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Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank
Chick Lit Review

Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank

I adored Denise Grover Swank’s debut novel Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes and being introduced to Rose Gardner. Fabulous book, fabulous author. I was really looking forward to the sequel, Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons, and there was no disappointment here! It was great to pick up right back into Rose’s life – her new and improved life at that! After the murder of her mom in the first book, Rose now has more independence – and a hot boyfriend in the state detective Joe. Two things are still the same – her crappy job at the DMV, and her history for getting involved in murders. Now being summoned for jury duty has put Rose front in center of the latest mystery case – one where she has a vision of who the murderer is. And it’s definitely not the man on the stand being accused of the crime. Rose knows she can’t come forward with her vision as evidence, so she takes it upon herself to clear the accuser’s name, find the real murderer, and somehow keep her relationship with Joe intact, find a way to make her happy with her relationship choices, and not get fired from her job. Figuring out her priorities is a must – and Rose knows just who tops that list.
Again – great fun catching up with Rose, and seeing how she had grown so much from the first book. She was a shy, timid girl completely under her mother’s spell, and now she was more of a woman, making decisions and living a grown-up life with Joe. I enjoyed the difficult love quandary she got involved in as well – deciding how to continue her relationship with Joe, the interactions with the assistant DA Mason Deveraux, and the blind date her sister puts her up to. I was also thrilled to see there will be a third installment, and I cannot wait for that to get here! The Rose Gardner series and Denise Grover Swank are both musts for you to check out!
[Rating: 4.5]

August 6, 2012
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Too Many Doubts by Francine Pascal
Chick Lit Review

Too Many Doubts by Francine Pascal

The hot new eSeries Sweet Valley Confidential just keeps getting juicer! In installment 3, Too Many Doubts, Elizabeth is still struggling with the allegations that her boyfriend Bruce Patman assaulted and attempted to rape a young woman at a bar. She even begins to help the alleged victim, knowing she is putting her relationship with Bruce in jeopardy. But she just has too many doubts that Bruce might not be telling the whole truth, and trusts her reporters intuition to help uncover the truth. Jessica is still struggling from her fallout with husband Todd when the were so close to finding a reconciliation, but she is still hanging on to a shred that they will find their back together – until a half naked female answers his door.
With more plot points and scandals (such as Lila Fowler faking a pregnancy for her new reality show!) these installments are so much fun to read! With this book I got the feeling of being rushed a few times, and didn’t like how things would wrap up so neat and tidy – sometimes just a bit too quick to seem real. In this one, for example, the kidnapping of Steven and Aaron’s daughter. I almost think that could have been deleted from the story all together. But as always, this one is ended in a cliffhanger, and I’m quite curious to see how Bruce’s story is going to play out. On to the next….
[Rating: 4]

August 4, 2012
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Anything by Michael Baron
Chick Lit Review

Anything by Michael Baron

I have read The Journey Home from Michael Baron and enjoyed it, so when I was offered a chance to review his latest novel, Anything I decided to give him another go. And I am so happy I did! This book had me hooked from the very beginning, and was one that I would constantly talk about to friends –asking the question: what would you do?
Ken and Melissa, the focal point of the novel, are about to get married. Ken never knew he could love someone as much as he loves Melissa, and he is ready to start a new life together with her as his wife. While searching for just the right wedding present for Melissa, Ken stumbles upon a unique and mysterious shop. When the owner offers him a chance to look in on Melissa’s life when she was a girl, Ken decides to seize the opportunity. But when the look back offers a glimpse at a horrific incident from her childhood, Ken is enraged. But now Ken has a second chance – he can go back in time and prevent the incident from happening. Ken would do anything for Melissa, and to take away that memory would bring Ken such joy and he feels that Melissa’s life would only better from that. But when Ken returns to present time, Melissa is no longer in his life. She doesn’t even know who he is. By changing that one piece of the past, Ken has now altered both his and Melissa’s life – forever.
I enjoyed getting to know a male protagonist, which isn’t something I get often with mainly reading chick lit and romance. Ken was such a lovely character, a man that I think everyone woman wishes she would meet and fall in love with. He had a great dynamic with Melissa, but the depth of these characters goes even farther. Ken says he will do anything for Melissa – even at the expense of them possibly never meeting. This was a terrific book, and like I said earlier, had me talking to people about what they would do given the opportunity. Check out this book – you won’t be disappointed!
[Rating: 5]

