The Bitch-Proof Suit

Bitch-Proof #1

by De-ann Black

The Bitch-Proof Suit is a fresh and exciting story with plenty of humor and romance - with all the charm of Dublin and glamor of New York.

When Blue (Bluebell) Byrne is up against the odds in the world of New York fashion marketing, she needs the ultimate in accessories - a bitch-proof suit. Her marketing experience has helped her create the perfect suit. She had it made by bespoke tailors, cut with twice the precision at half the price. No labels, no trends, just sheer cutting edge class.

The story starts in Manhattan. Blue is about to put her suit to the ultimate test when she vies against a boardroom full of conniving business rivals to win the top job assignment - to work in the company’s office in Dublin, Ireland, and settle a few scores at the same time.

The suit, her negotiating skills and gutsy determination helps Blue win the job. Within hours she sets off for Dublin. It’s the one place she swore she’d never go back to. Six years ago she’d left that city behind, along with Morgan Daire, the man who broke her heart, sure she’d never return. It had almost destroyed her once, but hell...she loves a challenge!

She’ll be working with the unspeakably glamorous and influential Verde Valmont, and Verde’s Irish assistant Emer. Blue will also be facing up to the formidable Dubliner, Morgan Daire, the man whose past is inexorably linked with hers. Then there’s her friend, Dublin designer, Murphy, an incorrigible rogue whose flirting causes jealousy and all sorts of trouble. She also encounters the sexy and handsome Sears Pearson, a New York coolhunter, who takes an interest in her. With Morgan and Sears vying for her attention, and Murphy causing misunderstandings, her love life is anything but smooth.

This is a sparkling new novel for 2010, brimming with romance, humor, friendship, rivalry, Irish cocktails and scandalous behavior.

Author’s note:
The Bitch-Proof Suit did actually exist. I designed and wore it several years ago when I lived and worked in Dublin, Scotland and London, and it served its purpose brilliantly.

About the Author:
De-ann Black is a bestselling author, scriptwriter and former newspaper journalist. She has around 40 books published. She splits her time between Scotland, Dublin and London.


For news about her latest books visit Amazon’s De-ann Black page.
http://www.amazon.com/De-Ann-Black/e/...


De-ann's latest novels include THE CURE FOR LOVE (Romantic Comedy Novella), and the thriller The Strife of Riley.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary, Beach Reads, Novels

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2010

About the author

De-ann Black's new books are: Wedding Waltz, Vintage Ball, Autumn Nature Colouring Book, Autumn Ball Marriage & Music, Design, Dance & Romance, Romance Dancer, Summer Ball Weddings & Waltzing, Quilt Shop by the Seaside, Embroidery Bee, Crafting Bee, Scottish Highlands New Year Ball, Ballroom Dancing Christmas Romance, Christmas Ballroom Dancing, Autumn Romance, Knitting & Starlight, Knitting Bee, The Sweetest Waltz, Sweet Music, Love & Lyrics, Christmas Weddings, Fairytale Christmas on the Island, The Cure for Love at Christmas, Vintage Dress Shop on the Island, Scottish Island Fairytale Castle, Scottish Loch Summer Romance, Scottish Island Knitting Bee, Sewing & Mending Cottage, Knitting Shop by the Sea, Scottish Highlands Christmas Wedding, Colouring Book Cottage, Oops! I'm the Paparazzi, Again, and Knitting Cottage.

Her embroidery pattern books include: Floral Garden Embroidery Patterns, Floral Spring Embroidery Patterns, Sea Theme Embroidery Patterns, and Christmas & Winter Embroidery Patterns.

De-ann’s colouring books include: Autumn Nature, Summer Nature, Flower Nature, and Christmas Theme Colouring Book.

De-ann is a bestselling author, screenwriter and former newspaper journalist. Traditionally published for over 15 years. De-ann became an Amazon All-Star author in 2014 and 2015, as well as an Amazon All-Stars in 2025.

She has over 100 books published. Romance, thrillers, espionage novels, action adventure. And children's books (non-fiction rocket science books, children's fiction and picture books).

She previously worked as a full-time newspaper journalist for several years. She had her own weekly columns in the press. This included being a motoring correspondent where she got to test drive cars every week for the press for three years.

Before being asked to work for the press, De-ann worked in magazine editorial writing everything from fashion features to social news. And was marketing editor of a glossy magazine.

She is also a professional artist and illustrator. Embroidery design, fabric design, dressmaking, sewing, knitting, photography and fashion are part of her work.

