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Goddess of Vengeance by Jackie Collins
Chick Lit Review

Goddess of Vengeance by Jackie Collins

Lucky Santangelo is back! The dynamite Jackie Collins recently released number 27, Goddess of Vengeance, and the Santangelo family and friends (and enemies) are back in a big way. Goddess focuses mainly on Lucky’s daughter, the eighteen-year-old Max, as she stars to make adult decisions- like sleeping with her mom’s best friend’s soon to be ex-husband. Venus and Billy have headed for splitsville, and Billy finds himself besotted over Max, while Venus simply starts sleeping around. Lucky is somewhat in the background of the story, but her fierce determination, loyalty, and balls of steel are at no shortage. When the disgustingly sleazy billionaire businessman/Middle Eastern Prince, Armand Jordan, tries to buy out Lucky’s precious casino and hotel complex, The Keys, Lucky quickly lets him know who has the last say. And we can’t forget Lucky’s gorgeous son Bobby and new girlfriend Denver, who are trying to work through there relationship obstacles.
It’s a little difficult to write a synopsis with so many leading characters, and I always worry that readers new to the series will give up hope, but don’t! Once you start reading, it is easy to identify and connect with the jumbled cast. I really enjoyed learning more about Denver and Bobby and where there story continued from Poor Little Bitch Girl, and even diving into Max’s character more was interesting to read about. There is no shortage of raunchy scenes and vulgarity, of course, especially when it comes to Armand’s character and his dimwitted view of woman. The ending of the book really picked up for me, and I couldn’t put it down. I loved how all the characters were slowly gravitating towards one location, and had to see how it all finished. I will say that I thought the ending with Armand was a little bit of a letdown. I would have been okay with a much less easy and way out for him to die, after all his disgusting behavior and lewd acts. But other than that, another delicious and frantic story to add to the Santangelo collection!
[Rating: 4]

September 30, 2011
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J’Adore New York by Isabelle Lafleche
Chick Lit Review

J’Adore New York by Isabelle Lafleche

Catherine Lambert, a Parisian lawyer who loves style and a good challenge, takes the opportunity to transfer to her firm’s New York office. New York- the fashion, the glamour, the excitement- Catherine cannot wait for her new chapter in life. But New York turns out to be nothing what she expected. The workload and office hours are much worse than what she put in at Paris, the employees are gossipers, her boss very well may be from hell, and her clients are self-absorbed a-holes. But Catherine is determined to make her move a successful one, and she throws herself into her new life. When one of her clients expresses interest in Catherine, it looks like her New York life might finally be looking up. Or is an offer about to Catherine’s career in jeopardy?
First, I loved the cover of J’Adore New York by Isabelle Lafleche. That caught my eye right away. And once I started reading, I was swept away in Catherine’s story. This is an exceptionally well written and intriguing novel from a debut author, and one that I think should go on your to-read list. Chick lit fans will love the glamorous settings: from the New York backdrop, the stylish outfits, and the love triangle that Catherine finds herself in. I will be looking forward to more from Isabelle Lafleche, and be sure to get your copy of J’Adore New York.
[Rating: 4.5]

September 28, 2011
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It’s A Man’s World by Polly Courtney
Chick Lit Review

It’s A Man’s World by Polly Courtney

Sometimes, I come across a book that I’m just not sure what I’ll say in my review. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate. Some scenes pulled me in, others pushed me away. Sometimes I was laughing out loud, other times I was baffled. And that is precisely what It’s a Man’s World by Polly Courtney did to me. The story revolves around workaholic Alexa Harris as she steps into Banter- the gentleman’s magazine that showcases naked girls. Alexa’s job is to drive up the sales and implement new and fresh ideas so Banter doesn’t go under. She knows she is in for a challenge, switching from working with all women to all men- men who stare at naked women all day and think very little of their new female colleague. Alexa has to juggle her career, love life, and protests that come along with her position and lads’ magazines in general.
So, why am I so confused as to my thoughts on the book? For starters, Alexa is often talked about being a strong female, a trait someone would surely need to work with a bunch of frat-boy men in the Banter setting. Alexa goes from me being strong and putting the guys in their place, to allowing sexual harassment to occur to her and others without saying a word about it. That was a little strange, I felt like I never knew which side of Alexa I was going to get. Then there was her boyfriend, who to me seemed like a decent guy. Until the end of the book where Alexa suddenly realizes how controlling he was- but readers never really see that part of him. I thought that he was a great and decent guy all along, and was actually waiting for them to get back together. Those are just a few of the head scratching moments I had.
On the other hand, there were times were I was really drawn into the story, and wanted to find out what happened next. I enjoyed Alexa’s two best friends and their dramas they were going through. The lone other female that worked at Banter, Selena, was interesting to read about as well. I was never quite sure what she was up to, and it was nice seeing how her story played out at the end. So there were parts that I enjoyed reading as well. Overall, I think most chick lit readers would be able to appreciate the story and the characters that Courtney has come up with. I just felt like I was too back and forth on the book to be able to really get lost in the story.
[Rating: 3.5]

September 26, 2011
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Until the End of Forever by Shannon Hart
Chick Lit Review

Until the End of Forever by Shannon Hart

Until the End of Forever is the debut novel from Shannon Hart, and I thought it was romantic and sweet. The main couple, Sarah and Rob, are nauseatingly perfect at first glance, but you begin to learn that Sarah isn’t content with her life. She suddenly longs for freedom, away from being only a wife and mother. When a business opportunity presents itself to Sarah in the form of a trip to Paris, she eagerly signs up and takes off across the Pond. But when tragic events occur back home, Sarah finds herself more confused than ever with her life and with her marriage.
I enjoyed that the novel was written from both Sarah and Rob’s point of view. I think by having the multiple viewpoints gives readers an extra oomph on understanding and engaging with the characters. I definitely think the ending showcased some fantastic dramatic scenes, and really tied the entire story together nicely. The beginning started too slow for me to really start connecting with the characters, but the last few chapters saved this book for me. The biggest dilemma I had with Hart’s writing is that she often relied on flashbacks to tell a part of the story, when they really weren’t necessary. The multiple flashbacks kept yanking me from the plot and started to overwhelm me. But enough of my editing critiques, I overall really enjoyed this book and would recommend chick lit readers to give it a shot. The message at the end of the story is a great one, and I also love the story behind the title!
Rating: 3.5/5

September 24, 2011
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Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland
Chick Lit Review

Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland

Willow Watts was just starting to make something of herself when everything changed. She was living in London, working to become a well-known florist, happy with her boyfriend and her life, when her mother passed away. Willow felt she didn’t have any other choice but to move home to the village she grew up in to watch after her father and his failing antique shop. She lost her wonderful boyfriend, her budding career, and a little piece of herself after moving back home. Her once thriving life had become mundane, even with her best friend Paula to keep her company. But Willow’s life gets turned upside down after a video of her dressed as Marilyn Monroe hits YouTube. She becomes an instant sensation, and even has a hot shot agent from the big city knocking on her door. Will Willow be able to handle the pressure that comes with fame?
I had a lot of fun and many laughs while reading Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland. With so much of our society now focused on celebrities- and people becoming famous for no real reason- I thought this book really showcased how that can happen, and what a person feels like when the fame and attention is unwanted. Willow is such a shy girl, who really just wants to help her father, his business, and make an honorable dollar. But the lure of money and being able to pay off the business debts is one that she simply can’t ignore. I think that is something many would be able to relate to. I did enjoy that while most of the book is from Willow’s perspective, readers will also get to dive into Willow’s agents mind as well- the slimy Jay. Watching Willow Watts is made up of a bevy of fun and interesting characters, which made this book interesting to read throughout. Light-hearted, humorous, and a sweet happy ending made me a happy reader!
[Rating: 4]

September 23, 2011
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Rock Star’s Girl by JF Kristin
Chick Lit Review

Rock Star’s Girl by JF Kristin

Emily Watts is an over-worked yet still struggling writer who tries to keep a social life with her workaholic schedule. While taking a break from her fashion website, Emily attends a concert for her friend Jesse Cinder, a struggling musician searching for his big break. Emily has been friends with Jesse for years, but is wondering if maybe they shouldn’t be more. When Jesse turns her down, Emily feels humiliated- but quickly rebounds when she meets Cory Sampson, who is the lead singer in a popular band. Before Emily knows what is happening, her name and photo is being splashed along all the gossip magazines, and what she is wearing and all aspects of her life are being dissected and criticized on celebrity websites. But Emily doesn’t want to be famous, doesn’t want her life being talked about on the news. She just wants to meet The One and be a writer. Can she handle the pressures of dating a celebrity? And how will she handle Jesse when he suddenly wants her- as more than a friend?
Rock Star’s Girl is an addicting story about the pitfalls that come with being a celebrity. I loved the angle of Emily- a normal girl who simply isn’t interested in all the brouhaha of being famous. She has her morals, her friends, and a hopefully thriving career in something she is interested in. This book read like a gossip magazine, where I had to keep flipping the pages to find out what was truth and what was exaggerated. There were plenty of twists that kept me interested, and I never knew which way the story was going to end. I have to say, the ending is a great one. No spoilers- but I enjoy reading a not so typical ending every once in awhile. It has kept me guessing what Emily is up to. A fun story that chick lit fans will want to check out.
]Rating: 4]

September 21, 2011
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The Last Page by Lacy Camey
Chick Lit Review

The Last Page by Lacy Camey

Norah Johnson needs to escape. After her boyfriend, who happens to be a Major League baseball player, announces he is leaving her for another women- who he got pregnant- Norah needs to mend her broken heart. And get away from the paparazzi cameras. Along with her sister and best friend, the three girls head to a summer beach house to clear their minds and find happiness. Norah even starts to attend therapy classes, and tries to get back on track with her clothing line that she is designing. But while there, Norah vents her personal feelings about her ex and the break-up in a journal, and flings that journal into the ocean, never to be seen again. Or so she thought.
The Last Page by Lacy Camey is a light romance story about finding love again after heartbreak. Norah is a sweet character that chick lit fans will be able to relate with, and it was fun watching her create her clothing line and everything that is involved with that process. The close bond that she shares with her sister and friend is also inviting, and the next two books in the series focuses on their characters, which really intrigues me. I did think that book skipped around a bit too much, like when Norah finds out her sister’s fiancée is just using her. She overhears his phone conversation, but then nothing really happens with that plot twist. That happened a few times throughout, almost like the book was just too fast-paced. Other than that, I enjoyed reading The Last Page and will be looking forward to more from this Lacy Camey series.
[Rating: 3.5]

September 21, 2011
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Maid of Honor by Jillian Conley
Chick Lit Review

Maid of Honor by Jillian Conley

Maid of Honor by Jillian Conley peeks us into the life of Josephine Vitale, Maid of Honor. Josephine, who is unemployed and single, gets asked to be the MOH at her best friend Sandra’s wedding. With Sandra on the quest to have the most perfect wedding of the century, Josephine jumps through hoop after ridiculous hoop to make her friend happy. Josephine is thrown another curveball when a former love interest enters the picture, and readers wonder if she will be able to get her happy ending as well. The story is a great subject, and I was reading this around the time of my friend’s wedding, where I was bridesmaid. I know I would have done anything for to make her big day fabulous, so I could relate to Josephine and all the chores she did along the way. But I thought the character development was very scarce, and that really distracted me from the plot. The book is short, only 164 pages, and there just wasn’t enough getting to know the characters for me to become invested. The story jumps around a lot, and while there are some funny and outrageous scenes (using latex gloves to handle the wedding dress) an editor was really needed to help polish a lot of areas. I think that Conley is on the right track with her writing, and I will read more from her. For my reading experience, I like to get to know the characters on a deep level, and I understand that some books just won’t be that way. While this book may not be not have been a favorite for me, I still think that a lot of chick lit readers would have fun with Josephine and Sandra.
[Rating: 2.5]

September 19, 2011
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Lucky Girl by Cate Lord
Chick Lit Review

Lucky Girl by Cate Lord

Jessica Devlin is devastated when her fiancée calls off the engagement. Well, after she finds him in bed with another woman. To mend her broken heart, she whisks away from her hometown of Orlando to England, where she is the maid of honor at her cousin’s wedding. Jessica also needs a much needed break from working non-stop at O Tart magazine, where she works as a beauty editor but is trying to move up on the totem pole. A two week vacation to a foreign land sounds like just what she needs for her broken heart and over worked mind.
But once she lands in England and meets up with the family, she runs into the dashing Nick Mondinello. Jessica has a past with Nick from the last time she visited England, and finds the attraction to him is still there. But Nick happens to be a playboy extraordinaire, and also seems to be taken. Can Jessica get over her crush on him? And will two weeks away from her job crush her dreams of a promotion? Or can Jessica finally be considered one of the lucky ones?
While I did enjoy reading Lucky Girl by Cate Lord, there were a few aspects of the book that I didn’t love. First, it seemed that Jessica needed a man in her life. There really wasn’t much other plot than her trying to figure out how to go about catching Nick. That was unsettling to me. A second would be that halfway through the book, readers (and Jessica) are still to believe that he has a girlfriend. So why Jessica acts like Nick already belongs to her and makes him feel terrible for dancing with said girlfriend was pretty baffling. I actually started to dislike Jessica during this time, because she was acting like she didn’t care Nick was with another woman- she was going to get him. As I continued reading, I was eventually able to warm up to Jessica and her complicated crush on Nick, and the rest of the book turned out to be quite enjoyable. It was fun to read about a beauty editor and the assignments and articles that Jessica has for her position at O Tart magazine. Overall, I would recommend this book, but be warned that the first half might be hard to get through.
[Rating: 3.5]

September 14, 2011
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