August 3, 2012
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In Need of Therapy by Tracie Banister
Chick Lit Review

In Need of Therapy by Tracie Banister

I received a copy of In Need of Therapy by Tracie Banister in exchange for an honest review. I adored her first novel Blame It on the Fame, and thought this was a fab sequel! The story follows psychologist Pilar Alvarez, an independent woman who loves her career. She isn’t worried about finding a husband – she’s more worried about booting her free-loading younger sister out of her house, and keeping her mama at bay when it comes to her love life. She has a slew of clients at her just-opened practice to keep her mind occupied, but the psychiatrist next door to her office is now catching her eye as well. He seems interested in her too…but the wedding ring on his finger tells a different story. She also is dealing with a stalker-ish ex who won’t take no for an answer, and a client that has taken to overstepping his boundaries. With men issues, family woes, and a financial crisis that could make her lose her practice, Pilar must make some fast decisions about life and love, and somehow come out on top in the end.
I loved Pilar, she made an excellent female lead. Smart, independent, caring – even though as times she was too flax on a few issues – such as getting her ex to back off once and for all. But that didn’t make me think less of her – we all have our flaws, and that Victor sure was persistent! Her family was loud, fun and tad loco, but super hilarious to read about! And who doesn’t love a complicated love story? Banister is a fantastic chick lit reader, and I look forward to more from her!
[Rating: 4]

August 3, 2012
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Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe Davis
Chick Lit Review

Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe Davis

Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe Davis follows thirty six year old Jordan Spencer who hasn’t had a relationship that has lasted for longer than six months. And, that suits him just fine until his two go-to people stop having time for him. Gabby is falling for a guy that Jordan isn’t very fond of, and Chris … is well, having issues of his own. With the two of them slowly drifting further away from Jordan, he has to come up with an alternative plan and decide what to do about the loneliness that he faces without his pals. Should he fight for their friendships? Or should he let them drift further and further to the side. Only time will tell …

Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh is a dose of chick-lit about friendship, but told through a male perspective. Being a female, I found this take fascinating and really enjoyed reading about the value that certain men place on their friendships. Timothe Davis does a wonderful job at creating very real and believable friendships, and very vivid characters. I actually enjoyed this book much more than I expected. Overall, a great read from an emerging author. Can’t wait to see what Davis comes out with next.

August 2, 2012
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The Darker Side of Mummy Misfit by Amanda Egan
Chick Lit Review

The Darker Side of Mummy Misfit by Amanda Egan

The Mummy Misfit is back! Amanda Egan follows up from Diary of a Mummy Misfit and brings us the continuing tale of Libby, Ned, Fenella and some very wacky yummy mummies. I really enjoyed the first book, and was looking forward to the sequel. In the first book, Libby and Ned were always scourging around for money, and they were ecstatic when they were able to get their son Max into a private school, thanks to the sponsored funding. The story ended with Libby inheriting a huge sum of money from a deceased relative, and also finding out she is pregnant.
The Darker Side of Mummy Misfit starts back up with Libby and Ned in a happy marriage, pregnant with second child and Libby being happy she is with child the same time as her bff Fenella. They now have money and can afford to put Max through private school without receiving donations, and actually donate themselves now to another family in need. All is well – until Libby miscarries the baby. The miscarriage devastates Libby, throws her friendship with Fenella through a loop, and causes strain on her once blissfully happy marriage. Libby starts testing dangerous waters with another man, pulling away from Ned without even knowing why she is so unhappy. She journals her way throughout, trying to make sense of where her life is going, and wondering if she will ever be as happy as she once was.
Again, I happily read about Libby’s journey, laughing at times when the crazy mom’s at the school went a bit berserk with all their Botox, and feeling sad about Libby’s miscarriage. This book got a lot deeper than the first, definitely showing a “darker side” to Libby, one that was full of pain, neglect, guilt and remorse. I liked that the book wasn’t a downer though, there was always enough going on that would perk me back up and keep me focused on the positives. I thought this was a very worthy sequel, and both books should be checked out!
[Rating: 4]

August 1, 2012
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Pillow Stalk by Diane Vallere
Chick Lit Review

Pillow Stalk by Diane Vallere

Interior Decorator Madison Night has lived for years as the iconic Doris Day has her inspiration. From her looks, style, and even now career, Madison loves to pay homage to Doris. She especially has affection for the film Pillow Talk – but that very film may be the reason for recent murders in her town. When two women that resemble the blonde actress are found dead, Madison is shaken – especially because she believes at least one was meant to be her.
I am a big fan of mystery novels, and I really enjoyed Pillow Stalk by Diane Vallere. It was fast and furious, had a lot of info, characters, suspects, and even a few tangled romances. I love mysteries where I can’t figure out who the real killer is until the end, and this was one of those. The novel was well written, moved at a smooth pace, and Madison’s character was a riot. I especially loved her dog, Rock. The ending threw me just a bit, and I mean literally the last page. I believe I am correct when I say this is part of a series, and 99% positive after that cliffhanger ending. It just seemed to come a bit out of nowhere and then end abruptly, but it certainly makes me look forward to the next book!
[Rating: 4]

August 1, 2012
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This Tangled Thing Called Love by Marie Astor
Chick Lit Review

This Tangled Thing Called Love by Marie Astor

I received a copy of This Tangled Thing Called Love in exchange for an honest review. Claire Chatfield has the best life. She is successful, has great girlfriends, and has just received a massive rock from her now fiancé, David Lawson. David is one of the most sought-after bachelors in New York City thanks to his elite status and sizeable bank account. But Claire’s world is rocked when photos appear in a tabloid magazine of David locking lips with an aging Hollywood actress. Claire calls off the engagement, and is forced to face her true feelings – she didn’t have the overwhelming in love feeling with David. He was reliable, solid, and safe….but Claire knows she wants more. When she starts spending more time with her sex on a stick neighbor, Alec, Claire thinks she has the found the man she could spend forever with. A tango dance instructor, Alec sweeps Claire off her feet and also makes a startling connection with her career. Will Claire finally have the courage to go after what she really wants in life?
I thought This Tangled Thing Called Love was a cute and sweet romance novel. Claire is a great heroine, someone who was duped by the one she loved, but it turned out to be for the best. Claire had been ignoring her feelings about her relationship with David for too long. The POV gives readers insight on a slew of characters – Claire being the lead, but also Alec, David and even David’s fling – Claudia. I liked that we got just enough of glimpse into their thoughts – nothing too overwhelming where it was confusing. One flaw I thought was that I didn’t think there was enough on Claire and Alec’s relationship. It really didn’t come into play until the second half of the book, and I thought that was too long. The majority of the book focused on Claire and David’s relationship, but I would have liked to see more Alec in there. There were some enjoyable subplots as well, including Claire’s work and friendships, and overall I thought this was a very quick and pleasant read that I would recommend.
[Rating: 4]

July 31, 2012
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Great-Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach
Chick Lit Review

Great-Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach

Great Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach follows Grace Cavanaugh, who is bound and determined to prove that beauty only leads to misery through research for her thesis. She is knee deep in research when she receives a call that her great aunt Sophia is havnig surgery, and that she would love it if Grace could accompany her during her recovery. Despite her misgivings, Grace caves once she realizes that this would be a perfect opportunity to do some much needed research. She arrives in Pebble Beach completely expecting to find a old, lonely and ragged old woman … but instead finds a well aged diva, still ozzing of va-va-voom. Grace realizes that she is the perfect specimen for her thesis but soon may change her train of thought once her great aunt takes her under her wing and completely transforms her into a bombshell, delivering her to test her new skills on two men who are only inches away from becoming her prey. Newly unleashed power threatens everything that Grace has ever stood for and leaves her wondering if she should trust her heart and look for beauty in unexpected places, instead of what is obvious.

I absolutely loved this book! Great- Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells is a fabulous and hilarious read filled with lots of wonderful tips and insight on how to keep (or get back) what you’ve been missing in your life. Full of surprises and laughs, I was highly entertained throughout, and especially loved it when naive Grace is pitted against sexy Declan and the always handsome Dr. Andrew. I had a really hard time putting this one down and it was perfect for lounging by the pool. Overall, a really fun read and definitely something different. Loved every second of it.

[Rating: 5/5]

July 31, 2012
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