Additionally, De-ann has always been interested in fitness and dance, and was a fitness and bodybuilding champion, 100 metre runner and mountaineer. As a former N.A.B.B.A. Miss Scotland, she had a weekly fitness show on the radio that ran for over three years.

De-ann trained in Shukokai karate, boxing, kickboxing, Dayan Qigong and Jiu Jitsu.

She splits her time between Scotland and London.

Find out more at: www.de-annblack.com

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was my first attempt to read the $0.99 books on Kindle. The title caught my eye, and I figured it would be a fun chick lit story. Not the case. First of all, I think the author was getting paid for every time she used the words "coolhunting", "futurehunting", and the phrase "bitch-proof suit." The book was poorly written and could have used about ten more rounds of editing to reduce repetitiveness and streamline the story a bit. At times it was bad chick lit and at times it was a bad romance novel (except no one was having any sex). The plot was silly but not in a good way, the author's attempt at convincing me the main character was on the cutting edge of fashion fell flat, and I didn't really understand the point of the suit because the main character seemed to get along with her boss and the seventy five men in her life just fine. Oh, and by the end of the story, the main character has GREEN HAIR and thinks its amazing. I could go on and on, but its really not worth it. Awful. Moving on.

[Literary Agent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find that books written by newspaper journalists have a different ‘feel’ to them - a certain edge, a sharpness and wit that makes them stand out from the crowd. This author’s book certainly does, and I see she’s a former newspaper journalist. She paints a very vivid world where I found myself feeling and picturing what it would be like to be those characters in Dublin. It’s made me want to go there. Like Blue and Verde, I want to drive along the streets on a hot summer day in an open top car without a care in the world. I want to swim in the clear green Irish Sea and sail on expensive yachts. When I got this book I was looking for a light hearted romance, fun, laughter and to be entertained for a few hours. This book ticked all those boxes – big style!

Entertaining and well written.

[Andy Wilkerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting a lot from this book but I was hoping that it would be a good read. I found it cheap on amazon and thought the title was catchy, but the storyline was lacking in a lot of places.

First off, for a romantic comedy there was a major lack of comedy going on, and romance....whew, was any of that called romance? I would have given this book threes stars if Blue would have ended up with Sears in the end, but when she choose Morgan it made the entire story seem pointless. Did Morgan even smile once? The picture that was made of Morgan was he is way too serious, doesnt like spontaneous things, puts work before the one he loves, and is too stubborn to clear up a mistake when that love is walking away. What?! Why in the world would pick that over the character Sears was made out to be....a guy that truly loves her, jokes with her, gives her enough space but let's his feelings be known....it just doesnt make sense. Sure sure, there were a few lines about Blue and Morgan spending romantic evenings together and being in love in the past, but I as a reader dont have a connect to that since no details were provided and every time they met in the present, they were fighting! How is a reader suppose to be glad at an ending like this?

The connection between the three women was fun but I wish the drama of Blue and Vee-Vee was completely left out. There wasnt a smooth transition between them being enemies and them being best friends. Since that was the case, it would have been better to just make them friends right off the bat and see their friendship grow. Also, when did Emer become a best girl friend and not just an assistant...again not a smooth transition.

The ending makes it possible for a sequel, I hope that if there is, everything is put right between Blue and Sears.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I liked the book, found it to be a nice fast paced read, well written and witty. I had to say that first because the rest of my review will read like I didn't enjoy the story and that isn't true.

Here is my biggest complaint with 'The Bitch-Proof Suit'- in my humble opinion, it can not really be classified as a romantic comedy, even though it did make me laugh out loud a few times, since there wasn't even ONE real kiss in the whole book. I mean really, not even one? What kind of romantic anything doesn't even have one kiss? If I could have whispered in the author's ear before she published I would have told her "You have a good story with likable characters, but people expect more than jealous looks and tension between romantic characters. Keep everything you have and add in a couple of scenes- let Blue and Morgan share a kiss or two. That will really sell that they have been apart for 6 years but they still have this connection that draws them to each other even with misunderstandings in their past. It'll pay off in the long run, I promise."

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book without even checking the blurb first when it was suggested to me by Amazon after I re-read a Marian Keyes book. Besides being Irish, which is always a plus in my book, the two authors have nothing in common. Black completely lacks Keyes' wit and sense of humour. I blame myself because I didnt't realize that the title was actually referring to a "bitch-proof suit", a special costume design that makes it impossible to bitch about its wearer. Can it get more superficial than that?
It always bugs the heck out of me when I come across some women's book that describes every man it features as tall, dark and "incredibly handsome". Oh, and rich! Yes, because that's what really matters...

Sorry, but De-ann Black's miracle suit didn't spare her *this* bitchy rant :)

[Amy Ramkhelawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about a young lady who works in the fashion industry. She has personally designed her own "bitch proof suits" as her own version of personal armor against verbal attacks. This book is hilarious/ I found myself laughing out loud and grinning ear to ear for know apparent reason while I was reading. It is a good book and definitely a feel good pick me up.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt that there were a few things missing but overall a fun/fast read that invokes some serious travel-envy. Plus a load strong women characters and some love for good measure!

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and i looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Cathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a great read in the depth and development of the main character. But as a chick lit book, it fails miserably. Nothing is said about the personalities of the men in the book, and none of them have any character development at all. Their physical descriptions, however, are very thorough. The main character has several choices of gorgeous men, each of whom adore her. There is absolutely no introspection about this choice, and the decision she makes has absolutely no reason to it. There is no explanation of why he is the right one, and nothing happens at all that would make the reader think it's the right choice. I was happy with the story of the main character, but not with the love story woven though it.

[Debbie Masiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super easy but very enjoyable read.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallmark level cheese, but that's part of the appeal. A perfectly tailored suit and all of her problems are solved.

[Sharron Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great read

I hope there's more to this story,as it still has more to give. Great read with some very funny lol moments. Great twists too.

[Marta · Rating 1 out of 5]

The characters are all plain, superficial and unlikeable. The main character, Blue, is actually a bad person with no feelings or emotions. The main plot line revolves around her going back to Dublin after leaving 6 years previously with a broken heart (which is already not believable, and also we are told this happened but we are not shown what happened, or how it affected her or anything at all), she gets in touch with her ex-boyfriend again and spends the book hating him, only to agree to marry him at the very end, which makes no sense. All male characters are "ridiculously handsome" (are there no other adjectives?) and that's the extent of their personality. To top it all, it's supposed to be set in Dublin but the descriptions of the city are surreal, I almost stopped reading when it's referred to as "one of the most romantic cities on Earth". Seriously?? I lived in Dublin for 2.5 years and couldn't get out of there fast enough. Dublin a romantic city?? With that perpetually grey sky and those narrow, dirty streets?

I didn't like this book and think it's not a good book, but I'm especially annoyed by the fact that the female characters are described as strong, independent women... until things go slightly wrong and then they need a man to come to their rescue. What a sad vision of women.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast paced read, and I typically don't choose things set in current time. It was definitely interesting to read all the lovely descriptions about clothes; as a shopaholic at least. However, character development was lacking, as some of the other reviewers mentioned. The two main love interests needed way more depth. I think by the end, most of us were pulling for Sears just as much as we were pulling for Morgan and the author does basically nothing to help us really understand her conflict, or final decision. And I don't know, but I got slightly sick of all the guys being so equally beautiful... how about a little realism?! geeze. And there is more to a person's look than their hair, eye color and how tan they are.

If you can get over all the superficiality in this book, it's a very easy read that you probably won't regret reading. :)

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing fabulous. I get the sense that the author isn't American? A lot of the phrases used seemed Irish to me and while I could deduce the meaning, it's something no American would say. Even one who lived 6 months in Dublin. That makes it hard for me to get into the story line when the main character is a New Yorker but speaks like she's Irish a lot of the time. Plus every chapter went back to the bitch-proof suit. By chapter 3 it got tiring and played out. I feel like the title is off base with what the story was about so the author felt compelled to keep bringing up the 3 or 4 bitch proof suits the main girl wore to feel empowered. Not my favorite easy, chick-lit read, but light and fun nonetheless.

[Movie Director · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to buy books from the bestselling lists on Amazon USA. The Bitch-Proof Suit was #15 in bestsellers, #2 in bestselling humor, #2 in bestselling comedy, and #2 in bestselling romance. So I figured it had to be a good romantic comedy. Well, it was. Fresh, original, so funny, loved the one-liners, fantastic characterisation, great dialogue.

If it’s going to be made into a movie, I hope the script is as well written as the novel.

(I didn’t want the #1 in humor/comic because I wanted a fiction novel, or the #1 book in romance because I’d read that romance novel years ago).

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading thrillers and had read The Strife of Riley by De-ann Black which was a great thriller. I enjoyed it so much I decided to search for more books by this author. I’m not usually into romance books but I thought I’d try The Bitch-Proof Suit. So glad I did. It’s a very funny book and very well written.
I gave this author’s thriller five stars and give the same to her romantic comedy. If I could, I would give The Bitch-Proof Suit five and a half stars because it edged it for me. I will definitely read more books by this author - her thrillers and romantic comedies.

