. Handsome, charming, and caring, he is too good to be true, right? In fact, he is married, but his wife lives in New York and they have an open marriage. Will Jean find what she is looking for?
STRINGS ATTACHED is an honest, original, and hilarious novel. Jean gets herself in awkward and laugh-out-loud situations, like going undercover at a sex party, Eyes-Wide-Shut style, or having intestinal problems while attempting to have a threesome. She has a conflicting relationship with her family – not with her sister Danielle, but her parents are a nightmare, I am surprised she still talked to them – and she doesn’t have much luck in love, but her friends are always there for her. I enjoyed reading her group messages with her best friends Tess and Richard. They were so entertaining, sarcastic and sincere.
If you are looking for something refreshing that will make you laugh, then this is a novel I highly recommend!
July 10, 2019
This is a fun read…..a modern look at the more free thinking approach to life, sex and relationships.
Jean has a boyfriend, Charlie, a charming, but thoroughly useless POS….when he pees in Jean’s velvet stilettos, she’s had enough…when he drunkenly sets fire to a wedding marquee she finally dumps him….
“On her bad days, which were becoming more frequent, she worried that her only life skill was clearing up clusterfucks left by grown men.”
She decides she’s not a doormat anymore and plans to live life how she wants it to be…… “‘What would you do if you stopped living by other people’s rules?’”
This covers everything from a polyamorous marriage to sex parties and most things in between, marvellously funny, full of sarcastic wit, embarrassing moments, sex and life. A present day tale of female liberation, honest, frank and fun.
Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Jean has a boyfriend, Charlie, a charming, but thoroughly useless POS….when he pees in Jean’s velvet stilettos, she’s had enough…when he drunkenly sets fire to a wedding marquee she finally dumps him….
“On her bad days, which were becoming more frequent, she worried that her only life skill was clearing up clusterfucks left by grown men.”
She decides she’s not a doormat anymore and plans to live life how she wants it to be…… “‘What would you do if you stopped living by other people’s rules?’”
This covers everything from a polyamorous marriage to sex parties and most things in between, marvellously funny, full of sarcastic wit, embarrassing moments, sex and life. A present day tale of female liberation, honest, frank and fun.
Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
July 9, 2019
I grabbed this book from Netgalley purely on the strength of the 'for fans of Holly Bourne' comment in the blurb, and I really should know better. I'm sorry to say, I didn't particularly enjoy it. I didn't find it funny, and while I'm a pretty open person when it comes to sexuality etc, the whole polyamory thing doesn't sit well with me. I'm sure it works brilliantly for some people, but not me. I appreciated Jean being brave, jumping in and giving things a go, and there were some entertaining moments, but mostly I found her story a bit sad and frustrating.
July 7, 2019
Many a public transport laugh out loud moment was had. Author Erin Reinelt writes beautifully and with such clever wit. One of my favourite things about the book was the main character Jean’s candid observations about life and the absurdness of dating and relationships. I enjoyed following along on her journey of self discovery and became totally absorbed in her world. Pure escapism and the perfect summer read.
July 8, 2019
I love a good laugh, and every chapter was full of laugh-out-loud moments... wonderful-embarrassment that I could totally relate to.... when is the Netflix series coming out??? Really truthful, intelligent and honest writing....
July 8, 2019
Hysterical! I couldn't put it down.
May 5, 2019
This book sadly didn’t work for me. I found myself completely lost as to what was happening, I didn’t understand a lot of it and I just felt very confused by it all. I’m use it’s an amazing book for lots of people. Just not for me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews