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Book Review: The Partner Track by Helen Wan

Ingrid Yung is an Asian American woman who’s living her immigrant parents’ American dream. She graduated top of her class from Yale, and then followed up with a law degree from Columbia. Right after graduation she’s hired by the world renowned law firm, Parsons Valentine. For the last eight years she’s literally slaved away in her quest for partnership. In addition to her credentials and dedication, Ingrid is also a “twofer.” With Ingrid on staff, the firm can check two boxes in the diversity column because she’s Asian American and a woman – the only woman left from her freshman class of colleagues. Ingrid has mixed feelings about this. Several of her coworkers think this makes her a shoe-in for partner, because she’d be the first woman or minority whom the firm has ever made partner. Times are changing and the firm may need those bragging rights. Understandably, Ingrid wants to get there based on merit and hard work.
The old ways don’t necessarily die off, just because a man of color has made it to the White House. After an incident at Parson Valentine’s annual summer outing casts an ugly light on the firm’s practices and attitudes about diversity, Ingrid finds herself caught in the crossfire. The firm wants to take advantage of her “twofer” status to save its reputation, but Ingrid doesn’t care to be marched around as their diversity show dog. All this is happening while she’s working to close an incredibly high-profile deal that should secure her partnership. Complicating matters further are incidents of professional sabotage and a clandestine office romance. Can she remain unscathed while reaching for the partnership pie in the sky?
This book was fun and fast paced and all about girl power! I loved the inside scoop of life in a big city law firm. The author, a lawyer and an Asian American woman, insists that the story isn’t autobiographical. I believe her, because I imagine there would be a case for slander here, with all the juicy tidbits throughout the book. Having once worked at a nationally, well known corporation and faced the boys’ club myself, I was intrigued by the story. The writing is excellent, although there is considerable legal jargon and discussion of industry practices, which I fear might lose some readers. Hang in there, because the plot keeps you guessing and the ending is reminiscent of the movie Working Girl. I was so excited reading the climax scenes that I was pumping my fist in the air, chanting “You Go Girl!”
5 Stars

Book Review: The Carolyne Letters by Abigail B. Calkin

 Reviewer: Allie I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This story is presented in the form of a personal…

Book Review: Double Mayhem by Sam Berretti

LOVED this book! I am a total sucker for a good mystery and add the slight paranormal twist to it and you have me hooked!
This book was definitely a character builder! At the beginning of the story, Doris is this boring woman whose life seems to be the same thing day to day…not really living, merely just functioning. And then it all changes with a quick moment of choice on a blind date. Who Doris is by the end of the book is far more fascinating than what I ever expected when starting this book! She turns out to be quick the bad ass!
It was a unique read-I almost felt like I was reading two stories as there were two different plots going on for most of the book (hence the double part of the title)…yet it wasn’t confusing to read, more exciting and it kept me wondering how it would all tie together in the end.
I loved the Della character and her sassy relationship with Doris…although I pictured her as a full figured black woman and not the petite one described in the book. On the other side of the story, I was also drawn to the quick love that you could feel between Doris and Linda, the sweet little girl quickly found someone to attach too during her troubled time and it was an instant connection.
The story was a good read, adding the intelligent engineering side to it all, helped to see who Doris really was and how her brain worked, which for her was often a life saver.
If you enjoy a good mystery/romance/paranormal this is a must read!

Book Review: You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert

Reviewer: Kate I received a copy of You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Katherine Hill left her…

Book Review: Shelf Life by Christina George

I received a copy of Shelf Life by Christina George in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Publishing: An industry of out-of-control of egos, unrealistic expectations, and books with the shelf life of milk. This is Kate’s world, but for how long? When one of Kate Mitchell’s star authors is carted away in handcuffs, she thinks it’s only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate desperately looks for anyone to hold onto but finds that happy endings are truly works of fiction. When her career and love affair hit their expiration date, Kate sets off on a new adventure…. Starting over in California is easy, but Kate soon learns that leaving her old life behind isn’t. Nicholas Lavigne is eager to help her forget, but two things still own her heart, the dream of discovering the next great American novel, and MacDermott Ellis. As Kate tries to rebuild her life she finds a surprising gift that reboots her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name becomes synonymous with one of the biggest bestsellers publishing has seen in ages and she’s welcomed back with open arms. At the height of her success the ghosts of her past come back to remind her of the world she’d been trying to forget and the man who never let go of her heart. Behind the book, there’s always more to the story. Welcome to Publishing, the ego has landed.
Review:
I have reviewed the first book from George, The Publicist, and I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed the second a lot more. The editing was a lot better, much more polished, and the story kept me more interested quicker and longer. There was a lot of intrigue amongst some of Kate’s crazy authors, as well as her relationship with Mac. I enjoyed watching Kate struggle between two men and really between right and wrong. I didn’t really like how her ending with Mac came about. He came off a bit of a hero to me when I don’t believe that. I don’t want to give too much away, but it was a bit of a letdown with him. Overall though, I’m glad I gave this book a chance because I was able to enjoy and even relate to parts of the story.
4 stars

Book Review: The Reluctant Bride by Beverley Eikli

Reviewer: Kate I received a copy of The Reluctant Bride by Beverley Eikli in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Emily Micklen has no option…

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Lowcountry Bombshell by Susan M. …

Susan M. Boyer is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Lowcountry Bombshell
Summary:
Liz Talbot thinks she’s seen another ghost when she meets Calista McQueen. She’s the spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. Born precisely fifty years after the ill-fated star, Calista’s life has eerily mirrored the late starlet’s–and she fears the looming anniversary of Marilyn’s death will also be hers.

Before Liz can open a case file, Calista’s life coach is executed. Suspicious characters swarm around Calista like mosquitoes on a sultry lowcountry evening: her certifiable mother, a fake aunt, her control-freak psychoanalyst, a private yoga instructor, her peculiar housekeeper, and an obsessed ex-husband. Liz digs in to find a motive for murder, but she’s besieged with distractions. Her ex has marriage and babies on his mind. Her too-sexy partner engages in a campaign of repeat seduction. Mamma needs help with Daddy’s devotion to bad habits. And a gang of wild hogs is running loose on Stella Maris.

With the heat index approaching triple digits, Liz races to uncover a diabolical murder plot in time to save not only Calista’s life, but also her own.
Review:
I picked up this book without having read the first, Lowcountry Boil, but that did not hinder my reading experience in the slightest! I’m a big fan of chick lit mysteries, and I had a lot of fun with the characters. The plot line with Calista – who looks like Marilyn Monroe and whose life seems to freakishly parallel to the late bombshell – was really intriguing. I liked that I was never quite sure who it was that was after Calista, and I loved when everything was revealed! I do want to pick up the first book simply because I think I would enjoy it, and I look forward to more!
4.5 stars
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Lowcountry Bombshell before October 7 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**

Connect with Susan!

Website: http://www.susanmboyerbooks.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Susanmboyerbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanmboyer
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/SusanMBoyer
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/SusanMBoyer

Buy the Book!

Fiction Addition: http://www.fiction-addiction.com/?CLSN_275=1377526357275571469a2c593c4994e6&keyword=lowcountry+bombshell&searchby=title&page=shop%2Fbrowse&fsb=1&Search=Search

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lowcountry-Bombshell-Susan-M-Boyer/dp/1938383567/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371387840&sr=8-1&keywords=lowcountry+bombshell
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lowcountry-bombshell-susan-m-boyer/1116243342?ean=9781938383564

Book Review: Swimming Pool Summer by Rebecca Farnworth

Rebecca Farnworth’s story of new love, old love, friendships and new lives sets the stage for a perfect end of summer read. The story unfolds as three longtime girlfriends take a holiday to Greece.

Meet Victoria, or “Tor” as she’s known to her friends. Some may call her a ‘cougar’ because she landed sexy Ed in what appears to be a perfect relationship for both of them. Ed, 10 years her junior, seems to be the complete package. He gets along with everyone & is loved by all of her friends, and best of all, he’s head-over-heels in love with Tor. But when Tor unintentionally gets pregnant, she fears that their relationship will come to an end.

Leila seems to have the perfect life – she and her husband, Tom, are busy raising their 4 year old daughter Gracie. Their relationship seems odd to some – yin and yang. But they compliment each other so well, they’re a good balance and have a strong love for each other. But one mistake in her past has caused some discord in her marriage. Suddenly, she and Tom are short with each other, and things are stressed between them. Leila finds that her marriage is troubled, and Tom notices a difference, too. Is she willing to forgive herself for her past? And will her past allow her to put the pieces of an almost broken marriage back together?

Frankie has a beautiful, perfect, size 8 body, and she works hard to maintain it. And why wouldn’t she? Patrick, one of her best friends, told her she has an amazing body. Frankie harbors a secret, though. She’s been in love with Patrick since they shared a single kiss years ago. She can’t get over that kiss, and Patrick has no idea that she’s been in love with him since then. Fixated on Patrick, Frankie isn’t prepared for him to show up in Greece. The worst part? He isn’t alone.

Rebecca Farnworth’s “Swimming Pool Summer” brings Leila, Frankie, Tor, plus their significant others and a few uninvited guests together on a Greek island for holiday. Each woman harbors their own internal battles with each of their different relationships. Can they put their individual troubles aside and enjoy their final holiday as the group they are, or will jealousy and pride tear their friendships apart?

I liked this end-of-summer read. Emotions are real, relationships are challenged, and the plot / story is enjoyable. There were a few humorous parts that 30-40 something women will enjoy. If you’ve ever had a group of friends that were like family, you’ll enjoy this book. I’ll definitely look for more books by Rebecca Farnworth.

My Score: 4.5 Stars

Book Review: Love and Happiness by Galt Niederhoffer

Summary:
Jean Banks won’t give up on love. It’s the prism through which she sees the world, the stuff of the independent movies she produces in New York City, and it created the son and daughter she shares with her director husband, Sam. But the course of love doesn’t run smooth for a harried woman in her mid-thirties who feel her choices and responsibilities solidifying around her, becoming permanent. And what’s wrong with keeping alive a private connection to love by remembering the paths not taken, the men not engaged with?
Love and Happiness tackles the eternal, essential subjects of love and commitment through one woman’s struggle to sort out her romantic life. How will Jean resolve the emotional chaos raised in her heart by her attractions to her husband, a former flame and a mysterious but tantalizing stranger? Is it possible to love more than one man fully? Set partly in the illogical world of independent movies—a world author Galt Niederhoffer knows well—and in New York City and Los Angeles, Love and Happiness is a rich, intense story of love and attraction, choice and consequence.
Review:
Let me start by saying that I enjoy light romances where I can escape the real world for a while. Due to my desire to escape and enjoy light and happy stories, this was a difficult read for me. The story never really grabbed me and I did not connect with the main character, Jean, at all. Although, I understood that she was confused and dissatisfied with her life, I did not like to reading about her dating another man and drafting emails to an exboyfriend.
A side from the infidelity and betrayal, I did like the way the book was written. There were witty remarks and great metaphors. It also provoked some deep thoughts about relationships and marriage.
I thought the book was realistic and I could see someone actually behaving like Jean. The lengths she went through to find out Benjamin Kraft’s past were like that of a stalker and again, realistic.
There were a lot of descriptions about the making of an independent film that didn’t particularly interest me.
Overall, Love and Happiness touched on many questions, decisions, and consequences that people face in life and was full of drama.
I’d recommend this book to the people that want to read gritty, realistic dramas.
3 stars