[Edie · Rating 2 out of 5]

.99 cent book from amazon. So far it's alright. It has numerous grammatical and typographical errors that are sort of annoying to me but otherwise enjoying the book. It's not a pulitzer prize winning book but a nice mindless read. It's set in a place I'd love to live someday.

The other irritant was the female character's names. I don't mind colors being used but it got really old by the time Magenta came into the story.

[Neve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. The idea of flying across the Atlantic to start a new job in Dublin and confront a past love really appeals. I can just imagine the excitement of it.

The premise of the book is fun, and the settings are actually quite glamorous with a feeling of wealth and success. It makes a difference when the author has such a great knowledge of the location and used to live there.

The situations at the marina really had me laughing out loud. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Ann Balambao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because of the title. And it does not disappoint. It was laugh out loud funny and I look forward to reading more of this author's writing. I reviewed it in my blog at http://www.amanicinsomniacsreadinglis.... Update: I read this again and enjoyed it just as much and caught a few things I must have missed in first reading. I am also pleased a sequel is due out in December 2011. I really look forward to reading that one too.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was semi-entertaining. Blue kept going on about Morgan and I couldn't find anything likable about him. He seemed too cave-manish. Blue sounded perfect and she could do no wrong. I still don't understand and don't care why Blue and Morgan broke up. Sears disappeared off the face of the Earth in the epilogue. Verde turns from a bitch to Blue's best friend in a chapter. Not something I'd reread.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much potential but I was so disappointed with the end of this book. It's one of those endings that has you so mad you wasted you time reading it. She picked the wrong man. And I don't understand how the author can justify it. She hints so many times that it's going to be the other guy and then BAM! She picks the wrong guy. Unless there is a sequel, this book makes absolutely no since. I would not recommend this book to anyone. It's a total waste of time.

[Joya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was terrible! It was like an episode of Nickelodeon's True Jackson VP with the word 'bitch' in it. There was no romance, no comedy, no future style hunting or whatever. Terrible. And I don't understand why the mystery of the suit was such a mystery when she basically told everyone it was specifically tailored. Also what fashion person wears the same damn suit all the time. Whole thing silly.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

good holiday read. I read this while lying nxt to the pool thought it was fun quirky and entertaining I felt myself giggle a few times. I like how the friendship between emer verde and blue developed but I was rooting on blue to choose the other guy not the one she ended up with mainly coz the other guy seemed more my type. I won't state names and risk ruining it for others. it was good and I'm left excited about reading the bitch proof bride

[Lynn Rajkowski evenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were quite a few favorable reviews for this book; but it didn't live up to those expectations. No real development in the romance area and hardly humorous (or maybe it's just Irish humor I don't get). Suffice it to say, the writing was very amaturish. I felt like I was reading a high schooler's attempt at a romantic novel. Pretty boring and mindless. No character development what-so-ever. I wouldn't really recommend it. Finished it because I paid .99 to download it to my Kindle.

[Tobie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, however, I felt like there were some things missing. I thought the friendship between Blue and Vee Vee seemed to simple. They hated each other in the beginning and then instantly became bff's? Not likely! I kept expecting Vee Vee to stab Blue in the back and I think that would have added some excitement. Good book and quick read. It kept me interested so I liked it.

[L.W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This actually was a fun read right up until the end. I felt the ending was all about the author got tired of the story and just hurried up and ended it, which was a shame as up to that point, she had me in the palm of her hand. It wasn't disappointing otherwise...so if a very abrupt ending doesn't bother you...read it

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really, I would have given it a 2.5 stars if I could...A good summer read, although at times the character's were a tad annoying. It wrapped up very quickly and in a somewhat unbelievable way. I enjoyed the humor, though, and it was just what I needed to clear my head and have a fun ready after finishing The Weight of Water.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to know the secret to the suit...but it was never revealed.

The book is a slightly above-average chick lit. Fairly amusing and good plot. I didn't know who she would end up with until the end of the book.

Biggest complaint is that the narrator is supposed to be an American but it was obviously written by a Brit. There was some slang I'd never heard of.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story of a fashion trend spotter who relocates to Ireland... She has a previous love, an eye for detail, a power hungry boss, and new romance on the horizon. It's light (and I hate this word but it exists for a reason...) chick-lit. By a woman for women about careers, love, adventure, and hope. It's nothing earth shatteringly moving but it was a light hearted and easy story to enjoy.